The Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera (L) robes the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu (R) with his official gown during the handover ceremony on 6th September 2012, Council Room, Makerere University.
On Thursday 6th September 2012, the Out-going Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba handed over office to the In-coming Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu. “The Chancellor of Makerere University, the Chairperson of the University Council, former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Livingstone S. Luboobi and distinguished guests assembled here to witness this historic occasion, I am happy to hand over to the next Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu,” remarked a beaming Professor Venansius Baryamureeba.
Professor Venansius Baryamureeba has served as Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University from 1st November 2009 to 31st August 2012 with remarkable achievements registered during his tenure.
The Hand Over ceremony started with a prayer from, Msgr. Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyiike, Chaplain of the St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University, and also a friend to both Professor Venansius Baryamureeba and Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu.
The Chairperson of the University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem.
Msgr. Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyiike thanked the Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth for enabling Professor Venansius Baryamureeba to lead Makerere University. He then dedicated the In- coming Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu to the Almighty God, praying that he may grant him all the wisdom to lead this great university and also protect him from harm during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
Addressing the congregation in the Main Building, Council Room, the Chairperson of the University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem commended the Out-going Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba for steering the University to great heights.
“Professor Baryamureeba, being the youngest ever Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, assumed office with a lot of enthusiasm and vigour. He came with a lot of good will from almost all stakeholders of Makerere University. He initiated major reforms in the various aspects of the management of the University. He completed the formation of colleges within a remarkably short period. He streamlined the financial operations of the University, reducing the number of operational accounts from more than 150 to less than thirty. He developed a very good rapport with not only the Government of Uganda, but with many Development partners,” said Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem.
Former Vice Chancellor Professor Livingstone S. Luboobi (L) and DVCFA Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa (R) at the handover.
Further commenting on Professor Baryamureeba’s tenure, the Chairperson of Council said: “In the unprecedented history of the University, Makerere was able to receive a commitment by the President of the Republic of Uganda to provide annually UGX.10bn for five years through the Presidential Initiative Project. The ranking of the University within Africa improved and Makerere University became the University of choice for partnering in research in many disciplines. And exploiting his background as a computer guru, he pioneered valuable relationships with donors on measures to improve on the use of ICT in the University setting and operations.”
Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem also thanked Professor Baryamureeba for the innovations that he ushered in the University during his tenure and for containing the unrests that threatened to derail not only him, but the manner in which the affairs of the University were run.
The Chairperson of Council congratulated and welcomed Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu to the Office and pledged to support him throughout his five year tenure as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba (L) hands over one of the symbols of the office (a hammer) to Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu (R).
He urged Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu to consolidate the changes and innovations that Professor Venansius Baryamureeba championed.
“The collegiate system is a good structure for Makerere University given the student population nearing 50,000. There are some units that feel the collegiate system was fast tracked too quickly for them to get on board comfortably. I would like to advise that the way forward is to identify the rough edges and bring them to the attention of Council so that they may be smoothened,” he said.
He further informed the In-coming Vice Chancellor that the University should have a well stream-lined financial management system that allows decision making to be made quickly without compromising anything.
The out-going Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba then presented to the In-coming Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu the Hammer for conducting the business of the University Senate-the Chief academic organ of the University and the handover report.
“Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu, I congratulate you upon your appointment as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. A great institution is built by the quality of human resources. In-coming Vice Chancellor together with the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration and the Director Human Resources, you have a great task to manage the human resources of this great university,” said Professor Venansius Baryamureeba.
He also thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the entire cabinet, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the former Vice Chancellors, the University Council and Senate, the University Management team, member of staff and students for according him all the required support during his tenure as Acting Vice Chancellor.
Prof. MOndo Kagonyera (L) hands over a copy of the Law Governing Universities to the incoming Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu (R) as outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba (C) witnesses.
By the powers of the authority entrusted in him, the Chancellor, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera read the Instrument of Appointment.
“Citing Section 31 (2) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act and on the recommendation of the University Council, I, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera – do hereby appoint Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University for a period of five years with effect from the date of assumption of duty.”
Professor George Mondo Kagonyera adorned Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu with the Vice Chancellor’s robe and cap, presented to him the Instrument of Appointment and a copy of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
“It is now my honour and privilege to handover to you-Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu , this instrument of authority to govern Makerere University. Congratulations!” remarked Professor Mondo Kagonyera.
The Chancellor reads the Instrument of Appointment.
Accepting the appointment as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu thanked the Visitor of Makerere University-His Excellency,President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Chancellor, Chairman and Members of Council, Senate , Staff, students and the entire Makerere University community for the confidence and trust vested in him.
“With a great sense of humility and honour, I accept this appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University to be the Chief Executive of the University responsible for academic, administrative and financial affairs of the university,” remarked Professor Ddumba Ssentamu amidst cheers from the congregation.
Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu delivers his acceptance speech.
Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu asked the Almighty God-his creator-to grant him wisdom, good health and knowledge to diligently serve this great institution. He then paid tribute to the Out-going Acting Vice Chancellor-Professor Venansius Baryamureeba and his team for their contributions to the institution. “They will be remembered for a number of achievements but most especially for having spearheaded the implementation of the collegiate system and for designing and developing manuals for the university reforms. We shall ensure that these reforms are implemented, I together with my team, will provide full support to the Change Management Committee which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of these reforms,” he said.
Under his leadership for the period 2012-2017, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu said that his efforts will be geared towards the restoration of Makerere‘s glory to a University that will be locally and internationally recognized as: well governed, promotes innovative teaching and learning, research driven and a university with a conducive learning and living environment, adequate and motivated staff and a university that is financially sustainable.
One of the Candidates who participated in the race, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba (R) congratulates Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu (L).
In his address, the Chancellor, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera said he made the decision to appoint Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu-Vice Chancellor without influence from anybody.
“I want to assure you that Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu merited the appointment. I was not influenced by anybody,” emphasized the Chancellor.
He advised Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu to not only build on the foundation laid by Professor Venansius Baryamureeba; but also develop his original ideas and innovations, and above all use his rich experience in economics, finance and banking sector to transform Makerere into a financially sustainable institution.
Makerere University has noted with concern the article titled “Mak Drops Marks” published by the Daily Monitor Newspaper on 8th July 2025. The article raises issues that require clarification to ensure accurate information is shared with our stakeholders and the public. We wish to address the following key points:
1. Misrepresentation of Ranking Data
The article inaccurately combines the Sub-Saharan African University Rankings and the World University Rankings to portray a misleading performance trend for Makerere University. For clarity, Makerere University was ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan African University Rankings. However, the 2025 Sub-Saharan African Rankings have not yet been released, making any comparison with the World University Rankings is misleading. This is a misrepresentation of facts aimed at tarnishing the University’s reputation and causing alarm among stakeholders.
2. Omission of Impact Rankings Achievements
The article fails to acknowledge Makerere University’s outstanding performance in the 2025 Impact Rankings, which assess contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Makerere University significantly improved its global standing, moving from the 601–800 band in 2024 to the 301–400 band in 2025. Notably, the University ranked 17th globally in Decent Work and Economic Growth and within the 401–600 band for Quality Education. These achievements reflect Makerere’s commitment to societal impact and sustainable development, which the article conspicuously ignores.
3. Balanced Perspective on World University Rankings
While Makerere University acknowledges a decline in certain parameters in the World University Rankings, we view these as areas for improvement. At the same time, we celebrate our strengths, including high-quality research output and a robust international outlook, which continue to position Makerere as a leading institution globally.
Makerere University remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, and societal impact. We urge our stakeholders and the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and to engage directly with the University for clarity on such matters. We acknowledge the Daily Monitor’s interest in Makerere University and implore them to report more accurately in the future.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under Self Sponsorship Scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.
Each applicant should:
a) Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five passes, or its equivalent and at least two principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes, only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2020 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level.
OR
d) Degree from a recognised /Chartered Institution
Further details on the re-advertised programmes , fees structure, and the procedure of submitting applications can be accessed from the document below:
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted: