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Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi Foundation gives UGX 10m to Makerere Female Scholarship Foundation

Published

13 years ago

April 8, 2013

Mark Wamai

Mrs. Mary Mugyenyi (2nd R) hands over a dummy cheque worth UGX 10m to the Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera as Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire-Ag. Principal CHUSS witnesses during the 2nd Joshua Mugyenyi Memorial Lecture, 15th March 2013, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

On 15th March 2013, Makerere University held the second Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi Memorial Lecture in the University Main Hall. The Lecture, focused on the theme, A Living Monument of a Patriotic and Intellectual Mind, was delivered by the Guest of Honour, Hon Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Water and Environment and long time friend of the Late Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi.

Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi was born on the 27th May 1947 in Kajara Country in Ankole Kingdom and died on 15th March 2002. He joined Makerere University in 1968 and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration.

While serving on the Student’s Guild Executive of 1969/70, Joshua Mugyenyi, late Ambassador Daudi Taliwako and Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o conceived the Makerere Africa Lecture Series. Dr. Mugyenyi later became the Senior Lecturer at his alma mater, Makerere University. At the time of his death, he was serving on the Makerere University Council; the top policy making organ of his alma mater.

In a speech, read by Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire the Acting Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University thanked the Guest of Honor, Hon. Professor Ephraim Kamuntu for accepting to deliver a presentation during the Memorial Lecture.

“Today, we join the nation in celebrating the life of an ever optimistic and passionate leader-transformer and eloquent discussant of the socio-economic transformation of Uganda and Africa,” read the Vice Chancellor’s speech.

Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu thanked the Mugyenyi family for donating UGX.10million shillings to the Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation, which will support bright female students who come from socially and economically dis-advantaged backgrounds to access higher education.

During the lecture, Dr. Charles Bwana, Dean of School of Social Sciences recalled the fond moments he shared with Dr. Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi, “I was in the same class with him; he was frank and eloquent,” he said.

He thanked the Mugyenyi family for the exemplary work that they had carried out as the Joshua Mugyenyi Foundation and was proud to say that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was associated with the foundation.

Presenting the day’s lecture, The Chief Guest, Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, fondly recalled the memories of his first days at school with “Josh”; in reference to Dr. Joshua B. Mugyenyi.

“Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi and I met for the first time at the Notice Board of Ntare School in 1962 as each of us was trying to find out where everything was; dormitory where to sleep, classroom where to go for classes, dinning-hall where to eat etc. We became friends and remained friends for the six years (1962-1967) of our stay in the school.”

He went ahead and emphasized the moral values that Ntare school had placed in them, these include, Meritocracy and individual merit as a basis for recognition, Academic freedom and tolerance to listen to ideas of others, Non-sectarianism, Student participation in the administration and management of the school and Haven for vulnerable groups (Refugees and expellees from seminaries).

“While at Ntare School, Joshua Mugyenyi was a brilliant student and his peer-group at the school can testify to this fact. His peers included Richard Ntiru, the late Saul Mboijana, the late Frank Kamurari, Zake Bibangamba, Abedneg Bazibumba, Rev. Sam Kakiiza, Edward Kiiza and others who became prominent personalities in the country”.

The period 1962-1967 during the time Uganda was undergoing a lot of political change brought forth Joshua Mugyenyi’s passion for debating “He was one of the most active and eloquent students in debating these issues,” noted Prof. Kamuntu.

Prof. Kamuntu thanked Makerere University‘s innovation in the Rebirth of the Makerere Africa Lecture Series which started on 2nd December 2011.

“I would like to thank Hon. Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, the only one of the trio still living, for presenting the Inaugural lecture in the Re-birth of the Makerere Africa Lecture Series,” he said.

The Chief Guest also commended the Department of Political Science and Public Administration and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences for organizing to be the 2nd Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi Memorial Lecture, as held on the 11th Anniversary of his passing on. “I am truly honored!” he added.

While concluding in his speech, Prof. Kamuntu, pondered aloud on what exactly Dr. Mugyenyi would have asked if he were alive today.

“I believe that if he was alive today, he would point out to Government and Makerere University the urgent need to address the youth unemployment beginning with the need to transform our education and training system. He would point out the need for Uganda to start producing the skills needed for expanding our economy and create more jobs. And while he would underscore the onus on Government and our education system; I believe Joshua would also do something about it in his own capacity,” said Prof. Kamuntu.

Mr. Aaron Mukwaya, a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration and a former student of Dr. Joshua Mugyenyi, speaking as the main discussant of the lecture said: “He was brilliant, friendly and not boring. His class was interactive. It was a fond time for me. You could not miss his voice. I am sure he is with us in spirit.”

Mr. Mukwaya pointed out how his simplicity and boldness made him a unique Lecturer. Dr. Mugyenyi was a Pan Africanist who always looked at the problems in Uganda on a wider context. His zeal and love for Education, made him focus on helping and teaching. “If you do not have a degree, you cannot build your village,” recalled Mr. Mukwaya of a statement the late Joshua Mugyenyi always made.

“He was a thinker and would always look for solutions,” added Mr. Mukwaya.

Speaking on behalf of the Mugyenyi family, Mrs. Mary Mugyenyi, thanked the Department of Political Science, for inviting Hon Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu to deliver the second Joshua Mugyenyi memorial lecture, further adding; “The institution made him what he was. It was his home as well mine.”

She highlighted the importance of The Joshua Mugyenyi Education Foundation which honours the passion for Education as well as enables the talented youth to contribute to the development of their communities, country and region.

The Foundation it also a targeted scholarship fund that will help the Bright but Disadvantaged Youth obtain Tertiary and University Education. Mrs. Mugyenyi thereafter handed over a dummy check worth Ten Million shillings to the Makerere University Female Scholarship Fund (FSF) on behalf of the Foundation.

The Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera

The Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof George Mondo Kagonyera in his remarks challenged the audience to portray the level of intellectualism that the Late Mugyenyi portrayed.

“Our level of intellectualism has become shallow; we should go back to those times.”

He further went ahead to challenge the students to start thinking on their own and use their minds to create new ideas especially in a recognised institution like Makerere University.

The Chancellor thanked the Mugyenyi family for their support, as well as the College of Humanities and Social Sciences specifically the Department of Political Science, friends and relatives for honouring the late Dr. Joshua B. Mugyenyi.

The memorial lecture concluded with a cocktail in Senior Common Room, Main Building.

Angella Muganga, Intern, Public Relations Office

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

Published

22 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Mak Editor

SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

Makerere-Advert-for-Graduate-Programmes-2026-2027 Download

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

Published

2 days ago

February 3, 2026

Hasifa Kabejja

Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24^th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

Published

1 week ago

January 28, 2026

Mak Editor

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76^th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24^th – 27^th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76^th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75^th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

Pre-graduation clearances
Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
Securing the graduation gowns
Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2^nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
Security requirements
- Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
- Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
- Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
- Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
- Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
For help and inquiries
- Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.