General
Makerere celebrates the late Bernard Onyango
On Thursday 17th October 2013, The Makerere University community paid their last respects to the longest-serving Academic Registrar, a man full of honour and integrity, the Late Mr. Bernard Onyango. Born on 11th January 1930 into a family of ten brothers and one sister to parents Reverand Andereya Ochwo and Lakeri Ajwang Abbo, Mr. Bernard Onyango joined the University of East Africa in 1958 and in 1970 when Makerere University became an independent National University of the Republic of Uganda, he became its first Academic Registrar. The late Bernard Onyango held this position until his retirement from University service in 1992.
Throughout his career and life, Mr. Bernard Onyango was a mentor and a source of inspiration who had made a remarkable difference in people’s lives. Thus the Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel was filled to capacity as the congregation assembled to thank God for this valuable gift on earth in the name of Bernard Onyango.
In honour of the great life he lived, the Master of Ceremony, Mr. Charles Owor of the Judicial Service Commission together with Dr. Fred Tanga Odoi-the Minister of Tertiary and Higher Education in the Tieng-Adhola Cultural Institution introduced to the congregation the renowned academicians, professionals and politicians serving at the national and international levels who were trained and mentored by Mr. Bernard Onyango.
The Cardinal of Uganda, His Eminence Emmanuel Wamala presided over the Requiem Mass assisted by Msg.
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Kanyike and Rev. Fr. Joseph Ddungu, St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University.
Ms Sharon Onyango-Obbo read the First Reading, from the book of Wisdom 4, 7-15. Ms Charlenne Onyango-Obbo took the second reading, 2 Timothy 4:1-8. The congregation also listened to the Holy Gospel according to John 14:1-6.
During the sermon, His Eminence, Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala thanked the congregation for bidding farewell to their departed colleague in such a memorable way. “Your presence here is testimony that Bernard Onyango lived a fulfilling life. The Faith he professed is the faith that he has carried forward throughout his career and life.” praised Cardinal Wamala. “His faith guided him in his life and it is the faith which he passed on to his children. May the Soul of Bernard rest in eternal peace,” he concluded.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu in his message read to the congregation by the University Secretary– Mr. David Kahundha-Muhwezi appreciated the late Bernard Onyango for having kept Makerere’s Academic reputation spotlessly clean and scandal-free especially during the turbulent 70s and early to mid-eighties. “We at Makerere University compare the Late Mr. Bernard Onyango to the biblical tree planted by the streams of water, which brings forth fruit both in and out of season,” read the condolence message. The Vice Chancellor’s message further paid tribute to Prof. J. Oloka-Onyango for preserving his Father’s legacy, “We are proud of Prof. Oloka-Onyango for keeping Mr. Onyango’s torch high and burning through his great work at the School of Law and the Human Rights and Peace Centre,” added Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu’s message.
The Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera in his remarks expressed his gratitude at being able to bear witness to the great life that Mr. Bernard Onyango had lived. In honour of the late he said, “You young people have nothing to lose when people stand up and say you did what you were expected to do properly. Make sure that the teaching service you provide and grading of certificates is done properly,” said Prof. Kagonyera.
Speaking about his departed friend and Colleague, the former two-time Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Asavia Wandira fondly reminisced, “Bernard Onyango and I first met in 1958 in Mbale as Teachers who were marking exams. Little did I know that I would later become his great friend,” he recalled. The two later returned to Uganda on the eve of Uganda’s Independence to face the Pan-Africanism era. Regarding Mr. Onyango’s service to Makerere, Prof. Wandira had this to share, “In 1963, Bernard Onyango was appointed Deputy Registrar and in 1964, Prof. Wandira was also invited to become Secretary 
and Registrar of Makerere University. In 1965, Onyango became the Registrar of the University of East Africa and in 1969, Academic Registrar. Fare thee well Bernard Onyango,” concluded Prof. Asavia Wandira.
Other former colleagues like Prof. Raphael Owori, a Professor of Pathology and former Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Makerere University and Prof. Charles Olweny, Vice Chancellor, Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), Nkozi, also paid tribute to their great friend.
“Bernard Onyango was a great teacher. He taught me history at St. Peters College Tororo and I got a distinction. Bernard was also Best man at my wedding in 1967,” shared Prof. Olweny. He also shared that the late Bernard Onyango was a man of many firsts. In addition to being the first Academic Registrar of Makerere University, he was also the founding Academic Registrar of UMU, Nkozi in 1993. In concluding his remarks, Prof. Olweny then pointed out why they were all gathered at the Mass, “Firstly, we are here to celebrate the life of a great achiever and secondly, he was absolutely incorruptible,” summed up Prof. Olweny.
The Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Chares Wana-Etyem then shared about his life at Makerere, “I joined Makerere University as a student in 1972, and I am happy that the quality of Bernard Onyango has been passed on to his offspring,” he remarked. “Two of my children have been taught by his son- Prof. Oloka Onyango and they have informed me that he is a great teacher,” added the Chairperson of Council. He further shared that the reforms in the education system had been made possible thanks to the late Bernard Onyango’s input.
Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere who represented the Government at the Mass appreciated the role played by Mr. Bernard Onyango at Makerere University saying, “I came to Makerere in 1965 and I am happy to be associated with quality. I appeal to the Staff at Makerere not to sign for a degree for which someone has not worked.” He informed the congregation that the late Mr. Bernard Onyango was awarded a medal in recognition of his service to the Nation in May 2012. “I appeal to the family to write a memoir of Bernard Onyango in remembrance of him so that the young generation reads about this quality high achiever and incorruptible person,” he challenged.
The Kattikiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga who was at Makerere during the late Bernard Onyango’s tenure as Academic Registrar remarked, “We were truly fascinated by his humility and simplicity. He emphasized integrity, which nurtures truthfulness,” he remarked, “It is justice that nurtures unity, then patriotism will follow.” The Kattikiro also reiterated the need for the late Mr. Bernard Onyango’s biography to be written.
Speaking on behalf of his siblings Christine Awor, Simon Peter Owor Onyango, Patricia Onyango, and Bernard Paul Onyango, Prof. Joseph Andrew Oloka Onyango appreciated the great wealth left behind by their ten paternal uncles and aunt. “They were very wealthy, not in material things, but in things you cannot attach a value. They were rich in integrity, honour, humour and loved everyone,” he remarked. “I am extremely honoured to have been chosen to say something on behalf of the Bernard Onyango family,” he said. On a lighter note, Prof. Oloka Onyango shared that his father was an
aspiring musician whose favourite song had the Luganda lyrics “… mazima nkwagala era gwe numba emu…” meaning, “truth be told, I love you dearly and you are my number one”. He also once remarked that after striving for over seventy years to be famous, he was finally content after a US President with similar initials took over the presidency.
With regard to his Mother, Mrs. Lucy Kahambo Onyango, Prof. Oloka Onyango fondly remarked, “Besides every great man is a great woman, a princess.” He thanked their mother for being, “a hands-on, pragmatic organizer behind the great academician throughout their fifty six years of marriage.” He also thanked her for her advice to the children to marry wisely, which advice they each took to heart.
The late Bernard Onyango was laid to rest on Saturday 19th October 2013 at Kiyeyi Village, Tororo district.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Story by: Ritah Namisango and Mark Wamai, Public Relations Office
Photos by: Elias Tuhereze, Public Relations Office
Through the Food for Peace initiative, the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport is stepping in to provide meals to over 200 students who struggle to afford meals, especially during the examination period.
According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, hundreds of students drop out of Makerere University every year due to financial constraints. The reality for those who remain is sometimes tougher, for they struggle to survive.
While addressing the media at a press conference held at Makerere University on November 11, 2026, Prof. Nawangwe shared that many of these students skip meals, a situation that is more frequent during examination periods, when the demands on the brain are much greater.
The University is aware of these reports and in his capacity as Vice Chancellor and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, Prof. Nawangwe lobbied the club to take action.
In preparation for intervention, a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted, inviting students to come forward and share their needs. About 200 students responded to the survey, indicating a pressing need for food support during examinations.
The findings birthed a legacy project code-named “Food for Peace”, targeting, for a start, 206 students at Makerere University, regardless of their sponsorship status, as long as they participated in the survey. The Makerere Rotary Peace Centre spearheaded the survey that helped identify the first cohort of those who will benefit from the initiative and guided that for a dignified experience, the beneficially names will remain in records and not disclosed.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasised that the core mission of this cause is to move a step up with efforts to ensure that economically challenged students at Makerere University do not go a day without a meal. Service providers in halls of residence will serve these students their food following a meal card.
Seeding the Project
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary International Director (RID) for Zone 22, while launching the initiative shared his personal experience of facing challenges that almost barred him from attaining an education. He believes education is an equaliser in life and that everyone should have a chance to access it. He reminded those in the room that they were all there together because of education.
RID Katongole highlighted the importance of supporting people, both as individuals and as a community. He expressed pride in being part of the launch of this project because it is going to create many more “Emmanuel Katongoles” through the provision of a meal.
He therefore personally committed to contribute UGX 5 million annually, starting this year, for as long as he lives or until the project ends. He also pledged to remain part of the initiative.
92nd Guild Commends “Service above Self”
From a student perspective, H.E. Kadondi Gracious, the 92nd Makerere University Guild President, delivered a vote of thanks for the initiative. She noted that students had petitioned Parliament to intervene in the matter and were happy that solutions had started coming from within.
She framed this move not just as charity, but as a way of restoring hope to Makerereans who were unsure of how they were going to maneuver through the examination period without lunch. In appreciation, the Guild President commended Rotary for showing what it actually means to offer service above self.
Sustainability of the “Food for Peace” Project
Although the immediate intervention is directed towards fewer than 300 students who expressed a need for assistance, the vision is bigger and looking beyond the current examination season.
As the Rotary Passport Club President noted, “if this is going to be sustainable, it means we are going to look out for partners to create a fund to sustain this initiative.”
The Club Secretary, Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, explained that as a legacy project, it is not a one-off. She committed the services of the Passport Club to supporting this legacy project.
Grounding the sustainability move, RID Emmanuel Katongole set the pace by pledging annual cash and in-kind support towards providing consistent assistance to students throughout subsequent academic periods, thereby enhancing student welfare over the long term.
Dr Winfred Kabumbuli, the Makerere University Dean of Students, showed strong support for the initiative since it falls within the core mission of student welfare. She appreciated the collaboration with Makerere University Passport Club, and pledged to rally internal support.
Call to Action and Contributions
The Club President made an appeal to alumni, corporate bodies, development partners, individuals and institutions of goodwill to join this noble cause, intended to ensure that students not only remain at the University but also attain their full potential on a full stomach.
The immediate fundraising goal is UGX 10 million shillings, which is required to implement the initial phase of food support. Excess amounts collected will facilitate an increase in the number of beneficiaries and after the examination period, add to the kitty for subsequent semesters.
Support and assistance can come in the form of financial contributions, food supplies, corporate partnerships, logistical support, and long-term partnerships.
To facilitate support, the club, through its Charter Treasurer (C.T.), Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, shared the banking details as follows
Bank: NCBA Uganda Limited.
Account Name: Rotary Club of Makerere Passport
Uganda Shillings (UGX) Account Number: 228129200017
United States Dollar (USD) Account Number: 228129200027
SWIFT Code: CBAFUGKA
Bank Code: 36
Students were left with one final promise from the Chief Guest, “you are no longer alone. You have a partner in the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport.”
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Makerere University, on November 10 2026 welcomed a delegation from the International Water Association (IWA), led by Mr. Keith Robertson, the Learning and Events Director at International Water Association (IWA). Mr. Robertson, in his remarks, highlighted their visit to Makerere University as a fact-finding mission regarding the potential establishment of a new regional IWA office in Africa to support the continent in solving challenges relating to water.
The International Water Association is a leading global nonprofit organisation and knowledge hub for the water and sanitation sector. Connecting more than 10,000 individual members and 500 corporate entities across 140 plus countries, the association bridges the gap between scientific research and practical engineering to solve global water crises, improve sanitation, and secure clean water systems. Currently, IWA is evaluating potential host cities in Africa; Makerere University in Kampala is the first they have visited out of their three countries and venues earmarked.
This meeting held at Makerere Main Administrative Building, was attended by university leadership, faculty from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and representatives from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Discussions explored possibilities of the yet to be established office bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the water sector not only in Uganda but also on the continent.
On behalf of University Management, Prof. Edward Bbaale underscored this engagement that focused on possible Water and Sanitation advancement partnership as one that aligns well with the strategic direction of the University.
Projected Impact of a Kampala-Based IWA Office
Dr Philip Nyenje, Head of Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering (DCEE), expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “this is a very good opportunity for us to grow our interest in the sector of water and sanitation.”
In addition, Dr Seith Mugume, a Senior Lecturer at DCEE, noted that the regional office would unlock research and innovation opportunities in the real world for our students and also provide incentives for them to pursue projects within local research and innovation angles.
Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Acting Senior Manager at NWSC framed Kampala as a very unique venue for the centre and highlighted Makerere as one of the core academic partners for the regional Eastern and Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School. Eng. Mpakiraba further endorsed Makerere, saying that, as a top-notch university in Uganda and in the region, when it leads on any aspect, it is able to pull most of the other universities.
Makerere’s Strategic Initiatives and Activities so far in the Area of Water
Dr Nyenje noted that his Department has a very strong base in water and sanitation, covering disciplines like water resources, environmental, structural, and highway engineering. Dr. Mugume added that they are conducting research on “modeling of water resource systems, hydrological and hydraulic modeling,” “water quality management,” and “fecal sludge management, sanitation in low-income and peri-urban areas.”
The two also mentioned that the department has introduced a “master’s in sanitation, and also a postgraduate program… a diploma in sanitation” to address growing interest in the sector.
All these strategies have been made possible through good will and funding from the Government of Uganda, strategic partnerships, and International Collaborations that have positioned Makerere as a key player in the region.
Concluding the session, Prof. Edward Bbaale reaffirmed Makerere’s ability to run this Office when established as the University has human resources in multidisciplinary research, global credibility and working relationships with many organisations and institutions on the continent and far.
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