General
Makerere Honors Ms Ruth Morris Keesling
Makerere University has honored Ms. Ruth Morris Keesling, an American Philanthropist in a colorful ceremony, presided over by Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The ceremony, attended by University officials, staff, students and partners, was held at the Ruth Keesling Wildlife Health and Research Centre, CoVAB, on 5th October 2013.
Ms. Ruth Keesling, who was accompanied by her husband Tom and other family members, was honored for her commitment to funding and promoting research particularly, on Mountain Gorillas. Since 1983 when Ruth Keesling first saw the gorillas as a tourist, she has shown commitment to their conservation and even promoted research that elevated the level of gorillas in Uganda to Mountain Gorillas. Due to her strong commitment to the conservation of the Mountain Gorillas, Ruth Keesling used to travel to Uganda every year to monitor her initiatives in wildlife veterinary medicine. These initiatives led to among others, the establishment of the Department of Wildlife and Aquatic Animal Resources at CoVAB, which has been instrumental in capacity building in the field of wildlife veterinary medicine in Uganda.
Dr. John Bosco Nizeyi, a wildlife Veterinary Doctor and lecturer at CoVABB who has been working closely with Ms. Keesling for many years appreciated the work she has done not only for Makerere University but for Uganda at large. Dr. Nizeyi noted that Ruth Keesling has for the last 11 years sponsored more than 10 Ugandan students to train in wildlife health and management at Graduate level. Some of the programs that resulted from her efforts to create awareness of and save the Mountain Gorillas include the Msc in Wildlife Health & Management, Msc in Wildlife Tourism & Recreation Management and Bsc in Wildlife Health & Management.
Dr. Nizeyi further stated that what Ms. Keesling started has taken Makerere University a step towards becoming a regional center of excellence in wildlife health, research and surveillance.
Ruth Keesling also established the gorilla veterinary clinic in 1986 and has since then, spent millions of her own money and also held fundraising drives that attracted more partners, who together have put more effort in saving the gorillas from extinction. She said that her love for the Mountain Gorillas started when she met the late primatologist, Dr. Dian Fossey who was committed to the conservation of gorillas.
“After looking into the eyes of a Mountain Gorilla, I became committed to helping her (Dian Fossey) and the gorillas”, said the elderly Ruth Keesling.
She commended all those who have over the years partnered with her for their work. “Each and every partner should be very proud of the tremendous work you do that has protected the Mountain Gorilla,” Ms. Keesling stressed.
Ms. Keesling has continued to carry the late Dian Fossey’s dream to save the Mountain Gorillas to the extent of funding the establishment of the Ruth Keesling Wildlife Health and Research Centre, expected to become a regional center ofexcellence and destination for scientists and researchers in Mountain Gorilla medicine and conservation. The center will also promote wildlife education and gorilla tourism. The center, which is housed by the Wildlife Department, CoVAB, comprises offices, laboratories, a bio-bank and lecture rooms. There is also a “Keesling garden’ that was planted by students from Eckerd College, Florida and Makerere University, which provides an experience of a mock safari for those who have never experienced an actual safari in the jungle.
Under the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (MGCF) which in 2010 signed an MoU with Makerere University, Ms. Keesling has been at the forefront of raising money to conserve the Mountain Gorilla. As a result of Mrs. Keesling’s efforts, the Mountain Gorilla population has grown from 248 at the time of Dr. Fossey’s death to 880 today, meaning that her efforts have resulted into an additional 632 gorillas having been produced in the last 28 years.
FranK Keesling, Ruth’s son promised his Mother that he would carry on her dream by working hard towards conservation of the Mountain Gorillas.
“I promise you, just like you promised Dr. Diane Fossey 28 years ago, that we will keep your dream alive,” Frank Keesling said.
Partners present at the event were British Airways, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Gorilla doctors, all of whom received awards from the Keesling family for their support towards Mountain Gorilla conservation in Uganda.
Article by Jovia Musubika Kavulu, Communication Office, CoVAB
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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