General
Makerere shines at National recognitions
On the 9th October as Uganda turned 51, the Head of State President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recognized outstanding individuals for their dedicated service to the country over the years. Amongst the many people who received gold medals in recognition, were Makerere University members of Staff and alumni, recognized for their service at different levels. One of them was Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, the former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
In an interview with the Public Relations Office, Prof. Luboobi had this to say, “I am happy that my country has recognized my service. I thank the Almighty God for having enabled me to carry out this service.” He however emphasized that he owed this recognition to many people and mentors in this University who made him what he is today.
“The late Prof. Ssenteza Kajubi was my first mentor when I was appointed Head of Department. He supported me to write projects for this University,” Prof. Luboobi reminisced. “Prof. Lutalo Bbosa who was the Dean Faculty of Science and later a Deputy Vice Chancellor also involved me in many things including training me to be a Chair of Committees,” he added. Through this mentorship, Prof. Luboobi learnt not to take rushed decisions because their effects and cost can be hard to reverse.
This experience was of great help later when he became the first elected Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, a position he held for five years. “I am satisfied. I have no complaints in this world. God has been so good to me. He has enabled me to do what I can and I have produced positive results especially in the academia,” he shared. “I have actually reproduced myself because some of my former students have risen to the rank of Professor,” he emphasized with a smile on his face.
Prof. Luboobi also had words of counsel for the entire University Community, “Each one of us in whatever position has a role to play in building for the future of this university. Please do not think you are always the best and that you direct in the best possible way,” advised Prof. Luboobi. He advised staff to do their part and allow others to do theirs; further adding that It is such a consolidated position that takes the University forward. Being one of great humility and courteousness Prof. Luboobi further shared, “There is a tendency to say ‘I am the best. I cannot be questioned.’ I do not buy into that. Even if one is a Vice Chancellor, he/she may not be as experienced as other Professors in other fields. The top-down approach is not good. I advocate for the horizontal approach because it builds a team,” he counseled. He further outlined that this approach should apply at all levels of this University, as this is the way strong institutions are built and sustained.
In relation to the awards, Prof. Luboobi proposed that some of his predecessors ought to be recognized for the good job they did. “One of them is Prof. Ssebuwufu who made a tremendous contribution too. I implore the organizers to look into this too. Secondly, if you are not known, you may not be recognized. The organizers should do good research so that people who have contributed tremendously are recognized even if they are not so known, for example the category of former Academic Registrars and many others,” he asserted.
Other former and current Chancellors/Vice Chancellors of Makerere University recognized include The Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, Former Vice Chancellors Prof. Joseph S.Lutwama (RIP) and Prof. William Ssenteza Kajubi (RIP), as well as Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, the former Acting Vice Chancellor.
In the category of Academicians, Mrs. Christine Kiganda, the former Vice Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, Director, Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) and Prof. Samwiri Karugire (RIP) were also recognised.
Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, a member of Staff in the School of Languages, Literature and Communication, CHUSS, was recognized in the category of Local Uganda language dictionary writers/publishers. He spoke to the Public Relations Office. “I feel good that I have been recognized at the national level when I am still alive. It is a testimony that my contribution has made an impact to society. It gives me encouragement to work harder and make more contribution not only in academia but also to the general public.
In the category of Social Service, Prof. Moses Musaazi, famous for inventing the MakaPads was recognized as an innovator. (visit http://cedat.mak.ac.ug/research/maka-pads.html to read more about the pads). Dr. Alex Coutinho, Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) was also recognized as an Educationist.
Some of the other alumni/former members of Staff of Makerere University recognized include Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi, Prof. Paul Mugambi, Prof. Lutalo Bbosa, Prof. Badru Kateregga, Dr. Manuel Muranga and Ms. Alice Muhoozi among others.
Congratulations!
Article by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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