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
As part of her efforts to familiarize herself with the offices under her docket, the newly appointed First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, has embarked on a series of visits to different units that report to her office. One of these is the Makerere University Press (MakPress), which she visited today on 21st of October 2025, on a courtesy call. She was received by the Managing Editor for MakPress, Dr. William Tayeebwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Previously, MakPress operated jointly with the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) before becoming a standalone entity. Accompanying Prof. Ssali on this visit were Prof. Julius Kikooma, the Director of DGT, and Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, the Acting Manager of the International Relations Office.
During her visit to MakPress, Prof. Sarah Ssali commended the Unit for its progress and partnerships while emphasizing the need to strengthen collaboration with key institutions such as the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), the Ministry of Education and Sports, and other universities. She encouraged the Press to explore practical working models, including leveraging external expertise and streamlining its printing processes to enhance efficiency. Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring fair contractual terms with partners, and maintaining transparency in publishing agreements. She advised that Makerere University Press should position itself strategically by producing high-quality academic materials that serve both national and international audiences. Additionally, she urged the team to adopt a more consistent publication schedule—launching books quarterly or biannually—and to organize events where authors can engage directly with readers, scholars, and policymakers. Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the administration’s support toward building a stronger, more vibrant university press that effectively contributes to research dissemination, academic dialogue, and national development.
During the courtesy visit, Dr. William Tayeebwa highlighted the milestones and ongoing projects at the Press. He spoke about the growing partnerships with institutions such as the University of Chicago Press, the University of California Press, and the African Books Collective, which have enhanced both local and international visibility of Makerere’s publications. “Why make a university press when you have Makerere University Press”, Dr. Tayeebwa said urging public universities to utilize MakPress. Dr. Tayeebwa also shared that the Press has republished several titles, launched new book projects, and developed a digital platform that enables readers to access and purchase books online. However, he pointed out a number of challenges affecting the Press’s operations, including inadequate funding, limited printing capacity at the university printery, and delays that often affect the timely release of publications. He further noted the difficulty of accessing generated funds due to bureaucratic procedures, space and infrastructure limitations, and the continued confusion between the roles of the Press and the printery. Despite these challenges, Dr. Tayeebwa reaffirmed the commitment of his team to strengthen Makerere University Press as a central pillar in advancing research dissemination and academic publishing.
Makerere University Retirement Benefit Scheme (MURBS) has presented its performance of Financial Year 2024/2025 to the sponsor, the University Council and other stakeholders on 21st of October in the Telepresence Centre, Senate building. MURBS which is a Mandatory Employer-Based Scheme was established by Makerere University under an irrevocable trust effective 1st April 2009 to provide retirement benefits to employees of Makerere University.
Council applauds MURBS Performance
In her remarks at the presentation, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, commended the Scheme’s steady progress and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to safeguarding staff welfare. She noted that MURBS has grown into a trusted, transparent, and professionally managed scheme that continues to strengthen confidence among staff. Mrs. Magara praised the Board of Trustees for their prudent management and governance, describing their work as not merely financial stewardship but the protection of the hopes and futures of Makerere families. She urged continued focus on member education, digital service delivery, and sustainable fund growth, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to build a lasting legacy of trust and financial wellbeing for all university employees.
MURBS demonstrates liquidity and resilience amid a volatile economy
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) for its continued growth, accountability, and prudent management. She applauded the Scheme’s record fund value of UGX 475 billion and its unqualified audit opinion from KPMG, describing these milestones as clear evidence of transparency and sound governance. Prof. Ssali reaffirmed Makerere University’s full commitment as the Scheme’s sponsor, noting the progress made in clearing historical arrears and supporting MURBS operations. She praised the Board’s disciplined investment strategy—particularly its diversification into unit trusts and near-cash assets—which has enhanced liquidity and resilience amid a volatile economy. Highlighting MURBS as a model of good governance and accountability, Prof. Ssali emphasized that a reliable retirement scheme not only secures staff futures but also strengthens motivation, productivity, and institutional excellence.
Embrace digital transformation – URBRA urges
From Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), the Manager Market Conduct, Mr. Mark Lotukei commended MURBS for its continued commitment to compliance, member education, and sectoral excellence. He highlighted that the Authority has been focusing its trainings on strengthening trustees’ capacity, with recent sessions covering strategic tax planning to help schemes minimize liabilities and safeguard members’ funds. Mr. Lotukei further announced upcoming trainings on benefits administration, stakeholder roles, and the contribution of pension funds to infrastructure and economic development. Emphasizing the evolving nature of the pension landscape, he urged trustees to embrace digital transformation, improve communication with members, and promote sustainable and innovative investment strategies. He concluded by reaffirming URBRA’s commitment to supporting MURBS and other schemes, assuring stakeholders of the Authority’s openness to continued collaboration and guidance.
Fund Value Hits Record UGX 475 billion
In his presentation on the performance, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Michael Kizito, highlighted the Scheme’s continued growth, prudent financial management, and commitment to transparency. He reported that MURBS’ total assets had risen to UGX 475 billion, up from UGX 409 billion the previous year, reflecting strong investment performance and effective governance. Dr. Kizito commended the University management for timely remittances and reaffirmed the Board’s focus on sound risk management, diversification, and member satisfaction. He acknowledged the dedication of the trustees, staff, and service providers, noting that their collective effort has positioned MURBS for sustainable success. Looking ahead, he emphasized the Scheme’s intention to strengthen alternative investments and optimize operations to deliver even greater value to members and stakeholders.
The presentation of the performance of the scheme is one of the activities leading to the Annual General Meeting and it is done to management and the Sponsor of MURBS. The presentation, which attracted several key stakeholders including members of the University Council and representatives from Stanbic Bank and Old Mutual, concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi. The session provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarity on the Scheme’s performance, governance practices, and investment strategies, fostering transparency and open dialogue between the MURBS leadership and its partners. MURBS is licensed by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (License No. RBS.0005).
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