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
Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
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