General
Inter-University Dialogue on Strikes calls for Calm
The Inter University Conference for Peace in East Africa (IUCP – EA) held a half day dialogue on 28th Nov. 2013 at Makerere University to discuss University strikes. The dialogue attracted participants from a number of universities including Kyambogo, Uganda Martyrs University – Nkozi, Makerere University Business School, Kampala international University and Makerere University – the host.
The Chairperson of IUCP – EA and St. Francis Chaplain Rev. Canon Dr. Johnson Ebong, decried the continued culture of strikes at Institutions of higher learning. “University strikes have almost become an integral part of our 
cherished institutions, notwithstanding the gross costs they come with,” he said. “Preventing strikes and alleviating their negative effects require urgent action, calling for concerted efforts from all stakeholders,” he added.
The dialogue was opened by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba – Ssentamu, who observed that, “This dialogue on University Strikes is very important to Makerere University as we have had a fair share of strikes both by students and members of staff. We need to understand the causes of the strikes and we in Management should make sure that these causes are well understood.”
In his presentation, Dr. Simba Kayumba Ssali the Head, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), noted that most of the world’s positive social transformations 
have been as a result of strikes. He attributed the University strikes to State withdrawal. “The State significantly withdrew from funding public universities following a World Bank report in the 1990s. This resulted into cost-sharing, with universities continuously looking at students as a source of funding,” he argued. He advised that the state needs to increase funding in public universities and that the organizational structure of student leadership be revised to match that of Staff at Makerere University. Most Makerere University students stay outside halls of residences and yet issues affecting them, which are academic in nature as opposed to welfare, are not well represented in the current structure.
The University Secretary, Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi, attributed strikes to a communication gap highly portrayed by misinformation. “Someone will wake up and circulate an allegation. Before you know it, the allegation has caused a lot of tension and a strike is looming. It is best that students take time off to understand issues/policies before resorting to strikes. The University has ample mechanisms of resolving conflict,” he emphasized.
The dialogue was attended by Politicians including Hon. Beti Kamya – President of Uganda Federal Alliance, Deans of Students, University Religious Leaders, SSP Muleterwa Anatoli from the Uganda Police Force (UPF), Student Leaders and representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Article by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
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