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Prof. James Barber donates books to Makerere University

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“He lived in Uganda-spent most of his time working in Karamoja. He worked in other places in Africa, but his love for Makerere University lived on, and will live on for eternity.”
On Monday 17th February 2014, it was a dream come true for Professor James Barber who wished that his rich collection of books be donated to no other institution, but Makerere University. The Makerere University Librarian, Professor Maria Musoke received the rich collection of books focusing on Africa, Uganda, history, politics, religion, social sciences, and governance among other disciplines.

Professor James Barber was a District Officer in the Uganda Colonial Service (1955-1963), serving mostly in Karamoja (where his sons were born). He finally acted as Secretary to the first post-independence Ugandan government for a transition year. Thereafter he moved into the academic world and specialized in international affairs and southern Africa in particular. He wrote a number of books but also accumulated a large academic library-much of it focused on ‘Africania.’

Handing over the books on behalf of Professor James Barber and family-the representative Mr. Peter Brown said:   “So, as Director of the British Council in Uganda and on behalf of Professor Barber and his family, it gives me enormous pleasure to hand over his collection to the University Librarian, Professor Maria Musoke-I have no doubt that these books will serve to enrich your collection and it is my sincere hope that these books that have been gathered and treasured by the Barber family for so long will now serve to benefit and in turn be treasured by Ugandan students and academics for years to come!”

In her address, Professor Maria Musoke said that in March 2012, she received an e-mail from the Vice Chancellor informing her that there was a retired Professor who wanted to donate books to Makerere University.  The University Librarian together with Mr. Fredrick Lugya responded that they were interested in the books and would be in the United Kingdom in August 2012.

“Fredrick and I, went to Cambridge.  We noted that the books would enrich the Africana section. Professor Barber stressed that he wanted his books to find home in the Makerere University Library, and as such, would ensure that the books were delivered and handed over to Makerere University,” reported Professor Maria Musoke.

Facing the 29 large boxes containing the rich collection of books, Professor Musoke said:  “We are glad to receive the books. We thank Professor James Barber and family for choosing Makerere University-as a home for his collection. The books are valuable. I assure Professor Barber and family that we shall process the books. The books will appear on our catalogue. The books will greatly enrich the Africana section.”

The representative, Mr. Peter Brown informed the audience that Professor Barber is now a very elderly man, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, but he knew that Professor Barber would be lifted by the news that his library’s odyssey has now come to a successful conclusion and that his invaluable collection has at last found an appropriate and a welcoming home.

The Librarians, Makerere University Senior Public Relations Officer and a team from the British Council witnessed the historic physical book donation held in the New Library Building Extension.

Story by:   Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office

Photos by:  British Council team

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere University Receives 700 Tablets from UBOS to Boost Statistical Activities

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Dr. Chris Mukiza (L) hands over the donation to Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (2nd L) as UBOS Board Director Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and other officials witness on 30th June 2025. Makerere University receiving 700 digital tablets from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), aimed at enhancing statistical research, teaching, and data-driven decision-making across the institution, 30th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has received 700 digital tablets from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), aimed at enhancing statistical research, teaching, and data-driven decision-making across the institution.

The donation was made on June 30, 2025, as part of UBOS’ broader initiative to distribute a total of 3,025 tablets to ten government-funded institutions of higher learning. The handover ceremony was attended by Makerere’s Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Simon Kizito, the Deputy University Secretary among other Vice Chancellors and accounting officers.

Vice Chancellors from government-funded institutions of higher learning that received the donation of tablets from UBOS. Makerere University receiving 700 digital tablets from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), aimed at enhancing statistical research, teaching, and data-driven decision-making across the institution, 30th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Vice Chancellors from government-funded institutions of higher learning that received the donation of tablets from UBOS.

Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, a UBOS Board Director, who coordinated the distribution of the tablets to the respective 10 Public universities, underscored the significance of inter-institutional collaboration in fostering a data-literate and innovative generation. “This initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships between public institutions. In a country like Uganda, with one of the youngest populations globally, equipping our future leaders with the right tools is critical to achieving both national and global development goals,” she remarked.

The tablets had initially been procured and deployed during the recently concluded National Population and Housing Census. UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris Mukiza explained that their redistribution marks the beginning of the Bureau’s post-census utilization strategy.

Dr. Chris Mukiza (L) flanked by his Board Director Dr. Allen Kabagenyi (R) addressing the meeting. Makerere University receiving 700 digital tablets from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), aimed at enhancing statistical research, teaching, and data-driven decision-making across the institution, 30th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Chris Mukiza (L) flanked by his Board Director Dr. Allen Kabagenyi (R) addressing the meeting.

“We acquired 120,000 tablets to conduct the census, and as we committed earlier, we are ensuring that these resources continue to serve the country even after the census,” said Dr. Mukiza. “Our expectation is that these tablets will strengthen data collection, teaching, and research in universities and higher institutions. We want to see a culture where statistics are not only produced but also actively used to influence development outcomes.”

Dr. Mukiza encouraged academic institutions to take full advantage of the extensive data available at UBOS, emphasizing that greater use of statistical resources will translate into more impactful research and policy interventions.

Some of the accounting officers who attended the handover ceremony. Makerere University receiving 700 digital tablets from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), aimed at enhancing statistical research, teaching, and data-driven decision-making across the institution, 30th June 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the accounting officers who attended the handover ceremony.

During the same event – cultural institutions also received tablets.

With this donation, Makerere University is well-positioned to further empower students and researchers in statistical analysis, evidence-based planning, and innovation-driven teaching.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Special Exam Results -Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

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The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

Mak Editor

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Mature Age Scheme Exam Results for 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released full results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations for the Academic Year 2025/2026 held on Saturday 14th December, 2024.

The Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended by the Pre-Entry & Mature Age Committee to the University’s Admissions Board for Consideration.

The Aptitude Exam  Results for 2025/2026 Academic Year released in February 2025 can be found here.

Mak Editor

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