“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
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.