Makerere University will on 30th May 2014 host the inaugural Bernard Onyango Memorial Lecture; a tribute to the distinguished educationist, gallant alumnus, and long serving and exemplary public servant in tertiary administration. At the same occasion, the Bernard Onyango Academic Excellence Award for outstanding students at O and A Level Secondary education will be awarded to its first recipients Mr. Isaac Munno and Mr. Simon Wandera of St. Peter’s College Tororo.
It all started over sixty-five years ago when in 1945, the young Bernard Onyango, born 11th January
1930, enrolled as a Senior One student of St. Peter’s. His prolific academic acumen would later stand out
when he passed with high distinction in the 1948 Cambridge School Certificate examinations of the time.
This feat has only been partially achieved by Mr. Munni George who scored 8 distinctions for 8 subjects
at O Level in 2013. Mr. Onyango then enrolled for a B.A in History and Sociology at
Makerere Universityin 1951 and later, a one year Diploma in Education, leaving school in 1955.
The late Bernard Onyango joined
Makerere University service in 1963 when he was appointed Deputy
Registrar. In 1965 Mr. Onyango became a Registrar of the University of East Africa and in 1969 he
returned to
Makerere University as Academic Registrar. On 1st July 1970 when Makerere became an
independent national University of the Republic of Uganda, he became her first Academic Registrar,
a position he held until his retirement in 1992. He was also the founding Academic Registrar of the
December 2000.
As the longest serving Academic Registrar of
Makerere University, he is remembered for his absolute
incorruptibility, outstanding integrity and professionalism, and strict adherence to academic excellence.
Students of Makerere during the 22 years of his service as Academic Registrar fondly referred to the
end of year promotional exams as the ‘Onyango Disco’ and the re-sits for those who failed at the first
attempt as the ‘August Conference’.
Away from his professional life, the late Bernard Onyango was a loving husband, father, grandfather and
mentor, who was rich in honour, humour and loved everyone. In order to preserve the memory of the
late Bernard Onyango and honour his pledge to reward any student who equaled his academic prowess,
the St. Peter’s College Tororo Old Boys Association (SPECTOBA) in conjunction with the family of the late
Bernard Onyango have initiated The Bernard Onyango Academic Excellence Awards.
The first recipient is slated to receive his award at a Dinner set to be held on 30th May 2014, at the
Silver Springs Hotel Bugolobi, starting at 6:00pm.
We look forward to your presence and participation in the day’s activities as
Makerere Universityhonours the late Bernard Onyango.
Article By Public Relations Office
Related Articles
Makerere Celebrates the Late Bernard Onyango
A Winning Team: Bernard Onyango (R.I.P) and Gershom Eyoku (R.I.P)
Press Coverage
Onyango's legacy lives on at St. Peter's College Tororo, Conan Busingye – New Vision, 21st May 2014
Old Boys launch Bernard Onyango excellence award, Raymond Mujuni – New Vision, 6th May 2014
Bernard Onyango Awards launch – New Vision ePaper, 6th May 2014
Onyango Bursaries Launched – Daily Monitor, 3rd May 2014
