General
Over 55m collected at Mak Library Day-Etaffaali celebrations
Makerere University has celebrated her Library day with a collection of over 55million Shillings (55,456,550/=) towards Buganda Kingdom’s Etaffaali project, spearheaded by the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda Kingdom, Ow’ekitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga. The Etaffaali concept is about putting funds together, however meager, for a common cause.
The funds were collected during the World Library Day Celebrations 2014 held at the Main University Library Extension grounds on 16th May 2014. The celebrations were held under the theme “MakLib: A Knowledge Hub for Transforming Society”.
Among the key collections were 10m shillings from the Makerere University Council and sums ranging from 1m – 5m from the 9 Colleges and School of Law. Individuals also gave contributions ranging from 500 to millions of shillings.
This event kicked off with the Katikkiro’s entourage making a grand entrance, escorted by the jubilating and energetic ‘Nkoba za Mbogo’ Buganda youth group. The Katikkiro first paid a courtesy to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, before planting a tree at the Main Library in commemoration of his first official visit to Makerere University. He thereafter toured the highly-digitized Main Library, attuned to the 21st century’s digital demands.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu called upon the Katikkiro to further the cause for literacy. “My humble request to you Ow’ekitiibwa Katikkiro, is that just as you have championed Etaffaali, you can also champion the cause of reading and writing in this country. We appeal to the Buganda Kingdom to continue its legacy of ensuring a knowledgeable society, which was initiated by Ssekabaka Edward Mutesa 1 in 1875 when he wrote a Letter to Queen Victoria of England appealing to her to introduce education for the benefit of Ugandans so that they could ably contribute to global development. We appeal to you Ow’ekitiibwa Katikkiro to continue encouraging Ugandans to not only read but also write,” he said.
He pledged Makerere University’s commitment to partnering with Buganda Kingdom to advance this cause and appreciated Buganda’s contribution to Makerere University’s establishment. “I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate Buganda Kingdom for dedicating land on which Makerere University stands. Through you, Ow’ekitiibwa Katikkiro, please extend our best and warm regards to Sabbasajja Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II,” he added.
In his remarks, the Katikkiro applauded Makerere University for the new library extension, which he said was built on Etaffaali ideology. “I commend the ICT levels in the new library. I am particularly impressed that there are special provisions for expectant mothers and also for people living with disabilities. This sensitivity is encouraged. I am happy that this extension was built on Etaffaali system. Of course students had to go on strike because of the fees increment, but now their followers are benefiting,” he said. He also challenged the Makerere University legal department to seek avenues of renewing the lease title on which Makerere University stands, lest the Institution loses it.
He further called upon students and Staff members to embrace the Etaffaali as a sustainable way of building institutions. His comments come at a time when Makerere University is using a similar model to put up the proposed Students Centre, estimated to be worth US $30m. The Katikkiro, a proud alumnus of the Makerere University School of Law donated two of his books, King On The Throne and Buganda Ku’ntikko to the University Library as is by law required. He decried the poor reading culture in Uganda. “I am informed that Dons only read to impart knowledge and do not pay much attention to reading beyond their field. If you do this, you remain 40% ignorant. It is important that Dons broaden their scope too,” he emphasized.
The University Library presented him with a number of gifts, including the letter that the late Sir Edward Mutesa I wrote to the Queen of England requesting for white missionaries to come and educate his people. He was also presented with Compact Discs containing information on Buganda’s history, which according to the University Librarian can be used to start a digital library for the Kingdom. The Vice Chancellor also presented the Katikkiro with souvenir items from Makerere University. He appreciated all the gifts adding ‘muyigganga mutta,’ loosely translated as ‘may you always hunt to kill.’
While still a student, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga was a resident of University Hall. The hall, led by Warden Peter Rivan Muhereza, presented him with a plaque in appreciation of his visit. He threw the audience into uncontrollable ululations when he sang the unofficial University Hall’s cultural anthem ‘beya beya, hep hep hep. One for Katanga, one for Soweto,’ he bellowed before quickly resuming his seat.
In her PowerPoint presentation, Prof. Maria Musoke, the University Librarian chronicled Makerere University’s contribution to society over the years, spinning to the early 1970s when the Main Library was declared a national repository. “This Library is visited by over 1,000 people daily and I am glad that we have continuously satisfied their needs. Our aim is to make the user smile. If the user does not smile, we have failed in our work,” she emphasized. She was grateful to the former University Management under the leadership of Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, for embracing the idea of expanding the Main Library through Internally Generated Funds.
The highly colorful ceremony was attended by dignitaries from Buganda Kingdom, former Vice Chancellors of Makerere University, Members of Staff, Students and Alumni of Makerere University. The Katikkiro’s entourage left the University grounds shortly after 7:00pm.
By Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
Today 8th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.
The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.
Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.
The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.
Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.
Makerere highlights value of partnership
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.
She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.
Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.
She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.
“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.
Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.
She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.
Human Response programme strengthens partnerships
The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).
Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.
These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.
He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.
The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.
CEES project supports competence based education
The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.
She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.
Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.
The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.
Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers
The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.
The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.
Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.
Take ownership of your future
Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.
On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.
“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.
The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.
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