General
President Museveni advises Great Lakes youth to shun pseudo ideology
The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has encouraged the youth to fight against pseudo ideology as a way of propelling unity, stability, and prosperity in the country. The President emphasized that the spreading of pseudo ideology has not only led to political insecurities among African countries but also resulted to economic backwardness due its negativities of sectarianism in tribe, religion and gender.
“The biggest problem that African countries are now and have been facing is pseudo ideology. Many African countries have relied on false information for their own interests and selfish motives and this has greatly affected Africa’s economy,” said the President.
Addressing the delegates at the Second Convention of the Great Lakes Students’ Union held on Saturday 7th June 2014, at Makerere University Main Hall under the theme: Towards a bright future: the role of the youth in propelling unity, peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region, His Excellency, the President encouraged the youth to involve themselves in the struggle to cure Africa from the weakness of pseudo ideology as a way of curbing down other problems affecting Africa. President Museveni also advised the youth to engage and invest more in the agricultural sector because it is the major way of alleviating poverty in Uganda.
“Ugandans are agriculturalists, therefore our economic activity is farming. Let us invest in farming because it is the way we are going to gain and develop our nation. We should consider inter connections as a serious issue to create and widen the market for commodities. That is why more efforts have been made to create regional integrations such as the East African Community,” advised President Museveni to the keenly attentive audience. “My advice to you is to keep this integration of the Great Lakes region moving as the way of uplifting the leadership capabilities of the youth,” added the President.
President Museveni thanked the Patron of the Great Lakes Students Union, Gen. Elly Tumwine for helping the youth to take an upper hand in the matters concerning the region and Africa at large. His Excellency further encouraged the youth to consider symbiosis as a great factor in fighting the problem of parasitism.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Mrs. Elizabeth K. Gabona, Director Higher Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura among other dignitaries attended the Second Convention. At the same occasion, the Great Lakes Students’ Union (GLSU) presented the Lake Victoria Award to President Museveni, recognizing him for promoting peace, security and economic development in Africa.
The Chairperson of the Great Lakes Students’ Union, Mr. David Lewis thanked President Museveni, who launched the Union on Friday 12th July 2013 for accepting to officiate at the 2nd Convention on Saturday 7th June 2014. The Great Lakes Students’ Union comprises over 5000 past and present Student leaders from the Great Lakes region, and as such, the Second Convention consisted of participants from Universities in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Kampala International University, Cavendish University, Islamic University in Uganda, and Kampala University were some of the Uganda institutions that sent delegates to the Second GLSU Convention.
Mr. David Lewis emphasized that the Great Lakes Students’ Union was formed to purposely spread the gospel of regional integration, based on the objective of grooming the youth into responsible leaders. He then commended the sister associations namely the Somali Students Association in Uganda and the Nigerian Students Association in Uganda for participating in the Second Convention. He further explained that the choice of the day’s theme was in line with pressing needs of the region such as peace, prosperity and self-reliance. The GLSU Chairperson further expressed concern that the youth had become prey to illegal activities.
“It is lamentable that terrorism acts are on the rise in the region and at the centre of such acts are the youth. It is very easy to find youths active in such acts and yet when put to task, they cannot give the reasons why they are doing so.” Lewis said.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu applauded the President for being passionate about empowering the youth and always giving them advice and counsel on issues critical to their social wellbeing as well as to national development. Professor Ddumba-Ssentamu pointed out the Students Loan Scheme launched on 24th April 2014 and the Uganda Youth innovation Centre and Export market launched on 2nd June 2014 as some of the initiatives that showed the President’s commitment to empowering the youth. The Vice Chancellor also thanked the President for supporting Makerere University through the Presidential Science Initiative as well as the assistance for infrastructural development through the African Development Bank.
“Through the Presidential Initiative, we have been able to produce cutting edge innovations in the fields of Technology, Design and Development, Academic Records Management, Low-cost Irrigation, Community Wireless Resource Centre, Internet Laboratories, as well as Food Technology, Nutrition, Animal Resources and Veterinary Medicine. I must point out, Mr. President, that this support is directly benefitting the youth at Makerere University to develop innovative technologies, undertake applied research and create knowledge for the transformation of society in line with the national vision 2040.”
The Patron of the Great Lakes Students’ Union, Gen. Elly Tumwine, said that the issue of the young people of the Great Lakes Region coming together is an energizer for the rest of the regional populations. He therefore called on the delegates to focus on prosperity of Africa. He saluted the President for supporting the youth and the Great Lakes Students’ Union.
Writer: Prossy Nabatte, Student Intern, MAK Public Relations Office
Editor: Ritah Namisango, Head, MAK Public Relations Office
Photos: Joseph Buwule, Associate Photographer, Landmark Media Consultancy
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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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