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Celebrating Prof Ali Mazrui a distinguished Alumnus

Published

11 years ago

October 17, 2014

Mark Wamai

Prof. Ali A. Mazrui (Front) makes his way into the Main Hall, Makerere University at the Mazruiana Project Launch on 11th August 2009.

On behalf of the Makerere University Council, Senate, Management, Staff and Students, I join the rest of the world in celebrating the life of a renowned educationist, scholar and mentor, Prof. Ali Mazrui.

Prof. Ali Mazrui joined Makerere University College as a political science Lecturer in 1963. His name quickly became synonymous with academic excellence and a deep rooted desire for socio-economic growth on the African continent. For the ten years he spent at Makerere University, 1963 – 1973, Prof. Mazrui is dearly remembered for his distinguished service. He laid a firm foundation for the Department of Political Science where he served as Head of Department and Professor. He also became the first African Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Makerere University. Colleagues remember that during his tenure, Prof. Mazrui introduced courses in international relations and law, which have since gone a long way in making the Department more relevant to both local and international issues. He was also passionate about setting up an Institute of Diplomatic Studies to further give leverage to this Department, although this did not come to pass.

Makerere University made a mark the world over, at a critical time of shaping the post-colonial direction of many countries on the continent; through holding highly memorable public debates. Prof. Ali Mazrui was one of the outstanding key note speakers whose addresses the audience always looked forward to, thanks to his well-researched and vibrant discussions in the historic Main Hall. His lectures in the Main Hall were always parked to maximum capacity, right from his inaugural one on ‘Ancient Greece in African Political Thought.’ Makerere University will also remember him for the highly coveted role he played at the University’s graduation ceremonies; where he was the officially appointed University Orator — entrusted with drafting citations for honorary degrees awarded by the university. Prof. Mazrui consistently acknowledged Makerere University as the academic institution that made him who he was. He always paid tribute to his alma mater wherever he went.

In 2009 Makerere University honoured Prof. Mazrui by initiating the Mazrui Endowment Chair and the East African Ali Mazrui Centre for Global Studies. These two constituted the Mazruiana projects at Makerere University. In so doing, Prof. Ali Mazrui gave permission for his name to be utilized in perpetuity. For this Makerere University is sincerely grateful.

Through his works, Prof. Ali Mazrui impacted the continent in many ways including focusing research on key areas for Africa’s transformation. He was a selfless scholar, who indeed served in many of the leading universities in the world. He inspired many young scholars to pursue further studies and engage in research. Ali Mazrui was widely consulted on many issues including constitutional change, educational reform and leadership. It is little wonder that Prof. Mazrui received many recognitions including being recognized among the top 100 public intellectuals the world over by the American journal of Foreign Policy of Washington, DC, in 2005.

Prof. Ali Mazrui indeed lived a fulfilling life. We at Makerere University compare him to a continuous stream of knowledge, never wavering in refreshing all along its path. He was a great tutor and we thank the Lord for blessing us with one of his finest creations.

A condolence book has been opened at the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Main Administration Building, Makerere University for all who wish to pass on their condolence messages.
Memorial prayers will be held at the Makerere University Mosque to coincide with the burial of Prof. Ali Mazrui in Mombasa. The date will be communicated as soon as it is confirmed with the family of the deceased.
A delegation from Makerere University will attend the burial in Mombasa.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu
VICE CHANCELLOR

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Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

Published

23 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Mark Wamai

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali and other leaders of Higher Education Institutions after the CBE minimum standards validation meeting on 23rd January 2026. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 23^rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali.***

Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.***

Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.

Prof. Mary Okwakol. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol.***

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.

Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.***

The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).

General

Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2026

Mak Editor

An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20^th January 2026 – Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24^th January 2026 to 10^th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10^th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10^th February 2026 until 6^th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76^th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76^th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24^th February 2026 to Friday 27^th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

Makerere-Press-Release-Semester-2-Opening-Postponed-20thJan2026 Download

Ministry-of-Education-and-Sports-Directive-16thJan2026 Download

Makerere-Semester-2-Revised-Academic-Calendar Download

General

Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

Published

2 weeks ago

January 13, 2026

Mak Editor

E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).

Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).

Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg