General
H.E Ssekandi launches Prof. Nsibambi’s book on national integration
In an interview on the day of the book launch, the author-Professor Apolo Robin Nsibambi said: “I have written this book on national integration to share ideas and knowledge with Ugandans and the world over. When the ideas are read world over, humanity will understand and appreciate what is in Uganda.”
The author is a former Prime Minister of Uganda (1999-2011), Minister of Public Service (1996-1998) and Minister of Education and Sports (1998-1999).
At Makerere University, Professor Nsibambi is respected for his enormous contribution to Makerere University’s transformation and continuity in building for the future. He is distinguished alumnus of Makerere University (Bsc Economics London at Makerere University) who served his alma-mater as member of faculty, Head of Department of Political Science and Public Administration (1978-1990); Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences (1978-1983, 1985-1987), and Director- Makerere Institute of Social Research (1993-1996), and Chancellor (2003-2007).
On Friday 26th September 2014, Professor Nsibambi presented to Ugandans and the world at large, another book titled, National Integration in Uganda 1962-2013, published by Fountain Publishers, Kampala, Uganda. Professor Nsibambi renown for encouraging people to publish has 54 publications including a book on decentralization and civil society in Uganda: The Quest for Good Governance,1998.
In his 337 page book, Professor Nsibambi examines the problems and prospects of national integration since 1962 when Uganda achieved independence to 2013. He presents seven chapters: Introduction: National Integration in Uganda (1962-2013); Definition of National Integration; Integrating Buganda into Uganda (1962-2013); Integrating Karamoja into Uganda; Integrating the Northern Region into Uganda; the Language Factor and National Integration in Uganda; the book ends with Chapter VI, which draws together the main themes of the work and provides some reflections by way of conclusion.
The book concludes by asking a question: ‘What is the main obstacle to the integration of Buganda,Karamoja and the Northern region into Uganda?’
To answer the question, Prof. Nsibambi provides historical evidence and lessons that can be learnt, uses the available literature/research on the evolution of Uganda, and he asserts that the Central Government has established central authority over Buganda, Karamoja and the northern region. He equally points out that the failure of the Government to take adequate deliberate steps to make English and Swahili, two official languages, to be widely understood national languages, has reduced the realization of trans-ethnic integration.
Launching the book, H.E Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda congratulated Prof. Apolo Nsibambi on yet another milestone in his very long and distinguished career as an Academician and a person who has made tremendous contribution in extending the boundaries of knowledge to a sizeable number of people.
“Prof. Nsibambi is eminently qualified to write this book because he is a not only strong academic but an experienced Political Leader. I discovered Prof. Apolo Nsibambi when he was a Member of the Constituent Assembly which made our Constitution. He was articulate on constitutional and political issues; and a wordsmith of sorts. You all remember words like “lugubrious,” said the Vice President drawing applause from Senior Citizens in this country, religious and political leaders, civil society, leaders of political parties, academia, media who attended the book launch at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.
Arch Bishop Emeritus Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo thanked the Almighty God for blessing Professor Nsibambi with wisdom to write the book on national integration. He also appealed to the Almighty God to equally bless audience and all Ugandans with a reading culture.
The Managing Director, Fountain Publishers, Mr. James Tumusiime welcomed Prof. Nsibambi’s book as a timely addition to Uganda’s knowledge. Acknowledging Prof. Nsibambi as a great lover of knowledge and an advocate for the reading culture and publishing, Mr. Tumusiime thanked authors in Uganda and world over for writing books to bridge the knowledge gaps.
The Vice President, H.E Kiwanuka Ssekandi pointed out that the absence of national integration had caused Ugandans to fight religious and tribal wars. He reiterated the NRM Government’s commitment to the promotion and realization integration at National, Regional and Continental levels; for socio-economic transformation of our people, from Peasantry to Modernity.
“Government, therefore, will continue to emphasise the importance of unity and need for a common vision based on the desire to fight poverty, and improve the social wellbeing of the people. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to call upon all Ugandans to appreciate the importance of integration and unity if we are to overcome, the challenges of our times,” he said.
This valuable book published by Fountain Publishers Limited costs only Thirty thousand shillings only (30,000/=).
Written by: Ritah Namisango, Makerere University Public Relations Office
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
-
General6 days agoUndergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027
-
General6 days agoMakerere Hands Over CCE Hall to NEC for Renovation
-
General1 week agoFees Waiver Female Scholarship 2026/2027
-
General1 week agoMakerere University Set to Develop Curriculum to Transform Graduate Supervision and Mentorship
-
Education1 week agoMakerere University Signs MoU with Fukui University to enhance Research, Teacher Development and STEM Education