General
Makerere Staff pay tribute to Prof. Ali Mazrui
Following the opening of a condolence book at the office of the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, a number of members of staff of Makerere University have written moving messages to pay tribute to the departed Scholar. Prof. Ali Mazrui was pronounced dead in the U.S.A on Monday, 13th October 2014.
In the condolence book the Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, wrote: ‘Prof. Mazrui led an intellectually honest life. He maximized his exposure to many civilizations in shaping his positions on issues that affected the human race. I loved Prof. Mazrui’s simple approach to life. He was a man you ought to love. We remember with affection his last visit to Makerere University. We are proud to have identified ourselves with this giant of a person. It is not only his family, not Kenya, not East Africa and not Africa that have lost but the whole world. May his soul rest in eternal peace, he so richly deserves.’
The Chairperson Makerere University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem wrote: ‘I learnt of Prof. Mazrui when I was a young student in 1969. His oratory and intellectual power shook Makerere and Uganda. He challenged the political leadership throughout Africa without fear. He inspired young African intellectuals up to his death. We shall miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.’
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu wrote: ‘Makerere University will forever remember the blessing that Prof Ali Mazrui was to us. He was a selfless person, who sought to impact the world through his God-given intellectual abilities. He is one of the few people who stood up to be counted for their views irrespective of the tumultuous post-colonial political period across the African continent. He laid a firm foundation for many in academia. At Makerere University, his candle will forever burn bright. We thank the Almighty God for his life. May his soul rest in the fine heavens, forever at peace.’
The Chairperson of Appointments Board, Stephen Maloba wrote: ‘What a rare gift from the Almighty! Many of us will always remember you for the inspiration, guidance, love and always being available. You always kept track of your former students and I was one such person that you graced with your acceptance of being a Guest Speaker to my history students at St. Peters College Tororo in Eastern Uganda. I was just a classroom teacher. Condolences to the family. I take this opportunity to convey our most sincere condolences from the Appointments Board of Makerere University, an institution you served to the best of your ability. Almighty God, grant Prof. Ali Mazrui eternal rest.’
Other members of Staff of Makerere Universityhave written that they will remember Prof. Ali Mazrui forever and ever, and that he will remain in their hearts. They all wish him a peaceful eternal rest.
Many well wishers have also signed the condolence book. One of them is Henry Kyemba of the Judicial Service Commission who wrote: ‘It was a great pleasure for me to interact with the late Prof. Ali Mazrui both in Uganda and in exile during the difficult years in Uganda. He was a brilliant debator during the Obote 1 regime (1962 – 1971) on Uganda’s way forward and he was an academician not to be ignored. May his soul rest in peace.’
By press time, more Members of Staff and well wishers were at the Vice Chancellor’s office to sign the condolence book. Many others who opted for the mailing lists such as Prof. James Ntozi noted ‘it was under him as a Dean of Social Sciences that courses in accounting and rural economics were started in 1968. These two courses later evolved into current MUBS and Department of Agricultural Economics, respectively. I know this because I joined Makerere at the same time with the pioneers of the two courses and graduated with them in 1971, having done both courses as my optional papers. May the soul of Ali Mazrui rest in Peace.’
The view of an Artist. An artist at Makerere University, Rolands Tibirusya says the late Ali Mazrui loved art. “Professor Ali Mazrui personally loved art which he believed to be an effective communication tool for diversity exhibited within our cultures. He gladly accepted to sign on the art work painted in his honor for his contribution to human kind. He signed two art works I painted; one at his 77th birthday at Makerere university in 2009 and another during his 80th birthday in 2013; held in the USA alongside the African studies conference. This was a great gesture of humility which I will live to emulate.”
Burial: Prof. Ali Mazrui will be burried on Saturday 18th October 2014 at his family’s graveyard in Fort Jesus, Mombasa Kenya.
Compiled by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Related article:
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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