General
Thousand bury Prof. Mazrui in Mombasa
The burial of Kenyan Scholar Prof. Ali Mazrui, attracted thousands of people who came from all over the world, to pay their last respects. Prof. Ali Mazrui was buried on Sunday 19th October 2014 at his ancestral home in Fort Jesus, Mombasa. The burial was attended by high profile delegates and representatives from many parts of the world including the USA, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda – particularly Makerere University. A powerful delegation comprising of the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the Deputy Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Abasi Kiyimba and Nuha Mwesigwa of the Makerere University Private Sector Forum, MUPSF, travelled on behalf of Makerere University. Mwesigwa narrates that this delegation was recognized and thanked for making it to the burial of Prof. Ali Mazrui – an acclaimed Ambassador of Makerere University. After the burial, a few invited guests headed to the Agha Khan high School hall where tributes were read.
In his condolence message, the Vice Chancellor said Makerere University would continue with the Mazuriana projects. “We at Makerere will always remember Prof. Ali Mazrui for his dedicated service to this institution for the ten years he spent with us. 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, making him one of our most devoted Ambassadors. Makerere University is committed to carrying on the Mazruiana projects comprising of the Mazrui Endowment Chair and the East African Ali Mazrui Centre for Global Studies. This is our humble way of celebrating Prof. Ali Mazrui’s long and illustrious academic life,” he said.
Nuha Mwesigwa, who spoke on behalf of the Governor of Bank of Uganda Prof. Emmanuel Mutebile – the Chairman of MUPSF observed that, “The Mazrui Chair is intended to attract future scholars of exceptional distinction in the objective that any new holder would repeat Professor Mazrui’s illustrious record. The Chair will support nationally and internationally credentialed research professors and lecturers in teaching, research, innovations and knowledge management and exchange plus those engaged in writing and publishing.”
In her remarks, Prof. Mazrui’s widow, Pauline Uti – Mazrui shared that her husband always insisted that he was to be buried in Mombasa besides his late father’s grave. She was grateful that this request had been respected. She said Prof. Mazrui was a strong believer in God’s providence and that their home was always welcome to; since God would provide.
At Makerere University, many who were not in position to travel to Mombasa wrote moving testimonies about the departed scholar in a condolence book opened in the office of the Vice Chancellor. This book is now in the custody of the Mazrui family. Below are some of the written messages in the book:
Prof. Apolo Nsibambi (Former Prime Minister of Uganda): Prof. Ali Mazrui was a versatile academic giant, an 
orator, an excellent teacher, a loving critic of Governance and he published more than thirty books on topical issues. He was an effective Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Head of the Department of Political Sciences and Public Administration. He started the tradition of holding public lectures in the Main Hall. The controversial lectures attracted members of staff, students and people from outside the University. He took the University to the public. We must operationalise the Chair which he started at Makerere University. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Amb. Robert Ngesu, Kenyan Deputy High Commissioner (wrote on behalf of the High Commissioner and Staff of the Commission): “Prof. Ali Mazrui was a great Kenyan, a scholar, and an acclaimed academician who will be missed by many who interacted with him. Prof. Mazrui’s academic life was launched at Makerere University where he taught for over ten years, His academic and Scholarly footprints will eternally be in this University.”
Elizabeth Gabona (Commissioner for Higher Education in the Ministry of Education): Your legacy and inspiration will live on forever. Rest in peace.
Prof. Edward Kirumira, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences: “This is indeed a great loss to the social sciences and humanities fraternity at Makerere University and the continent. Our condolences. We pray that we uphold his legacy. May Prof. Mazrui’s soul rest in peace.”
Dr. Sallie Kayunga Simba (Mak, Department of Political Science and Public Administration), “Prof. Ali. Mazrui was a great man. I have an opportunity to read several of his books. I coordinated his visit to the Senior Staff and Command College, Kimaka. His suggestion towards conflict resolution in Africa is great. He was humble and easy to reach. I will miss him greatly.”
Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu, Chairperson Makerer University Academic Staff Association: “We thank God for the gift of Prof. Ali Mazrui. Me in the field of the study of Islam and Diplomacy, I will always take him as my model. May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace.”
Dr. Tanga Odoi (Makerere History Department): Prof. Ali Mazrui has held Africa and its heritage very well. He applauded the obvious fact that Africans had a history, culture and that the continent is the cradle of man, to the dismay of colonial-Euro centric scholars who thought otherwise. He remains alive through his revered works and we shall all keep him in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace.’’
Jackie Ayorekire, Finance Department Makerere University: “I have always liked Prof. Mazrui for his objective debates and it was sad indeed to hear about his demise. As believers, we should accept that his time had come, and forever remember him and talk about him to the next generation.”
Prof. P.E.T Mugambi (Uganda National Academy of Science): “I wish to pay a deep felt tribute to Prof. Mazrui for his singular contribution to Makerere University, Uganda and Africa as a brilliant intellectual. I joined Makerere University with him as an Academic member of Staff where we worked as colleagues.”
David Kahundha Muhwezi (Makerere University Accounting Officer): “What a loss for Africa and Makerere University 
. He has been a great man and son of Africa. May his soul rest in peace.”
Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida (Vice Chairperson of Makerere University Council): His contribution to intellectual thought made him a giant. May his soul rest in peace.
Ritah Namisango (Senior Public Relations Officer Makerere University): Prof. Mazrui as you meet your creator, may your soul rest in peace. Let your love for Makerere University continue to inspire us to build for the future.
Stephen Kateega (Deputy Dean of Students): Prof. Mazrui lit a light that will not be extinguished at Makerere University.
Mary Tizikara (Director Human Resources, Mak.): Your legacy will continue to inspire institutions. Rest in peace.
Prof. Maria Musoke (Makerere University Librarian): You have been our academic pillar and star. May your soul rest in peace.
Rosette Senoga (Finance Department): Rest in peace Prof. Mazrui. You have left a foot print.
And so many more…
Compiled by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Related articles:
http://news.mak.ac.ug/2014/10/mak-holds-dua-prof-ali-mazrui
http://news.mak.ac.ug/2014/10/makerere-staff-pay-tribute-prof-ali-mazrui
http://vc.mak.ac.ug/events/254-celebrating-prof-ali-mazrui-a-distinguished-alumnus.html
Prof. Ali Mazrui Launches Makerere Project – 11th August 2009
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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