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
When a delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) visited Makerere University on 23rd July 2026, one of the biggest discussions was how universities can effectively manage research grants.
The MUST delegation, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika, visited Makerere to learn from the University’s experience in managing externally funded research projects. During the meeting, Makerere Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe revealed that while MUST managed research grants worth about UGX 13 billion in the last financial year, Makerere’s research portfolio now stands at approximately USD 250 million.
The discussion focused on the systems, policies and accountability measures that have enabled Makerere to manage one of the largest research portfolios in Africa.
Research Funding Built on Trust.
Prof. Nawangwe explained that Makerere’s research funding comes from different colleges and research units.
He noted that the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) alone attracts about USD 70 million annually, while the School of Public Health receives approximately USD 30 million each year. Together, the two units account for nearly USD 100 million in research funding.
He said these grants are made possible because development partners trust the University to manage public resources responsibly.
“We must ensure proper accountability so that we don’t lose the trust of our donors and continue benefiting from their support,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
How Makerere Manages Research Grants.
Acting University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito took the MUST delegation through the key requirements that every grant funded project must meet under Makerere’s Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).
He explained that every research project must first be included in the University’s approved budget in line with the Public Finance Management Act before any funds can be spent.
He also emphasized that procurement under research grants must comply with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act, regardless of the donor’s procurement guidelines.
“The Auditor General will pounce on you” if procurement procedures are not followed, he cautioned.
Mr. Kizito further explained that all assets purchased using grant funds, including vehicles and equipment, must be recorded in the University’s central assets register unless the funding agreement states otherwise.
He added that separate project bank accounts can only be opened with approval from the Accountant General, while all projects must submit both financial and narrative reports to funders and government and undergo regular audits.
University Bursar Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha noted that although grant funds do not appear directly in the University’s main financial statements, they are fully disclosed in the notes to the accounts and are audited annually before reports are submitted to Parliament.
Lessons from the Research and Innovation Fund.
The delegation also learnt about the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
Representing the Fund, Dr. Roy William Mayega said Mak-RIF has invested about UGX 172 billion in research and innovation over the last seven financial years.
He explained that 70 percent of the funding supports competitive research grants, 10 percent is reserved for projects addressing national priorities, while the remaining funds support monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of research findings.
According to Dr. Mayega, the Fund has so far supported 1,480 research and innovation projects, with 53% completed and 47% still ongoing.
Looking Beyond Research Grants.
Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships Prof. Robert Wamala encouraged the visiting delegation to look beyond simply winning research grants.
He emphasized the importance of investing in strong internal systems, using artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, and ensuring that research leads to publications, patents, commercialization and partnerships with industry.
He noted that universities should not only focus on attracting grants but also on translating research into solutions that benefit society.
Learning from Makerere’s experience.
Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika said MUST recently established a Research Institute to coordinate research activities and grant management under one structure. She explained that the University wanted to learn from Makerere’s experience as its own research portfolio continues to grow.
“We have come to learn from your achievements as well as the challenges, so that we can do things better,” she said.
She added that the visit marks the beginning of closer collaboration between the two institutions, with a follow up technical engagement planned to allow the MUST team to learn more about Makerere’s grant management systems, including the GAMSU online platform.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management on 23rd July 2026 hosted a delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika. The visit follows the formation of the Grants Office under the newly opened MUST Research Institute. This delegation was therefore keen to benchmark Makerere University’s Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU)’s experience as the office responsible for managing all MUST’s research and innovation funding takes shape.
Welcoming the delegation, most of whom are alumni of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended MUST on strides made in human capacity development throughout the 37 years of existence, particularly in the health sciences.
“We have collaborated in various areas, particularly in medicine – I see many of our researchers publishing together, and we have joint programmes, especially in HIV/AIDS research” the Vice Chancellor remarked, before adding “Our collaboration in medicine is very strong, and it would be good to expand this collaboration to other disciplines.”
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that although this was a benchmarking visit, the learning process is two-way and as such, the team from Makerere is equally keen to learn from their MUST counterparts. “As a slightly smaller university, you may have more time to reflect on issues than we do,” he explained.
In her remarks, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika thanked the Vice Chancellor and University Management for accepting to host the benchmarking delegation, noting that it was a homecoming visit for her and several colleagues. She equally acknowledged that collaborations in Medicine take the lion’s share of existing work between two intuitions.
“Our largest faculty, formerly the Faculty of Medicine, has recently been renamed the Faculty of Health Sciences to better reflect its broader mandate. However, our other faculties include: Faculty of Science, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, and the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (Engineering)” she explained.
She added that in 2026, MUST established the Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Veterinary Sciences, and is restructuring the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies to strengthen its focus as a science and technology university. Away from academia, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika shared that MUST’s hitherto semi-autonomous research centres had been brought under the umbrella of a Research Institute, “to provide a coordinated framework for research.”
They include the Centre of: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine; Innovation and Technology Transfer; Tropical Forest Conservation; Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Entrepreneurship; and Public Policy and Economic Data.
Turning to the gist of the visit, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika noted that as MUST continues to restructure its units and grow it’s grants portfolio, tapping into Makerere University’s wealth of experience in attracting and managing funding from both the Government and development partners is inevitable.
“Makerere, as the leading university in the country, continues to support other universities, and we would like to benefit from that experience,” Prof. Byakika-Kibwika remarked. “We hope to learn from both your achievements and your challenges so that we can improve our own systems” she concluded.
The meeting was attended by the Acting University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Director Research, Innovation and Partnerships-Prof. Robert Wamala, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Julius Kikooma, Head GAMSU- Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Member of Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Coordinator-Dr. Roy William Mayega and Advancement Office’s Mr. Vincent Lubega Nsamba.
The MUST delegation included; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Robert Bitariho, University Secretary-Mr. Vincent Kansiime Kwatampora, and Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Prinari Behangana. Others included Finance Manager-CPA Annah Atuhaire, MUST Research Institute Chief Research Officer-Assoc. Prof. Angella Musiimenta, Principal Legal Officer-Mr. Timothy Mugumya, Deputy Secretary (Planning)-Ms. Robinah Nakakeeto and Dean Faculty of Business and Management Sciences-Dr. John Baguma Kule.
By Murungi Gloria N.
Building a century of excellence, Makerere University Strategic Plan 2026-2030 lays a clear roadmap to strengthen research, innovation, transformative education as well as national and global development over the next five years.
Makerere University launches the strategic plan 2025-2030 central (c) Hon. Henry Musasizi, left (L) Mrs. Lorna Magara, second right Guild President Makerere University, third right Prof. Barnabus Nawangwe
On Thursday 2nd July 2026, at Makerere Main Campus, the launching event gathered government leaders, development partners, university leaders and dignitaries such the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representative of the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority as well as the University Vice Chancellor. Makerere launched its strategic plan under the theme; ‘Optimizing the University’s Research Potential for National and Global Transformation.’
Preparing the strategic plan
‘Preparing this plan has been a process,’ the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Prof. Herny Alinaitwe said. He emphasized that the strategic plan was developed through careful consultation, review and participation rather than being created in isolation. The previous Makerere University plan used to have long term of 10years. However, around 2019-2020 the National Planning Authority advised to adjust to the five years of National Development Plan (NDP IV) ensuring that the University contributes directly to the country’s development.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe
Accelerating to national transformation
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, began his speech by reaffirming University’s long-term vision. ‘Our vision is to be an outstanding leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.’ He added the Makerere’s mission is to provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and service responsive to dynamic national and global needs.
He emphasised that the new strategic plan is designed to transform Makerere into a research-led University and for this to happen we need to have more than 419 professors and 473 associate professors. Currently the university has 73 professors and 144 associate professors.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
‘We are not removing undergraduate programmes but we want to reduce them gradually and increase graduate numbers because those are the ones going to do the innovations and transform the economy,’ continued Prof. Nawangwe. He stressed the postgraduate students play a crucial role in research and innovation and increasing postgraduates from 10% to 16.1% enrolment is therefore central to achieving the University’s vison of becoming a leading research institution.
He said, ‘Makerere University continues to contribute its fair share to transforming human capital in the country and economic development.’ He thanked and encouraged the government and other partners to further increase the goodwill towards the institution.
‘Today marks not the end of the process but the beginning of an even greater responsibility it’s successful implementation,’ noted the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara. reminded stakeholders that the launch is only the first step and its success will depend on faithful implementation.
She highlighted the central roles of higher education, research and innovation in Uganda’s economic transformation. ‘Let us therefore move with courage, lead with integrity, purse excellence without compromise and together we will build a much stronger Makerere for a stronger Uganda.’
Transformation objectives
Prof. Nawangwe and the chairperson University Council Mrs. Lorna presented possible targets in the strategic plan, among them increasing PhD student enrolment from 15% to 35%, registered patents from 15 to 45, commercialised innovations from 25 to 65, STEM enrolment from 32% to 55%, postgraduate enrolment from 3700 to 7000 by 2030 and raise graduate employability from 45% to 65%within six months of graduation.
Mrs. Lorna Magara
Government commitment to the strategic plan
Speaking as the Guest of Honor, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi launched the strategic plan 2025-2030 describing it as a timely and forward-looking roadmap that aligns with Uganda’s vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Hon. Henry Musasizi
‘This Strategic plan comes at an important time as the country works to grow its economy from about USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040.’
The Chief Guest, Hon. Herny Musasizi noted that Uganda’s ambition to expand its economy from approximately USD50 billion to over USD500 billion by 2040 will require sustained investment in research, innovation, industrialisation and human capital development, with universities playing a central role in achieving these aspirations.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue working with Makerere University to build a growing income, industrialised and knowledge driven economy while stressing accountability, innovation and the need to apply research in solving Uganda’s development hardships. He also commended Makerere for aligning its strategic priorities with national development goals, explaining that such alignment would facilitate government support and resource allocation through the national budgeting process.
Leading to national economic transformation through universities
Reflecting on the central role of higher education in Uganda’s economic transformation, Samuel Kasule, the Senior Planner for Education and Skills, National Planning Authority appreciated Makerere roles.
Samuel Kasule
‘At the cornerstone of increased labour productivity is the role of universities especially in supporting the high impact sectors identified in the tenfold growth strategy,’ Mr. Kasule remarked.
He elaborated that universities are expected to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to drive innovation across sectors such as minerals, oil and gas, agro-industrialisation, tourism and agriculture. He also argued the by producing highly skilled human capital as well as fostering innovation institutions like Makerere University will play a pivotal role in increasing labour production and accelerate economic growth achieving Uganda’s ambition of becoming a USD500 billion from USD50 billion under the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Conclusion
Guided by its strategies direction of excellence, accountability, professionalism, integrity and respect together with inclusivity, the University has reinforced its commitment to advancing quality education, research and innovation. The launch of strategic plan 2025-2030 reflects this commitment by positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development and transformation, consistent with national priorities.
-
General1 week agoPress Release: Updates on Makerere University’s Staffing, 2026/7 Academic Calendar, Ebola Response Leadership
-
General2 weeks agoStakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration
-
General7 days agoDVCAA Commends RENU Industrial Training Programme, Calls for its Expansion
-
Agriculture & Environment1 week agoCall for Applications for PhD positions in Dairy Nutrition & Agroforestry
-
Health2 weeks agoMakSPH 2025 Annual Report: A Defining Year of Growth, Partnership and Public Health Impact