General
Mak to award Honorary Doctorate to Ruth M Keesling
Ms Ruth Morris Keesling-a blessing to the human and animal world is a celebrated American wildlife conservationist who has dedicated her life, resources and purpose for living to the transformation of Makerere University, the advancement of Veterinary Medicine and Wild Life, animal health research and tourism in Uganda, Africa and world over.
During the 65th Graduation Ceremony, the Chancellor will evoke the powers entrusted to him to award a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University to Ms Ruth Morris Keesling in recognition of her distinguished and selfless contribution to Makerere University, Uganda, the Eastern and Central Africa region and global communities.
Ms Ruth Morris Keesling has made the world a better place! She deserves this prestigious award! Subsequently, the proposal from Mak College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security to award Ms Ruth Morris Keesling with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) was unanimously endorsed by the Makerere University Senate-the Chief academic organ of this great institution.
Reading her admirable CV, the University Council chaired by Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem noted that Ms Ruth Morris Keesling, from New Jersey and an alumnus of the University of Colorado, USA had over the years generously contributed to Makerere University’s growth and transformation as well as the human race at the national and international levels. As the University Council unanimously adopted the proposal at its 133rd meeting held on Thursday 11th December 2014, it was evident that Ms Ruth Morris Keesling’s heart and soul were at Makerere University when she selflessly devoted her time and resources in all that she did for the institution.
Born on 4th April 1930 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States, Ms Ruth Morris Keesling, grew up in the first small animal hospital in the country, established by her veterinarian father, Dr. Mark L. Morris, in New Jersey. She learned to love animals at an early age. After graduating from the University of Colorado in 1953 with a degree in Journalism, she chose to become a partner in Mark Morris Associates and Theracon Laboratories, the Family’s Animal Nutritional Research Organizations which developed Prescription Diets and Science Diets for dogs and cats.
Since 1948, she has worked as a lifetime Trustee and Executive Committee member to develop the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), which is dedicated to solving health problems in companion animals and wildlife. Today, MAF is the largest animal-specialist non-governmental organization in the world.
For the last 28 years since 1986, Ruth Morris Keesling has dedicated her energies, finances and time to carry on the gorilla conservation legacy of the late Primatologist Dian Fossey; and has made major contribution to the recovery of the Mountain Gorilla population from 248 at the time to the current estimate of 880.
Contribution to Mak’s mision:
- Ruth Morris Keesling and the veterinarians she was funding initiated collaboration with Makerere University in 1996, through the then Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She financed an honorary lecturer position to build capacity in wildlife health management from 1996 to 2006.
- She provided supplementary funds for selected Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) final year students to carry out research and acquire skills in gorilla health. These graduates are now part of the vibrant team of Mountain gorilla and other primate health management specialists in the region.
- She was instrumental in negotiation for establishment of Department of Wildlife and Animal Resources Management (WARM) in 1997 with commitment to provide supplementary budget for the running of WARM over the years.
- Provided supplementary budget and technical support to running a field wildlife course at the Makerere University field station in Lake Mburo National Park
- Established the first computer laboratory and internet connection in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Provided funds in 2007 to transform a classroom on the COVAB main block and enable it host a state-of-the Arc Geographical Information Systems (ArcGIS) computer laboratory.
In 2010-2011, an MoU was negotiated and established between Makerere and Ruth Keesling’s organization; Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (MGCF), to expand WARM in the new Collegiate system. Funds (up to US$ 250,000) have been spent in renovating an old structure to transform it into a Regional Centre of Excellence in Wildlife Health and Management. Ruth was honoured by Makerere University in October 2013 at a donors dedication function by naming the centre after her.
With regard to scholarship for graduate training, Ms Ruth Morris Keesling has committed funds to support Makerere University’s training efforts. Up to 8 full Masters Scholarships and one PhD have been given for graduate training in Wildlife Health and Management. In addition, the Masters in Wildlife Health and Management is being reviewed with tracks to respond to the regional demands that have been expressed by Conservation Institutions and conservation NGOs.
At the national level, Ruth Morris Keesling made a quest for the phylogenetic study in 1990 whose results helped in the determination of the exact phylogeny of the Bwindi gorillas and eventual upgrading mountain gorilla status (Gorilla gorilla beringei). Subsequently, Bwindi Forest Reserve was gazetted as a Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Mountain Gorilla conservation; National and International funds were secured for establishment of the Management Plans; Mountain gorilla-based tourism began in Bwindi in 1993. Currently there are 13 Mt. gorilla families visited by tourists, each is visited by a maximum of 8 tourists thus generating $ 4800 per day, hence $62400 in total. Gorilla tourism currently contributes up to 50% of Uganda’s national tourism revenue. This sector is the lead foreign exchange earner for Uganda, supporting 20% of the Nation’s GDP.
In the Eastern, Central Africa region and the global communities, Ruth Morris Keesling has contributed to the establishment of the first World Veterinary Clinic dedicated to free-ranging wildlife; knowledge generation and dissemination; and provides leadership in continuation of gorilla ecological research and conservation; to mention but a few.
It is therefore befitting to witness the Orator, Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security, on 21st January 2015 citing Ms Ruth Morris Keesling selfless contribution to Mak, Uganda, Africa and global communities, and filled with joy, presenting Ms Ruth Morris Keesling to the Chancellor for the conferment of this prestigious award-Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University.
Congratulations Dr. (h.c.) Ruth Morris Keesling
By Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
Related Article
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
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.
-
General2 weeks agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoRe-Advertised Call for Applications: QCF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma Holders Admission Lists under Government Sponsorship for 2026/2027 AY
-
Education2 weeks agoProf. Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Lecture Re-ignites debate on learner-centred reforms
-
Education2 weeks agoSpecial University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27