“After ten years of MakLib leadership, I am leaving on a happy note that l am greatly inspired by what I have been able to accomplish, the people I have met, the support I got from some University Administrators, Library Staff, Members of Senate, Council and the entire University.”

These were the inspirational and heartfelt words from Prof. Maria G. N. Musoke at her handover ceremony on 20th January 2015 in the Makerere University Main Library, presided over by the Manager and Head Pre Audit Section-Directorate of Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet.  Prof. Maria Musoke handed over office to the Deputy University Librarian, Dr. Helen Byamugisha who will act as the University Librarian until a substantive head is appointed.

Prof. Maria Musoke expressed her gratitude to the Makerere University community for all the support and advice given to her during the ten years of service as University Librarian. She therefore promised to support her successor in any way possible for the betterment of the library and the university at large.

“I am really happy to say that the two terms I have been in office have played witness to great achievements in my life and the entire Makerere community. I am honored to announce that my contract for the second term in office ended on 13^th  December 2014 and today I am handing over office to Dr. Byamugisha with all the confidence that she will be able to run the library to the best of her ability. I wish her luck and I am looking forward to seeing more developments and achievements in this great institution,” she said.

Prof. Maria Musoke started off her career as an acting Librarian at Albert Cook Medical library. She then rose to the rank of Senior Librarian in charge of Acquisitions and processing of Medical literature, and then Deputy Librarian in-charge of the Medical Library. She was thereafter appointed Senior Librarian in charge of Albert Cook Medical Library, and later Documentalist /Senior Librarian Makerere University Library.

She was appointed to her first term of office; 2004-2009 and re-appointed in 2010 for her second successive term; 2010-2014. Prof. Maria Musoke will always be heralded the first Ugandan woman to head the Makerere University Library, her predecessors being five men and a British lady. These included; Mr. James Mugasha (1977-2004), Mr. Tucker Lwanga (1968-1977), Mr. Glenn L. Sitzman (1966-1967), Mr. Eric J. Belton (1961-1966), Mr. H. Holdswoth (1956-1061) and Ms. J.E Later (1948-1955).

Prof Musoke a lady of many achievements.

Prof. Maria Musoke will always be remembered as a lady of many achievements for the two terms she served as Makerere University Librarian. Some of these include;

• In 2005 the library extension project was embarked on in a phased manner, the first half of the extension was completed in 2007 with fundraising from Makerere University’s internally generated funds and officially opened on 4th August 2012 by The President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
• The new library building extension and various fundraising services improved the quality of library services through increased space for discussions and research. More ICT facilities for different categories of users are now provided by Makerere University Main Library.
• Development of modern toilet facilities to match the large student population and for the first time the library users with disabilities got toilet facilities built according to international standards.
• An extension of a fully stocked IDA section with a digital music archive of Ugandan music was set up for the first time in 2006. The archive includes audio files photographs, over 1500 digital songs of 1940s and 1950s, digitalized cassettes of ethnomusicology and other digital recordings preserved in the music archive.
• Construction of a mothers’ space on level three for the expectant library staff and users to take a break with comfortable sofas and with cool air to provide a favorable relaxing environment.

Dr. Helen Byamugisha acknowledged her predecessor, Prof. Maria Musoke who blazed a trail of achievements over her ten years of service, “I commend the outgoing librarian for the tremendous work she has done for Makerere University, Your achievement and developments will forever be remembered in Makerere’s history. I am really grateful for the support and efforts that have seen improved relations between library staff and management.”

Story by:  Prossy Nabatte, Intern-Public Relations Office.

Photo by: Elias Tuhereze- Web Administrator, Public Relations Office.

Edited by: Ritah Namisango-Senior PRO, Public Relations Office

Additional sources of information

www.mulib.mak.ac.ug

Makerere University Library booklet; The ten years of increased visibility through innovations (2004-2014)