General

Prof Maria Musoke Hands over Mak Librarianship

Published

11 years ago

January 29, 2015

Deputy University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha (L), Mr. Patrick Akonyet-Directorate of Internal Audit (C) and Prof. Maria Musoke (R) during the latter's handover on 20th January 2015, Main Library, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

“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)

General

Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga Appointed 2nd Deputy Prime Minister

Published

7 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Philemon Akoragye

The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga gestures during an interview on 17th January 2025. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.

Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.

Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.

He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.

Incoming Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga lifting the Chancellor’s Mace.

Political and Public Service Career

Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.

He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.

Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:

Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
Minister of Finance
Minister of Internal Affairs
Minister of Health
Minister without Portfolio
Minister of Defence

During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.

From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.

Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.

Significance for Makerere

As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.

University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga confers a Doctorate Degree upon one of the graduands during the 76th Graduation Ceremony. 76th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, School of Public Health (MakSPH). Commencement Speaker-Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, Makerere University Endowment Fund Chairperson. 25th February 2026, Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga confers a Doctorate Degree upon one of the graduands during the 76th Graduation Ceremony.***

His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.

Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.

Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.

The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014

General

Applications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27

Published

4 days ago

May 25, 2026

Mak Editor

Students in discussion groups in Freedom Square on 1st April 2026.

UPDATE 25^th May 2026

Application deadline extended to 28^th May 2026.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Monday 20^th April 2026.

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.

Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.

Advert-Mak-PRIVATE-Undergraduate-ADMISSION-2026-2027 Download

Additional-A-Level-Private Advert Download

How to submit your application

Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:

Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel
Select option 3-Admission
Select option 3-Pay Fees
Enter reference number obtained from Application portal
Details of Application form will be confirmed
Enter PIN to confirm payment

The closing date for receiving applications shall be 28^th May 2026.

WARNING:

Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

General

Admission List for Bachelor of Laws under Government Sponsorship 2026/27

Published

1 week ago

May 22, 2026

Mak Editor

The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for students admitted to the Bachelor of Laws under Government Sponsorship for the Academic Year 2026/2027.

Please note that the list below contains those who were admitted under the Direct (A’ Level Leavers), Diploma, and Mature Age Entry Schemes.

The admission list is shown below:

Mak-Undergraduate-Bachelor-of-Laws-Government-Sponsorship-2026-2027 Download