General
Mak Staff Appeals Tribunal 2015-2019 Takes Office
“Although the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal is an important organ, I strongly advise the University Appointments Board to continue upholding the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in the execution of duty, maintain the standard of appointing employees on merit and follow documented procedure. Yes, when the Appointments Board does its work professionally, the Tribunal which provides a system of checks and balances on the decisions of the Appointments Board will have no work!” remarked the Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera at the handover ceremony of the Makerere University Staff Tribunal.
The outgoing Makerere University Staff Tribunal chaired by Mr. Didas Nkurunziza handed over to the incoming Tribunal on Friday 17th April 2015. The University Management, Principals, Representatives of academic, administrative and support staff, and the Students’ Guild attended the colorful ceremony held in the Makerere University Main Hall.
Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe Tindyebwa from St. Francis Chapel Makerere University who led the opening prayer at the handover thanked God for the accomplishments of the outgoing Tribunal and in the same spirit, prayed to God to bless and guide the new Tribunal during their four year tenure (2015-2019).
Evoking the powers entrusted to him, and further guided by Section 56 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera read the Instrument of Appointment.
“I appoint you George Omunyokol, a Member and Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Tribunal for a period of four (4) years with effect from 20th March 2015.”
The Chancellor congratulated Mr. George Omunyokol-the Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal. (2015-2019) and amidst applause from the audience, officially handed over the Instrument of Appointment to him. The overjoyed Omunyokol also received the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act from the Outgoing Chairperson of the Tribunal, Mr. Didas Nkurunziza.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu emphasized the role of the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal-an organ that provides a forum for aggrieved members of staff to be heard by an independent team of persons, led by a qualified member of the Justice Department of Uganda.
“Through the Tribunal, aggrieved members of staff get a right to a fair hearing and appropriate re-dress, without hindrances from the University system. The Tribunal also serves as a system of checks and balances for the Appointments Board. While the employees get a readily available system of fair hearing, the University too benefits in terms of reduced court cases and legal costs,” highlighted Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu.
The new Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal, Mr. George Omunyokol accepted the appointment with gratitude and humility.
“I am ready and willing to serve this great institution, to the best of my ability, with all the fairness and impartiality it deserves, in accordance with the law. Together with the Tribunal members, we shall endeavour to ensure that the rights of every individual within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal, are not trampled upon by anyone. I will uphold integrity and dignity of the office to which you have appointed me,” he said.
The other newly appointed members are: Mr. Kiguli Herbert-Representative of the Ministry of Public Service; Dr. Rose Nakayi-Representative of MUASA, Prof. George W. Lubega-Representative of MUASA; Mr. Tom Otim-Representative of MASA; Ms Ruth Iteu Eyoku-Representative of MASA; Dr. Consolata Kabonesa-Representative of Senate; and a representative of the University Council to be nominated.
Mr. Omunyokol informed the audience that when he learnt that the outgoing Chairperson of the Tribunal was Dr. Nkurunziza, a respected Ugandan who has served Uganda and beyond with an impeccable record of upholding fairness and integrity was handing over, he felt humbled and yet inspired to take on the mantle. In a special way, Mr. Omunyokol, an alumnus of Makerere University, applauded his teacher and mentor-Prof. Fredrick Jjuuko (from the School of Law) whom he respectfully referred to as “the grandfather of law” for not only nurturing and training upcoming lawyers, but also selflessly serving the legal profession. He equally thanked the Law Council, Uganda Law Society and the Judicial Service Commission for considering his name for appointment.
Mr. Didas Nkurunziza was the inaugural Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Tribunal. Reflecting on his two year term, Mr. Nkurunziza said: “In December 2006, the Chancellor issued an Instrument appointing me as the Chairperson of the Tribunal. Being a body that was not previously in existence getting the Tribunal to actually start its work was no easy feat but thanks to the Office of the University Secretary and other Members of the Tribunal, we were eventually able to have it up and receiving appeals on the decisions of the Appointments Board.”
Mr. Nkurunziza observed that although the first cases were few and far between, after Rulings of the Tribunal; some in favour of the Appellants and some not, more appeals were filed with increasing regularity.
“To the incoming Chairperson and Members of the Tribunal, I wish you all the best and I hope that a reasonably good foundation has been laid for you,” remarked Mr. Nkurunziza.
Mr. Nkurunziza thanked the Chancellor for giving him the opportunity to serve for not only one, but two terms and giving something back to Makerere University; the institution that taught and nurtured him.
He equally thanked the distinguished members of the Makerere University Tribunal who served during his tenure for their dedication, time, and input that enabled the Tribunal dispense justice between employer and employees. He further appreciated the support received from the Registry of the Tribunal namely Mr. Daniel Ruhweza and Mr. Kabumba Busingye from the School of Law. Mr. Kabumba Busingye replaced Mr. Daniel Ruhweza who went for further studies.
Subsequently, the Chancellor presented plaques to the Outgoing Chairperson and Members of the Tribunal in recognition of their selfless service in the dispensation of justice. The Members were: Prof. F.J. Juuko, Prof. G.W. Lubega, Dr. Sarah N. Ssali, Dr. Jane Bosa, Ms Shifrah Lukwago, Mr. Didace Agaba, Mr. J.J. Nanseera, Dr. Abasi Kiyimba, Dr. Consolata Kabonesa, Ms Ruth Eyoku Iteu, Mr. J.C. Ninsiima and Mr. Tom Otim.
On behalf of the Makerere University Council, Vice Chairperson of Council, Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida commended the Outgoing Tribunal for taking a bold stand to uphold justice, fairness, accountability, transparency and integrity for the good of Makerere University and Uganda in general. She pledged Mak Council’s readiness to cooperate in processes that facilitate the work of the Tribunal.
In the same spirit, the Chairperson of Makerere University Staff Association (MUASA), Dr. M. Kiggundu-Musoke appreciated the outgoing Tribunal for winning the trust of Makerere University staff and further pledged MUASA’s readiness to work and cooperate with the incoming Tribunal (2015-2019).
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu thanked the University Secretary, Mr. David Kahundha-Muhwezi and his team including the Makerere University Legal Office for the support rendered to the Makerere UniversityStaff Tribunal and for organizing the handover ceremony.
Article by: Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
Photos by: Elias Tuhereze, Public Relations Office
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Scholars Discuss Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing AI for African Identity at Makerere University
Betty Kyakuwa & Eve Nakyanzi
Scholars from across Africa and beyond convened at Makerere University for a workshop on “Techno-Colonialism: Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Identity.” The event formed part of the ongoing African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Conference hosted at Makerere University, under the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, welcomed participants to what she described as a “thought-provoking engagement for early career researchers.” She noted that the Centre, hosted at Makerere University, now brings together over 10 universities across Africa and partner institutions in the Global North to examine evolving African identities in the face of global transformations.
“We don’t imagine a single African identity defined by class, tribe, or religion,” Prof. Ssali said. “We consider African identities as lived, negotiated, and continually reshaped by experiences such as colonialism, globalization, and technological change.”
The workshop was moderated by Dr. Kemi Kehinde, an ARUA–Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellow from Anchor University, Nigeria, who emphasized the need to critically examine the intersections between artificial intelligence, indigenous knowledge, and identity formation.
Dr. Kemi invited participants to reflect on a presentation by Dr. Sameen Musa on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AI in the Context of Decoloniality and Sustainable Futures. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI systems recognize and integrate oral African traditions such as storytelling, proverbs, and performance arts—areas where current technologies often fall short.
“As young African scholars, we have a responsibility to shape the training models of AI so that future systems engage authentically with African oral traditions and worldviews,” Dr. Kemi noted.
The panel featured Prof. Aghogho Akpome from the University of Zululand, Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Marvin Galiwango, a machine learning engineer at Makerere, and Dr. Nikolai Golovko from the Centre for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow and Dr. Chongomweru Halimu, a lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, Makerere University.
Speaking from South Africa, Prof. Aghogho Akpome delivered a strong critique of what he termed “the intellectual dependency fostered by generative AI tools.” He cautioned that over reliance on artificial intelligence for writing and research risks eroding cognitive skills and perpetuating new forms of colonial dependence.
“The use of generative AI without critical engagement amounts to intellectual theft,” he said. “It replaces creative thought with algorithmic mimicry, and that is the essence of techno-colonialism.”
Dr. Isaac Tibasiima, from Makerere University’s Department of Literature, offered a balanced view, arguing that while AI poses risks of cultural misrepresentation, it also presents opportunities for Africans to reclaim their agency by shaping the data that powers these systems.
“We need to feed our own knowledge into AI systems—honest, transparent, contextually grounded African knowledge,” Dr. Tibasiima said. “That’s the path to inclusion and authentic representation.”
From Moscow, Dr. Nikolai Golovko provided a global policy perspective, noting that while 11 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, implementation remains limited by resource and data inequalities. He warned that foreign-designed algorithms often ignore local contexts, reinforcing what he called “algorithmic colonialism.”
“African governments and universities must prioritize indigenous participation in AI design,” Dr. Golovko urged. “Otherwise, we risk reproducing colonial hierarchies in digital form.”
Dr. Halimu Chongomweru discussed the theme “Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Ideas.” He argued that today’s global digital ecosystem mirrors historical patterns of colonial exploitation—only now, instead of natural resources, Africa’s data is being extracted to fuel AI economies controlled by others.
He described this as a form of modern colonialism, not through armies or flags, but through algorithms, cloud servers, and digital platforms that define African problems and solutions without African participation. These systems enrich others while disempowering African communities.
Dr. Chongomweru emphasized that AI without culture is not intelligence but extraction. When AI models are trained on Western norms, they impose Western values globally, leading Africans to adopt technology without shifting the moral and cultural lenses behind it.
He urged a shift in focus from access to ownership, arguing that access without control only deepens dependency — another form of digital colonialism. True equalization, he said, means determining who owns, benefits from, and governs African data and AI systems.
To decolonize AI, Dr. Chongomweru proposed several actions:
- Build African-owned data repositories hosted on African soil and governed by African laws.
- Invest in AI research in African languages, moving from translation (copying) to representation (originating ideas).
- Develop home-grown technological infrastructure, ensuring computation and innovation occur within the continent.
He concluded that Africa’s AI agenda must be rooted in cultural, linguistic, historical, and sovereign identity, drawing from African philosophical traditions to create ethical and inclusive AI systems.
Marvin Galiwango cautioned that Africa’s growing engagement with AI still relies heavily on foreign tools, funding, and servers, creating digital dependency rather than empowerment. He argued that so-called “inclusion” often leaves Africans creating within systems they don’t control. Drawing parallels with genomics, he noted that Africa provides data but lacks ownership of infrastructure and outcomes. He concluded that true technological independence requires Africans to build and govern their own digital systems.
The session closed with a lively discussion on the ethics of AI use in research, the need for inclusive data models, and the role of African universities in decolonizing digital technologies. Participants agreed that decolonizing AI is not merely a technological issue but a cultural, ethical, and identity-driven imperative for Africa’s future.
-
General2 weeks agoMak Endowment Fund 3rd Board of Trustees Inaugurated
-
Agriculture & Environment1 week agoMakerere hosts International Conference on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions
-
Research6 days agoAfrica’s Future through Research and AI: Makerere Hosts ARUA 5th Biennial Conference
-
General1 week agoStrengthening Partnerships for Transformative Education: Makerere University Hosts Delegation from University of Malmö
-
Research2 weeks agoFrom Print to Digital: A Historical-Political Economy Narrative of the Emergence and Adoption of ePapers in the Ugandan Press