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
The two-week training programme aims to equip government officers with practical skills to assess project viability, manage investment risks and ensure public resources deliver value for money.
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) is strengthening the capacity of government officers to undertake financial appraisal and risk analysis of public investment projects through a two-week training programme designed to improve the quality of project preparation, appraisal and decision-making in Uganda.
The training, which started in Fort Portal on October 19, 2026, brought together participants from various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside facilitators from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Development Bank.
Officially opening the training on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rigorous project appraisal in strengthening Uganda’s public investment management system.
She noted that projects admitted into the public investment plan must be aligned with national priorities, technically sound, financially viable and capable of delivering value for money.
“Government must be able to compare investment alternatives and ensure that only viable projects proceed through the public investment process,” she emphasised.
Ms Ayebare explained that sound appraisal enables government to make informed investment decisions, maximise returns on public expenditure and ensure that limited public resources are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver development outcomes.
Building practical skills for better investment decisions
The training builds on the Public Investment Management course conducted in June, which introduced participants to Uganda’s public investment management framework, including project conceptualisation, stakeholder analysis, project costing, implementation action plans, the Integrated Bank of Projects, and monitoring and evaluation of public investment reforms.
The current programme advances this foundation by equipping participants with technical competencies in financial appraisal, financial modelling and risk analysis.
Participants will explore integrated investment appraisal, alternative investment criteria, cash-flow statements, inflation and exchange-rate movements, asset valuation, project financing, project scale and timing, risk-sharing arrangements and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will apply these concepts to investment scenarios in sectors such as roads, health, education and water. The programme will also examine how climate change, social considerations and other risks can be integrated into project preparation and appraisal.
Ms Ayebare encouraged participants to engage actively with the facilitators, question the practical application of the tools and consider how the skills acquired could improve investment decisions within their respective institutions.
She also reminded participants that the programme includes an examination and that certification requires more than attendance. Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and acquire practical skills that they can apply in their work.
Reducing dependence on externally prepared studies
A key objective of the training is to strengthen the ability of government institutions to undertake high-quality project appraisal studies using their own technical teams.
Ms Ayebare observed that many studies submitted to the Development Committee have traditionally been prepared by external consultants, often at considerable cost. Building the capacity of public officers to conduct these studies independently can help institutions strengthen their technical expertise and improve the quality of project proposals presented for consideration.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and return to their institutions equipped to undertake sound financial appraisals and provide evidence-based advice to decision-makers.
She further emphasised that project approval requires thorough preparation, analysis and justification, rather than simply identifying available funding and proposing a project to utilise it.
Strengthening public investment management through capacity development
In his remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE, thanked the Ministry of Finance for its financial support and for identifying participants from government institutions. He also recognised the contributions of the facilitators and partner institutions in delivering the programme.
Prof. Bbaale noted that the Centre’s work extends beyond training to include research and advisory services aimed at improving public investment management practices. He encouraged continued collaboration with government institutions and other partners to advance research, knowledge sharing and capacity development.
Speaking during the training, Dr John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the importance of commitment, active participation and punctuality throughout the programme. He encouraged participants to engage with the facilitators, ask questions and apply the knowledge gained to the projects they support.
Dr Sseruyange also acknowledged the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, for financing the training, and appreciated Cambridge Resources International for its continued support towards improving public investment preparation and analysis in Uganda.
The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system by equipping public officers with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to assess projects rigorously, identify potential risks and make informed investment decisions.
By developing in-house expertise across government institutions, the programme seeks to contribute to better-prepared projects, more efficient use of public resources and improved delivery of Uganda’s development priorities.
President Yoweri K. Museveni while officiating as Chief Guest at the Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium 2026: Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue at Makerere University called upon the audience not to merely hold Nyerere’s Legacy as a historical footprint but as a masterplan for the future that remains unfinished. Organised by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), the symposium was a two day event that started with “ekyooto” on 13th October at the JNLC gardens and climaxed on 14th October in Freedom Square. The second day hinged on the theme: Borrowing from the Past, Building the Future.
In the President’s message delivered by Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, the president spotlighted, “Mwalimu Nyerere as the greatest African that ever lived in terms of contribution to the African people’s efforts for freedom, human rights, and dignity.”
This greatness, he notes, spilled not just to political ideals but also to economics and security. The President agreed with him and warned that “freedom without economic transformation and economic prosperity, without a robust strategic security, remains incomplete.”
Reaching out to the younger generation of scholars and leaders, the President issued a strong warning to move beyond simply remembering Nyerere to action. He said, “you must carry forward the torch of pan-Africanism, reject sectarianism and tribalism, build our regional markets, and champion the total political integration of our motherland.”
He appreciated Mwalimu for his; unwavering support for the struggle of the East African Federation, courageous backing of the armed anti-colonial struggles in the southern half of Africa, principled and decisive support for the anti-Idi Amin struggle, pro-people and pro-unity policies that kept Tanzania peaceful for decades, and ensuring that Tanzania remained a strategic rear base for the entire African resistance.
As a believer in Nyerere’s ideals, the President urged the audience to honor Mwalimu “not merely through commemorative speeches, but through completing the historical task of uniting, defending, and prospering our motherland,” for the motive is to ensure that the independence wars won by our predecessors were not in vain.
To this note, he reiterated the case for Uganda, saying “we shall never forget his profound contribution” to Africa.
Professor Nyamsenda’s Keynote Unparked Pan-Africanism
During the Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue symposium at Makerere University, Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam delivered the Keynote Address titled “The Unfinished African Project: From Liberation Legacies to a New Generation of Transformation” during the symposium”.
He started on a lighter noticing “Nyerere is being Ugandanised.” This he said looking at the annual Public Lectures dedicated to his name and felt like challenging his home institutions to follow suit.
At the calm of the room, he presented a critique of the current state of Pan-Africanism, arguing that it has been grabbed by the ruling elites, a challenge Professor Nyamsenda identifies to have started in the period of 1960 -1980.
He explained that it was around this time period that Pan-Africanism was snatched away from the masses and it became a state project. Currently, he said the ideology exists in two forms: Boardroom and Street Pan-Africanism.
Professor, characterised Boardroom Pan-Africanism as a State Project. He said “boardroom Pan-Africanism sits comfortably with imperialism and elite-centered accumulation.” While Street Pan-Africanism to which Professor advocates, he emphasised that historically, this approach “united the African liberation movement and liberated the African continent from the most barbaric colonial powers.”
As he concluded, Professor Nyamsenda joined Mwalimu and the President of Uganda in urging youth to consider joining and leading the struggle for a better Africa.
Role of JNLC in Realising Nyerere’s Ideas
Professor Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa, the JNLC Board Chair highlighted the primary objective of the center as “imparting knowledge and sharing experiences from the old generations to the new generations.” Therefore, JNLC contributes to the actualisation of Nyerere’s ideas by focusing on the development of the next generation of African leaders.
To supplement this, Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga the Executive Director at JNLC said that the center is committed to “nurturing ethical, conscious, and transformative leaders inspired by Mwalimu’s ideas of service, human dignity, self-reliance, and Pan-African solidarity.”
She explained their focus is on several key areas with training as core. They have “trained over 1,500 young people and young leaders from across Uganda.”, and developed leadership programs “grounded in ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, public service, and action.”
In her remarks, it was observed that training alone is not enough; they are also doing mentorship, to provide opportunities for networking and learning from experienced leaders. There are already testimonies when you visit the Centre wall of fame. To which Dr. Nansozi revealed “leadership development matters when learning becomes service and meaningful action.”
The Centre remains proud of those they have touched and are eager to support as many cohorts.
Julius Nyerere Family Pour their Heart out
Mama Maria Nyerere, addressed the Symposium virtually and commended the Centre for keeping Mwalimu’s values alive.
As a memory of her husband, she reminded the audience that his greatest legacy was anchored on the values by which he lived: service, humility, integrity, unity and love for Africa and its people. She also urged the young people to take up leadership responsibilities and lead with humility, integrity and always remember the people they serve.
Mama Nyerere also advised the youth to learn from those who came before them like her husband with courage to build a better Africa for their generation and those who will come after them.
Joining Mama Nyerere, on behalf of the Nyerere family was Ms. Julia Nyerere, a granddaughter, who attended physically and thanked H.E. Kaguta Museveni for supporting the establishment of the Julius Nyerere Centre at Makerere University and also commended the Keynote Speaker Professor Nyamsenda for Critiquing Nyerere’s ideas.
Julia further shared an understanding of her grand-father’s interest in preserving humanity as a moral.
As a family they are happy that his (Nyerere) values and legacies continue to inspire Africa and beyond.
Appreciation for All who Made the Symposium Possible
Addressing the symposium, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Professor Henry Alinaitwe the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration expressed the University’s appreciation and commitment.
He thanked “the government of Uganda for the support they are giving to the Julius Nyerere Leadership Center,” and requested Dr. Kiyonga to “convey the message to the fountain of honour for this initiative that Makerere University is happy for, and is going on well.”
To the leadership of the Center, he specifically thanked the Director Dr. Nansozi for her focused leadership. He stated, “I commend my friend, Dr. Nansozi, for the work that you are doing.”
Professor Alinaitwe also emphasized “we” value these symposiums, saying, “as a university, we acknowledge that such activities create great visibility.”
Dr. Kiyonga was also thanked for delivering the President’s message, together with veterans like Professor Kabwegyere, among other distinguished guests and partners that attended.
Professor Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere as well appreciated all and emphasised the collective duty of the youth in building the next generation.
He advised “your responsibility is to identify and build Africa forward, building on the legacies and foundations of our forefathers,”.
The Professor also argued that “being young on its own is not a virtue. It is what you are when you are young.” He challenges the audience to avoid being ignorant and claim that you are young.
Background of the Nyerere Symposium
The Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium is an intergenerational gathering hosted at Makerere University. For more than six years now, it has been connecting past leadership legacies of Nyerere and other revolutionaries with current regional and continental priorities under the (JNLC) centre.
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) serves as a training ground and research hub designed to mentor the next generation of African leaders. Co-hosted by Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the Centre bridges the gap between older statesmen and youth by focusing on Pan-African ideals, ethical governance, and social transformation.
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