Makerere University students have launched a fundraising drive to help renovate Africa Hall. The over UGX.74million project was launched by an Alumnus and Member of Parliament for Bujenje Constituency, Princess Labwoni Kabakumba Masiko at a highly colorful ceremony held at the Ladies’ Hall of Residence on Saturday, 25th April 2015.
In her speech, Hon. Kabakumba Masiko commended the students for coming up with such a brilliant idea that is going to cause change not only in Africa Hall but also in Makerere University as a whole. She added that this gesture not only portrayed the love they have for their mother Hall but also the true spirit of innovation and development at Makerere University.
“I thank the vision bearers for this vivid campaign we have launched today. At first it was targeting only the lawn tennis courts, but I am glad that the vision has expanded to incorporate renovation of the Hall,” Hon. Kabakumba Masiko remarked.
The MP promised to fully back the project and assured students that the first phase; renovation of the lawn tennis courts will have been completed by next semester.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, urged students to reach out to every alumni of Makerere University for financial support to revive the glory of the institution.
“Africa Hall was named after our continent and as such, this is not a simple name. We must put our efforts together to not only renovate the lawn tennis courts but also rebrand the Hall,” he emphasized.
Opened in 1971, Africa Hall has nurtured a great number of ladies who have gone on to excel at the national and continental level. The Hall is located next to Livingstone Hall – for gentlemen and together, the two form the strong Afro-Stone solidarity.
According to the Warden, Dr. Amero Stella Eduan, the fundraising drive will help to sensitise both current and former residents of the Hall on their role as alumni. Dr.Amero said fundraising for the renovations shall go a long way in defining the importance of university alumni and their role in institutional development.
“There are so many ways in which we benefit from the university but the question that remains is how do we give back to our alma mater? Africa Hall and Makerere University as a whole have definitely registered a big number of alumni and so we urge you all to come back home to renovate and restore Africa Hall’s glory,” she said.
The Deputy Dean of Students, Mr. Steven Kateega applauded the student’s efforts for the fundraising drive-a landmark event that depicts students’ ability and determination to leave behind a legacy at campus.
The Guild President H.E. David Bala, observed that the achievements registered by the Afro-Stone solidarity were commendable and therefore promised to work with the committee to mobilize the whole Makerere community to effect positive change at Makerere.
Article by Nabatte Prossy, Trainee, Public Relations Office
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi addresses new staff during the induction.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni (2nd Right) responds to a question as Left to Right: Mr. Amon Muteganda, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike listen.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
Mr. Amon Muteganda congratulated the new staff upon their respective appointments.
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda made a presentation on University Governance and Key Offices.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
The Makerere University team comprising Ms. Apili Esther Cynthia from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Mr. Muhwezi Joshua Lawel from Makerere University School of Law (SoL) emerged 2nd at the Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament held 18th to 20th April in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ms. Apili was recognised as best female speaker/debator at the tournament and 3rd best open speaker while partner Mr. Muhwezi was recognised as 4th best open speaker.
This year, Makerere University was represented by two teams: Team A: Kemigisha Daphine, SoL; Nakalanzi Melody, College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHUSS); Team B: Muhwezi Joshua Lawel, SoL; Apili Esther Cynthia, MUBS.
The Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament organised by the Olympia Debate Society is an exclusive Invitational Round Robin Tournament that invites outstanding universities in the debate circuit in Africa bringing together the best speakers on the continent.
The tournament, like all University debate competitions, takes the format of the British Parliamentary format which is also used at the World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC).
Strathmore University (Kenya) was the overall winner of the tournament, African Leadership Institute (Rwanda) was ranked in 3rd position while the University of Nairobi was ranked in 4th position.
In her words, Ms. Apili describes herself as a passionate peace and conflict resolution advocate. She notes that, ‘debate has been a great learning experience emotionally, mentally and argumentation maturity but also a motivation to reading and research’. She views her participation in the Olympia Debate Tournament ‘as a privilege and great moment as a female speaker, and partnering with brilliant Lawel Joshua Muhwezi who has made significant strides in the debate space. Cynthia added, ‘being an invitational tournament with a straight break to finals that recognizes vibrant speakers within the East African region, getting to do the tournament was fulfilling’.