General
Mak Receives Film Processing Machine Worth Ugx.150 million
The Makerere University Printery has received a film processing machine worth UGX.150 million from Mr. Hasan Mumtaz, a big-hearted individual inspired by Makerere University’s contribution to the generation of knowledge, advancement of professions and the transformation of Uganda and the world at large.
On Wednesday 27th May 2015, the cheerful giver, Mr. Hasan Mumtaz confessed his everlasting love for Makerere University to Mr. Joseph Kirabo, the Manager-Makerere University Printery and Ms Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer of Makerere University.
“I love Makerere University. My heart is always here. I love people who read and teach. I love the fact that the institution is full of intellectuals and bright people who make a contribution to training and polishing people serving Uganda and the world!” 
Meeting the Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund and staff from Mak Planning and Development Department, the enthusiastic Mr. Hasan Mumtaz captivated the audience when he shared his emotional attachment to the great works of men and women serving this institution, referred to Makerere University staff as prophets, and appreciated the impact of their work through diffusion of knowledge to humanity.
Mr. Mumtaz said: “I feel honoured to be here. You are a photocopy of our prophets from Moses to Mohammed. They all came to teach and they are respected. Teaching is a noble profession. I love people who read and teach. You may not be getting good income, but this is a noble profession.”
“Makerere University is a factory producing high quality intellectuals and professionals for the country and the world at large. I respect teachers. I decided something valuable to give to Makerere University. You need equipment to teach people and produce more intellectuals and professionals,” remarked Mr. Mumtaz amidst applause from a captivated audience.
The Manager, Makerere University Printery, Mr. Joseph Kirabo applauded Mr. Hasan Mumtaz for a donation that would add value to their production processes. The X700 Digital colour press will be used to output film for colour printing which the university has been lacking for the last 20 years.
“We have written several proposals requesting for support aimed at enhancing the performance of the Makerere University Printery. We needed a film processing machine. We have been spending approximately UGX.45 million annually to outsource this service. We will therefore remain eternally grateful to Mr. Hasan Mumtaz for this donation,” said Mr. Kirabo.
“In addition to the savings we expect to earn upon reducing the printing expenses, we will also add value to our production process in terms of enhanced quality and timely deliveries,” he added.
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Dr. Martin Aliker thanked Mr. Hasan Mumtaz for being big-hearted and donating valuable equipment to Makerere University. Dr. Aliker equally thanked Mr. Shahid M. Alvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Society in Uganda for accompanying the cheerful giver to Makerere University.
“We are really grateful for your contribution towards the development of the Makerere University Printery. As the Makerere University Endowment Fund, our major role is mobilise resources both in cash and in-kind to build and develop the institution. Therefore, the machine you have donated to us today is now part of the institutional resources,” he said.
Dr. Aliker also urged other individuals, organisations and well-wishers to emulate Mr. Hasan Mumtaz’s generosity in supporting and developing the University.
“We are also mobilising funds to build the Makerere University Students Centre; a multi-facility for students as they per take their studies. We are open to receive resources in cash and/or in-kind that will add value to Makerere University. Our primary function is the welfare of the students. We appeal to the Pakistan community to interact with the Makerere University Endowment Fund for the betterment of the University,” he said.
The Head-Secretariat, Makerere University Endowment Fund, Dr. Fl
orence Nakayiwa thanked the members of the Board present namely Ambassador Edith Ssempala, Mr. Martin Owiny, Mr. Grace Isabirye for witnessing the handover ceremony. Dr. Nakayiwa reiterated the fact that the Makerere University Endowment Fund has extended several requests to individuals and organisations that were being followed up.
“We are optimistic that the proposals will bear fruit. I congratulate the Makerere University Printery upon receiving this film processing machine. I commend Mr. Hasan Mumtaz for his generosity, and we look forward to more interactions with you and the Pakistan Community at large,” remarked Dr. Nakayiwa, who is also the Director, Planning and Development Department at Makerere University.
Mr. Hassan Mumtaz is a Ugandan of Pakistan origin. He came to Uganda in 1983. He has educated some of his children on this great Hill of Makerere University. According to him, one of the children –Aisha Hassan studied Communication at Makerere University up to second year thereafter was admitted to study in UK.
Story by: Ritah Namisango and Prossy Nabatte
Makerere University staff have been urged to embrace servant leadership, integrity and compassion as they prepare to welcome students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
The call was made during the Makerere University Staff Prayer Breakfast held on 31st July 2026 at St. Francis Students Centre Upper Hall under the theme “Faithful Stewards: A Servant Heart with Integrity and Wisdom,” drawn from Colossians 3:23–24 and Mark 10:35–45.
The prayer breakfast brought together members of Council, University Management, academic, and administrative staff to dedicate the new academic year to God while reflecting on their responsibility of serving students with excellence, humility and integrity.
A Call to Seek God’s Wisdom
Host Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa reminded staff that no amount of professional experience or academic expertise can replace God’s guidance.
She noted that the University’s mission can only be fulfilled when staff continually seek God’s wisdom in serving students and one another.
“There is no amount of experience or expertise that can replace God’s wisdom.”
Rev. Dr. Kitayimbwa observed that students remain the reason universities exist and challenged staff to approach their work as a calling rather than merely employment.
“Without students, there is no university,” she said, encouraging members of staff to remain united, avoid unhealthy competition and trust God as they begin another academic year.
She further urged staff to become faithful stewards who work together in harmony, which she summed up as, “United we stand; divided we fall.”
A Community, Not Just a Centre of Research
In her remarks, Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli welcomed the Council Chairperson, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Members of Management to the breakfast, and reminded staff that a university’s value cannot be measured by research and innovation alone.
She described Makerere as a community held together by the spiritual as well as academic wellbeing of its people, and called on staff to renew their commitment to one another as much as to the institution they serve.
Draw Inspiration From Stewardship
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Sarah Ssali told staff that this year’s breakfast carried special significance.
“This is the first prayer breakfast we are having ever since we launched our strategic plan,” she said, referring to the University’s new Strategic Plan, launched on 2nd July 2026.
She encouraged staff to hold on to the morning’s reflections as a guide for implementing the plan over the next five years, describing Makerere as an institution many families choose above all others for the vision and training it offers their children. She urged staff to see themselves as stewards of that trust rather than simply employees carrying out a job.
Compassion and Discipline Must Go Together
Delivering her remarks, Makerere University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara challenged staff to strike a balance between compassion and discipline when dealing with students.
She observed that many students face different personal and academic challenges, making encouragement and timely support essential throughout their university journey.
“A word of encouragement can restore hope and prevent costly mistakes,” she noted.
Dr. Lorna encouraged lecturers and administrators to respond promptly to students’ concerns, explaining that delays, insensitive decisions and abuse of authority can discourage students and negatively affect their academic experience.
She reminded staff that students often remember how they were treated long after they have forgotten what was taught in class.
“Students may eventually forget what we teach them, but they will always remember how we treated them.”
She added that education goes beyond transferring knowledge.
“Education is more than knowledge. We communicate life, character and values.”
Quoting Mark 10, Dr. Lorna called upon staff to embrace servant leadership by exercising authority with humility, integrity and accountability.
She encouraged members of staff to ask themselves whether they would treat every student the same way ashey would treat their own child.
“We may not always have all the answers,” she said, “but we can communicate honestly, take responsibility and treat every student with dignity.”
She concluded by urging different colleges and administrative units to work together instead of operating in isolation, noting that unity strengthens the University community.
Referring to Galatians 6:2, she reminded staff to carry one another’s burdens and remain faithful stewards of the responsibility entrusted to them.
Servant Leadership Begins with Faithfulness
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. James Magara, husband to Dr. Lorna Magara, called on members of staff to embrace servant leadership grounded in humility, faithfulness and service to others.
Drawing from Mark 10:35–45, Dr. Magara reflected on the account in which James and John asked Jesus for positions of honour in His kingdom, prompting discontent among the other disciples. He observed that despite walking closely with Christ, the disciples continued to struggle with the desire for status and recognition. He noted that such competition remained evident even during the Last Supper, where concerns over positions and prominence persisted.
Dr. Magara said that Jesus responded to these human tendencies by redefining leadership through service rather than authority. He described Christ’s act of washing the disciples’ feet as the ultimate demonstration of servant leadership, explaining that genuine leaders are willing to undertake even the humblest responsibilities in service of others.
Referencing Philippians 2, he urged staff to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness, contrasting it with the pride and self-exaltation illustrated in Isaiah 14. He emphasised that lasting influence and greatness are not measured by titles, positions or recognition, but by one’s willingness to serve faithfully and put the needs of others before personal ambition.
Drawing on his own leadership journey spanning several decades, Dr. Magara challenged leaders across the University to cultivate humility, integrity and a servant heart in the execution of their responsibilities. He cautioned that leadership driven by pride and personal ambition undermines both individual effectiveness and institutional progress, whereas servant leadership strengthens organisations and fosters lasting impact.
The prayer breakfast concluded with a call for unity and collective commitment as Makerere University prepares to begin a new academic year. Organisers noted that the reflections on stewardship, integrity and servant leadership would provide a strong foundation for the University community as it advances the implementation of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
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