General
Mak DHR Honours Mr. Bazanye Nkangi
Reflecting on his 35 years of service, Mr. Godfrey Bazanye Nkangi confessed that the time he has spent at Makerere University has granted him a profound experience that greatly changed his life and family.
“Looking back on my years at Makerere University I have no regrets, only learning experiences that made me a better person, I have been lucky enough to have what I call the best job and I will walk away from it with great memories,” remarked Mr. Bazanye Nkangi, Deputy University Secretary (Pensions).
Mr. Bazanye Nkangi joined the University service in 1980. He has served in the following positions: Administrative Assistant (1980-1985); Assistant Registrar (1985-1989); Senior Assistant Registrar-Admissions and Records (1989-1990); Deputy Registrar-Admissions and Records (1990-2005); and Deputy University Secretary-Pensions (2005 to date). He committed himself to the noble duty of building for the future, and has over the years significantly contributed his expertise to the realisation of the University’s vision and mission.
Cognizant of the fact that Mr. Bazanye Nkangi would retire from the University service on 12th September 2015, the members of staff in the Directorate of Human Resources generously contributed resources and treated their own, Mr. Bazanye Nkangi and his family, to a surprise farewell party held on 10th September 2015 at the Makerere University Guest House.
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Bazanye Nkangi accompanied by his dear wife, two sons and daughter, were humbled when they arrived at the colourful ceremony.
On arrival, you could feel the breeze of the Makerere University Hill, the ever green Makerere University Guest House Gardens blending so well with the table linen, the members of staff dressed to impress, with wine flowing like a river, plenty of eats and soft drinks, and tactfully selected music to reflect on the 35 years of dedicated service!
With his charming smile, Mr. Bazanye Nkangi said: “Thank you so much to all of you who thought that it was worthy for me being honoured this way. I am excited, humbled, overwhelmed for being honoured this way. Yesterday, I had a presentation, which was part of my handover, but no one in the Directorate of Human Resources mentioned the party. I have appreciated the level of secrecy. This party has truly expressed something unique. That you do really appreciate my efforts and service.”
He revealed to the audience that he succeeded in his career because he was always willing to embrace change, which presented him with opportunities to provide service in critical units of the university. Reflecting on his service in the Department of the Academic Registrar and later on his re-designation in 2005 to the Directorate of Human Resources (Deputy University Secretary-Pensions), Mr. Bazanye Nkangi shared that he enjoyed interacting with people from different walks of life, noting that every interaction brought forth learning experiences.
“I appreciate the years we have been together and I am really glad to have worked with search kind hearted people. There is nothing as good as working with cooperative people,” he added.
The Chief Convener of the surprise farewell party, who is also Mr. Bazanye Nkangi’s immediate supervisor, Mrs. Mary Tizikara applauded Mr. Bazanye Nkangi for his intelligence, energy and zeal, and integrity.
“We respect you for your intelligence, energy and high level of integrity. He is cautious when conducting university business. He follows policies and you will never make him do what he is not supposed to do,” said Mrs. Tizikara.
“We know that Mr. Bazanye Nkangi was working in a challenging office. He has mentored members of staff, and he informed us that he was ready to retire. However, in the Departmental meeting, we agreed that we will be consulting you on a number of issues,” she highlighted.
Mrs. Tizikara utilised the same opportunity to answer the puzzle from the Master of Ceremony, Mr. Lebo Julius, Senior Performance Officer in the Directorate of Human Resources who kept on wondering why Mr. Bazanye Nkangi was clocking 60 years, but looked young and energetic.
“Mr. Bazanye Nkangi looks young and energetic because of the love and support from Mrs. Edith Bazanye. We give credit to Madam, thank you for supporting him,” remarked the Director, Human Resources amidst applause from the audience.
On behalf of the staff in the Directorate Human Resources, the Senior Human Resource Officer, Ms Josephine Apolot Opolot said that Mr. Bazanye Nkangi will always be remembered as a person who gives credit to where it deserves; someone with the ability and capability of maintaining relationships with co-workers and a proficient person in team work building.
“Mr. Bazanye is always a serious person but he has never stopped wearing that smile on his face. A person with integrity, trust worthy, working with firmness amidst all situations,” she said.
“When wealth is lost nothing is lost. When health is lost something, something has been lost. When character is lost everything is lost. Your noble character will always be admired and remembered and as you leave Makerere University,” she remarked.
In the context of the surprise farewell party, some of the surprise guests present included: The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu; the Acting University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare; the Acting University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha; Senior Legal Officer-Mr. Goddy Muhumuza and the Senior Public Relations Officer, Ms Ritah Namisango.
Mr. Barugahare congratulated Mr. Bazanye Nkangi upon reaching his retirement age and thanked him for dedicating his time to serve Makerere University community.
“The University appreciates your efforts and we are grateful for the mentorship you have given to our staff. I believe you have already mentored the person who is going to succeed you. We appreciate the kind heart you have showed us all along,” he said. He then presented to him a special gift- a token of appreciation for the good work.
On behalf of the Makerere University community, and the surprise guests present, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu commended Mr. Bazanye Nkangi for his selfless service, which included working in some of the most challenging offices. I thank you for resilience, ability to remain calm and principled.
“We are very grateful for the service you have rendered, may the good Lord bless you abundantly for all the energies you have put in to see to it that the University achieves it vision and mission. Thank you for having a big heart. You have been working in one of the most challenging office here, but I appreciate the way you have handled and contained all the situations. I know that you have at times been blamed for matters beyond your control, but you remained principled and strictly followed policies of the University,” he remarked.
“I must admit that we have not been able to bid farewell to a number of staff due to the financial challenges faced by the University. I remain optimistic that when the financial situation improves, the University Management will consider this aspect of recognizing and officially bid farewell to staff who diligently serve this great institution,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu who thanked the members of staff in the Directorate of Human Resources for extending to him an invitation to attend the surprise farewell party, drew the audience into laughter, when he highlighted to everyone present; that the special gift he was presenting to Mr. Bazanye Nkangi was from Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu-the surprise guest, and not the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
Emotionally touched by the level of secrecy that climaxed with the surprise farewell party, Mr. Bazanye Nkangi urged his workmates to always keep secrets, conduct university business with the highest level of confidentiality, and to respect everyone in their execution of duty. Mr. Bazanye Nkangi emphasised that confidentiality at the work place does not only win trust and cooperation among workmates but also projects a favourable image of the organisation among its publics.
He equally cautioned the workers to always be careful when dealing with people at their work place, saying that some of them could have ill intentions that could tarnish their reputation.
“We should always know the people we are working with. The years I have spent in Makerere University, I have learnt people’s behaviours and this has saved me from many problems,” he said emphatically.
Speaking about Mr. Bazanye Nkangi, his jovial wife, Mrs Edith Bazanye said: “My husband is a loving and caring gentleman who always considers his family as the first priority. I consider myself among the lucky wives in this country; you have been there and still there for us Mr. Bazanye. You are the greatest gift God sent to us. We love you so much.”
Giving the vote of thanks, Mr. Bazanye Nkangi’s daughter, Mrs. Lindah Mpanga thanked Makerere University and the Directorate of Human Resources for loving their Dad.
“The love you have showed my Dad can never be underestimated. We are really grateful and I believe my Dad will testify this love and care to his grandchildren,” she remarked.
The Labour and Welfare Officer in the Directorate of Human Resources, Ms. Janet Nabukeera thanked all the members who voluntarily contributed toward the success of the farewell party in form of finances and advice. “We have assembled here because you contributed to this worthy cause of honouring our very own. Everyone is happy. The act of giving is good, thank you for this generous support. May God bless you,” she said.
Mr. Bazanye Nkangi opened the dance with his dear wife, joined by his children, invited guests and members of staff from the Directorate of Human Resources. The tactfully selected music comprised songs with irresistible rhythms that forced many on the dance flow.
Written by: Ritah Namisango and Proscovia Nabatte, Mak Public Relations Office
Dr. James Magara, a futurist and Chairman of Yobel Biashara Initiative stood before an audience at Makerere University on September 30, 2026, and projected a map of the world. It was upside down.
He asked the room if anything was wrong, and as the audience hesitated, he revealed that “in 1569, the Flemish cartographer and geographer whose name was Gerardus Mercator, developed a map now known as the Mercator projection. It represented the curved shape of the Earth on a flat map.” He simplified it saying, the Mercator map accurately shows direction and local shape, but it distorts the size of places, especially those that are located near the poles. He pointed out that the map distorts the size of continents, making Greenland appear as large as Africa, when in reality, Africa is 14 times larger.
Fixing the map was easy and free, it took one vote, Dr Magara said, referencing the recent United Nations resolution that encouraged accurate area projections. Indeed fixing the map was easy but the actual material weight of this continent and its institutions that run within the world economy is why dialogues like this exist. “Until we (Africa) fund our own institutions ourselves, the continental agenda will keep belonging to whoever writes the check.”
This and more were part of Dr. Magara’s opening remarks while delivering a keynote at the YOBEL Biashara Conference 2026 hosted at Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium.
The event, was co-hosted by the CASTLE Think Tank, YOBEL Biashara, and Makerere University under the theme: “Africa’s Agency in an Era of Geopolitical Change: Trade, Investment and Economic Transformation,” brought together a diverse assembly of policymakers, academics, and private sector leaders.
Representing Dr. Adam Mugume the Chief Guest who could not make it due to unavoidable circumstances, Ms. Doreen Katangaza, a researcher and economist at the Bank of Uganda (BoU) delivered his remarks while reflecting on Dr. Magara’s keynote.
She explained “what agency means in economic policy, is not isolation, it’s not withdrawal, but the capacity to choose, to negotiate, and to act.”
She emphasized that relying on external factors or rhetoric is insufficient for long-term transformation. Instead, she suggests that agency is defined by internal strength and the ability to act independently. As she states, “Africa’s agency will not only be secured by rhetoric. It will be built through capabilities. The capability to produce, the capability to finance development, capability to manage shocks and above all, capability to make choices based on our own long-term interests and people’s priorities.”
Ultimately, Ms. Katangaza aligned with all speakers mobilising for a holistic approach involving government, the private sector, and academia to build these foundations. She noted that the Bank of Uganda is committed to harmonising policies and payment systems to support this, but success depends on whether these ideas translate into tangible outcomes, such as stronger institutions and resilient economies, when stakeholders reconvene in the future.
She concluded by congratulating the YOBEL Biashara Initiative, CASTLE Think Tank, and Makerere University for organizing the forum “a platform for thoughtful discussion about Africa’s economic future.” She thanked all the speakers, all panelists, and participants for their valuable contribution and attention during her communication and entire event.
Cost of Institutional Dependence to the Continent
Dr. Magara’s address was his critique of the continent’s institutional funding. He pointed out that member states currently fund only 24% of the African Union’s own program budget. Charity begins at home, he stated. With 76% out of every dollar the African Union spends coming from partners outside the continent. He argued that this dependency is self-inflicted and fixable.
He advised that if we genuinely want a technology-creating continent, the work has to start in the primary school classroom, not in the university innovation hub. He added, while also highlighting that Africa’s research and development spending sits at 0.4 percent of GDP, far below the world average.
Dr. Magara also addressed the implementation gap that has affected the continent for decades. He suggested that the failure to execute on well-crafted strategies is not just a capacity problem, but a result of selfish interests within. Some people are benefiting from the way things are, he explained. So, if they change, they will lose the benefit.
As a futurist and leadership strategist, Dr. Magara used his keynote address to also dismantle some of the comfortable narratives often repeated in policy circles. He challenged the audience to reconsider the concept of agency, arguing that choice only becomes agency when backed by the capacity to act. He pushed back against the common narrative that Africa’s youth population is automatically a demographic dividend.
A youth bulge without a falling birth rate, without matching job creation is not a dividend, he warned. It is a dependency burden wearing dividends lobbying.
Dr. Magara said, “if you ask any panel anywhere on this continent why Africa has not industrialised, you will get the same three answers almost every single time. Not enough skills, not enough infrastructure, not enough finance. And all of this is true. All of it is real. None of it should be dismissed.” But none of those three answers explains a much stranger fact sitting right in front of us, “why have we been writing almost identical strategy documents, making almost identical recommendations for 30 years plus.”
He urged the room to be honest about the reality of the labor market, noting that every year, between 10 and 12 million Africans enter the labor market, while economies create roughly three million formal jobs. That gap cannot close itself, he stated. And it does not close by wishing it away in a policy document.
Engagement with Dr. Magara’s Keynote
The keynote featured significant engagement, primarily from Professor Pamela Mbabazi, Ms. Allen-Sophia Asiimwe, and Dr. Fred NK Muhumuza, who offered diverse perspectives that somewhat aligned with, and at certain points challenged his arguments.
Professor Pamela Mbabazi, Executive Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA), offered a government perspective on the issues raised. She acknowledged the disconnect between some policy and deep thinking. Siding with Dr. Magara, there is a visible rush into making decisions without having deep thinking and engaging with amazing think tanks like YOBEL, CASTLE, she admitted.
She called for a more intentional approach to policymaking, urging think tanks to collaborate more closely with government bodies like the NPA. She explained that countries like China did not get to where they are by accident, they were intentional to include their think tanks into policy making and no decisions were made haphazardly.
Professor Mbabazi suggested that as a country and continent we can have our think tanks drive policy if we want to build a five-hundred-billion-dollar economy by 2040.
She concluded her submission joining Dr Magara in questioning whether Africa could credibly speak of strategic agency when the institutions through which agency is exercised remain substantially dependent on financing from elsewhere.
Allen Sophia Asiimwe the Deputy CEO/Chief of Programme at trademark Africa addressed the conference via zoom, and expressed she was happy “when Dr. Magara started off with a question on the size of Africa on the map and in reality, it matters.”
However, she challenged some of his assertions on financing. She requested to push back on this very strongly saying “If you look at how Africa is made up, a lot of our countries are still very poor,” arguing that the continent’s economic reality as of now requires external support.
With that said, she shifted the focus from external funding to internal inefficiencies, agreeing that Africa is sabotaging its own growth through non-tariff barriers, noting, “we are self-sabotaging. If we opened up for trade, if we allowed goods to cross the borders, we may actually make a big difference,” Ms. Asiimwe discussed.
Dr. Fred Muhumuza a prominent Ugandan development economist, senior lecturer, and policy advisor also engaged with the views on economic planning and indicators.
He agreed that think tanks are an issue, and that they must be embraced for the better. We must think about our problems, talk about them, and see what sense we make to ourselves.
Dr. Muhumuza questioned the premise that the source of financing is the primary issue, suggesting that the quality of the plan being financed is more critical.
Major General Gregory Mugisha Muntuyera, added his voice to Dr Magara’s arguing that beyond map size, Africa’s development is hindered not by a lack of potential, but by a mindset of dependency. Drawing a contrast to the conditioning of elephants in India mastered by small humans.
The General stated, “we have got the knowledge, we have got the qualifications, but we have been conditioned.”
He emphasized that true progress requires discipline for ” without this nothing is going to happen” regardless of how many conferences are held.
The Cost of a Broken System
Ms. Eseza Mulyagonja, a member of the YOBEL Biashara board, as one of the opening speakers, issued a strong reminder of the urgency required in addressing the continent’s challenges.
Ms. Mulyagonja shared a story so dear to her, of a young boy in a village who died after being bitten by a snake because he was not in school, for his fees were unpaid. She used this to illustrate the human cost of broken systems and advised that we do not have to wait for calamity to strike, since this is a story that is so common.
She said as a continent, we have got to confront these things saying if we do not bring these stories close to home, we will not be propelled to change the direction for the better.
MAKERERE-CASTLE-YOBEL A PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S TRANSFORMATION
Representing Professor Sarah Ssali, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Professor Edward Bbaale the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences, emphasised the institution’s commitment to being an active partner in national and continental transformation acknowledging the global economic order is undergoing profound change, characterised by geopolitical realignment and an accelerating energy transition.
“These questions cannot be settled in just one conference. These are conversations that we’re going to have to continue even after here. So once again, I thank our chief guest, our keynote speaker, our discussants, our partners, the organizers, and every one of you who have made this time a meaningful time spent and made meaningful contributions to Africa’s future.
“The important question, therefore, is not simply how Africa will be affected by these changes, but how Africa will shape them”, Professor Bbaale remarked.
Crowning the remarks from the host institution, Makere University Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara appreciated everyone that was present for this noble conversation.
She said, “I trust that each of us leaves today with at least one idea that we are going to execute for the good of our continent.”
She proposed that the first item on the agenda of the YOBEL Biashara 2027 conference should be looking at the scorecard of what has been done to see that Africa increasingly moves from being a passive recipient of global economic decisions to becoming an active participant in shaping the rules, institutions, and partnerships that determine its development direction.
View Pictorial: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD6mhp
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