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
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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