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
The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has honored Ms. Gladys Khamili for her 12 years of service as Registrar, as she transitions to a senior role in the Senate Division of Makerere University.
During the School’s 239th Management Meeting, colleagues recognized her contribution to academic administration and formally handed over the office.
Ms. Khamili assumes the role of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, where she will oversee academic standards, policy, and governance at the University. She replaces Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, who officially retires after 26 years of dedicated service.
At the ceremony, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean, together with members of MakSPH management, presented Ms. Khamili with a plaque in recognition of her service, noting that she “served the School of Public Health with distinction, demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence,” and that her contribution strengthened academic administration at the School.
Dr. Wanyenze described Ms. Khamili as a steady and dependable presence. “She’s been with us and supported us in many ways. We thought we should meet here together to see her off. And I wish her the very best… we shall continue to work with her. She will continue to serve us in a different capacity,” she said.
Ms. Khamili joined the School of Public Health on March 15, 2012, from the College of Computing and Information Sciences, where she served as an Assistant Registrar.
Over the years, she has been central to the School’s academic operations—coordinating student admissions, managing records, overseeing examinations, and serving as secretariat to key governance structures, including the Academic Board, Examinations and Results Committee, and Appointments and Promotions Committee. Her role also involved handling student matters and ensuring compliance with University policies and Senate decisions.
Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Khamili pointed to improvements in registration systems, records management, and examination processes. “In my tenure, I have had some achievements that have improved efficiency in the students’ registration processes and strengthened records management and data accuracy… and coordinated successful university graduation ceremonies,” she said.
She also highlighted areas for further strengthening, including improving documentation and follow-up of pending tasks, enhancing coordination across departments, and decentralising selected services, including transcript issuance.
The handover process was overseen by Internal Auditor Amos Dembe, who emphasized the importance of continuity in such a critical office. “The office of the registrar is very sensitive… It is at the core of what we do and what we stand for as a school. It calls for integrity and professionalism,” he said, adding that Ms. Khamili’s handover report provides “a strong body of knowledge for Ms. Annet Khabuya to build on and to hit the ground running.”
Mr. Dembe also commended Ms. Khamili’s professional and ethical record. “We have not had student issues of marks, money, or related concerns as a School… Thank you for making my work easier. That is not always the case. Some people make it hard for us, but this has not been the case here,” he noted.
Colleagues described her as thorough and dependable in a role that often operates behind the scenes. Dr. Joan Mutyoba, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, said the incoming Registrar would be stepping into a demanding position. “The shoes you are stepping into are really big. I have seen her work… She is extremely professional, one of the most professional people I have worked with. She takes her work very seriously and goes beyond the line,” she said.
In her farewell remarks, Ms. Khamili spoke candidly about her experience at the School. “My work has been with everybody… everything here is different—the people, the work culture—it has been very, very worthwhile,” she said, thanking colleagues for their support.
“If I had a choice, I would stay… but I don’t have that choice. Thank you so much for the support and for the love,” she added, acknowledging the demands of her role. “In my line of work, like in any space where you work with people, you certainly step on some toes… I ask that you find it in your heart to forgive and forget where necessary.”
The meeting also marked the official handover to Ms. Annet Khabuya, who takes over as Registrar. She commended the School’s approach to transition and organization.
“I have seen the systems, I have seen the organization, and I can confidently say there is continuity. I look forward to building on this work and working with all of you,” she said.
Ms. Khabuya joins MakSPH from the Examinations and Transcripts Division of the Senate and brings experience from the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Statistics and Planning.
Ms. Khamili’s transition marks a shift from School-level administration to University-wide academic governance, extending her impact beyond MakSPH to the broader Makerere system.
General
Makerere’s CHUSS Embraces Digital Future as RIMS Training Sparks Push for Faster Graduate Completion
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA, April 17, 2026 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University has taken a decisive step toward strengthening graduate training and accountability following a comprehensive hands-on Research Information Management System (RIMS) training by a team from the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) held yesterday, April 16, in the CHUSS Smart Room.
Opening the session, the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, underscored CHUSS’s central role in producing graduate students and contributing to Uganda’s development agenda. He cautioned that the college’s leading position could easily be overtaken if vigilance wanes.
“I’m glad we are back here to focus on something that can propel CHUSS to its rightful position,” Prof. Kikooma said. “Your contribution to graduate student production is highly envied across the university, but if you sleep even briefly, that position can be taken.”
He emphasized that beyond competition, the real goal is national transformation. According to Prof. Kikooma, increased graduate output directly supports Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which prioritizes building relevant human capital.
“More than ever before, the country needs human resources from the humanities and social sciences,” he noted.
Prof. Kikooma explained that the RIMS platform builds on CHUSS’ pioneering cohort-based PhD model by introducing a digital solution to track student progress, enhance supervision, and improve completion rates. The system, developed in collaboration with the Directorate for ICT Support, allows both supervisors and students to log and monitor academic activities in real time.
“This is not optional,” he stressed. “By the end of this month, we must report on who is using the system. It is a strategic priority of the University Council.”
Welcoming participants, the Deputy Principal of CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, described the training as timely and necessary in a rapidly digitizing academic environment.
“Makerere today is very different from the Makerere of 15 or 20 years ago,” he said. “We are moving from an analogue past to a digital future.”
He noted that while the college has improved its graduate output in recent years, gaps in tracking student progress remain a concern.
“We celebrate the numbers we graduate, but we may still have many students in the pipeline whom we cannot fully account for,” he said. “This system will help us track supervision and improve accountability.”
The training drew participation from the CHUSS Principal and Deputy Principal, senior lecturers, lecturers, and registrars from the School of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, and the School of Languages, Literature and Communication.
In an interview after the session, Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo offered a more reflective perspective, welcoming RIMS as a timely innovation while highlighting key realities in graduate training.
“I think RIMS is a good idea with strong potential,” he said, noting that the system could help address long-standing supervision gaps by ensuring that interactions between students and supervisors are tracked and visible.
However, he pointed out that delays in graduate completion are not solely the fault of supervisors. According to him, student-related factors—particularly lack of consistency and self-discipline during the research phase—play a significant role.
“At the coursework level, students are guided by timetables and structured assessments, which keeps them active,” he explained. “But once they transition to research, much depends on their own discipline. Some students simply become unresponsive.”
Dr. Ssentongo observed that RIMS could help counter this by introducing a level of accountability on both sides. If properly used, the platform would enable students to track feedback from supervisors while also making it clear when they themselves have delayed progress.
He also noted that the system’s monitoring aspect could encourage improved completion rates, as both supervisors and students become more conscious of timelines and expectations.
At the same time, he cautioned that implementation would be key. He explained that while systems that enhance accountability are beneficial, they must be introduced in a way that supports rather than intimidates users.
“There is an element of monitoring, which is good,” he said, “but it should be balanced so that it does not create an environment where people feel over-policed.”
Dr. Ssentongo further emphasized that RIMS should be seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen research culture at the university. Beyond improving completion rates, he said, there is need to encourage publication, collaboration between students and supervisors, and greater visibility of research outputs.
“If it is implemented well and supported by other initiatives, it can contribute not just to completion, but also to improving research productivity and impact,” he added.
The RIMS training marks a significant step in Makerere University’s efforts to modernize graduate education, improve accountability, and align academic output with national development priorities.
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