General
Mak Hosts Association of African Universities Advancement Workshop
The advancement workshop was held at Africa Suites Hotel, Mutungo from 27th -29th September 2016. The workshop brought together Academic Registrars, Human Resource Managers and directors and Chief Financial Officers from Western, Eastern and Southern Africa Universities that constitute the Association to discuss and dialogue on their roles as Registrars, Financial Officers and Human Resource Officers, articulating their needs in terms of the value adding services they need to provide in the 21st Century University.
In his opening speech, the Secretary General of the AAU extended his apologies for his inability to attend due to other developments at the Secretariat which required his attention and presence. He was however represented by the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof John Ddumba Ssentamu, who read his speech and also warmly welcomed the participants to the three-day workshop for Executives of African Universities Programme offered by the AAU and Stellenbosch Academy of Advancement.
”In line with our mission, we consider this theme “University Advancement – The Role of the Registrar, CFO and CHR in the 21st Century University” very timely for the topical issues it seeks to address.
Ladies and Gentlemen, all modern organizations today, aspire to sustainable excellence, and universities can surely not be left out of this current trend. Most importantly, those of us in various key positions of leadership have a major role to play in advancing our respective higher education institutions. Registrars, Chief Financial Officers and Chief Human Resource officers certainly form a major segment in piecing together efforts by the various sections of the university towards its transformation.
As leaders of your various institutions, departments and units, you hold the future of your institutions in your hands, providing strategic and critical direction and leadership to the University, and ensuring a coherent vision across all the constituent parts of the University.
It is our hope that through this platform, your needs, will be articulated in terms of the value adding services that should be provided to 21st century Africa HEI’s. I am confident that as we share and discuss through the carefully selected topics and planned session, we can together identify common issues across our universities and come up with their solutions thereof.
Whilst maintaining a good level of optimism about the outcomes of our meeting here, let me also say, that this workshop should not be seen to provide tailor-made solutions to the many challenges within HEIs, but as a collective opportunity to engage in a dialogue, facilitated by the Advancement Academy at Stellenbosch, and other resource persons towards strategic approaches to overcoming some of those common issues identified.
Distinguished guests, you would agree with me, that the classical university model has been challenged by massification, marketization, internationalisation, technology and globalisation among other key emerging issues in the the 21st Century.
All these factors do have a ripple effect on the governance structures of our universites, including the offices of Registrars, CFOs and CHRs in ensuring sustainability and relevance of higher education to society. And most importantly in advancing our institutions. The need to reflect on, and adapt to the changing times can surely not be overemphasised.
Your individual roles in assisting the university pursue its vision, makes you a unique group in the higher education circle whose actions and inactions can affect your institutions in a critical way.
This is why the AAU, has since 2007 been organizing several workshops on Leadership as well as Management Skills Development for senior executives and middle level managers of African Universities respectively. These are aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of university leaders, particularly in the promotion of innovation and management of change, as well as to strengthen collaboration, networking, and capacity building among this group”.
He went on to say that, in 2017, the AAU will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee at the next General Conference that will be hosted in Accra, Ghana and extended an invitation to all participants. 50 years of serving the African continent as its voice for matters on higher education and developmental issues, was indeed a great feat worth celebrating.
He reiterated the commitment and dedication of the AAU and its partners, to continuously engage in effective collaborations with Higher Education stakeholders to implement quality and strategic programmes targeted at improving the quality of education in Ghana and on the African continent as a whole.
I am confident that the various discussions and resolutions which will be reached at this conference will be fervently pursued to the letter.
The Workshop was facilitated by Professor Tobias De Coning of Stellenbosch Advancement Academy. This was done through presentations on different topics such as driving forces that will fundamentally affect the 21st century African universities. The forces singled out were competitive domestic and international student markets, challenges of government funding, competition for new sources of funding, use of digital technologies in campus based learning, blended learning, global student mobility, integration with industry, the scale and depth of industry-based learning, research partnerships and commercialisation, among others. This was followed by discussions on the practical impact of these driving forces. There was also a presentation on what Vice Chancellors and University presidents expect from their senior managers and how these managers meet those expectations through discussions of the challenges they face. Some of the challenges mentioned were, how to attract and sustain sufficient resources, how to attract the best staff and students, how to become the preferred recipient for external support, service delivery that satisfies their clients (staff, students and other stakeholders). There was also sharing of views on what should be done to ensure optimal functionality of Registrar’s, Financial Officers and Human Resource Officers from different perspectives of the various universities present.
Universities represented were University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Ezekiel Guti University, Zimbabwe; Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique; Kyambogo University; Bugema University; Busitema University; Islamic University in Uganda; Muni University; Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi and Ndejje University.
In his closing remarks, The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu said, “I am certain that this workshop has expanded your thinking of the different roles of technical staff in a University and especially the African University within the dynamic global higher education setting. It is no doubt that the roles of the Registrar, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resource Officer are the backbone of the University and the thrusts upon which a successful Vice Chancellor operates”. You know the work you do in your institutions and its level of importance. It is crucial that your services are performed with diligence, precision and above all excellence if African Universities are to reach global competitive standards.
This workshop has equipped you with the required mindsets and strategic tools to help you rethink, redesign and realign your various functions to be able to function effectively serve the Vision and Mission of the University.
As member of the Governing Council of the Association of African Universities, the Association of African Universities and its partners are committed and dedicated to continuously engage in effective collaborations with Higher Education Stakeholders to implement quality and strategic programmes targeted at improving the quality of higher education on the African continent.
He thanked Prof. Tobie De Coning for successfully facilitating the workshop and thanked all the participants for engaging in this important conversation that will help us improve our universities. In a special way, he thanked the participants from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana and Mozambique for attending the workshop.
Lastly, he extended his sincere thanks to the Association of African Universities Secretariat, particularly the Secretary General for supporting the workshop and Ms Yvette Quashie (from AAU) and Ms Martha Muwanguzi on behalf of Makerere University for organizing the workshop successfully.
He awarded certificates to the participants and officially closed the workshop.
Article by:
Martha Muwanguzi
Head International Office
The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) has successfully delivered yet another milestone project to Makerere University with the handover of a fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25th July 2025.
Mary Stuart Hall is one of three major projects entrusted to NEC by the university, the others being the renovation of Lumumba Hall and the construction of a perimeter wall. These developments follow a presidential directive to renovate all halls of residence at Makerere University, aimed at enhancing student welfare and improving living conditions on campus.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended NEC for their exceptional work. “I must thank NEC for the job well done,” he said, adding that “this facility looks better than some hotels.” He also expressed gratitude to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni, whom he credited as the driving force behind the renovations. He urged students and stakeholders to take care of the newly renovated facility: “Let us try to maintain the facility the way it has been handed over.” The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the purpose of these renovations is to foster an environment conducive for leadership development.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), represented the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration). He commended the Vice Chancellor for fulfilling his campaign promise to transform university infrastructure and expressed appreciation to the Government for the financial support. “I can report from what I’ve seen, that there is value for money,” he stated. Prof. Muwagga further encouraged student leaders to promote responsible behaviour that protects and preserves university property for future generations.
Lieutenant General James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC, emphasized the significance of the project, describing the refurbished building as a symbol of “female empowerment and liberation.” He applauded the university leadership for their trust and confidence and reaffirmed NEC’s commitment to quality and timely project delivery. He highlighted the role of proper accommodation in fostering health, safety, academic performance, and social interaction among students. “A healthy mind, in a healthy body,” he said, adding that good housing promotes “safe and hygienic living and physical and mental health.” He also underscored the importance of regular maintenance to preserve the facility and avoid expensive renovations.
Mr. Simon Kizito, Deputy University Secretary equally extended appreciation to the President, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Directorate of Estates and Works for their role in the project’s success. He thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for ensuring that the necessary funds were released on times.
Representing the Dean of Students’ Office, Dr. Rodney Rugyema hailed the project as a significant milestone in enhancing student welfare. He revealed that Mary Stuart Hall will accommodate 521 students and includes facilities for persons with disabilities, such as lifts and ramps. He pledged to uphold the standards and purpose of the hall.
Guild President H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James expressed his gratitude to NEC and the university administration, particularly applauding the Vice Chancellor’s for his hands-on approach and consistent involvement in the university’s affairs.
The Hall Chairlady Ms. Anthea Ampaire described the reopening as a landmark moment, calling Mary Stuart Hall “a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for students.” She highlighted the importance of providing spaces that empower women and support their academic journeys.
Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere, Head of the Department of Architecture at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) who led the Project Management Team, noted that the renovation was a collaborative effort involving both students and staff. He commended all involved for their dedication.
Following this successful handover, NEC is set to begin renovation works on the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) Hall commonly referred to as Complex Hall, as it continues to implement the presidential directive to revamp student accommodation across public universities.
The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University on July 24, 2025 launched a ground-breaking 384kWp solar-powered electricity grid, Africa’s largest campus-based solar system. Inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the solar grid marks a significant milestone in strengthening sustainable research infrastructure and improving energy access in Uganda, especially in resource-limited settings.
The launch was not only a celebration of green energy but also of medical innovation, as it coincided with the unveiling of drones designed to deliver life-saving drugs to hard-to-reach areas such as Buvuma and Kalangala Islands. This dual initiative underscores IDI’s commitment to combining technological innovation with public health solutions that have tangible impact.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed deep pride in Makerere University’s academic excellence and innovation culture. “Today, I am very proud to be the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere. We continue to shine because of our centres of excellence, like IDI,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of continued investment in science and technology to combat epidemics, strengthen health systems, and bridge Africa’s persistent energy gap through sustainable options like solar power.
Prof. Samuel Abimerech Luboga, Chair of the Board of Directors at IDI, thanked the university leadership for their consistent support and lauded the solar project’s environmental and social impact. “This project, empowering our campus with renewable energy, demonstrates our commitment to the environmental, social and governance agenda,” he said. Prof. Luboga reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ensuring that all IDI initiatives deliver real value to communities. “We pledge to continue this oversight and ensure that every investment from solar panels to data labs drives impact and accountability,” he emphasized. He called upon researchers, innovators, and the broader community to rally behind the shared vision of a healthier and more sustainable future.
Ms. Susan Lamunu Shereni, Head of Finance and Administration at IDI, presented an update on the Institute’s sustainability initiatives, revealing that IDI has already installed solar systems in 150 health facilities across Uganda. “Infectious Disease Institute was first founded to address the sustainability concern specifically goal number three of the Sustainable Development Goals which is good health and wellbeing,” she said, “but in the process of doing that we’ve addressed other SDGs.” She noted that the solar system continues to generate power even on cloudy days and projects an annual savings of $85,000—enabling a full return on investment within five years. “We will also reduce carbon footpring by about 25,000 kg,” she added.
The solar project, valued at $380,000, represents a bold step toward achieving energy efficiency and reliability in the delivery of critical healthcare services.
In the same event, IDI also introduced its Medical Drones Project, launched through its Academy—a collaboration between Makerere University and the Ministry of Health established a decade ago. Mr. Patrick, the project coordinator, shared that the drone initiative is targeted at solving transportation challenges in underserved regions such as West Nile and Kalangala. “We have been delivering Antiretroviral drugs (ARV’s) to Kalangala for almost four years now,” he said. He reported impressive outcomes, including a 100% mutation treatment rate in the first 24 months and 95% viral suppression among recipients.
The inauguration was graced by key figures from Uganda’s academic and medical research community, including Dr. Robert Kalyesubula, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Physiology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences; Dr. Andrew Kambugu, the Sande-McKinnell Executive Director at IDI; and Prof. David Serwadda, Africa Centre of Excellence Global Council Chair and renowned Professor at the School of Public Health and author of the first-ever paper on HIV/AIDS in Uganda, and the IDI senior management team.
Together, these initiatives reaffirm IDI’s role as a continental leader in health innovation and sustainable development—combining science, energy, and equity in service delivery for the greater good.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Thursday, July 24, 2025 officially presided over the inauguration of the Advisory Board of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC). The move aims to enhance, encourage and nurture innovation and research among the young people and the country at large in order to fight poverty and nurture job creators other than job seekers.
The newly-appointed Advisory Board members of MUTIC are; Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta the Chairperson of the Board representing Makerere University Council, Dr. Cathy IIikor Mbidde, Ag. Manager, MUTIC and Board Secretary, Dr. Dorothy K. Okello-Dean School of Engineering, representing Science-based colleges, Dr. Ivan Engoru from the School of Law representing Humanities-based colleges, Ms. Rhinah Akankunda-91st Guild Minister for Information, Research and Computer Technology representing the Students Guild, Dr. David Gonahasa representing the Ministry for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Japheth Kawanguzi-Team Leader at the Innovation Village representing the Private Sector, and Dr. Peter Kimbowa-Board Member Private Sector Foundation of Uganda (PSFU). Each expressed their appreciation for having been given the opportunity to carry the responsibility and play a role in achieving the University’s goals.
The inauguration event was preceded by a tour of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod) that highlighted the innovations such as; the new Malaria treatment (Maisha Syrup), new soybean varieties, an Intern Database Management application that tracks internship at the Mak UniPod, a long-range e-bike by Redvers limited, an off-grid irrigation water pump by Matia Ategeka, among other innovations. The board members also toured Mak UniPod’s photo, video and audio studios as well as the Makerere AI and Data Science Research Lab.
Speaking at the inauguration of the MUTIC Advisory Board, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted the marginalization of Africa and the need for the continent to rise again, despite political and other hurdles. “Africa is gradually awakening”, he said.
He also discussed Africa’s low involvement in global research, contributing only 3% to the world’s knowledge despite people’s arguments that Africa is the wealthiest continent.
The Vice Chancellor further emphasized the need for Africa to increase its research and educational investment to improve its development. “Nobody is going to industrialize Africa except its young people through those innovations, through beginning small and big enterprises”. Said Prof. Nawangwe.
In addition to winning research grants and establishing centres of excellence, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the need to invest in the innovation hubs at the University as a way of encouraging the young minds to be innovators. “We have been establishing centers for research and emphasizing the need for products, not just coming up with research for the sake but moving this to commercial products”, he stated.
“We have made progress in Makerere’s strategy to be a more research intensive and become a research-led University”, said Prof. Nawangwe. He acknowledged the innovative work that is going on in the University’s innovative hubs such as the Food and Technology and Business Incubation Centre at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Mak UnIPod and the Makerere AI and Data Science Research Lab at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
However, Prof. Nawangwe regretted that some members of society still demoralize and discourage the innovations of the young people instead of encouraging them to continue being big thinkers and innovators. He attributed this behavior as a mindset problem among the population which he said that if this continued, the nation will never develop. To this, he said that they are going to introduce a mindset course in the University aimed at nurturing innovative and creative minds.
He also explained the role of universities in producing business managers and administrators, as entrepreneurs need to work through Universities in order to access better resources and support. Prof. Nawangwe noted the importance of government funding for innovation, which has steadily increased at Makerere University and the need for Universities to take ownership of these initiatives. He equally appreciated UNDP Uganda for their support towards establishing the Mak UniPod.
The chairperson of the Advisory Board for MUTIC, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta expressed his appreciation to the University Council and Management for entrusting him with such big responsibility of carrying forward the center to reach greater heights in achieving their goals.
He explained that MUTIC has come at a defining moment in the University’s journey where the demand for research-informed solutions, innovation and meaningful engagement with society has never been greater.
“This center has been designed not just to inspire ideas but to engineer solutions. It will be an engine of innovation, where curiosity is natured, partnerships are cultivated and discoveries are transformed into impact”, said Prof. Ireeta.
He further said, “Through MUTIC, Makerere University will not only respond to societal needs, we will anticipate them. We will shape the future, not merely react to it”.
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