General
Albert Cook Library Expands-CHS Hosts World Library Day 2017 Celebrations
The World Library Day was first celebrated in Uganda by the Makerere University Library on 22ndMay 2009. Since then, the Main Library has annually played host to numerous celebrations, each showcasing the latest innovations and publications from both Makerere University and external exhibitors. The 2017 edition was therefore the first of its kind to be hosted off campus by the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Mulago, home of the Sir Albert Cook Memorial Library. Rather than dampen the mood, the lunchtime downpour on Friday, 16th June 2017 only served to confirm to the organisers’ that this was indeed a blessed occasion.
As if to reaffirm this, the rain had hardly let up when the Chief Guest, Chairperson Makerere University Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem accompanied by Vice Chancellor-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, University Librarian-Dr. Hellen Byamugisha, Principal CHS-Assoc. Prof. Charles Ibingira and other guests took to the tents to listen to the exhibitors. Not even the light drizzle was about to stop the guests from viewing the historical Sir Albert Cook medical notes dating as far back as 1897 among other exhibits. Prior to this, a select number of guests had taken a tour of ongoing works on the Sir Albert Cook Library extension, housed under the upcoming Research Support Centre at the College.
Welcoming the Chief Guest and invited guests to the celebrations, Assoc. Prof. Charles Ibingira acknowledged that the Medical Library is a clear example of Sir Albert Cook’s great work and care for medicine and thanked the University Librarian for choosing CHS to host the first-ever off-campus celebration.
“The Library has supported the College of Health Sciences to grow, which has enhanced Makerere University’s visibility and continental ranking. The Library is rated highly in the contribution to ranking and quality of publications,” said Prof. Ibingira.
Prof. Ibingira further expounded that the Sir Albert Cook Library promotes the use of new modes of scholarly contributions, avails opportunities for dissemination of knowledge as well as bridges the gap between PhD and Masters students, owing to the time they spend researching in the library and thereafter uploading their publications in the MakIR; a digital research repository. And whereas he lauded the upcoming library extension which will increase sitting capacity by 108, he noted that this was still insufficient for over 2,500 students. Sir Albert Cook Library currently sits only 200 students.
In her remarks, the University Librarian- Dr. Hellen Byamugisha thanked the Chairperson Council, Vice Chancellor and all guests for honouring her invitation. In line with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA 2017) theme Libraries.Solidarity.Society, the World Library Day theme was Libraries Transforming Society. She explained that the aim of the celebrations was to share experiences and draw the attention of policy makers, library users and guests to the role that libraries play in shaping society.
“This year’s celebration has been deliberately organised in the College of Health Sciences to recognise especially, the tremendous contributions made to the academic and research disciplines in Makerere University, Uganda and the rest of the world. The College of Health Sciences has published the highest number of academic papers in the University and has immensely contributed to the web ranking and visibility of Makerere University” said Dr. Byamugisha.
At the end of her remarks, Dr. Byamugisha thanked the World Library Day 2017 Organising Committee led by Dr. Alison Kinengyere, for their hard work that culminated into a successful celebration. Dr. Kinengyere is the Head of Albert Cook Medical Library.
Carrying on with the congratulatory message to CHS in appreciation of their prolific research output, the Vice Chancellor-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu noted, “Let me also take this opportunity to commend the College of Health Sciences for continuing to attract grants that have boosted Makerere University’s research output and publications. I am aware that the most published researchers in Uganda and the region are found in this college. Thank you very much Principal.”
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu further appreciated the progress of works on the Sir Albert Cook Library extension, noting that this was a continuation of the University’s efforts to achieve her core functions of teaching and learning, research and innovations, and knowledge transfer partnerships and networking. He noted that such projects would not only make Makerere succeed but also excel.
In his remarks as Chief Guest, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem noted that his brief tour of the Sir Albert Cook Library underscored the need for Council, Management and the College leadership to jointly work hard to find resources to revamp the Library. He nevertheless appreciated the University Library staff for meticulously preserving Sir Albert Cook’s medical notes, as one of the special and prized possessions depicting the history of medical practice and training in Uganda.
“As the University Council, we are not only aware of the history that forms part of Makerere’s rich heritage but are also fully embracive of it as we seek to address issues of access, quality, efficiency, financing and governance” said Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem.
The Chairperson Council once again lauded CHS staff for the publications, research and innovations which continue to greatly contribute to Makerere’s global ranking. He in particular singled out Dr. Deogratius Munube for his efforts in securing a Book Grant from the British Medical Association (BMA). In 2016, Dr. Munube and colleagues from the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health successfully applied for and won the Book Grant on behalf of CHS. The BMA Book Grant is awarded once a year to a successful applicant. During the day's celebrations, Dr. Munube and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health were awarded certificates by the Chairperson Council, in recognition of their efforts to stock the Library.
Shortly after the speeches, the Chief Guest and the Vice Chancellor were accompanied by guests to plant three trees in the gardens in front of the Department of Physiology, in commemoration of the World Library Day 2017.
Article: Public Relations Office
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.
Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.
Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.
He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.
Political and Public Service Career
Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.
He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.
Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:
- Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
- Minister of Finance
- Minister of Internal Affairs
- Minister of Health
- Minister without Portfolio
- Minister of Defence
During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.
From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.
Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.
Significance for Makerere
As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.
His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.
Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.
Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014
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