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
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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