General
Archbishop Rededicates Expanded St. Francis Chapel
On Sunday 9th July 2017, St. Francis faithful, invited guests and well-wishers assembled at Makerere University to praise, worship and thank the Almighty God for their newly refurbished and expanded sanctuary-the magnificent St. Francis Chapel. The Chapel’s capacity expanded from 450 to 1,350 seats per service.
Uplifted by the wonderful messages in the songs of praise, the congregation that filled both the St. Francis Chapel interior and gardens to capacity listened attentively to the Head-Laity Eng. Moses Kulabako who highlighted that the chapel extension project had lasted 14 months. The report on Chapel Finances, read by the Treasurer indicated that the total collections towards chapel expansion from 2012 to 30th June 2017 was UGX 2.315billion.
The Chaplain, St. Francis Chapel, Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe exalted the Almighty God for the ever growing congregation at St. Francis that resulted in the expansion of the chapel.
“For the past many months, the population has been growing, necessitating the introduction of three main English services at 7:00am, 9:00am and 11:00am and one special Lugbara service at 1:00pm. However despite this innovation the capacity of the Chapel was not sufficient to the extent that almost 50% of the congregation could either sit outside in the tent or under the mango tree and upstairs side aisles where they had no view of the existing chapel proceedings,” revealed the Chaplain.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali congratulated St. Francis Community and Makerere University upon the successful completion of the Chapel extension project. He prayed to the heavens to bless St. Francis community, Chapel Council, Chaplain and the Makerere University family for generous contribution towards fulfilling God’s work.
“We are here today to celebrate the opening of this extended Chapel. Indeed, this is the day that that Lord has brought to us and we should be glad in it. As we rededicate this church, we need to thank Him for this far He has brought us. This has been greatly possible with your generous contributions. Those who will come after you will know that you did a great work,” he said.
Dedicating the expanded chapel to the Almighty God, Archbishop Ntagali said:
“Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, now that we have completed building, let us dedicate this house and rejoice in its holy use, to the glory of God who has called us by grace, to the honour of Jesus Christ who loved us and gave up himself for us; and for the praise of the Holy Spirit who illuminates and sanctifies us…”
Archbishop Ntagali appealed to the St. Francis Community to always make good use of the facility, maintain its magnificent beauty and also remain supportive to the activities of the Church. He thanked Makerere University administration for supporting St. Francis and availing the Church with more space for expansion.
The Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Prof. Apolo Nsibambi who was represented by Prof. Edward Kirumira-Principal of the College of Humanities Social Sciences (CHUSS) re-echoed that he enjoyed the spiritual nourishment and grooming from St. Francis Chapel while a student and member of staff at Makerere University. He thanked the current and former chaplains and their pastoral teams for shaping university students into responsible citizens.
“It is now 56 years ago when I was here at St. Francis Chapel as a student, but also later as a professor of Makerere University. It was good for us because we would sit as a small number and listen to sermons, be mentored and prepared to be leaders of this nation. Now that the Chapel has been expanded to create more space, it is really great work worth celebrating since it will increase on the number of students who participate in church activities.” Prof. Nsibambi wrote.
He expressed his gratitude to the staff of Makerere University and the alumni who after their studies keep coming back to St. Francis as their church. He mentioned that it is their love and generous contributions that have given the Chaplain and the chapel council the morale to plan and be able to come up with structures such as the beautiful sanctuary that was being rededicated to God.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration) on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated the St. Francis Community upon the wonderful achievement. He thanked the community and well-wishers for their enormous contribution towards the Chapel extension project. Prof. Nawangwe-a professional architect by training, applauded the Chapel technical committee chaired by Eng. Paul Ekirikubinza for coming up with magnificent architectural designs.
At the same occasion, Prof. Nawangwe who is also the Vice Chancellor-Elect thanked the Members of St. Francis Chapel for praying for him to reach greater heights. He vowed to selflessly serve the community during his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
The Chapel rededication service was attended by members of clergy, former chaplains of St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University staff, members of St. Francis Community, Makerere University students, invited guests and well-wishers. The colourful service was regularly punctuated by songs of praise from a number of teams including the Children’s Choir.
Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe also saluted his predecessors for their vision in running the affairs and the programmes of St. Francis Chapel. “We would like to thank God for them and we pledge our commitment to continue on the firm foundation that they started so that we are able to have a sense of continuity as a body of Christ.”
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
On Wednesday 16th July 2025, Makerere University lost one of its most cherished sons, Professor Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi. Described as a mathematician, academic leader, and humble servant, Professor Luboobi devoted more than five decades to the university, rising through the ranks to become Vice Chancellor, and leaving a legacy defined by simplicity, service, and scholarship.
Born to Lameka Serwadda and Sanyu Serwadda on 25th December 1944 in Mitondo, Kalisizo, Kyotera District, Professor Luboobi’s academic career begun as a third-year student at Makerere and continued with unwavering loyalty until his passing. His life’s work reflected not only a commitment to mathematics but also nurturing generations of scholars and leaders across Uganda and beyond.
A funeral service was held in his honour at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University on 18th July 2025. It was a moment of solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute. Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi delivered the sermon titled “Only God Knows,” reminding mourners of the mystery and grace of life’s journey. Rev. Canon Geoffrey Byarugaba represented the Kampala Diocese at the service, while former St. Francis Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Canon Johnson Ebong thanked Professor Luboobi for spearheading the Chapel’s expansion. Friends, colleagues, and family members filled the chapel, joined in mourning but also in gratitude for a life that had deeply touched theirs.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, spoke movingly about Professor Luboobi’s faithfulness, likening his life to the biblical call in Mark 10:43, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
In his condolence message, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, hailed Professor Luboobi as a visionary leader whose legacy is deeply woven into Makerere’s identity as a research-led institution. He credited Professor Luboobi with laying the groundwork for a culture of inquiry—championing graduate programmes, encouraging doctoral training, and fostering international collaborations that strengthened the university’s research profile. “He believed in building systems, not just structures,” noting that many of Makerere’s current research policies stem from his leadership. Even in retirement, Professor Luboobi remained a source of wisdom and guidance, quietly shaping the future of the university he so deeply loved.
Speaker after speaker painted a portrait of a man who led not by pomp, but by quiet strength and deep conviction. The Principal, Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, speaking on behalf of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), described Professor Luboobi as a foundational figure whose influence is deeply etched in the structures and spirit of the college. He spoke with emotion about Luboobi’s unwavering commitment to academic integrity and his belief in the power of mentorship.
“He was not just a mathematician,” Professor Ireeta said, “he was a visionary who understood the soul of the university. Even in retirement, he remained an advisor, a guide, and a quiet force of wisdom.” He concluded by saying that the college would continue to draw from his example as it navigates the future of science and innovation in Uganda.
Professor Luboobi’s illustrious career at Makerere University included serving as Head, Department of Mathematics from 1990 to 1991. The current Head of Department, Dr. Ismail Mirumbe remembered him as a pillar in the teaching and development of mathematics in Uganda
Professor John Mango, who served as Head, Department of Mathematics during Professor Luboobi’s term as Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2009 described him as a towering figure of integrity and principle, someone who not only upheld the highest standards of academic conduct but insisted that others around him do the same. “He was a pillar in the department,” Prof. Mango remarked, “and his moral compass was unwavering.”
He recalled instances where Professor Luboobi made firm decisions, including terminating contracts when integrity was compromised, setting a tone that shaped the department’s reputation for honesty and excellence. Even as Vice Chancellor, he remained deeply involved in the department’s affairs, teaching, supervising students, all the while handling top administrative duties punctually. Prof. Mango spoke with great admiration of a man who led by example, mentored many, and whose contributions to mathematics education, research, and policy-making continue to shape the future of the discipline in Uganda and beyond.
According to an article from 1990 written by Dr. Vincent Ssembatya and Andrew Vince at the University of Florida, the Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS), which was formally established on 25th November, 1972 has since inception enjoyed major support from Makerere University and Kyambogo University in terms of infrastructure and leadership. Professor Paul Mugambi, who was also present at Professor Luboobi’s funeral service was elected first president of the UMS. Dr. Saul Nsubuga from the Department of Mathematics represented UMS at the service, honouring Professor Luboobi’s pioneering role in the discipline.
The service also featured tributes from close friends and family. Loved ones shared stories of a man who remained grounded no matter how high he rose, a man who valued relationships and walked closely with his faith. His children and grandchildren remembered him as a father who was ever-present, a listener, and a source of steady guidance.
Professor Daniel Kibuule, son of the late Professor Luboobi and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences at Busitema University, delivered a deeply personal tribute that painted a full portrait of his father’s life, values, and final days. He expressed gratitude to the University leadership, family, friends, and medical professionals who stood with them during a challenging period. He particularly thanked his siblings, Dr. David Kimera and Dr. Irene Nakiyimba for their unwavering role in caring for Professor Luboobi through illness.
He spoke of a man who, despite great academic accolades, remained deeply humble and committed to discipline, simplicity, and faith. From instilling punctuality and responsibility to ensuring his children charted their own paths, none bearing his surname “Luboobi”, Prof. Luboobi was intentional in every lesson he passed on. Kibuule recalled his father’s insistence on being at home even in his final moments, his strong connection to Christ, and his quiet strength despite his failing health.
Former students and mentees echoed the same sentiments, of a teacher who was generous with his time and invested deeply in others’ growth. The community that gathered was not only there to grieve but to celebrate the quiet legacy of a man whose example continues to live on.
Among the mourners were public figures and leaders, including Hon. Abed Bwanika, Member of Parliament for Kimanya-Kabonera, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director Uganda Communications Commission, and Hon. Dr. Ham-Mukasa Mulira, former Minister of ICT, among others.
In his passing, Makerere University has lost a pillar, but his life reminds us that greatness lies in consistency, in humility, and in service to others. Professor Luboobi’s memory will continue to live on in the minds he shaped, the systems he built, and the values he embodied. He ran his race with grace.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Please click the embedded video below to view the service livestream
Legal and accounting officers from public universities across Uganda have convened, for a high-level training workshop organized by Makerere University. The three-day training, taking place from July 16th to 18th, 2025, is aimed at strengthening legal frameworks, improving institutional governance, and ensuring compliance with public finance and procurement laws within higher education institutions.
Ms. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council and Guest of Honour at the opening session, commended the initiative as timely and necessary. She addressed the growing backlog of court cases affecting Makerere and other public universities and outlined measures already taken to mitigate legal risks. These include the establishment of a Legal Rules and Privileges Committee and the Directorate of Legal Affairs, part of a broader strategy to improve legal compliance and foster good governance.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps – Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), described the training as both strategic and practical. “It is imperative that we learn from each other, especially in how we handle employee litigation and institutional legal risks,” he remarked. He added that the program is designed to promote experience-sharing across universities and enhance collective institutional growth.
In his address, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, emphasized the urgent need for robust legal oversight and more effective case management mechanisms within public universities.
The training featured a keynote address by the Attorney General of Uganda, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who provided critical insights into legal expectations for public institutions. He warned that failure to heed legal advice could result in personal liability for accounting officers, citing a precedent involving the Uganda Cancer Institute. “Universities must consult the Attorney General’s chambers before entering into major contractual obligations,” he advised, urging legal officers to document decisions meticulously as proper record-keeping forms the first line of defense in legal disputes.
Hon. Kiwanuka further discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to recentralize legal services to ensure alignment with the Attorney General’s office. He cautioned in-house counsel against becoming overly entangled in decision-making processes, stressing the need for objectivity. Other key issues he addressed included contract approvals, misuse of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and lapses in procurement processes, particularly at the close of financial years.
Participants also benefited from insights by Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana of the Court of Appeal, who offered an in-depth analysis of judicial review and its significance in promoting lawful, transparent university governance. He called on university legal officers to act with clarity, timeliness, and accountability.
Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, Judge of the High Court, delivered a comprehensive presentation on dispute and claim management involving public universities. She addressed emerging trends in civil litigation, emphasizing the importance of due process, transparency, and clear communication in resolving employment, student, and contractual disputes. Drawing on real case examples, she urged institutions to strengthen internal systems, embrace participatory governance, and adopt regional best practices to minimize litigation and protect institutional reputation.
The training reflects a shared commitment among public universities to build a more accountable, legally sound, and strategically aligned higher education system in Uganda. Through peer learning and collaboration, participating institutions aim to reduce litigation, enhance institutional autonomy, and uphold the rule of law.
Participating universities include Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Busitema University, Mountains of the Moon University, and Lira University.
The training concludes on July 18th 2025, with sessions focusing on employment dispute management in public universities and the implications of recent PPDA Appeals Tribunal decisions on procurement and disposal practices within public entities.
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