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Mak Directorate of Human Resources celebrates Mrs. Mary K. Tizikara’s dedicated service

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It was a moment of joy when the former Director of Human Resources-Mrs. Mary Kanyiginya Tizikara accompanied by her son and daughter joined staff from the Directorate of Human Resources, Members of Management and other invited guests to celebrate her dedicated service to Makerere University.

The colourful farewell party organised in her honour was held on Thursday 13th July 2017 in the Makerere University Guest House Gardens.Mrs Mary Tizikara (Middle) accompanied by staff from the Directorate of Human Resources  and her family arriving at the venue.

Appointed Director Human Resources on 1st May 2012, Mrs. Tizikara’s five year tenure ended on 30thApril 2017. Makerere University Appointments Board extended her contract for two months up to June 30, 2017.

Speaking on behalf of the staff in the Directorate of Human Resources, Mrs. Dorothy Sennoga-Zake, the Acting Director- Human Resources referred to Mrs. Tizikara as a hardworking and committed worker, whose resilience saw her rise through ranks to becoming the Director Human Resources.

“Mrs. Tizikara has been with us for a long time. During her career, she was able to rise from the position of Administrative Assistant through the ranks to the Director Human Resources. This a good testimony that all the young colleagues present can attest that hard work indeed pays,” Mrs. Sennoga-Zake remarked.Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) handing over a plaque to Mrs Mary Tizikara (Right) as Mrs. Dorothy Zake (Second Left) and Ms Janet Nabukeera (Second Right) the Labour and Welfare Officer look on.

Mrs. Sennoga-Zake highlighted that Mrs. Tizikara spearheaded the migration of the Directorate records from the manual-based system to electronic records and recruitment of College Human Resource officers which has greatly improved the performance of the directorate. She praised Mrs. Tizikara for her role in the drafting of the Makerere University Human Resources Manual.

“Policies and procedures are very important to the functioning of any institution. They spell out the acceptable and unacceptable ways of conducting institutional businesses. This helps employees to know what is expected of them. The Human Resources Manual is one such policy and is very important in running Makerere University. With Mrs. Tizikara’s supervision and guidance, the Directorate was able to draft it,” the Ag. Director said.

The Acting Director mentioned that through her stay, Mrs. Tizikara had accumulated a wealth of experience in Human Resource practices. She is currently a chattered Human Resource Specialist and as a Directorate, they hope to continue tapping into her vast knowledge. She wished her the best of luck as she completes her PhD studies.

Mrs. Tizikara’s supervisor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration described her as a lady of principles who could hardly be compromised on unethical grounds.Mrs Mary Tizikara in company of her family addressing the audience.

“She has been exemplary and professional. I would like to urge you who have remained in the Directorate of Human Resources to emulate her,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

Prof. Nawangwe thanked the Directorate for organizing a farewell party for Mrs. Tizikara. He said this is a sign of appreciation to the people leaving and a good gesture of sending off colleagues with dignity.

Amidst applause from the audience, Prof. Nawangwe handed over a Certificate of Service signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu to Mrs. Mary K. Tizikara in recognition of her dedicated service as Director Human Resources of Makerere University.

Touched by the love and best wishes, a plaque and gifts received from her supervisor, members of Management, College Principals present, staff and well wishers, the jovial Mrs. Tizikara remarked that her appointment to the position of Director Human Resources was a result of her selfless contribution to Makerere University. She revealed that working with the Department of the Academic Registrar and later with the Appointments Division opened many doors for her including acquiring the wealth of experience required for the position of Director of Human Resources.

“I encourage you to compete for a better future. When the chance comes, apply for positions. There are so many opportunities. Don’t be discouraged when you get hostile moments, the future ahead of you is always brighter. The support you give to others will be the same you will need from them,” Mrs. Tizikara advised.Members of staff in the Directorate of Human Resources together with Prof. Nawangwe pose for a group photo.

She remarked that she greatly loved her work, but she had to accept the fact that her contract had come to an end. “There is life after work and I thank God for that. I have loved my work and have reached my climax. I thank God who has enabled me reach the end of my contract healthily,” she said with joy.

She advised junior colleagues to work hard to reach higher levels, adding that dedication and hard work can lead them to a better position.

She appreciated the staff in the Directorate of Human Resources for the team work and cooperation that has enabled the Directorate to implement human resource strategies, and to accomplish vital tasks. She promised to stay in touch with the Directorate and asked members to keep sharing with her their experiences.

Mrs. Tizikara thanked members of Management, the Directorate of Human Resources and her family for the support accorded to her during the execution of duties.

The team from Public Relations Office having fun at the farewell party.

In a very special way, Mrs. Tizikara applauded her supervisor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for the guidance and invaluable support accorded to her. Mrs. Tizikara congratulated Prof. Nawangwe for emerging the best in the race for Vice Chancellor. Mrs. Tizikara is optimistic that his able leadership will scale the Directorate to greater heights.

“I know I have had a cordial working relationship with you and I will carry that with me. I will always be available to share with you. I’m really humbled for appreciating me. Currently, I am doing my PhD and I will complete it soon. With the experience I have, the sky will be the limit,” Mrs. Tizikara said.

 

Article by: Rachael Kanyi and Esther Joyce Nakibombo-Interns-Mak Public Relations Office

 

Elias Tuhereze

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

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.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

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.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

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:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“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.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

Mak Editor

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

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