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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the Disability Scheme for 2025/2026 academic year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Two (2) in the Telepresence Centre.
Note: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level and at least five (5) Passes at O’ Level or the equivalent will be interviewed.
Only candidates candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible for admission.
The exercise will be conducted on 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th May, 2025 respectively from 9.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m. each day.
Important:
a)If you fail to appear on any of the given days above, there will be no other chance for you.
b) Applicants who are beneficiaries of other Government Scholarships are not eligible for admission through the Disability Scheme.
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi addresses new staff during the induction.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni (2nd Right) responds to a question as Left to Right: Mr. Amon Muteganda, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike listen.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
Mr. Amon Muteganda congratulated the new staff upon their respective appointments.
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda made a presentation on University Governance and Key Offices.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.
Those who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.
The list includes the different categories of applicants namely: A-level, Diploma Holders, Degree Holders and Mature-Age: