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