General
Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu Hands Over to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
On completion of his five year tenure as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu in the evening hours of Thursday, 31st August 2017 handed over office to the next Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Effective 1st September 2017, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe is the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
The Vice Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida presided over the handover meeting held in the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
During the meeting, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe upon being appointed the next Vice Chancellor and wished him a successful tenure.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu commended the University Management team, Senate and Council, Government, staff and other stakeholders for the support accorded to him in the realization of the University’s core functions of teaching and learning; research and innovations; and knowledge transfer partnerships and networking.
Cognizant that the Official handover Ceremony is scheduled to take place on 14th September 2017, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu pointed out that he would use the upcoming ceremony to share with the audience a detailed account of his experience during his five year tenure (1st September 2012 to 31st August 2017).
Drawing from his wealth of experience, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu requested the Management Team and University Council to re-think the idea of merging the Planning and Development Department with the Finance Department. “We need to re-think the Planning and Development Unit as an Independent Unit. It may not be a Directorate, but it should remain as independent Unit.” He also re-echoed the need to strengthen the human resource function of Makerere University.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who was delighted to take over the mantle of leadership of this great institution thanked Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu for his enormous contribution towards the cause of building for the future. “Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu led the University during time of significant challenges, but despite those challenges, during his tenure the University continued to improve her research profile and productivity.”
Prof. Nawangwe noted that some of the infrastructural developments initiated during Prof. Ddumba’ tenure such as the AfDB-funded Central Teaching Facilities will improve the teaching and learning core function of the University. He thanked the University Council for entrusting him with the role of leading Makerere for the next five years.
“It means a lot for me to lead Makerere University. We have climbed high and it will be a challenge to not only keep our position but also overtake those ahead. As Management we are taking on a heavy responsibility but with God’s guidance and grace, we will take Makerere to greater heights” said Prof. Nawangwe.
In her remarks at the brief handover ceremony, Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida shared with Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu and Prof. Nawangwe her dream of attracting the Government to boost its support for higher education in general and public funded Universities in particular. She emphasized the need for team work, good interpersonal relations, peace-making involving mediation and conflict resolution in our line of service.
“Council appreciates the work done under Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu’s leadership in the last five years. It is good that issues were discussed and resolved despite all differences in opinion. Going forward, I hope that this will still be the case” shared the Vice Chairperson.
The following Officers attended the handover meeting: The University Secretary/Secretary to Council- Mr. Charles Barugahare, Acting Director of Human Resources-Mrs. Dorothy Sennoga Zake, Acting Director Internal Audit-Mr. Benson Barigye; and staff from Makerere University Public Relations Office.
In his remarks, Mr. Charles Barugahare who moderated the handover ceremony said, “We registered significant achievements during Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu’s tenure and we thank him for leading us well. I welcome the Incoming Vice Chancellor-Prof. Nawangwe who was also part of these achievements. The task before you is to deliver higher education to the Nation and make sure that we register even more achievements.”
The official handover ceremony of the Vice Chancellor’s Office is scheduled to take place on 14th September 2017 in the Main Hall, Makerere University.
Article: Public Relations Office
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
-
General2 weeks agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma Holders Admission Lists under Government Sponsorship for 2026/2027 AY
-
Education2 weeks agoSpecial University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27
-
Education2 weeks agoProf. Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Lecture Re-ignites debate on learner-centred reforms
-
General6 days agoMature Age Admission List – Government Sponsorship 2026/27