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Brand Yourself and Brand Mak-VC to College Leaders
“In line with your rules and responsibilities, when you are Head of Department, you are in essence a University. The way you conduct yourself will determine how Makerere is run” said the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as he officially launched the induction training for college leaders.
The two-day induction for College Principals, Directors, Deans and Heads of Department has been organised by the Staff Training and Development Division of the Human Resources Directorate (HRD), Makerere University. Speaking at the opening ceremony held on Monday 30th October 2017 in the Food Science and Technology Conference Hall, the Acting Director Mrs. Dorothy Sennoga Zake thanked the University Management, College leadership and staff for honouring the invitation to the training workshop.
“I acknowledge the presence of all the leaders here this morning especially our Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and I am sure that this workshop will be a good avenue to learn from each other” said Mrs. Zake. She paid special tribute to the staff in the Training and Development Division; Ms. Josephine Nalweyiso and Mr. Patrick Mutebi as well as other HRD staff for their role in organizing the workshop.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor noted that it was important for leaders to reflect on what Makerere meant to each and every one of them and where it is located in Uganda’s geopolitical situation. He noted that Makerere is consistently ranked as the third best in Africa and there was no reason why the University should not claim the top position as stated in its vision.
“The reason that we are ranked so highly is because of our human resource. We have the best academic staff on the continent thanks to an inflow of resources aimed at training PhD staff after the turbulent times, and I am sure that we can even do better if we fix all the loopholes” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe reminded the attendees that as leaders, they were protected by law and had the backing of the University Council. “You should avoid being populist as this will prevent you from taking hard decisions” cautioned the Vice Chancellor before adding, “Execute your responsibilities without fear or favour and the people you lead will respect and re-elect you, provided you act within the law. The tougher you are, the more respected you are so be tough but also be objective and fair.”
He further urged the Heads of Units to equip themselves with knowledge of University policies, the college statute as well as the University Organisation Manual. “This manual is your bible of responsibilities for every function and timelines for every officer. It was revised after college formation and I urge you to read the soft copies that will be circulated” advised Prof. Nawangwe.
In conclusion, the Vice Chancellor urged the leaders to treat their positions honourably and be proactive by enhancing knowledge partnerships between their respective units and the line Ministries. He thanked the Human Resources Directorate for organising the induction training and wished all leaders an interactive learning experience.
Article by Public Relations Office
Makerere University has once again cemented its place as a regional leader in academic excellence after successfully hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming the continent’s brightest young minds for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Held from 26th July to 1st August 2026, the championship brought together more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and other invited institutions, transforming the Ivory Tower into East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation and public discourse.
The week-long tournament featured rigorous British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops and networking sessions designed to sharpen critical thinking, leadership and persuasive communication. Participants debated contemporary issues ranging from governance and economic transformation to technology, public health, climate change and Africa’s future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere University, emphasizing the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society. The championship reflected Makerere’s vision of producing graduates who are innovative, analytical and prepared to address regional and global challenges.
Beyond competition, EAUDC 2026 became a celebration of East African unity. Delegates experienced Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through social events, campus tours and cultural showcases that fostered friendships beyond national borders. The interactions reinforced the championship’s belief that dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations for regional integration and peaceful cooperation.
The tournament concluded with an electrifying Grand Finale witnessed by students, alumni, university leaders, invited guests and debate enthusiasts. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba represented the Speaker of Parliament as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks he congratulated Makerere University on the successful event and encouraged debate among students.
Prof Sarah Ssali the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University pledged continuous support from the administration towards Makerere Debate Union. Teams demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning and eloquence before a distinguished panel of international adjudicators, bringing to a close one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 marks another milestone in Makerere University‘s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for debating and public speaking. The event builds on the university’s long-standing tradition of producing outstanding debaters while providing students with opportunities to engage with peers from across the region in meaningful intellectual exchange.
As the championship drew to a close, participants departed Kampala with new friendships, stronger networks and renewed inspiration to continue using debate as a tool for leadership, democratic participation and social transformation.
With the East African chapter successfully concluded, attention now turns to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.
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