General
University Secretary Emphasizes Self-evaluation among College Leaders
The Acting Makerere University Secretary Dr. Eria Hisali has urged College Leaders to develop a self-evaluation mechanism that can help them align their achievements and accomplishments to the university goals and objectives. This was during the closure of the two days induction workshop organized by the Directorate of Human Resources, Makerere University.
Speaking to College Principals, Directors, Deans and Heads of Department on 31st October 2017, Dr. Eria Hisali said that evaluating one’s performance does not only improve on individual services delivery among University workers but also contributes towards the development of the University at large. He encouraged participants present to consider self-evaluation as one of the best methods of looking at performances and setting both job and career goals.
“Self-evaluation ensures that you prepare thoughtfully for your performance development planning, it helps to initiate an inner dialogue on your interests, performances and accomplishments. The method encourages personal growth, and facilitates career development. Remember a good return does not only sell an individual but also the University as a whole. Desirable and satisfying outputs scale the University to the greater heights both nationally and internationally,” he echoed.
He applauded the Staff Training and Development Division in the Human Resources Directorate for organizing the two days induction which he believed will improve on service delivery among University Officers.
The Acting Director of the Human Resources, Mrs. Dorothy Sennoga Zake thanked the members present for their positive participation in the induction. She encouraged participants to continue reminding themselves of the key issues that have been shared during the induction training as a way of tracking the contribution of the training in the execution of their duties.
“Learning is a continuous process, so let us continue sharing what we know and what we have learnt from the induction to help ourselves be efficient on our jobs,” she said.
The second day of the induction featured several presentations from University officials. In the presentation focusing on the role of College Leaders and College Registrars in the Collegiate System, the University Academic Registrar Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye introduced the new decentralized system of issuing graduates’ transcripts to participants. According to Mr. Namoah Masikye, graduates will be in position to receive Academic transcripts from their respective Colleges.
“To ease service delivery, the University Central Management has decentralized the issuance of Makerere University academic transcripts. With this arrangement, the Academic Registrar will send printed Makerere University academic transcripts to the Office of the Principal in the respective Colleges and graduates will be in position to receive Academic transcripts from the respective Colleges. The Academic Registrar is putting in place several modalities to ensure the successful implementation of this decision,” he said.
The Senior Public Relations Officer Ms. Ritah Namisango called upon the college leaders to participate in, support and partner with the Public Relations and Communication offices to effectively communicate the milestones in teaching and learning, research and innovations as well as knowledge transfer partnerships and networking. Ms Namisango also highlighted the various sections of the Makerere University Communication Policy which stipulate the role of each office, University Management and members of staff in the execution of a two-way flow of information as well as effective communication processes.
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye appealed to the college leaders to emphasize the importance the Makerere University Policy and Regulations on Sexual Harassment Prevention to both staff and students. He urged them to revitalize the Anti-Sexual Harassment Committees, Gender Focal Persons at Colleges and put into consideration the needs of students with disabilities.
Other presenters included; The Acting University Librarian Dr. Hellen M. Byamugisha, Acting Director Internal Audit Mr. Benson Barigye, and the Labour Relations Officer Ms. Janet Nabukeera.
The second day of the induction was moderated by: Dr. Andrew Ellias State, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Dr. Rose Nabirye Chalo, Dr. Sarah Ssali, Dr. Betty Ezati, Dr. Nakawunde Kulabako, Dr. Engineer Bainomugisha and Dr. Kamba Pakoyo. The training climaxed with award of certificates to participants.
Article by Kanyi Racheal, Volunteer, Mak-Public Relations Office
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.”
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.”
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:
“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.
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