General
New MUASA Chairperson Swears In: Emphasises Association’s Financial Sustainability
The newly elected Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi has vowed to use his term of office to create a MUASA SACCO with the aim of strengthening the financial position of the Association. Speaking to the joyful audience at the swearing in ceremony held on 15th January 2018, Dr. Kamunyu said that the New MUASA Executive is committed to resource mobilisation and strengthening the financial position of the Association beyond the current income generating activities.
To achieve this, he pledged to institute processes and procedures that are guided by approved operating manuals with an improved outlook to governance as well as increased trust in the Association‘s ability to handle finances and guide investments.
“This SACCO will increase our social cohesion, empower us financially and increase our love for the Association. MUASA SACCO will not compete with any available saving options in the university as many may anticipate, it will instead expand saving opportunities for members but this time with clear social development objective and governance structure. The two years which we have started today seem few but will endeavour to lay a foundation for most viable projects,” he said.
Dr. Kamunyu envisions a meaningful and stronger MUASA that focuses on not only uniting but also positively changing the lives of its members beyond salary enhancement and harmonisation. According to Dr. Kamunyu, his team is also ready to work with the University Management to improve governance and promote compliance to policies and regulations.
“We want consistent improvement in ethical standards especially in the handling of financial, administrative and academic matters. We want transparency in staff development and promotions policy and procedures, college financial management and improved budgeting and compliance budgets. We will continue to call for action towards a pro service delivery procurement system and one that guarantees good value for money,” he said.
After serving as the Association’s Public Relations Officer for two years, Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi was on Monday 11th December 2017, elected as the new Chairperson of MUASA replacing Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu-Musoke; his term officially starting on 5th January 2018. He pointed to the past two years of serving MUASA as a period of learning to; serve people selflessly, take MUASA’s position seriously, listen to others carefully and be open minded.
“I therefore believe that my victory as the MUASA Chairperson was not out of persuasive campaign but out of the trust that MUASA fraternity have in me. Even when I know that the tasks ahead are many and yet with no straight forward methods of accomplishing them, I will be reminded of your resolute trust in my ability and push forward,” he remarked.
Dr. Kamunyu Muhwezi who was in the company of his beloved wife Mrs. Mariam Kamunyu and children Charles and Rebecca Kamunyu thanked the Almighty God and the MUASA fraternity for allowing him to serve the Association as the Chairperson. He also thanked the outgoing Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu-Musoke and his Executive for steering the Association for the last five years. “Your leadership has brought various staff welfare achievements such as salary enhancement and health insurance. Together with my team, I promise to build on from where you have stopped. We hope that you will be available for consultation where need arises especially when we move to tap from your wealth of experience as MUASA leader” he said.
“I also thank the MUASA Electoral Commission for delivering a credible election. The election you organised has never been held in the history of MUASA. We are glad and honoured to have taken these respectable positions with undisputed mandate which we believe you made possible. We are partners in strengthening your mandate because we are aware that at some point, bad elections were threatening to undermine MUASA,” he added.
The swearing in ceremony was presided over by the Commissioner of Oaths His Worship Mr. Lawrence Tweyanze and witnessed by Jolly J. Sonko representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, the Representative from the Ministry of Educ ation and Sports, Makerere University Management and staff among others.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the new Executive and looked forward to their cooperation with the Management. He encouraged the team to consider looking for more aid and funds to boost the institution’s research.
“Research is one of the biggest pillars of Makerere University. This means that it needs to be heavily funded. We also have to enforce our policies that can keep the intuition’s research at the highest rank that is why I suggest that every PhD and Masters Student must begin to publish at least one publication before they finish. This is what the best universities do,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe appreciated Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke and his Executive for employing diplomacy to win the negotiations on salary enhancement.
In the same spirit the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. William Bazeyo thanked the outgoing Executive for the tireless efforts to defend the rights of teaching staff. Prof. Bazeyo congratulated the incoming Executive and urged them to be that strong bridge between MUASA and Management so as to foster positive change at Makerere University.
He challenged the MUASA Executive to explore the available opportunities within the university so as to improve their finances.
The outgoing Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu-Musoke congratulated Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi and his team upon being elected as the new MUASA Executive. He advised the new leadership to always use the appropriate solution for the situation at hand for the good of the people. “Leadership is not about doing a lot of talking, writing, striking, dialoguing, tweeting, whatsapping and mailing. It is about appropriate judgement that suits an environment to deliver services that promote the good of the community,” said Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke.
He urged the new leadership to create a close working relationship with the Government of Uganda and always engage Management when finding solutions to issues concerning the University.
“Makerere University is a Public Institution that demands close working relationship with the Government. Therefore, take this as important because the Government has a great stake…. In addition Management should not be treated as enemies but as a team that requires effective engagement. Both Academic and Non-Academic staff are great stakeholders and also require maximum respect as you deliver your services. Students are indispensable and they are the reason we exist,” he said.
He thanked the University Management, Council and members of staff for the support they have rendered to his Executive during the five years of his service. In a special way, Dr. Kiggundu-Musoke thanked the Government of Uganda, specifically H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his decision to enhance staff salaries.
“I thank the IGP Kale Kayihura for ensuring peace and stability at Makerere University and for his support that enabled us to meet the President on the salary issue. We thank the Ministry of Education and Sports for both moral and financial support towards our staff. I thank our fellow associations; Makerere University Administrative Staff Association, Non-Teaching Fraternity and NUEI for the generous support when we pushed the university and the Government to work on our demands,” he nostalgically said.
The newly elected MUASA Executive will be led by the Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, the Chairperson and other remembers include:
• Assoc. Prof. Edward Nector Mwavu (Vice Chairman),
• Dr. Michael Walimbwa (General Secretary),
• Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba (Deputy General Secretary),
• Mr. Hussein Oria (Treasurer),
• Dr. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Academic & Research),
• Mr. Arthur Mugisha (Welfare),
• Mr. Allan Ochieng (Public & External Relations),
• Assoc. Prof. John Bosco Lamoris Okullo (CAES college representative),
• Mr. Milton Wabyona (CHUSS college representative),
• Dr. Anthony Tibaingana (CoBAMS college representative),
• Dr. Andrew Tamale (CoVAB college representative),
• Dr. Amin Kiggundu Tamale (CEDAT college representative),
• Dr. Erem Geoffrey (CHS college representative) and
• Mr. Mwanje Aloysius Desire (COCIS college representative).
Article by Public Relations Office
During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.
The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.
The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.
She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.
Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.
She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.
Students urged to aim for first-class results
The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.
They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.
The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.
Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct
Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.
They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.
The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.
The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.
Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.
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