General
Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe Installed as St Francis Chaplain
Thousands of believers, friends and families convened at Makerere University’s St. Francis Chapel to witness their one and only beloved Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe being installed as the New Chaplain. The installation ceremony was presided over by His Grace Rt. Reverend Stanley Ntagali, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda on 18th February 2018. The highly colourful ceremony was graced by Archbishops from various parts of Uganda, Archdeacons, Deacons, Reverends, other religious leaders, politicians, Makerere University top Management as well as dignitaries from the United States of America, United Kingdom and Missionaries from New Zealand and other special guests.
Officially appointed on 1st November 2017, Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe joins the ranks of a great heritage of the St. Francis Chapel’s pastoral leadership teams led by previous chaplains such as Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe, Canon Goeffrey Byarugaba, Canon Johnson Ebong, Canon Benon Mugarura Mutana, and Rev. Lusania Kasamba amongst others. Before a Chaplain is appointed, the Church of Uganda nominates names of clergy that are then forwarded to the University Appointments Board, which selects and appoints a Chaplain. The Chaplain is at the rank of Senior Lecturer in the University.
Looking resplendent and graceful in his pastoral robes, Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe was presented to the Archbishop for installation by the Archdeacon of Kampala Central Rev. Michael Mukhwana. At exactly 11:30am, he was inducted as the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Francis Chapel by His Grace Rt. Reverend Stanley Ntagali. After the induction ceremony, Rev. Canon Asiimwe was then presented to the congregation and received by the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma, the Chairperson of Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Acting Director of Legal Affairs Mr. Goddy Muhumuza.
The Archbishop congratulated Rev. Canon Asiimwe upon his new role as the Chaplain and asked God to bless him so that he may be a faithful shepherd and a true friend to God’s people. He prayed for God’s Guidance and inspiration to flow through Rev. Canon Asiimwe and asked God to make him one in heart and mind for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
“May God Bless your ministry among the people of this parish. Follow the example of the good shepherd: lead with courage and guide with love; keep watch over the whole flock among whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you. Proclaim the gospel, restore the lost, encourage the faithful and build up the body of Christ. Keep in your life and ministry, the love and joy and peace which are the marks of Jesus and his disciples,” he said.
“Your love, faith and inner character have landed you this important role, so take it with utmost faith and love. I thank God for this moment. This is the right choice. God knows us all. When He was anointing you, He was looking at the inner man; He looked at how lovely your heart is. Reverend Onesimus God has called you at a time when there are many challenges. Jesus is commissioning you today to fulfil his task of serving a community with youth,” added Archbishop Ntagali.
He thanked the church and the community for supporting Rev. Canon Asiimwe since his appointment as Chaplain. The Archbishop also applauded the Makerere University Management for the cordial working relationship with St. Francis Chapel that has born fruitful results.
Upon installation, Rev. Canon Asiimwe thanked Jesus Christ for considering him trustworthy. He referred his calling to Isaiah chapter 49 when he said, “the Prophet reflects on his calling and his Ministry as Prophet to the people of God in Israel. I was first an ordinary member of St. Francis for many years, and then found myself assisting in the ministry after my ordination while serving full-time as the provincial Youth and Students Coordinator. Now God in His mysterious wisdom has called me to be the Chaplain of His Chapel and great community that my family and I have loved for many years,” he said.
In his message entitled “too small a thing” Rev. Canon Asiimwe said that God has called St. Francis Chapel as its mission holds, to not only make disciples out of the nations for Jesus, but also equip and empower them to go and make other disciples.
“Our mission states; make disciples who make disciples for Jesus Christ. My brothers and sisters, it is “too small a thing” for St Francis Chapel to only be a place where students and graduates can come for lively worship, supportive cell groups, relevant Alpha Courses and Biblical-based sermons. This is too small a thing for us,” he intimated.
He thanked His Grace, the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali and the Makerere University Appointing Authority for nominating him and considering him worthwhile to serve in the capacity of Chaplain. He also thanked the Chapel Council and all St. Franciscans for the warm reception and tremendous support since he assumed office on 1st November 2017. “God is not unjust, He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you helped His people and continue to help them,” said the Chaplain in quoting Herbrews 6:10.
Prior to his current appointment, Rev. Canon Asiimwe has held various church ministry roles, the most recent being Director for Youth Department at the Provincial Office of the Church of Uganda.
Commenting on his appointment, Rev. Asiimwe said, “The measure of Church should not be determined by its sitting capacity, but, by its sending capacity.” He expressed his readiness to foster the raising, equipping, and empowering of ‘disciple-making disciples’ to transcend cultures and nations preaching the good news of the Bible.
“Learning the life-skills of racial tolerance and social mediation is crucial for evangelism in unfamiliar terrain across geographic boundaries and cross-cultural circumstances. A University community the calibre of Makerere, with the highest per capita brain power in Uganda, should be known for rigorous study and application of the Bible Scriptures.” He added.
Uplifted and strengthened spiritually by the messages, praise and worship during the service, the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma was happy to note that the church had evolved. By contextualizing the Archbishop’s message to Makerere University’s situation, Prof. Suruma reminded people of their important role as soldiers of righteousness serving the kingdom of God. He thanked Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe for the powerful and uplifting prayer he led the congregation through during the 68th Graduation ceremony.
“I am happy that the Archbishops are here to support Rev. Canon Onesimus in this journey of bringing more light to Makerere University. I am appealing to you for your cooperation to ensure that students at Makerere do not only receive degrees but also become people whose emotions and character turn out to be the basis of the future of this generation,” he said.
On behalf of Council and Management, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem pledged to support the Chaplain in refining the minds of students and staff.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe upon his installation as the new Chaplain and appealed to him to continue praying for the institution. “Makerere University is a vibrant institution; the best black university in the whole world. We shall therefore ensure that you enjoy your stay here. The task you have taken up is challenging because it is not easy to work with youth but with God’s guidance you will find it enjoyable,” he said.
The Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi wished the new Chaplain a successful and fruitful career path that is ordained by God to spiritually change people’s lives. He thanked the Church of Uganda for its tremendous role in initiating several development projects that have positively impacted many lives in Uganda.
In his brief remarks, the People’s Warden Mr. Peter Kizza assured the new chaplain of the support of members of the church when he said, “The people are with you. They are ready to stand with you. The shoes you are putting on now may seem to be big but we will help you to fit in those shoes.”
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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