General
Katikkiro Set to Grace MakRun2018 as Chief Runner
The Katikkiro of Buganda Ow’ekitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga has accepted the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s invitation to grace the 2018 edition of the Makerere University Run (MakRun) as Chief Runner.
“I was humbled to receive the letter signed by the Makerere University Endowment Fund Board Chairman, Dr. Martin Aliker, I appreciate the thought and I am very happy to accept this invitation. As an alumnus, I am very proud of Makerere University and this is a great opportunity to give back to my alma mater” said the Katikkiro to the delegation led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The MakRun now in its second edition is one of the strategies by MakEF to raise funds for the University, and the construction of a state-of-the-art Students Centre is the flagship project. As final preparations get underway for the 25th March 2018 run, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe accompanied by the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) and Buganda Minister of Education and Sports-Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Director Planning and Development Department (PDD)-Dr. Florence Nakayiwa and Ms. Gloria Nakyeyune-PDD officially presented the Katikkiro with his MakRun kit on Monday, 5th March 2018 at his offices in Bulange, Mengo.
“Heading Makerere University is a prestigious position that comes with great responsibility, and I congratulate you upon being elected Vice Chancellor,” said the Katikkiro to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. “Despite all the challenges, Makerere is still the leading Higher Education Institution in the region and all the people I have talked to say that you are equal to the challenge. I have no doubt that you will overcome these challenges and take Makerere even greater heights” added Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
The Katikkiro further shared from his experience as a lawyer and employer that Makerere continues to produce graduates that have a sense of tradition, are unique and exhibit the quality demanded by the legal profession. “I commend the Management and staff upon setting the standard. Makerere has not lost its reputation as the top University and we must do all that we can to preserve its legacy and uphold its standards” said Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
In his remarks, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the Katikkiro for receiving his delegation in a grand way. He acknowledged the rich history between Makerere and Buganda and appreciated the Kingdom for donating the land upon which the University is built. “Makerere still occupies some land under the Buganda Land Board’s jurisdiction and we sincerely thank you the Katikkiro for your support in ensuring that we have a cordial working relationship with the Board” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe shared that one of the Halls of Residence for gentlemen was named after former Buganda Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa in appreciation of Buganda Kingdom’s support to the University. The Vice Chancellor further said that as the home to top brains in the country, Makerere is willing to partner with Buganda Kingdom; with the endorsement of the Katikkiro, to support development projects aimed at improving the welfare of its subjects in Buganda and all residents of Uganda.
“Makerere University is one of the few leading institutions in the world that does not have its own Students Centre and Teaching Hospital. The purpose of our visit here today is to improve and increase collaboration between our two institutions and in particular ask you use all resources at your disposal to publicise the MakRun 2018 and raise funds for the Makerere University Endowment Fund” said Prof. Nawangwe.
After reviewing a brief video showcasing historical buildings such as the first Administration Block built in 1922 and innovations like the Kayoola electric bus, the Katikkiro thanked the Vice Chancellor and Makerere University for reaching out to him.
Commenting on the brief video, the Katikkiro said, “I saw an image of the first Main Building of 1922 and thought to myself, why not replicate this same design for the proposed Students Center? A careful observation shows that the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs in Namugongo mimics the design of the Kasubi Tombs. The architect replicated the design of the traditional palace of that age. That’s the idea and as an architect, I think this would be a fantastic concept for the Students Centre,” enthused the Katikkiro to the Vice Chancellor.
Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga then vowed to mobilise his people, including his fitness partners and office staff come and join him at the MakRun 2018. “I am proud of Makerere University. My children have gone through the Hill; as we used to call it, and so have almost all Members of the Lukiiko who are degree holders. As one who spent some of my early years residing on campus with my late sister Theresa Nanziri, who was murdered by the Amin regime, and later as a Goat, resident at University Hall, we have to keep Makerere’s fire burning brightly,” he said.
The Katikkiro also took the opportunity to thank Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi for promoting and enriching the Luganda vocabulary, as well as Kingdom educational activities. He thanked the Makerere University Council and Office of the Vice Chancellor for contributing to the Buganda Kingdom treasury by purchasing certificates worth UGX1million and UGX500,000 respectively. He also thanked the delegation for presenting him with the Mak necktie, as well as an assortment of university branded souvenirs.
Article by Public Relations Office
Makerere University staff have been urged to embrace servant leadership, integrity and compassion as they prepare to welcome students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
The call was made during the Makerere University Staff Prayer Breakfast held on 31st July 2026 at St. Francis Students Centre Upper Hall under the theme “Faithful Stewards: A Servant Heart with Integrity and Wisdom,” drawn from Colossians 3:23–24 and Mark 10:35–45.
The prayer breakfast brought together members of Council, University Management, academic, and administrative staff to dedicate the new academic year to God while reflecting on their responsibility of serving students with excellence, humility and integrity.
A Call to Seek God’s Wisdom
Host Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa reminded staff that no amount of professional experience or academic expertise can replace God’s guidance.
She noted that the University’s mission can only be fulfilled when staff continually seek God’s wisdom in serving students and one another.
“There is no amount of experience or expertise that can replace God’s wisdom.”
Rev. Dr. Kitayimbwa observed that students remain the reason universities exist and challenged staff to approach their work as a calling rather than merely employment.
“Without students, there is no university,” she said, encouraging members of staff to remain united, avoid unhealthy competition and trust God as they begin another academic year.
She further urged staff to become faithful stewards who work together in harmony, which she summed up as, “United we stand; divided we fall.”
A Community, Not Just a Centre of Research
In her remarks, Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli welcomed the Council Chairperson, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Members of Management to the breakfast, and reminded staff that a university’s value cannot be measured by research and innovation alone.
She described Makerere as a community held together by the spiritual as well as academic wellbeing of its people, and called on staff to renew their commitment to one another as much as to the institution they serve.
Draw Inspiration From Stewardship
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Sarah Ssali told staff that this year’s breakfast carried special significance.
“This is the first prayer breakfast we are having ever since we launched our strategic plan,” she said, referring to the University’s new Strategic Plan, launched on 2nd July 2026.
She encouraged staff to hold on to the morning’s reflections as a guide for implementing the plan over the next five years, describing Makerere as an institution many families choose above all others for the vision and training it offers their children. She urged staff to see themselves as stewards of that trust rather than simply employees carrying out a job.
Compassion and Discipline Must Go Together
Delivering her remarks, Makerere University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara challenged staff to strike a balance between compassion and discipline when dealing with students.
She observed that many students face different personal and academic challenges, making encouragement and timely support essential throughout their university journey.
“A word of encouragement can restore hope and prevent costly mistakes,” she noted.
Dr. Lorna encouraged lecturers and administrators to respond promptly to students’ concerns, explaining that delays, insensitive decisions and abuse of authority can discourage students and negatively affect their academic experience.
She reminded staff that students often remember how they were treated long after they have forgotten what was taught in class.
“Students may eventually forget what we teach them, but they will always remember how we treated them.”
She added that education goes beyond transferring knowledge.
“Education is more than knowledge. We communicate life, character and values.”
Quoting Mark 10, Dr. Lorna called upon staff to embrace servant leadership by exercising authority with humility, integrity and accountability.
She encouraged members of staff to ask themselves whether they would treat every student the same way ashey would treat their own child.
“We may not always have all the answers,” she said, “but we can communicate honestly, take responsibility and treat every student with dignity.”
She concluded by urging different colleges and administrative units to work together instead of operating in isolation, noting that unity strengthens the University community.
Referring to Galatians 6:2, she reminded staff to carry one another’s burdens and remain faithful stewards of the responsibility entrusted to them.
Servant Leadership Begins with Faithfulness
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. James Magara, husband to Dr. Lorna Magara, called on members of staff to embrace servant leadership grounded in humility, faithfulness and service to others.
Drawing from Mark 10:35–45, Dr. Magara reflected on the account in which James and John asked Jesus for positions of honour in His kingdom, prompting discontent among the other disciples. He observed that despite walking closely with Christ, the disciples continued to struggle with the desire for status and recognition. He noted that such competition remained evident even during the Last Supper, where concerns over positions and prominence persisted.
Dr. Magara said that Jesus responded to these human tendencies by redefining leadership through service rather than authority. He described Christ’s act of washing the disciples’ feet as the ultimate demonstration of servant leadership, explaining that genuine leaders are willing to undertake even the humblest responsibilities in service of others.
Referencing Philippians 2, he urged staff to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness, contrasting it with the pride and self-exaltation illustrated in Isaiah 14. He emphasised that lasting influence and greatness are not measured by titles, positions or recognition, but by one’s willingness to serve faithfully and put the needs of others before personal ambition.
Drawing on his own leadership journey spanning several decades, Dr. Magara challenged leaders across the University to cultivate humility, integrity and a servant heart in the execution of their responsibilities. He cautioned that leadership driven by pride and personal ambition undermines both individual effectiveness and institutional progress, whereas servant leadership strengthens organisations and fosters lasting impact.
The prayer breakfast concluded with a call for unity and collective commitment as Makerere University prepares to begin a new academic year. Organisers noted that the reflections on stewardship, integrity and servant leadership would provide a strong foundation for the University community as it advances the implementation of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
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