General
Mr. Henry Mwebe appointed Director, Legal Affairs
On 16th April 2018, the outgoing Acting Director of Makerere University Directorate of Legal Affairs Canon Goddy Muhanguzi Muhumuza handed over office to the newly appointed substantive Director Mr. Henry Mwebe. The handover ceremony took place at the Directorate of Legal Affairs and was presided over by Makerere University Secretary Mr. Charles Barugahare who is the immediate supervisor of the Directorate. It was witnessed by Mr. Walter Yorac Nono-the Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Ssanyu Lawrence representing the Acting Director of Human Resource, staff from the Directorate of Legal Affairs and Makerere University Public Relations office.
Mr. Henry Mwebe was officially appointed substantive Director of Legal Affairs on 6th April 2018. On behalf of the Management and the entire University Community, the Makerere University Secretary Mr. Charles Barugahare thanked Canon Goddy Muhanguzi Muhumuza for the outstanding service rendered the Directorate since its inception.
“With your dedication as Acting Director for two years and five months, the Directorate of Legal Affairs has witnessed several achievements. This portrays you as a good leader and we pray that you do not stop. You have remained solid, firm in positioning and providing guidance to the University,” he said.
He warmly welcomed the newly appointed Director and encouraged him to utilize the staff and build a strong and energetic working team. He also urged the Director to tap into the available opportunities and possible innovations that can support the Directorate.
Mr. Henry Mwebe thanked the staff of the Directorate and University Management for the warm welcome and promised to work with the team to see to it that the University is compliant with all aspects of the law in both its external and internal transactions. He called for team work from the staff to ensure that the Directorate adds value to the overall output of the University. “With you and with the help of Management, I undertake this responsibility so that the Directorate realises its mandate,” he said.
Mr. Henry Mwebe is a professional lawyer with 18 years of experience. He has practiced his profession in both Government and private sectors. Mr. Mwebe is also an Advocate and a Commissioner for oaths. He holds a Masters of Law Degree from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, Kampala, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Kampala and an Advanced Diploma in Economic Social and Cultural Rights from Abo Akademi University, Finland. He also holds various qualifications in arbitration and mediation.
The outgoing Acting Director, Canon Goddy Muhanguzi Muhumuza thanked Makerere University Appointments Board for granting him the opportunity to serve in the position of the Acting Director Legal Affairs for the period of two years and five months. In the same spirit, he thanked the University Management for the support and the team in the Directorate of Legal Affairs for the teamwork they exhibited during his tenure. Mr. Muhanguzi Muhumuza also appreciated the University Council’s decision to establish the Directorate of Legal Affairs.
“With your support, I was able to kick start and complete the process of establishing, registering and securing approval of the Chambers for the Directorate of Legal Affairs, ensuring the efficient and effective handling of all cases for and against the University,” he said.
He warmly welcomed the incoming Director and congratulated him upon his new role. He pledged to work harmoniously with him to ensure that the objectives and goals of the Directorate are fulfilled.
Article by Mak-Public Relations Office
As part of her efforts to familiarize herself with the offices under her docket, the newly appointed First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, has embarked on a series of visits to different units that report to her office. One of these is the Makerere University Press (MakPress), which she visited today on 21st of October 2025, on a courtesy call. She was received by the Managing Editor for MakPress, Dr. William Tayeebwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Previously, MakPress operated jointly with the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) before becoming a standalone entity. Accompanying Prof. Ssali on this visit were Prof. Julius Kikooma, the Director of DGT, and Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, the Acting Manager of the International Relations Office.
During her visit to MakPress, Prof. Sarah Ssali commended the Unit for its progress and partnerships while emphasizing the need to strengthen collaboration with key institutions such as the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), the Ministry of Education and Sports, and other universities. She encouraged the Press to explore practical working models, including leveraging external expertise and streamlining its printing processes to enhance efficiency. Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring fair contractual terms with partners, and maintaining transparency in publishing agreements. She advised that Makerere University Press should position itself strategically by producing high-quality academic materials that serve both national and international audiences. Additionally, she urged the team to adopt a more consistent publication schedule—launching books quarterly or biannually—and to organize events where authors can engage directly with readers, scholars, and policymakers. Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the administration’s support toward building a stronger, more vibrant university press that effectively contributes to research dissemination, academic dialogue, and national development.
During the courtesy visit, Dr. William Tayeebwa highlighted the milestones and ongoing projects at the Press. He spoke about the growing partnerships with institutions such as the University of Chicago Press, the University of California Press, and the African Books Collective, which have enhanced both local and international visibility of Makerere’s publications. “Why make a university press when you have Makerere University Press”, Dr. Tayeebwa said urging public universities to utilize MakPress. Dr. Tayeebwa also shared that the Press has republished several titles, launched new book projects, and developed a digital platform that enables readers to access and purchase books online. However, he pointed out a number of challenges affecting the Press’s operations, including inadequate funding, limited printing capacity at the university printery, and delays that often affect the timely release of publications. He further noted the difficulty of accessing generated funds due to bureaucratic procedures, space and infrastructure limitations, and the continued confusion between the roles of the Press and the printery. Despite these challenges, Dr. Tayeebwa reaffirmed the commitment of his team to strengthen Makerere University Press as a central pillar in advancing research dissemination and academic publishing.
Makerere University Retirement Benefit Scheme (MURBS) has presented its performance of Financial Year 2024/2025 to the sponsor, the University Council and other stakeholders on 21st of October in the Telepresence Centre, Senate building. MURBS which is a Mandatory Employer-Based Scheme was established by Makerere University under an irrevocable trust effective 1st April 2009 to provide retirement benefits to employees of Makerere University.
Council applauds MURBS Performance
In her remarks at the presentation, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, commended the Scheme’s steady progress and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to safeguarding staff welfare. She noted that MURBS has grown into a trusted, transparent, and professionally managed scheme that continues to strengthen confidence among staff. Mrs. Magara praised the Board of Trustees for their prudent management and governance, describing their work as not merely financial stewardship but the protection of the hopes and futures of Makerere families. She urged continued focus on member education, digital service delivery, and sustainable fund growth, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to build a lasting legacy of trust and financial wellbeing for all university employees.
MURBS demonstrates liquidity and resilience amid a volatile economy
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) for its continued growth, accountability, and prudent management. She applauded the Scheme’s record fund value of UGX 475 billion and its unqualified audit opinion from KPMG, describing these milestones as clear evidence of transparency and sound governance. Prof. Ssali reaffirmed Makerere University’s full commitment as the Scheme’s sponsor, noting the progress made in clearing historical arrears and supporting MURBS operations. She praised the Board’s disciplined investment strategy—particularly its diversification into unit trusts and near-cash assets—which has enhanced liquidity and resilience amid a volatile economy. Highlighting MURBS as a model of good governance and accountability, Prof. Ssali emphasized that a reliable retirement scheme not only secures staff futures but also strengthens motivation, productivity, and institutional excellence.
Embrace digital transformation – URBRA urges
From Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), the Manager Market Conduct, Mr. Mark Lotukei commended MURBS for its continued commitment to compliance, member education, and sectoral excellence. He highlighted that the Authority has been focusing its trainings on strengthening trustees’ capacity, with recent sessions covering strategic tax planning to help schemes minimize liabilities and safeguard members’ funds. Mr. Lotukei further announced upcoming trainings on benefits administration, stakeholder roles, and the contribution of pension funds to infrastructure and economic development. Emphasizing the evolving nature of the pension landscape, he urged trustees to embrace digital transformation, improve communication with members, and promote sustainable and innovative investment strategies. He concluded by reaffirming URBRA’s commitment to supporting MURBS and other schemes, assuring stakeholders of the Authority’s openness to continued collaboration and guidance.
Fund Value Hits Record UGX 475 billion
In his presentation on the performance, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Michael Kizito, highlighted the Scheme’s continued growth, prudent financial management, and commitment to transparency. He reported that MURBS’ total assets had risen to UGX 475 billion, up from UGX 409 billion the previous year, reflecting strong investment performance and effective governance. Dr. Kizito commended the University management for timely remittances and reaffirmed the Board’s focus on sound risk management, diversification, and member satisfaction. He acknowledged the dedication of the trustees, staff, and service providers, noting that their collective effort has positioned MURBS for sustainable success. Looking ahead, he emphasized the Scheme’s intention to strengthen alternative investments and optimize operations to deliver even greater value to members and stakeholders.
The presentation of the performance of the scheme is one of the activities leading to the Annual General Meeting and it is done to management and the Sponsor of MURBS. The presentation, which attracted several key stakeholders including members of the University Council and representatives from Stanbic Bank and Old Mutual, concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi. The session provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarity on the Scheme’s performance, governance practices, and investment strategies, fostering transparency and open dialogue between the MURBS leadership and its partners. MURBS is licensed by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (License No. RBS.0005).
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