General
VUB Rector-Prof. Pauwels Visits Mak, Looks Forward to Collaboration
The Vrije University Brussels (VUB) Rector-Prof. Dr. Caroline Pauwels, accompanied by a delegation of VUB Staff and Alumni on Thursday, 19th April 2018 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management. The delegation’s visit to Uganda also took them to Kyambogo University (KYU) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Following a brief session of introductions, Prof. Nawangwe welcomed Prof. Pauwels and her delegation to Makerere University and thanked VUB for offering postgraduate training to Makerere Staff and alumni. “I can tell that Molecular Biology is an outstanding discipline in VUB as mentioned by most of the alumni here, and I am very happy that you have called on us at Makerere University.”
The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University is currently formulating the 2019/20 – 2029/30 strategic plan as the institution marks its 96th year of existence, wherein the university seeks to further prioritise research. “Whereas we have always considered ourselves to be a research-led university, we think that we can do more, and always look forward to new collaborations with institutions such as VUB” added Prof. Nawangwe.
In her remarks, Prof. Pauwels thanked Prof. Nawangwe for the warm welcome and couldn’t hold back her emotion at seeing so many VUB alumni in the room. VUB alumni present currently work with institutions such as the; College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Uganda and Gulu University (GU) among others.
“Although VUB will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in two years, the original French-speaking institution from which it was split was founded in 1834. We may not be as comprehensive as Makerere University, since we do not have Veterinary Medicine and other disciplines, but we are keen on research and innovations and strongly believe that research holds the answer to the common challenges that Europe and Africa both face” added Prof. Pauwels.
Contributing to the discussion, the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)-Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi noted that “without research, we cannot move our people forward. Makerere University is therefore privileged to contribute to the work that VUB is already doing in this respect.”
Prof. Pauwels conceded that VUB desires to understand Africa better and increasing staff and student exchanges as well as joint research could serve as a good starting point. “The Belgian Flemish Government and the European Commission both offer a number of scholarships to students from African countries and we encourage universities to take advantage of these” she added.
In conclusion, the Vice Chancellor once again thanked Prof. Pauwels and her delegation for visiting Makerere University and concurred that the two institutions have a lot of common ground to embark on mutually beneficial collaboration.
“If your intention is to study Africa, I must say that you are in the right place. Uganda by virtue of the diverse ethnicities that make up its population offers a very good starting point and I invite you to start right here” offered Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Nawangwe later on handed over an assortment of Makerere University souvenirs to Prof. Pauwels and her delegation.
Article by Public Relations Office
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
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