General
New Human Resources Director Tips Staff on Discipline
“I am privileged to be working for Makerere University. For the short time I have been here, I have come to a conclusion that Makerere University is the best employer. I want us as human resource practitioners to take the lead in being disciplined and protect the image of our employer. Makerere University will continue to shine if staff maintains the highest level of discipline,” remarked Mr. Andrew Abunyang, the new Director of Human Resources.
Mr. Abunyang made the remarks on Thursday 3rd May 2018 at the welcome party organised by staff in the Directorate of Human Resources at the Makerere University Guest House.
Mr. Abunyang received instruments of power as Director, Human Resources of Makerere University on Tuesday 17th April 2018. He previously worked as Commissioner Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Public Service and Commissioner Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Health.
Mr. Abunyang informed invited guests comprising Members of University Management, Principals, as well as staff from the Directorate of Human Resources and Mak Public Relations Office that his style of service is based on an open door management approach where staff are free to approach him for consultations.
He is optimistic that team work and support from Management and Staff would enable him to overcome human resources challenges associated with learned environments such as Makerere University.
“Human Resource management is a very challenging role wherever you go especially in a knowledge-based organisation like Makerere University where you are dealing with highly learned and intelligent people. With team work and the support that you have assured me of, we will overcome these challenges. I thank you for organising a welcome party for me. I encourage the Directorate to take lead in organising such parties for other members of staff,” remarked Mr. Abunyang.
In a speech read by Dr. Eria Hisali, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated Mr. Abunyang upon being appointed Director Human Resources. The Vice Chancellor welcomed Mr. Abunyang to his management team and reaffirmed his readiness to work with him to take Makerere University to greater heights.
Dr. Eria Hisali who is the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, and the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), commended the Outgoing Acting Director Human Resources, Mrs. Dorothy Sennoga Zake for being a good team player as well as managing the Directorate of Human Resources during the time of transition. He thanked the staff in the Directorate for the support accorded to Mrs. Sennoga Zake during her period of service. Dr. Hisali also called upon the staff in the Directorate to extend the same support to Mr. Abunyang.
He added that Makerere University is looking up to Mr.Abunyang to find solutions to the human resource challenges. “We count on your knowledge and expertise to help the University Management to address and find solutions to these challenges,” he said.
On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Hisali presented a plaque to Mrs. Sennoga Zake in appreciation of the dedicated service rendered to Makerere University as the Acting Director Human Resources from 1st July 2017 to 16th April 2018. He also presented the Makerere University Neck Tie to Mr. Abunyang.
The University Bursar, Mr. Augustine Tamale who has executed tasks that required input from the staff in the Directorate of Human Resources, assured the new Director of Human Resources that he will be working with a great team.
Reflecting on goodwill and support from the Directorate of Human Resources, Mrs. Sennoga Zake said:
“I assure you that we are a good team, and we are ready to work with you, Mr. Abunyang. I joined Makerere University in 1988 as an Administrative Assistant. I have risen through the ranks. I have enjoyed my stay at Makerere University I have received a lot of support from colleagues. At Makerere University, every day presents a learning experience. I thank the Management and Staff in the Directorate for the support that I received during the time I served as Acting Director, Human Resources,” she remarked.
Mrs. Sennoga Zake returns to her substantive position as Manager of Staff Development, Welfare and Retirement Benefits in the Directorate of Human Resources.
On behalf of staff in the Directorate, Mr. Godwin Okiror reiterated his colleagues’ readiness to work with the new Director so as to realise an effective and efficient human resource function.
Mr. Julius Lebo, the Senior Performance Officer applauded Mr. Abunyang for accepting to serve at Makerere University. “Mr. Abunyang is a man of integrity and in appointing him as our Director, I believe that the Appointments Board made the best choice,” remarked Mr. Lebo. He praised Mrs. Sennoga Zake for inculcating in them the spirit of team work.
The welcome party which started with a word of prayer led by Ms. Mavis Kansiime, Acting Senior Employment Officer climaxed with a sumptuous meal and plenty of drinks. In a very special way, staff from the Directorate of Human Resources who joined the dance floor to celebrate the good times in the Directorate commended the Labour and Welfare Officer, Ms. Janet Nabukeera for the excellent planning and execution of the Welcome Party.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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