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
Through the Food for Peace initiative, the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport is stepping in to provide meals to over 200 students who struggle to afford meals, especially during the examination period.
According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, hundreds of students drop out of Makerere University every year due to financial constraints. The reality for those who remain is sometimes tougher, for they struggle to survive.
While addressing the media at a press conference held at Makerere University on November 11, 2026, Prof. Nawangwe shared that many of these students skip meals, a situation that is more frequent during examination periods, when the demands on the brain are much greater.
The University is aware of these reports and in his capacity as Vice Chancellor and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, Prof. Nawangwe lobbied the club to take action.
In preparation for intervention, a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted, inviting students to come forward and share their needs. About 200 students responded to the survey, indicating a pressing need for food support during examinations.
The findings birthed a legacy project code-named “Food for Peace”, targeting, for a start, 206 students at Makerere University, regardless of their sponsorship status, as long as they participated in the survey. The Makerere Rotary Peace Centre spearheaded the survey that helped identify the first cohort of those who will benefit from the initiative and guided that for a dignified experience, the beneficially names will remain in records and not disclosed.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasised that the core mission of this cause is to move a step up with efforts to ensure that economically challenged students at Makerere University do not go a day without a meal. Service providers in halls of residence will serve these students their food following a meal card.
Seeding the Project
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary International Director (RID) for Zone 22, while launching the initiative shared his personal experience of facing challenges that almost barred him from attaining an education. He believes education is an equaliser in life and that everyone should have a chance to access it. He reminded those in the room that they were all there together because of education.
RID Katongole highlighted the importance of supporting people, both as individuals and as a community. He expressed pride in being part of the launch of this project because it is going to create many more “Emmanuel Katongoles” through the provision of a meal.
He therefore personally committed to contribute UGX 5 million annually, starting this year, for as long as he lives or until the project ends. He also pledged to remain part of the initiative.
92nd Guild Commends “Service above Self”
From a student perspective, H.E. Kadondi Gracious, the 92nd Makerere University Guild President, delivered a vote of thanks for the initiative. She noted that students had petitioned Parliament to intervene in the matter and were happy that solutions had started coming from within.
She framed this move not just as charity, but as a way of restoring hope to Makerereans who were unsure of how they were going to maneuver through the examination period without lunch. In appreciation, the Guild President commended Rotary for showing what it actually means to offer service above self.
Sustainability of the “Food for Peace” Project
Although the immediate intervention is directed towards fewer than 300 students who expressed a need for assistance, the vision is bigger and looking beyond the current examination season.
As the Rotary Passport Club President noted, “if this is going to be sustainable, it means we are going to look out for partners to create a fund to sustain this initiative.”
The Club Secretary, Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, explained that as a legacy project, it is not a one-off. She committed the services of the Passport Club to supporting this legacy project.
Grounding the sustainability move, RID Emmanuel Katongole set the pace by pledging annual cash and in-kind support towards providing consistent assistance to students throughout subsequent academic periods, thereby enhancing student welfare over the long term.
Dr Winfred Kabumbuli, the Makerere University Dean of Students, showed strong support for the initiative since it falls within the core mission of student welfare. She appreciated the collaboration with Makerere University Passport Club, and pledged to rally internal support.
Call to Action and Contributions
The Club President made an appeal to alumni, corporate bodies, development partners, individuals and institutions of goodwill to join this noble cause, intended to ensure that students not only remain at the University but also attain their full potential on a full stomach.
The immediate fundraising goal is UGX 10 million shillings, which is required to implement the initial phase of food support. Excess amounts collected will facilitate an increase in the number of beneficiaries and after the examination period, add to the kitty for subsequent semesters.
Support and assistance can come in the form of financial contributions, food supplies, corporate partnerships, logistical support, and long-term partnerships.
To facilitate support, the club, through its Charter Treasurer (C.T.), Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, shared the banking details as follows
Bank: NCBA Uganda Limited.
Account Name: Rotary Club of Makerere Passport
Uganda Shillings (UGX) Account Number: 228129200017
United States Dollar (USD) Account Number: 228129200027
SWIFT Code: CBAFUGKA
Bank Code: 36
Students were left with one final promise from the Chief Guest, “you are no longer alone. You have a partner in the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport.”
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Makerere University, on November 10 2026 welcomed a delegation from the International Water Association (IWA), led by Mr. Keith Robertson, the Learning and Events Director at International Water Association (IWA). Mr. Robertson, in his remarks, highlighted their visit to Makerere University as a fact-finding mission regarding the potential establishment of a new regional IWA office in Africa to support the continent in solving challenges relating to water.
The International Water Association is a leading global nonprofit organisation and knowledge hub for the water and sanitation sector. Connecting more than 10,000 individual members and 500 corporate entities across 140 plus countries, the association bridges the gap between scientific research and practical engineering to solve global water crises, improve sanitation, and secure clean water systems. Currently, IWA is evaluating potential host cities in Africa; Makerere University in Kampala is the first they have visited out of their three countries and venues earmarked.
This meeting held at Makerere Main Administrative Building, was attended by university leadership, faculty from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and representatives from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Discussions explored possibilities of the yet to be established office bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the water sector not only in Uganda but also on the continent.
On behalf of University Management, Prof. Edward Bbaale underscored this engagement that focused on possible Water and Sanitation advancement partnership as one that aligns well with the strategic direction of the University.
Projected Impact of a Kampala-Based IWA Office
Dr Philip Nyenje, Head of Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering (DCEE), expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “this is a very good opportunity for us to grow our interest in the sector of water and sanitation.”
In addition, Dr Seith Mugume, a Senior Lecturer at DCEE, noted that the regional office would unlock research and innovation opportunities in the real world for our students and also provide incentives for them to pursue projects within local research and innovation angles.
Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Acting Senior Manager at NWSC framed Kampala as a very unique venue for the centre and highlighted Makerere as one of the core academic partners for the regional Eastern and Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School. Eng. Mpakiraba further endorsed Makerere, saying that, as a top-notch university in Uganda and in the region, when it leads on any aspect, it is able to pull most of the other universities.
Makerere’s Strategic Initiatives and Activities so far in the Area of Water
Dr Nyenje noted that his Department has a very strong base in water and sanitation, covering disciplines like water resources, environmental, structural, and highway engineering. Dr. Mugume added that they are conducting research on “modeling of water resource systems, hydrological and hydraulic modeling,” “water quality management,” and “fecal sludge management, sanitation in low-income and peri-urban areas.”
The two also mentioned that the department has introduced a “master’s in sanitation, and also a postgraduate program… a diploma in sanitation” to address growing interest in the sector.
All these strategies have been made possible through good will and funding from the Government of Uganda, strategic partnerships, and International Collaborations that have positioned Makerere as a key player in the region.
Concluding the session, Prof. Edward Bbaale reaffirmed Makerere’s ability to run this Office when established as the University has human resources in multidisciplinary research, global credibility and working relationships with many organisations and institutions on the continent and far.
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