General
Makerere University Bursar, Mr. Augustine Tamale Hands over Office
On Thursday 28th June 2018, the Outgoing University Bursar, Mr. Augustine Tamale handed over office to the Acting University Bursar, Ms. Deborah Nalule.
Ms Deborah Nalule, the Manager-Expenditure and Reporting in the Finance Department will manage the office until a substantive University Bursar assumes office.
In a letter dated 20th April 2018, Mr. Tamale notified the Director, Human Resources that he would resign from the University service on Friday 29th June 2018. At its 565th meeting held on 23rd May 2018, the Makerere University Appointments Board accepted Mr. Tamale’s resignation.
In a cordial interaction with the Central Management team in May 2018, Mr. Tamale revealed that he had secured a job in another company that was offering a very competitive package in terms of remuneration and other benefits.
During his tenure, Mr. Tamale ensured transparency and efficiency of financial transactions in the University. Determined to improve financial reporting in the University, Mr. Tamale introduced proper ways of maintaining all financial records in the Department. He also initiated an effective accounting system for the University.
“This is a tough office but you have done a great job. Thank for being a man of your word, with a respected reputation that you have protected for long. You are so committed to your wok and that kind of dedication needs to be appreciated. You have used the best of your time to ensure that the Finance Department becomes a better Unit. Once a Makererean, stay a Makererean, wherever you go ensure that you market Makerere University. Do things that will build and raise the University to greater heights,” said Mr Charles Barugahare, the University Secretary.
In the same spirit, the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Andrew Abunyang commended Mr. Tamale for being a very open, cooperative and hard working colleague.
During the handover ceremony, Mr. Tamale said: “It is an afternoon of mixed feelings. There is joy that I am moving to another place, but I had bonded with so many people here whom I miss dearly. Makerere University has lifted my profile so high-the University Bursar managing billions and billions. It was worthwhile being here. I will continue to give support to the team in the Finance Department when called upon.”
Mr. Tamale said that he was happy to hand over office knowing that the Debt burden of the University had reduced from UGX.130billion to UGX 60billion. He also urged the University Management to prioritise systems accounting in the Finance Department. “We have put in place a number of systems, and there is an urgent need to recruit technical people to handle systems accounting,” he stated.
Mr. Tamale applauded the staff in the Finance Department for their cooperation and team work when he said: “People that I found in the University helped me a lot. My success has been realised due to teamwork. Very many people here played a big role in ensuring that I deliver. I appreciate the opportunity granted to me to serve this University. My family has grown bigger to include the Makerere University community.”
Witnessing the handover, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Dr. Eria Hisali who is also the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, thanked Mr. Tamale for his dedicated service to Makerere University.
“We appreciate your contribution to Makerere University. You have put in place very good financial systems. Transparency has been enhanced in the accounting system. Information can now be easily shared among units. We appreciate this solid contribution and thank you for having been a remarkable person who is committed to your work. We shall always remember you,” Dr. Hisali said.
Dr. Hisali welcomed the incoming Acting University Bursar, Ms Nalule and thanked her for accepting to Act until a substantive University Bursar assumes office. On behalf of Management, Dr Hisali pledged to support Ms Nalule during her period of service.
Ms Nalule thanked Mr. Tamale for his invaluable contribution to Makerere University, and in particular for uplifting the financial functions in the University. “We have enjoyed the cordial working relationship. Thank you so much for driving us this far and for the mantle that you have left to us,” she said.
The following officers also witnessed the handover: Mr. Walter Yorac Nono-Director Internal Audit; Mr. Hudson Musoke-representing the Director Legal Affairs, Ms Ritah Namisango-Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr. Peter Mubiru and Mr. Majid Sserunjogi from the Finance Department.
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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