General
Hon. Tumwebaze, Dr. Muvawala To Champion MakLIB E-resources Fundraising Initiative
The World Library Day Celebrations held on Friday, 13th July 2018 in the University Library concluded on a high as the Minister of ICT and National Guidance-Hon. Frank Tumwebaze and Executive Director, National Planning Authority (NPA)-Dr. Joseph Muvawala both graciously accepted the request to champion efforts to raise funds to support procurement of e-resources and related library activities at Makerere University. The request had earlier been presented by the University Librarian-Dr. Hellen Byamugisha and reiterated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
“I wish to thank you for the invitation to champion this fundraising initiative and to this I say, let us establish a partnership with the Ministry of ICT immediately. We are supporting AIMS (Academic Information Management System) so under the same framework we can support the TISC (Technology and Innovation Support Centre). I request the Vice Chancellor to get in touch with my Permanent Secretary so that we can work this out” remarked Hon. Tumwebaze in response.
Earlier, Hon. Tumwebaze had launched the TISC, housed on the Main University Library’s Second Floor. TISC is an initiative of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) being the National focal point, tasked with identifying potential host institutions. The TISC will the promote the quality of research and innovation of staff and students at Makerere University by providing access to patent information, scientific journals and training on Intellectual Property (IP) laws and patents.
“I thank you for moving the University Library from its orthodox state and making it relevant in the digital space. Digitization will enable you to store information for posterity. The only competition Makerere University has in this country is its own record. For you to compete with this record you must be innovative, and the TISC is one such innovation by Makerere. I therefore urge you all to accept this new idea and support it” said Hon. Tumwebaze.
The Minister further commended Prof. Nawangwe for championing the use of ICT and promoting Makerere University’s brand by being active on the social media platform Twitter. “Content is what rules the digital space as well as the virtual space. If you have no content, people will not follow you. The great Makerere should always remain great. I therefore urge you to continue publishing quality content so that we can defeat instances of fake news and alternative facts” he added.
Delivering the keynote address at the celebrations Dr. Muvawala started off by commending his alma mater Makerere University for moving library services in the right direction through digitization and embracing E-resources. He noted that the maximization of the power of information results into effective service delivery. “Information is not just a necessity but also a serious condition for efficiently running public policy and life” he explained.
He nevertheless urged the University Library to align its services to the planning perspective by embracing a global mindset that reduces the distance between its resources and users by delivering services in real-time. He further challenged the University Library actors not to sit back and be content with their achievements but rather actively participate in public dialogues that shape the policies that affect them.
“I thank you for inviting me to deliver the keynote. Now that I am informed about your activities, I can say that you are selecting the right champion. A vision isn’t a vision if it is not shared. The Uganda 2040 envisions a knowledge-based society where our planning and growth is based on knowledge and research. Our vision underpins the need for accurate, reliable information and the Makerere University Library as the National repository ought to play a visible role.
“As we celebrate this world library day and the advantages of remodeled libraries in informed societies, the role played by the oldest library in Uganda is unequalled. This is what makes Makerere truly Makerere. The only way to compete with Makerere is by doing what you do better, and as a Convocation we have to promote this university every day of our lives” enthused Dr. Muvawala.
In his remarks, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Hon. Tumwebaze and Dr. Muvawala for honouring invitations to their alma mater. He reiterated the key support role played by the University Library; being at the heart of all teaching, learning, research and innovation services at Makerere University.
“I had never fully comprehended the importance of the Makerere University Library until I heard from a Professor while I was visiting the University of Michigan in May this year that we had the best library in Africa! He however warned that all the precious collections we had risked being lost due to the wear and tear unless we digitized them” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.
He therefore commended the University Library for digitizing the institutional archives and requested the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker to continue marketing the University Library. “Makerere is not just a National repository but the best information asset in Africa. I therefore thank the Honourable Minister for launching the Technology and Innovation Support Centre” added Prof. Nawangwe, noting that this would go a long way addressing Africa’s lagging number of patents filed.
Addressing her guests, the University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha shared that the day’s theme “Remodeled Library Services: Informed Societies” was in line with the governing body of libraries – International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)’s annual theme “Transform Libraries, Transform Societies: Reaching out to the hard to reach."
She added that the Library day was an opportunity to celebrate achievements and experiences by showcasing various sections of the Library through exhibitions to the library users, the general public and policy makers. The Librarian acknowledged that the library had evolved from the initial 1949 40-seater facility to today’s 3,800-seater with a host of digital and specialized amenities.
“Digital technology has revolutionised how our users seek and access information. Makerere no longer restricts itself to print publications. We now have a hybrid of both print and digital technology. Every member of staff has a personal computer and on the ground floor we have a computer for people with special needs to access library services, and a facility for nursing mothers on the fourth floor” remarked the University Librarian.
She paid tribute to her predecessors such as Prof. Maria Musoke and the late Mr. James Mugasha for the firm foundation laid and reported that as a result, the Library Staff establishment now includes three Associate Professors and several PhD holders with a few more in the pipeline. She nevertheless pointed out the heavy dependence on donor funds from development partners such as Sida, the Carnegie Corporation and others to fund procurement of e-resources, subscriptions and procurement of ICTs as a major challenge.
“I therefore call upon Hon. Tumwebaze and Dr. Muvawala to be our champions in this cause of raising funds to support library services. I also request you to include Libraries such as Makerere’s in the National Development Plan” concluded Dr. Byamugisha.
The day’s proceedings were ably moderated by Assoc. Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga Tamusuza who spoke glowingly of the warm relationship between the Main Libarary and the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF). “We thank the University Library for hosting the Digital Music Archive, which has the earliest recording of Ugandan music from 1901. The Archive relies on repatriation services from the British Music Archive, Australian Music Archive, the United States and I am happy to say that a number of Ugandan artistes are also depositing their works” she remarked.
The World Library Day 2018 celebrations organising committee was led by the Head Africana Section, Ms. Rhoda Nalubega, who pointed out the key role played by Librarians in the information cycle. “The most important part of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is Information. We therefore warmly welcome the Guest of Honour and Minister of ICT and National Guidance to this celebration, where you will address the people who bear the largest responsibility in the information cycle” she remarked.
Article by Public Relations Office
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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