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Vice Chancellor’s Tribute to The Late Dr. Moses Kizza Musaazi

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The Makerere University Council, Senate, Management, Alumni and the entire University community has learnt with great shock of the untimely death of Dr. Moses Kizza Musaazi, which occurred on Tuesday, 18th September 2018.

Our heartfelt consideration goes out to the family upon the loss of a loving Husband, Father, Mentor, Son and dear friend. Please accept our sincere condolences. We commit you to God our Father, who alone knows the plans He has for each and every one of us.

Dr. Musaazi was one of the most illustrious academics to ever serve this great institution. He was a man of many gifts, all carefully veiled in his humble, down-to-earth nature. As a serial inventor, he turned the most pressing needs of poor communities and large scale businesses alike into creative holistic innovations. He demystified complex societal problems with turn-key solutions that sought to leave no waste and almost no need unmet.

On 25th April 1975, the vibrant Musaazi took up his appointment as a Tutorial Fellow in the then Faculty of Technology and in August 1975, he was recommended by the Dean, Faculty of Technology, Dr. Wilfred Fishwick for postgraduate studies.

He was offered a one-year postgraduate course in Control Systems at the Imperial College London under Africa Educational Trust from October 1976 to October 1977.  He was also awarded the Master of Science of the University of London on 25th January 1978, having completed an approved course of study in Control Systems.

Upon his return, on 1st October 1979 he was temporarily appointed as a Lecturer in the then Department of Electrical Engineering and on 30th April 1980, he was appointed on permanent terms of service.

He was offered a UNESCO scholarship for research studies leading to the degrees of a Masters of Philosophy and PhD at the Imperial College, London on 4th October 1982 which he completed in 1985.

He served as a visiting Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Zimbabwe from 1st October to 5th November 1987, 11th July to 13th August 1988 and from 13th August to 21st September 1990.

He was promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering with effect from 1st November 1987.

In January 1988, he was contracted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to write a feasibility study for setting up an Electrical Engineering Centre at Makerere University.   

On 1st September 1993, he was appointed as Head of the then Department of Electrical Engineering in the Faculty of Technology a position he held until 23rd September 1996.

He was nominated to represent Makerere University on the Board of Makerere College School on 14th August 2000.

In 2006, he won the Presidential Scientific Innovation Excellence Award, in recognition of his innovative research and its high impact on society and in the same year Dr. Musaazi received a Mashariki Innovations in Local Government Awards Programme (MILGAP), organized by UN- Habitat

In January 2007, he was nominated by then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi to represent Makerere University on the Planning Committee for the Pre-CHOGM Science Symposium. This event was successfully hosted by Uganda in September 2007.

Dr. Musaazi retired from University Service on 5th July 2011 after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60. He continued to nurture upcoming scholars and researchers at this great institution. He remained a goodwill Ambassador of Makerere University, and practically invested his energy and resources in coming up with innovative solutions to meet emerging development challenges.

In 2012, he won an African Initiative Grant worth CAD$10,000 and in 2015, he was appointed by the Royal Academy of Engineering as one of Judges of the inaugural Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.

In 2013, Dr. Musaazi was awarded 30,000 Euros by Siemens Stiftung after his MakaPads innovation won second prize under the “Empowering People Award”.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Musaazi has given his best to Makerere University, Uganda and the region beyond. In line with 2 Timothy 4:7-8, we are convinced that Dr. Musaazi has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.  Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him and all who have longed for His appearing on that day.

In a special way, we stand with our colleagues in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) upon the loss of a senior colleague and mentor. Despite his niche as an inventor, Dr. Musaazi always found time to teach his classes and serve in the College leadership.

This great mind has been a source of numerous innovations such as the MakaPads and Interlocking Soil Stabilised Bricks (ISSB). These have transformed countless lives of school-going girls and refugees, creating hundreds of jobs for poor youth and redefining low-cost housing.

We remain forever thankful to God for the gift of Dr. Moses Kizza Musaazi’s life and pray that the good Lord will rest his soul in eternal peace.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe
VICE CHANCELLOR

Mark Wamai

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Princess Zahra Aga Khan Visits Mak, Tours Innovation Pod

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Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (to her Left) and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (to her Right) poses for a group photo with members of her delegation and Staff at the Main Building Entrance. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 20th January 2025, the blazing afternoon sun was temporarily obscured by cloud cover as a convoy complete with VVIP security detail quietly made its way to the Main Building. As the convoy came to a stop at the Main Building’s Eastern staircase, all eyes were peeled to see who this VVIP was. As she emerged, there was no fanfare whatsoever as she proceeded to pleasantly greet the welcoming party. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, graceful by all standards, had arrived at Makerere University, an institution fondly talked about by her father His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

It was indeed humbling that Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) could include Makerere University on her itinerary. She had earlier on the same day paid a courtesy call on the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Nakasero, and presided over the graduation of 120 students of the Aga Khan University-Kampala.

Princess Zahra who was received by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze was thankful for the warm reception and Makerere’s unwavering legacy.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor's Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left). Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Right) is received upon arrival in the Vice Chancellor’s Office by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left).

“My whole life, my father always told me that Makerere was the best University in Africa,” relayed Princess Zahra, before adding “And my whole life he told me how sad it was that tertiary level degrees had been de-funded and what fragility that bred in these countries.” She went on to explain that her father’s philosophy was that if a country cannot train its upper degrees, it cannot build a free, fair and successful economy.

Princess Zahra nevertheless expressed how glad she was to see that Makerere still remains a beacon of higher education, and that the Main Building that was gutted by fire was reconstructed to perfection. “So to come here and see it looking so amazing and beautiful is really good.”

She confessed that her itinerary, though involving many hops to preside over graduations in Kenya, Tanzania and finally Pakistan, was testimony of how much Aga Khan Institutions had evolved over the past twenty years. Princess Zahra explained that partnerships with Makerere and other universities, especially in the aftermath of events such as CoVID-19, were crucial in helping Aga Khan Institutions to adjust. “An institution can become far stronger and more resilient,” she explained.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) flanked by her daughter Sarah Boyden (Left) and Dr. Tania Bubela (Right) reacts during the courtesy call.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Buyinza thanked Princess Zahra for including Makerere on her eventful itinerary. “We are more than a century old and have greatly impacted the development and economy of this country, not on our own, but with the big network of our partners in many respects. Your coming reinforces the resolve that we must work together for the good of humanity.”

The Acting Vice Chancellor equally welcomed members of Princess Zahra’s delegation who included; her daughter Sarah Boyden, Mr. Zakir Mahmood-Chairman Board of Trustees AKU, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE-Trustee AKDN, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin-President and Vice Chancellor AKU, Dr. Tania Bubela-Provost and Vice President Academic AKU, Zeenat Shahabuddin-Regional CEO for Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa, and Joseph Mwizerwa-Associate Vice Provost AKU-Uganda.

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin the President and Vice Chancellor AKU who has been in Kampala for the last twenty years, admitted that the new campus in Nakawa heralds a new era of growth as they commence student activities in June 2025.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan (Centre) signs the Visitors Book as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Left) and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin (Right) witness.

“Makerere has been and is a distinguished University in Africa. We look forward to engaging and discussing how best we can come up with programmes that can benefit Uganda and Ugandans” he remarked.

As a rejoinder, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze admitted that AKU’s and Makerere’s academic programmes present a number of potential synergies both in training and research. “Cancer clinical care and research is a big issue for us here; the burden is growing and we need to do more work to be able to characterize exposures and what it is that’s driving it.”

Other areas singled out in the discussion as potential for collaboration included; the environment, climate change and its linkage with health and other issues, and harnessing of the potential Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Makerere University currently partners with the Ministry of Health to roll out EMR systems nationwide, so as to optimize health service delivery in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness. Visit by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and eldest daughter of the Late Aga Khan IV, 20th February 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan is received upon arrival at the Mak UniPod by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde (Right) as Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze (2nd Right) and other officials witness.

“We have already done quite a number of facilities across the country for HIV, probably more than 1,000, but right now we are moving towards having an integrated electronic system for all care, the interoperability of multiple systems that exist, and being able to scale that up” complemented Prof. Wanyenze.

Prof. Buyinza who brought the lively discussion to a close concurred that a lot of potential areas for collaboration exist between the two partners and reassured Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation of the Makerere’s readiness to undertake joint activities for the good of humanity. He also used the occasion to observe a moment of silence in honour of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4th February 2025.

Following the signing of the Vice Chancellor’s Visitors Book, Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation proceeded to the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod), where they received a guided tour from Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, the Director.

Mark Wamai

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Prof. Alinaitwe Hands over DVCFA Office to Prof. Ireeta

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (C), Members of Management and Staff witness as Prof. Henry Alinaitwe presents a copy of his handover report to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe officially hands over Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, 20th February 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe on 20th February 2025 officially handed over the Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta at a ceremony presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The handover was witnessed by the University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Chief Human Resources-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Chief Internal Audit-Mr. Patrick Akonyet, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and Chief Legal Affairs-Ms. Nanyondo Sumaiyah Sebuta.

Equally present to witness the ceremony were the Chief Estates and Works- Eng. Okuk Geoffrey, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, Mr. Juma Katongole-Representing Director ICT Support, Ms. Susan Mbabazi-Representing Director Gender Mainstreaming, Ag. Manager of Planning and Development-Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike as well as staff from the Vice Chancellor’s and Deputy Vice Chancellors’ Offices.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in his remarks thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for the effort and support rendered to the University through the DVCFA’s Office and prayed that Makerere could continue tapping into his knowledge.

“As colleagues we have a shared agenda and a common destination as we do the best for Makerere. I thank Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for being a hardworking colleague of great humility, collegiality, and being open-heartedly committed to the principle of trust” remarked Prof. Buyinza, who also expressed belief that God has bigger plans for him as he exits office.

In the same breath, Prof. Buyinza congratulated Prof. Ireeta on his new role, admitting that he has what it takes to carry on from where his predecessor left off. “Thank you for accepting to take on this appointment; it takes a person of great responsibility to accept the huge mandate of this office.”

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) presents a plaque of appreciation from the University Management to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (R) as Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (C) witnesses. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe officially hands over Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, 20th February 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (L) presents a plaque of appreciation from the University Management to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (R) as Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta (C) witnesses.

The Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Mujuni thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for steering the Office of the DVCFA and pledged to correspondingly support his new supervisor, Prof. Ireeta. The University Secretary, Mr. Kiranda equally thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for the guidance, support, and flexibility accorded to his office to fulfil its mandate.

“Although it is difficult for us to sit here and witness this handover, we are comforted to have previously worked with Prof. Ireeta and look forward to the continuity in service that his experience presents” added Mr. Kiranda.

The Chief Internal Audit Officer, Mr. Akonyet in his tribute thanked Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for his guidance as immediate supervisor, which helped shape the internal audit function. Like Mr. Kiranda, Mr. Akonyet thanked Prof. Ireeta for his support as a member of the University Council’s Audit Committee and expressed confidence that his passion for service would greatly benefit the University in his new role.

Presenting his handover report, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reflected on a number of achievements such as: Mobilising resources for the Makerere@100 Celebrations and other activities; establishing the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU); realigning Makerere’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan to the Five-Year NDP-recommended interval; Payment of outstanding In-house Benefits; Harmonization of staff salaries; as well as Recruitment, Promotion and Training of staff.

Prof. Alinaitwe equally highlighted achievements such as: Formulation of the ICT Policy and purchase of related equipment; Developing a Security Masterplan and enhancing surveillance, personnel numbers and equipment; Support to Student Affairs Management and Governance including overseeing the Emerging Leaders Program; Renovation of Student Halls of Residence; Establishment of the Disability Support Centre; Leading the Design Team for the Reconstruction of the Main Building; Improving Competitiveness of the Staff Housing Policy; Improving the University Fleet and Vehicle Access Control; Improving the Budgeting Process through Unit Ledgers and Accounts; among others.

The handover was crowned with cake-cutting. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe officially hands over Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, 20th February 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The handover was crowned with cake-cutting.

He concluded by thanking the University Council and the Vice Chancellor for entrusting him with the role of DVCFA as well as all the support rendered to his office in the execution of his duties. “Whereas I have read out all these various achievements, they have largely been due to all your respective contributions and I thank you for that.”

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta similarly thanked the University Council and Vice Chancellor for entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing the Office of the DVCFA. He acknowledged that despite the fact that he was taking over from Prof. Alinaitwe on whose behalf he had acted a number of times, he still has big shoes to fill. “However, with my God, all things will work out” he prayed.

The incoming DVCFA requested Prof. Alinaitwe to always accept consultation on matters relating to the office and pledged to be as results-oriented as his predecessors. “Let’s all work together for the good of our University” he concluded.

Following the Handover Ceremony, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on behalf of Members of Management presented a plaque to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe in appreciation of his dedicated service as Ag. DVCFA from 16th November 2021 to 19th February 2025.

Mark Wamai

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Makerere set to benefit from Project to Enhance Distance Education Environment

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Prof. Venny Nakazibwe pose for a group photo with members of the delegation at the Main Building entrance. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, meeting with project implementation partners from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea National Open University (KNOU) to discuss the upcoming Project for Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University in Uganda (2024-2028), 18th February 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

In a pivotal meeting held earlier this morning, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, met with project implementation partners from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea National Open University (KNOU) to discuss the upcoming Project for Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University in Uganda (2024-2028). This collaboration, set to launch on February 27, 2025, is poised to revolutionize the university’s distance learning initiatives.

The project, which is generously funded by the Korean Government through KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), will receive a substantial investment of USD 12.2 million. It aims to address critical areas in e-learning at Makerere University, with key components focusing on the development of a comprehensive e-learning master plan, capacity building for staff in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL), equipping two state-of-the-art content development studios, and the development of necessary infrastructure.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Prof. Henry Alinaitwe during the meeting with Prof. Chun Se yeoung and members of the delegation. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, meeting with project implementation partners from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea National Open University (KNOU) to discuss the upcoming Project for Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University in Uganda (2024-2028), 18th February 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Prof. Henry Alinaitwe during the meeting with Prof. Chun Se yeoung and members of the delegation.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This project marks a significant milestone for Makerere University as we strive to enhance our distance learning capabilities. The integration of advanced technology and capacity building will not only improve the quality of education but also ensure greater accessibility for learners across the region. We are grateful for the generous support from the Korean Government and look forward to the successful implementation of the project.”

The delegation from Korea, led by Prof. Chun Se yeoung, also expressed their commitment to the success of the project. Prof. Chun Se yeoung remarked, “We are excited to partner with Makerere University on this transformative project. We believe that by enhancing the distance education environment at Makerere, we will not only benefit the university but contribute to the development of higher education in Uganda and the broader East African region. Our goal is to build a sustainable and scalable model that empowers educators and students alike.”

The project is expected to have a lasting impact, significantly strengthening Makerere University’s capacity to offer high-quality education remotely, thereby increasing access to learning opportunities for students across Uganda and beyond.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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