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KCCA Gives Makerere University a Fresh Look and Feel

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On 31st October 2018, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Mrs. Jennifer Semakula Musisi handed over to Makerere University, the infrastructure projects KCCA has been working on.  Officially received by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the infrastructure projects include:

  • A newly reconstructed and beautified main gate; serviced by several lanes and regulated by traffic lights
  • A three storied modern administrative and class room block at Makerere College School
  • Nine (9) resurfaced roads (3.5kilometres long) with inbuilt drainages
  • Resurfaced car parking lots around University Hall, Mary Stuart Hall, Lumumba Hall, Mitchel Hall, Livingstone Hall and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
  • Paved walkways and street lighting
  • Pedestrian crossings regulated by traffic lights to keep students safe from the speeding cars and motorbikes
  • A perimeter wall that runs from Jjunju road to Sir Apollo Kaggwa road junction to enhance safety at the University
  • Newly erected retaining walls at the School of Law and Makerere College School
  • A Renovated Makerere University Hospital building and resurfaced parking lot
  • A resurfaced tennis court at Africa Hall

In November 2016, Kampala Capital City Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University to construct and renovate the specified infrastructure within the University. The project worth UGX6.9billion came as a compensation for a section of Makerere University land that was annexed by KCCA while expanding the Makerere University Hill Road.  

The colorful handover ceremony held on Wednesday, 31st October 2018 at the Makerere University Mosque Grounds started with an opening prayer led by Imam Ahmed Ssentongo. The Vice Chancellor applauded KCCA for transforming Makerere University. He thanked the KCCA Executive Director for accepting the proposal to compensate Makerere University through infrastructural development.

 The well-constructed, wider and redesigned main entrance has been beautified to bring out the value and magnificence of the face of Makerere University.

 Prof. Nawangwe commended KCCA for giving a massive facelift to the Makerere University Main Gate. The well-constructed, wider and redesigned main entrance has been beautified to bring out the value and magnificence of the face of Makerere University. The road to the main gate has also been widened to six lanes and fitted with traffic lights to regulate traffic flow.  Exquisitely done, the Makerere University Hill Road  has also  added value to Makerere University image and brand.

“This is our landmark as we celebrate 100years. This is the best gate I have seen among the universities around the world.  The roads and the drainage have impeccably been done, as also have the walkways and street lighting, for enhanced safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.

On behalf of Makerere University Council, Dr. Sarah Ssali thanked KCCA for changing Makerere University.  She appreciated the tremendous contribution from the Ministry of Education and Sports and Government of Uganda towards Makerere University developments.  

A three storied modern administrative and class room block at Makerere College School.

The Executive Director of Kampala City Authority Dr. Jennifer Semakula Musisi, urged the Makerere University Management and community to instigate the spirit of self-initiative among students and staff.  According to her, the University community is capable of developing and transforming the institution as long as they are assured of accountability and transparency.  

“I am sure that if staff, students and alumni of this great institution are mobilized and motivated, they can positively contribute to the history of this great University. In KCCA we have the best engineers and architects coming from this institution and they are doing tremendous work. You are the hub of knowledge with experts in different areas of life. Together with the students, they can change Makerere University for the better,” she said.

She encouraged Ugandans to support transformative work when she said, “one of the lessons I have learnt as the Executive Director of KCCA, is that Ugandans have the capacity to transform this country. When implementing this project, we did not get the technical team from outside the country. If we all move in the same direction, we shall progress and develop.”

KCCA, renovated Makerere University Hospital building . Photo Credit: KCCA team.

She thanked Stirling Civil Engineering Limited and Kiru Company Limited, the two companies that have been undertaking the project for the job well done. Dr. Semakula Musisi also thanked the KCCA team, Makerere University Council and Management, Makerere College School and the technical team for ensuring that the project ends successfully.

His Lordship Dr. Emanuel Sserunjogi, the Mayor of Kawempe Division said that Makerere University is responsible for proper maintenance of the city through utilizing the biggest students’ army.  “the University is well known for its achievements, therefore the responsibility to keep its prestige and legacy lies with us the leaders,” he stated.

The team toured some of the projects such as the University Hospital, the Makerere College School administrative and classroom block, the Vice Chancellor Lodge and some of the roads that were renovated and constructed under the KCCA –Mak Partnership.

An aerial view of some of the roads that were resurfaced by KCCA: Photo taken by KCCA team.

“In modern medicine, there is what we call a healing environment where patients heal faster due to the environment in which they are receiving treatment.  We appreciate the new look of the hospital that has attracted more collaborations and partnerships,” said Dr. Josaphat Byamugisha, the Director Makerere University Hospital.

The Director of Estates and Works Eng. Christina Kakeeto thanked KCCA and the construction companies for the quality work done. She also thanked the Makerere University community for the patience exhibited throughout the project.

The Vice Chancellor's Lodge was renovated and the parking resurfaced.

On behalf of students, Mr. Kato Martin, the Guild Information Minister thanked KCCA and Makerere University Management for lighting up the university to enhance security.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by Members of Council, University Management, Imam Ahmed Ssentongo,  Kampala Capital Authority (KCCA) representatives; supervisors of the project, key partners, students,  media and well-wishers.

Article by Nabatte Proscovia; Mak-Public Relations Office

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Dr. Martin Aliker – Celebrating A Life Well Lived

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Dr. Martin Aliker (2nd L) shakes hands with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd R) at the successful conclusion of the Second Edition of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) Run (MakRun) on Sunday 25th March 2018 as Prof. William Bazeyo (L) and Dr. Florence Nakayiwa (R) witness.

The Makerere University Council, Senate, Alumni and the entire students’ community has learnt with great sorrow of the death of your beloved head, Dr. Martin Aliker. Please accept our sincerest condolences during this trying time.

Dr. Aliker joined Makerere College then in 1948 and shortly thereafter received a scholarship to join Northwestern University, Illinois where he earned a Bachelor of Political Science. Being an ardent student, he also earned a Fulbright Fellowship at Northwestern University, and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery, later becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of the United Kingdom.

Dr. Aliker has throughout his long and well-lived life projected an enviable brand, reflective of a professional and hardworking gentleman who has excelled in all walks of life as a distinguished alumnus, scholar, influential business leader, entrepreneurial mentor, and one of Uganda’s and indeed Africa’s and the Commonwealth’s leading senior citizens.

The name Dr. Martin Aliker has stood the test of time as one attributable to dedicated service with impeccable integrity, tested and proven business acumen, making him a distinguished source of inspiration to both the young and old. It was therefore with great pride that Makerere University on 17th July 2014 appointed him as the Chairperson of the pioneer Board of Trustees in charge of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF).

Under his stewardship, the Inaugural Board had at the end of their term in 2019 grown MakEF’s onshore fund from nothing in 2014 to UGX 1.5 Billion, while the offshore fund was valued at 1.5 Million GBP.

We remain forever thankful to God for the gift of Dr. Martin Aliker’s inspirational life and pray that the good Lord will comfort you his beloved and rest his soul in eternal peace.

Umar Kakumba (PhD)
AG. VICE CHANCELLOR

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Prof. Justin Epelu-Opio, Our Longest Serving DVC Rests

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It is with great sorrow, that the Makerere University Council, Senate, Alumni and the entire students’ community has learnt of the death of Prof. Justin Epelu-Opio.

Our heartfelt consideration goes out to the family upon the loss of a loving Father, Grandfather, 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.

Prof. Epelu-Opio was our longest-serving Deputy Vice Chancellor (1993 – 2004), and the last to serve in that position before the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act enacted the two positions of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration). He was not only a great administrator, but also a great academic who selflessly contributed to Makerere University’s transformation. He served humanity with a lot of dedication and touched many lives in Uganda and beyond.

On 16th February 1973, Epelu-Opio took up his appointment as Lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, in the then Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. He embarked on his PhD in Veterinary Anatomy the same year and completed it in 1976. Prior to that, he had completed his Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine (1967 – 1971) and Master of Science in Veterinary Anatomy (1971 – 1973) both from the University of Nairobi.

Prof. Epelu-Opio was an ardent student who during his undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi served as Research Assistant to Prof. RR Hofmann and Prof. Frederick Ian Bantubano Kayanja. He carried on this passion into his graduate studies, where he served as Temporary Technician and Demonstrator to undergraduate students in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy at the University of Nairobi.

Shortly after completing his PhD, in 1977 he took up the role of Senior Scientific Officer with the Animal Productivity Research Unit (APRU) of the National Committee for Scientific Research (NCSR) in Lusaka, Zambia, until 1982.

Upon his return, he was appointed Senior Lecturer in the then Department of Veterinary Anatomy, a position he held until 1984 when he was appointed to the rank of Associate Professor in the same Department.

In 1985, he was sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for a four-month course in Animal Reproduction at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Uppsala University, Sweden, with emphasis on Radioimmunoassay techniques for assessing reproductive performance. That same year, he was appointed Head, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, a position he held until 1990.

During his time as Head of Department, in 1989 Prof. Epelu-Opio was appointed to the rank of Professor. In 1993, he was appointed Deputy-Vice Chancellor, a position he held until he attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 in 2004. He presided over this office during the delicate time when Makerere transitioned from admitting strictly Government-sponsored students to accepting privately-sponsored students. We are grateful that this worked out well and under his supervision, many deserving Ugandans gained access to quality University education.

Beyond the gates of Makerere, Prof. Epelu-Opio was a respected Statesman and elder, whose work as the pioneer Chairman of the Presidential Commission for Teso contributed to the restoration of peace in the sub-region. We are grateful that as a prolific writer, he documented his efforts in; Teso War 1986-1992: Causes and Consequences, a book published by Fountain Publishers.

We therefore stand with the Epelu-Opio family, friends, the Uganda Veterinary Association and all those whose lives he touched upon the loss of this great man. We are nevertheless comforted by the fact that this gallant alumnus did not hide his candle under the covers but lit so many other candles, which will continue to shine bright and perpetuate his legacy.

We remain forever thankful to God for the gift of Prof. Justin Epelu-Opio’s life and pray that the good Lord will rest his soul in eternal peace.

Umar Kakumba (PhD)
AG. VICE CHANCELLOR

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HERS-EA Seventh Academy

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Participants listen to Prof. Maggie Kigozi deliver her keynote address at the HERS-EA Sixth Academy on 3rd July 2023. Photo: Twitter/@HadjahBadr. Grand Global Hotel, Makerere Kikoni, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.

Overview

Higher Education Resource Services, East Africa (HERS-EA) Academy provides an intensive leadership and management development curriculum which equips women with skills needed to advance their personal career development and successfully navigate the institutional environment where they operate. The goal of the HERS-EA training is to raise the proportion of women in leadership and management positions in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Eastern Africa (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda).

The program is focused on managing and leading change, human resource development and institutional effectiveness. The Academy prepares every participant to strengthen and expand her leadership skills by working closely with HERS-EA resource persons and staff. Participants will find the Academy to be a safe environment to share confidential matters.

Following six previous successful Academies, the Seventh HERS-EA ACADEMY will be offered in a one-week blended (virtual and in-person) format (July 19 – 25, 2024), we hope you can be part of the success story. This Academy will be a special one because we expect to be joined by collaborative researchers from USA, it will be part of the 10th Anniversary and it will be hosted by Gulu University in Northern Uganda. It will also include an excursion to a refugee camp, to generate further collaborative research ideas and another, to Murchison Falls National Park, for our wellbeing and reflection session; you won’t want to miss it!

Theme: “Rethinking Women Leadership for the 21st Century

Please see Downloads below for details and the application form.

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