General
Mrs. Lorna Magara elected Chairperson of Makerere University Council
Mrs. Lorna Magara has been elected Chairperson of Makerere University Council for a four-year term (December 2018 – December 2022). She takes over office from Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem whose term ended on 19th December 2018. The Council elected Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, the former Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly as Vice Chairperson.
Mrs. Magara is an alumnus of Makerere University (1986-1988); where she graduated with Bachelor of Arts with Education. She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Management from Uganda Christian University, Mukono. Mrs. Lorna Magara is the first woman to be elected Chairperson of the University Council since establishment. She will be at the helm of the University governance as the institution marks 100 years in 2020.
The election occurred at the inaugural meeting of the new University Council held on 20th December 2018 at Makerere University. At the same meeting, the Council elected three representatives of the Public to the University in accordance with section 38(1)(n) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA) (2001 as amended). Those elected to represent the public for the four-year term are: Mr. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa and Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega.
The University Council is the supreme organ of the University. The Council is established under Section 38 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (2001 as amended) (UOTIA). Under section 40 of UOTIA, Council is responsible for the overall administration and implementation of the objects and functions of the University. Specifically, section 40 provides the functions as to:
a) Be responsible for the direction of the administrative, financial, and academic affairs of the University;
b) Formulate the general policy of the Public University;
c) Give general guidelines to the administration and academic staff of the University on matters relating to the operations of the University; and,
d) Do any other thing and take all necessary decision conducive to the fulfilment of the objects and functions of the University.
The University Management congratulate the new members and leadership of the University Council and looks forward to their policy and administrative guidance over the next four years.
Article written by: Secretary to Council/ Office of the University Secretary
Attached is the brief is extracted from Mrs Lorna Magara’s detailed CV
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
-
General2 weeks agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoRe-Advertised Call for Applications: QCF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma Holders Admission Lists under Government Sponsorship for 2026/2027 AY
-
Education2 weeks agoProf. Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Lecture Re-ignites debate on learner-centred reforms
-
Education2 weeks agoSpecial University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27