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
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.