General
Prof. Mnason Tweheyo Hands Over Office to New Dean, School of Forestry
• Don’s biggest success in two 4-year terms was improving students’ morals and curbing strikes
• Tweheyo pledges to uphold good stewardship of students and university property and to oppose anyone who puts personal interests before the university’s
• Staff hail Prof. Tweheyo for integrity, generosity and sacrificial service to the university
Prof. Mnason Tweheyo has officially handed over duties of the Deanship, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) to Assoc. Prof. Fred Babweteera after serving for two terms (2011 -2018). Babweteera was appointed un-opposed.
The handover ceremony was presided over by the Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Prof. Bernard Bashaasha who declared the end of term and appointment of the new Dean on 11th January 2019 at the School’s Conference hall.
The ceremony was witnessed by the College Auditor on behalf of the university, and staff from the school and the college.
Citing the Bible in Ecclesiastes 3:1, the outgoing Dean said, there is time for everything, and a season for every activity under heavens, and thus, this was the time to hand over the Dean’s office after eight years of service.
“To me, it is a day of joy and to some extent a new beginning and I greatly welcome it. There is no doubt that the last eight years as Dean have had their highs and lows ranging from hard labour to times of joy.
“To the new Dean, Assoc. Prof. Fred Babweteera, I wholeheartedly congratulate you and wish you the best in office. May the Lord give you wisdom and that you also yield to His wisdom as you manage the office of Dean,” Prof. Tweheyo stated.
Prof. Tweheyo appreciated the three Heads of Department and the entire School staff for their support and for giving him an opportunity to serve as Dean. Tweheyo also thanked the CAES Principal and management for the support and cooperation and the Makerere University leadership for employing and nurturing him into all that he is today, in terms career and administrative growth.
The outgoing Dean pledged his allegiance to the university saying, he will always be on the side of everyone who wants Makerere to grow even as an ordinary classroom Professor.
“I will continue to do what is in my means to ensure that Makerere University produces quality graduates. Further still, I will oppose anyone who puts self-interest over this university. Handing over Deanship does not mean losing interest in this university.
Therefore, I will uphold good stewardship of students and university property and whatever will be in my care. For this noble cause, I call upon all like-minded staff to do likewise”, Tweheyo said.
Prof. Tweheyo described his tenure as successful. Notably, he did not lose any staff due to conflict and the School experienced increased harmony and unification despite the mergers during the formation of colleges. Other achievements include successful review of the curriculum, improvement in the school structures and successes in sharing the little financial resources allocated to the School’s operations.
“To me the greatest success of all is improvement in student’s morals. We did all we could to put students in right order. In 2011 we inherited a literary wild student community especially. We used to experience three to four strikes including breaking windows and doors every semester from 2011-2015 but from 2016 the school has not experienced any loss of property due to strikes”, Prof. Tweheyo said.
The outgoing Dean however reported that the school has not registered full progress in getting senior staff to be active in school activities.
“The current administration should work hard to make sure that senior staff become good examples to junior ones. By senior staff, I mean, Senior lecturers, Associate Professors and Professors. It is my opinion that this category needs to sacrifice more of their time to the university. The university needs them.” Tweheyo advised.
Prof. Tweheyo urged the new administration to continue with the good achieved and even do better to leave good memories. He assured staff that whatever success registered during his tenure was not his own but for all.
“Whatever failure, I take responsibility and ask for forgiveness. Overall I am really very grateful to have served you as a school Dean for the last eight years. I am deeply grateful to Makerere University and I pray to my Lord that this institution will grow to greater heights and progress in every aspect to support the nation, region and that its fruits will have greater global impact”. The professor prayed.
Prof. Tweheyo handed over the instruments of authority and briefed the incoming dean on the duties of the dean, the school property, financial status, and the upcoming/pending tasks and responsibilities, work for urgent attention and summary of the proposed budget.
Incoming Dean Assoc. Prof. Fred Babweteera thanked staff for entrusting him with the responsibility and pledged to work to the best of his ability to honor the responsibility given.
Dr. Babweteera thanked the outgoing dean for demonstrating selflessness and exemplary leadership while executing his duties adding that, he is leaving a challenge to emulate what he has done.
Babweteera thanked the Principal and management of CAES for the support accorded to the school during the tenure of Prof. Tweheyo and urged them to step up the support.
“I am proud to be part of the SFEGS because the school stands for integrity. I thank the outgoing Dean for his character in terms of integrity and saying no to wrong practice. I hope together we can achieve greater heights”. Assoc. Prof. Babweteera noted.
Babweteera enumerated some of the key priority areas for the school including rallying behind the University Chancellor’s call for making Makerere a research-led university through utilization of the diversity and professionalism, creating research teams, mentoring junior staff to improve the quality of research and supporting graduate students.
He also proposed sharing of groundbreaking research and innovations through monthly seminars, full participation of senior staff in school activities and meetings to improve teaching, build confidence and love in the school programs among the students.
Prof. Babweteera commended the outgoing Dean for improving the students’ morals, something he was personally proud of. He expressed the need to build strong alumni association, update the websites and have a section to link up and track the alumni so as to engage them in fundraising for school activities.
The other, he said, was the need to strengthen the staff-student relationship noting there was a big gap to bridge and more need to mentor students. The other key area the incoming dean noted was the need to improve School infrastructure.
He reasoned that the school has excellent faculty with diverse opportunities to tap into like offering consultancy, engaging and guiding the tourism and hotel sectors to be more relevant to the nation and region.
The professor also noted the school had good quality and outstanding staff and expressed the need for simple recognition ceremonies to award outstanding performers as a means of motivation.
Babweteera also tabled the need to develop partnerships in terms research and internship placements, adding that some institutions were willing to take up students for six months after graduation.
He called on staff to uphold integrity, saying he was looking forward to working with them.
“As I conclude, in the bible verse Joshua 1:5, while leading Israelites to the promised land, God promised Joshua that as I was with Moses, I will be with you’, that is what I believe that the same God who was with Prof. Tweheyo will be with me. Joshua 7; followed the law and my law is the core values of the university –integrity, professionalism and commitment.”
Speaker after speaker hailed the outgoing dean for his generosity and exemplary service characterized by humility, selflessness, finance and image sacrifice, parental love and guidance.
“Thank you for serving us and treating us well. I remember when you picked UGX600,000 from your pocket for internship when I was stuck with limited funds. Thank you for supporting the office and thanks for being generous” Prof. Agea Jacob said.
“A new broom sweeps well but an old broom knows all the corners. To the old dean, thank you for the good service and still you are going to be the old broom. You Fred, you are going to sweep cleaner but both of you are all parts of the broom, Prof. Obua said.
Obua advised staff to think of improving publicity of the programs, invite visiting professors and explore the possibility of having refresher courses for staff as well as strengthen partnerships in the forestry sector.
“The school is stable and there is no worry. We have done our things openly and that has happened because Prof. Tweheyo has brought us together. I have been recognized as a former head because here, we nurture smooth transition and others should learn”, Prof. Fredrick Tumwine said.
Console Nakiyemba an Administrative Secretary had this to say;
“I am grateful to the outgoing Dean. I have worked in many units of this university but I only got rest when I came here. You have been a very good person, thank you for the moral, spiritual and financial support. The support staff are very grateful.”
“You have been a parent, a mentor with an open door policy. Personally, we have talked as colleagues and as friends. I welcome the new dean. Apart from research, we need to mentor others and encourage them to take up our areas of specialty because we will have to leave these offices at one point” Dr. Susan Balaba spoke on behalf of the lady lecturers.
“I want you know that we extremely appreciate your contribution to the school. I emphasize the issue of sacrifice. If you are dean and head, you can’t run a unit without sacrificing. He has gone, but he has been sacrificing resources, time, money and his image. The office has privileges but success comes with how you sacrifice your image for the good of the school” Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze commended.
Prof. Philip Nyeko said, “You have been a good dancer but time is powerful. Even a good dancer has to leave the stage. As you leave as a good dancer, you should continue to dance in the school, university but also outside the university community.
To Fred, your predecessor emerged from my department; FBT (Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism) and the department seems to have consolidated some human beings to be heads. This statement can only be validated by your performance. You are starting on a very good note but that is very dangerous. Prof. Tweheyo started on a rough one but now everything is calm. Staff should ensure there is no any turbulence. Thank you for accepting to work we shall support you.”
“Mentorship sometimes comes through observation. As an individual there are things I learnt that have changed me. I got my PhD during Prof. Tweheyo’s term, I learnt to plant trees from the eucalyptus he planted around campus and this motivated me and I now have 25 acres of trees.
You gave me a word in your office that sometimes it is better to keep silent when there is turbulence and one time you spoke in church and something happened to me on 15th September 2018”, remarked a male junior staff.
Prof. James Okot –Okumu described the outgoing dean as having been accessible to all staff anytime, be it at short notice.
“The atmosphere Prof. Tweheyo created for staff within the school made everyone feel as a member of the family and this is one thing a leader can achieve. When I was seconded to be Head, I did not know him, but we worked together. You also gave me an opportunity to act as Dean and this has built my CV. I am also handing over in March 2019 and this experience is an example for all to hand over”.
In his concluding remarks, the Principal CAES Prof. Bernard Bashaasha commended the school for a well-organized, rich and elaborate hand over saying, it has set a pace with lessons to take.
He described the staff congratulatory messages as humbling, noting that it is unusual for leaders to touch people’s hearts. He told staff that Prof. Tweheyo was just out of office but not out of the system and will continue providing his support.
The Principal congratulated Assoc. Prof. Fred Babweteera upon his new position, noting that the college was looking forward to learning from him.
“I found your vision well aligned to the core mandate of the university. We shall support you in areas of teaching, research and outreach and making Makerere a research-led university. You are inheriting a politically calm unit and therefore, you will not spend energy on uniting people”, said Prof. Bashaasha
Report compiled by;
Jane Anyango;
Principal Communication Officer CAES
On Wednesday 16th July 2025, Makerere University lost one of its most cherished sons, Professor Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi. Described as a mathematician, academic leader, and humble servant, Professor Luboobi devoted more than five decades to the university, rising through the ranks to become Vice Chancellor, and leaving a legacy defined by simplicity, service, and scholarship.
Born to Lameka Serwadda and Sanyu Serwadda on 25th December 1944 in Mitondo, Kalisizo, Kyotera District, Professor Luboobi’s academic career begun as a third-year student at Makerere and continued with unwavering loyalty until his passing. His life’s work reflected not only a commitment to mathematics but also nurturing generations of scholars and leaders across Uganda and beyond.
A funeral service was held in his honour at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University on 18th July 2025. It was a moment of solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute. Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi delivered the sermon titled “Only God Knows,” reminding mourners of the mystery and grace of life’s journey. Rev. Canon Geoffrey Byarugaba represented the Kampala Diocese at the service, while former St. Francis Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Canon Johnson Ebong thanked Professor Luboobi for spearheading the Chapel’s expansion. Friends, colleagues, and family members filled the chapel, joined in mourning but also in gratitude for a life that had deeply touched theirs.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, spoke movingly about Professor Luboobi’s faithfulness, likening his life to the biblical call in Mark 10:43, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
In his condolence message, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, hailed Professor Luboobi as a visionary leader whose legacy is deeply woven into Makerere’s identity as a research-led institution. He credited Professor Luboobi with laying the groundwork for a culture of inquiry—championing graduate programmes, encouraging doctoral training, and fostering international collaborations that strengthened the university’s research profile. “He believed in building systems, not just structures,” noting that many of Makerere’s current research policies stem from his leadership. Even in retirement, Professor Luboobi remained a source of wisdom and guidance, quietly shaping the future of the university he so deeply loved.
Speaker after speaker painted a portrait of a man who led not by pomp, but by quiet strength and deep conviction. The Principal, Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, speaking on behalf of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), described Professor Luboobi as a foundational figure whose influence is deeply etched in the structures and spirit of the college. He spoke with emotion about Luboobi’s unwavering commitment to academic integrity and his belief in the power of mentorship.
“He was not just a mathematician,” Professor Ireeta said, “he was a visionary who understood the soul of the university. Even in retirement, he remained an advisor, a guide, and a quiet force of wisdom.” He concluded by saying that the college would continue to draw from his example as it navigates the future of science and innovation in Uganda.
Professor Luboobi’s illustrious career at Makerere University included serving as Head, Department of Mathematics from 1990 to 1991. The current Head of Department, Dr. Ismail Mirumbe remembered him as a pillar in the teaching and development of mathematics in Uganda
Professor John Mango, who served as Head, Department of Mathematics during Professor Luboobi’s term as Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2009 described him as a towering figure of integrity and principle, someone who not only upheld the highest standards of academic conduct but insisted that others around him do the same. “He was a pillar in the department,” Prof. Mango remarked, “and his moral compass was unwavering.”
He recalled instances where Professor Luboobi made firm decisions, including terminating contracts when integrity was compromised, setting a tone that shaped the department’s reputation for honesty and excellence. Even as Vice Chancellor, he remained deeply involved in the department’s affairs, teaching, supervising students, all the while handling top administrative duties punctually. Prof. Mango spoke with great admiration of a man who led by example, mentored many, and whose contributions to mathematics education, research, and policy-making continue to shape the future of the discipline in Uganda and beyond.
According to an article from 1990 written by Dr. Vincent Ssembatya and Andrew Vince at the University of Florida, the Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS), which was formally established on 25th November, 1972 has since inception enjoyed major support from Makerere University and Kyambogo University in terms of infrastructure and leadership. Professor Paul Mugambi, who was also present at Professor Luboobi’s funeral service was elected first president of the UMS. Dr. Saul Nsubuga from the Department of Mathematics represented UMS at the service, honouring Professor Luboobi’s pioneering role in the discipline.
The service also featured tributes from close friends and family. Loved ones shared stories of a man who remained grounded no matter how high he rose, a man who valued relationships and walked closely with his faith. His children and grandchildren remembered him as a father who was ever-present, a listener, and a source of steady guidance.
Professor Daniel Kibuule, son of the late Professor Luboobi and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences at Busitema University, delivered a deeply personal tribute that painted a full portrait of his father’s life, values, and final days. He expressed gratitude to the University leadership, family, friends, and medical professionals who stood with them during a challenging period. He particularly thanked his siblings, Dr. David Kimera and Dr. Irene Nakiyimba for their unwavering role in caring for Professor Luboobi through illness.
He spoke of a man who, despite great academic accolades, remained deeply humble and committed to discipline, simplicity, and faith. From instilling punctuality and responsibility to ensuring his children charted their own paths, none bearing his surname “Luboobi”, Prof. Luboobi was intentional in every lesson he passed on. Kibuule recalled his father’s insistence on being at home even in his final moments, his strong connection to Christ, and his quiet strength despite his failing health.
Former students and mentees echoed the same sentiments, of a teacher who was generous with his time and invested deeply in others’ growth. The community that gathered was not only there to grieve but to celebrate the quiet legacy of a man whose example continues to live on.
Among the mourners were public figures and leaders, including Hon. Abed Bwanika, Member of Parliament for Kimanya-Kabonera, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director Uganda Communications Commission, and Hon. Dr. Ham-Mukasa Mulira, former Minister of ICT, among others.
In his passing, Makerere University has lost a pillar, but his life reminds us that greatness lies in consistency, in humility, and in service to others. Professor Luboobi’s memory will continue to live on in the minds he shaped, the systems he built, and the values he embodied. He ran his race with grace.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Please click the embedded video below to view the service livestream
Legal and accounting officers from public universities across Uganda have convened, for a high-level training workshop organized by Makerere University. The three-day training, taking place from July 16th to 18th, 2025, is aimed at strengthening legal frameworks, improving institutional governance, and ensuring compliance with public finance and procurement laws within higher education institutions.
Ms. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council and Guest of Honour at the opening session, commended the initiative as timely and necessary. She addressed the growing backlog of court cases affecting Makerere and other public universities and outlined measures already taken to mitigate legal risks. These include the establishment of a Legal Rules and Privileges Committee and the Directorate of Legal Affairs, part of a broader strategy to improve legal compliance and foster good governance.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps – Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), described the training as both strategic and practical. “It is imperative that we learn from each other, especially in how we handle employee litigation and institutional legal risks,” he remarked. He added that the program is designed to promote experience-sharing across universities and enhance collective institutional growth.
In his address, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, emphasized the urgent need for robust legal oversight and more effective case management mechanisms within public universities.
The training featured a keynote address by the Attorney General of Uganda, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who provided critical insights into legal expectations for public institutions. He warned that failure to heed legal advice could result in personal liability for accounting officers, citing a precedent involving the Uganda Cancer Institute. “Universities must consult the Attorney General’s chambers before entering into major contractual obligations,” he advised, urging legal officers to document decisions meticulously as proper record-keeping forms the first line of defense in legal disputes.
Hon. Kiwanuka further discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to recentralize legal services to ensure alignment with the Attorney General’s office. He cautioned in-house counsel against becoming overly entangled in decision-making processes, stressing the need for objectivity. Other key issues he addressed included contract approvals, misuse of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and lapses in procurement processes, particularly at the close of financial years.
Participants also benefited from insights by Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana of the Court of Appeal, who offered an in-depth analysis of judicial review and its significance in promoting lawful, transparent university governance. He called on university legal officers to act with clarity, timeliness, and accountability.
Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, Judge of the High Court, delivered a comprehensive presentation on dispute and claim management involving public universities. She addressed emerging trends in civil litigation, emphasizing the importance of due process, transparency, and clear communication in resolving employment, student, and contractual disputes. Drawing on real case examples, she urged institutions to strengthen internal systems, embrace participatory governance, and adopt regional best practices to minimize litigation and protect institutional reputation.
The training reflects a shared commitment among public universities to build a more accountable, legally sound, and strategically aligned higher education system in Uganda. Through peer learning and collaboration, participating institutions aim to reduce litigation, enhance institutional autonomy, and uphold the rule of law.
Participating universities include Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Busitema University, Mountains of the Moon University, and Lira University.
The training concludes on July 18th 2025, with sessions focusing on employment dispute management in public universities and the implications of recent PPDA Appeals Tribunal decisions on procurement and disposal practices within public entities.
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