General
Mak Chancellor presents Appreciation Awards to Outgoing Council as the New Chairperson of Council receives Instruments of Power
On Friday 8th February 2019, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Ezra Suruma presented appreciation awards to the Outgoing Chairperson and Members of Makerere University Council (Dec 2014 to Dec 2018) in recognition of their dedicated service to this great institution.
The Council is the supreme governing body of the University, and as such, the Chairperson and Members of the University Council have a noble duty of providing oversight and guidance aimed at scaling the University to greater heights.
Addressing the audience comprising the Outgoing and Incoming Council, University Management, Principals, Student Leaders and Representatives of staff associations at Speke Resort Munyonyo, the Chancellor applauded the outgoing Makerere University Council led by Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem for the excellent contribution that vehemently led to more developments in the university and the country at large.
“The complexity of managing an academic institution of this magnitude is a major responsibility to everyone. I am therefore happy that during your leadership, there was dignity and honor at Makerere University. Without proper management, it is impossible to have such excellent progress, I have seen in the past four years,” he said.
At the same occasion, the new Chairperson of Mak Council for the next four years (Dec 2018 to Dec 2022), Mrs. Lorna Magara received Instruments of Power from the Outgoing Chairperson, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem.
The Chancellor welcomed the new Makerere University Council chaired by Mrs Lorna Magara and her team. He appealed to members to perform their trust as citizens of Uganda by contributing positively towards the future of Ugandans. He urged the team to ensure that the institution continues to provide quality education to the children of Uganda.
Prof. Suruma called upon stakeholders to take up their responsibilities and work towards the betterment of the institution when he said, “Stakeholders should know that if the University goes down, they will also go down. We have trust that you have the ability and capacity to define that stake for yourself, family, community, institution and country. I pray that you have the ability to define the stake you have in Makerere University; not only in terms of yourselves but in terms of the whole country we have to build. The tests that Makerere has to pass is the same test that face the rest of the country.”
He appealed to Management, staff and students to exercise some modesty while dealing with complex issues of the university. According to the Chancellor, Makerere University is the leading institution of higher learning; therefore, it should provide a leading example on how to override the complex environment and still unite and advance the cause of Uganda.
The Chairperson of the University Council Mrs. Lorna Magara appreciated the outgoing Chairperson Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem and his team for the numerous accomplishments achieved in the last four years.
“It is an honour for me to walk and learn from your very wide and rich experience in leadership. Whatever we will achieve in our term, will be as a result of those that have gone before us. As it is said; if we enjoy a shade today, it is because someone planted a tree and another one watered it. It is therefore our great honor to be able to stand in your shade. We pledge and promise that we will not only continue to water this tree you planted but also plant many other trees for prosperity,” she said.
She was happy to lead a dynamic and committed Mak Council with several members that have served on the outgoing Council. She hopes that these will bring the much needed experience and necessary wisdom when making critical decisions. To her, new members will also bring on board the very much needed varied experience and expertise.
“We have taken up the leadership at a challenging time evidenced by the events of the past few weeks. While it may appear as a crisis, I truly believe there are countless opportunities for us. President J.F Kennedy once remarked that once written in Chinese the word crisis is composed of two characters one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. We also have a proverb saying that every cloud has a silver lining, therefore I believe that even in these times there is a silver lining,” she stated.
Mrs. Magara is confident that in the next four years, her leadership will usher in a new Makerere University with immense opportunities. The University will not only be known for its academic excellence, but also innovations that provide the long awaited solutions to the mileage of problems of the nation and the continent at large.
The Outgoing Chairperson of Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem thanked Makerere University management, staff and students and the entire community for the support he received during his tenure. He also thanked the members of Mak Council for dedicating their time and efforts for the betterment of the University.
In a special way, Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for the financial and moral support that enabled the Mak Council and the University as a whole to thrive during the past 8 years.
To the incoming Chairperson, Dr. Wana-Etyem, advised her to be a listening person when he said, “If you are on that seat and you want to respond to everything you hear, you will have a problem. You need to be patient and a good listener. Allow everybody talk and try to generate consensus.”
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized the need to uphold good governance at Makerere University. He appreciated the outgoing Chairperson of Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem and his team for exhibiting the unique character of good governance through his tenure. On behalf of Management, Prof. Nawangwe pledged to work with the Mak Council as it steers the University to greater heights.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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