General
Mak pays tribute to former Chancellor Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi
On 31st May 2019, Makerere University leadership together with staff and students paid tribute to their former; Chancellor and Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi. The Fare thee well ceremony was also attended by the family and friends of the deceased, government officials and the clergy. Prof. Nsibambi was the first non-Head-of-State Chancellor of Makerere University, a position he held from October 2003 to October 2007.
He attained his first degree from Makerere University (Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with Honors). He taught at Makerere University during the 1960s and thereafter served as the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences from 1978 until 1983 and from 1985 until 1987. He was appointed Head of the Department of Political Science at Makerere University in 1987, a position he held until 1990. He was Director of Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) from 1994 to 1996.
Prof. Nsibambi will always be remembered for his love for Makerere University, the nation and humanity at large. During his tenure as the Dean Faculty of Social Science, he was able to record tremendous developments that formidably shaped the department of Political Science.
His vigorous contribution to research through teaching, writing and publication, securing grants and finances to enhance the potential of the Institute of Social Research at Makerere University is a strong point to celebrate the life of Prof. Nsibambi. He was an academic and accomplished scholar. His area of interest focused on land tenures, chiefdom, freedom, peace and economics; this can evidently be seen through his publications and public lectures.
He was a man who loved Makerere University and Uganda at heart and this prompted him to return to Makerere University on several occasions to remind staff and students of the importance of the institution in producing knowledge that has changed many societies. His leadership journey at Makerere University is admirable. Prof. Nsibambi is a gentleman who loved peace and harmony to prevail amongst his fellow people.
At the funeral service that was organized in the Makerere University Main Hall on 31st May 2019, Prof. Ezra Suruma, the Chancellor of Makerere University described the fallen colleague as a man of valor who fought for justice and peace in the country.
Borrowing Shakespeare’s quote, Prof. Suruma referred to Prof. Nsibambi as, gentleman when he said, “His life was gentle and the elements so well mixed in him; that nature itself might stand up and say: That was a man.”
Prof. Suruma said that he will always respect the excellent and professional relationship he had with Prof. Nsibambi.
“When I was a Senior Lecturer Faculty of Social Science, Prof Nsibambi was my Dean. Also during my term as the Minister Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Prof Nsibambi was the Prime Minister of Uganda. I honor him as my academic colleague, as my Dean, as my leader in Parliament, as my predecessor as Chancellor and as a gentle and humane soul and citizen,” he said.
The Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara noted that the late Prof. Nsibambi was a man who served Makerere University with diligence. He was a dedicated employee and wished others well.
“His distinguished service led to his appointment as the first non- Head of –State Chancellor where he worked closely with the University Council to ensure quality Service to the students, staff and University Community,” remarked Ms. Lorna Magara.
She praised Prof. Nsibambi for his humility, punctuality and outstanding eloquent speeches. She urged his children and family members to carry on Prof. Nsibambi’s good deeds.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe laid out the characteristics of integrity that Prof. Nsibambi cited in the keynote address he delivered at Bernard Onyango Inaugural Lecture and these included;
- Know that it is the little things which count (attention to detail)
- If you mess up, confess the mistake and correct it (accountability)
- Keep your word (trust)
- Care about the greater good, i.e. the good of the institution and not the good of the individual
- Be honest and modest
- Act like you are always being watched by others
- Bring close to you those of similar virtues and talents
- Do not be detracted provided you know you are on the right path.
The former Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera said that for the past 48 years, he knew Prof. Nsibambi, as a time stickler, a man of excellence and a patriot who not only served Makerere University but also Uganda at large.
He thanked the family, relatives and friends for taking care of Prof. Nsibambi. In a special way Prof. Mondo Kagonyera thanked Mrs. Esther Nsibambi, the wife to Prof. Apolo Nsibambi for staying strong and close to her husband till his last days.
Prof. Sabiiti Makara from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration referred to Prof. Nsibambi as his mentor and also one who mentored many in the field of Political Science.
Referring to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Rev Asiimwe Onesimus called upon all Ugandans to prepare for their last journey. The two sermons were read by Dr. Susan N. Kiguli (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) and Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga (2nd Timothy 4:6-8) respectively. During the service, the congregation listened to befiting christian songs led by staff and students from Department of Performing Arts and Film.
On behalf of the family, the children to the late Prof. Apolo Nsibambi- Mrs Lydia Nabaggala Mulondo and Mrs. Juliet Nanteza Kasujja described their father as a man who was an icon of excellence.
“He was a caring and loving dad. He was an honest man who believed in truth. Prof Nsibambi was a smart and tidy person and was always frank,” said Mrs Juliet Nanteza Kasujja.
Mrs Lydia Nabaggala Mulondo thanked Mrs Esther Nsibambi for being a good and loving wife to their dad.
Born on 25th October 1940, Prof Nsibambi rested in the Lord on Tuesday 28th May 2019. He is survived by five children and a widow, Mrs Esther Nsibambi.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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