Makerere University, Council, Management, staff, students and alumni gathered in the Main Hall to pay tribute to their former Chancellor and Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi. The fare thee well ceremony took place on 31st May 2019 and was also attended by the family and friends of the deceased, government officials and religious leaders.
Prof. Nsibambi joined Makerere University as a student where he attained his first degree (Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics) and he was a lecturer at Makerere University during the 1960s. He served as the Dean Faculty of Social Sciences for two terms; from 1978 until 1983 and from 1985 until 1987.
He also served as the Head of the Department of Political Science from 1987 to 1990 and as the Director Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) from 1994 to 1996. Prof. Nsibambi was appointed as the first non-Head of State Chancellor of Makerere University in 2003, a position he held up to 2007. He was appointed as the 8th Prime minister of Uganda from 1999 until 2011.
Makerere University commended the late Prof Apolo Robin Nsibambi for his selfless service and association with people from all walks of life regardless of his academic, social and political stature and for the love he had towards the University and the Nation at large.
Reflecting on the professional relationship shared with Prof. Nsibambi, Prof. Ezra Suruma, the Chancellor of Makerere University said: “Prof Nsibambi was my Dean when I worked as a Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences at Makerere University. Additionally, he was the Prime Minister of Uganda during my term as the Minister Finance, Planning and Economic Development.”
Prof. Suruma noted that he will always honor Prof. Nsibambi as his academic colleague, Dean, leader in Parliament and predecessor as Chancellor. He referred to Prof. Nsibambi as a gentleman using Shakespeare’s quote 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.”
In his speech, the former Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera praised Prof. Nsibambi for being a good time manager and said that he will always be remembered for his humor, integrity and kindness.
“Prof. Nsibambi was a man who would speak his mind and always say the truth, he was humble, disciplined and obedient to everyone and always based his discussions on the law,” said Prof. Kagonyera.
He applauded Prof. Nsibambi’s wife, Mrs. Esther Nsibambi for taking care of her husband during the time of sickness.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson Makerere University Council commended the late Prof. Nsibambi for his distinguished and dedicated service towards Makerere University which led to his appointment as the first non-Head-of-state Chancellor.
“He diligently served Makerere University from 1960s to 1996 as an academic member of staff and in various leadership positions. He will be remembered for his humility, punctuality and outstanding eloquent speeches,” said Mrs. Magara.
The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, listed the characteristics of integrity that the late Prof. Nsibambi proposed to be emulated during his Keynote address delivered at the Bernard Onyango Inaugural Public Lecture and these include;
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
Emphasizing on the first reading from the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Rev Asiimwe Onesimus, the Chaplain St. Francis Chapel Makerere University, called upon everyone to be prepared for their last days. The two sermons were read from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and 2nd Timothy 4:6-8 by Dr. Susan N. Kiguli and Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga respectively.
This was accompanied by beautiful hymns by the Choir from the Department of Performing Arts and Film Makerere University.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the late Prof. Nsibambi’s children, Mrs. Juliet Nanteza Kasujja and Mrs. Lydia Nabaggala Mulondo referred to their father as a friendly, caring and loving father who always stood by the truth.
“He was a generous person who always shared whatever he had with others. He was an honest man and a good time manager,” said Mrs. Nabaggala Mulondo.
To her fallen father, Mrs. Nanteza Kasujja said: “You are a great man, you loved God and we know you went to him. May your soul Rest in Peace.”
Rt. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi was born on 25th October 1940 and passed away on Tuesday 28th May 2019.
Article by Nakibombo Esther Joyce, Volunteer , Mak Public Relations
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.
The list can be accessed by following the link below:
Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?
The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.