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Mak pays tribute to Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi

Published

7 years ago

June 10, 2019

The late Prof. Nsibambi was a man who served Makerere University with diligence. 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.

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

General

Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

Published

20 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Mak Editor

SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

Makerere-Advert-for-Graduate-Programmes-2026-2027 Download

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

Published

2 days ago

February 3, 2026

Hasifa Kabejja

Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24^th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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General

Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

Published

1 week ago

January 28, 2026

Mak Editor

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76^th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24^th – 27^th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76^th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75^th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

Pre-graduation clearances
Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
Securing the graduation gowns
Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2^nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
Security requirements
- Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
- Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
- Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
- Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
- Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
For help and inquiries
- Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.