General

Mak 70th Grad PhD Citations Session 4

Published

6 years ago

January 17, 2020

Mark Wamai

The Head, Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF)-Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza and her students lead the Academic Procession out of the Freedom Square on Day 3 of the 70th Graduation, 16th January 2020, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)

BAKYAYITA Grace Kizito

Batch Sorption Studies of Aqueous Cadmium and Lead from contaminated Water onto Selected Biosorbents

Mr. Bakyayita Grace Kizito’s study focussed on assessment of groundwater and surface water from Lake Victoria basin, Uganda and batch remediation of cadmium and lead from contaminated water using biosorbents. He used the Biomet tool and potential risks to toxicity effects of Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in the surface water and groundwater studied. He characterized selected biosorbents and he used models to deduce optimal operating conditions, interionic competition effects, uptake kinetics and mechanisms. He concluded that both untreated and treated biosorbents from Albizia coriaria, Coffea canephora, Cyperus papyrus, Erythrina abyssinica and Musa spp were potential alternative materials for uptake of trace metals from contaminated water. This knowledge will benefit the design of fixed bed reactors for biosorption of trace metals from contaminated water. He recommends detailed risk assessment of water sources and pilot applications for biosorbents. This study was funded by Sida-Makerere Bilateral Research Corporation (Phase 3) and was supervised by Associate Professor Ann-Catrine Norrström and Dr. Robinah Kulabako N.

MENYA Emmanuel

Preparation and Evaluation of Activated Carbons from Rice Husks in Uganda for Removal of Humic Acid from Water

Mr. Menya Emmanuel developed an optimum route for valorization of rice husks into activated carbon to address the disposal problem of rice husks, as well as to provide a sustainable solution for removal of humic acid from water. His study revealed that upland rice husk varieties are more suitable precursors for activated carbon than lowland varieties. By alkaline pretreatment of the rice husks, followed by phosphoric acid (30wt%) impregnation, and activation at 400 ^oC for 30 min, activated carbons with a carbon yield and total specific surface area as high as 46.9% and 2258.4 m²g^-1, respectively, were obtained. The study further revealed that, humic acid removal efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity of 69.23% and 27.2 mgg^-1, respectively, can be obtained by employing the rice husk-derived activated carbons in water treatment. The adsorptive properties, and consequently the performance of the resultant activated carbons were comparable to those of the activated carbons found on the market. The findings of this study pave way for utilizing rice husks in Uganda as activated carbon precursors, avoiding the environmental problems associated with the open dumping and/or burning of rice husks, while at the same time providing a sustainable solution for water treatment. This study was funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, and was supervised by Dr. Peter W. Olupot, Dr. Henning Storz, and Dr. Michael Lubwama.

KEKIMURI Joan (Ms)

Embedded meanings of traditional art forms in cultural practices of Baganda

Ms. KEKIMURI Joan’s study focused on the meanings embedded in traditional art forms used in Baganda cultural practices. Art forms play a pivotal role in strengthening community connections yet modern technological advances threaten their existence. Using ethnography and benchmarking the theory of culture and behavior, Kekimuri through visual narratives established how traditional art forms used in Baganda cultural practices developed, examined their embedded meanings, and the influence of modernization on these practices. The findings revealed that the embedded meanings in cultural practices enabled communities to function, that modernization hampers the use of cultural practices, and communities are forsaking the practices for modern ideologies. This study recommended support of indigenous practices for cultural identity and posterity. The study was funded by Kyambogo University, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule and Prof. Baguma Peter.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)

JOCK BANY MADING Samuel

The role of religion in conflict and peace in Sudan: a historical perspective (1989-2011)

Mr. JOCK BANY MADING Samuel’s research examined the religious conflict, which had divided the Sudan citizens between Muslims and non-Muslims, Arab and non-Arabs and subsequently resulted in division of the largest country in Africa into Sudan and South Sudan. The islamization program which became a rigid ideology in the Sudanese leadership caused sanction against the country, regionally and internationally, and made a great economic setback. The study found fear that if the Sudanese leadership continues with such an ideology, it may lead other parts that feel marginalized politically, economically and ethnically to continue demanding for similar criteria as the South. The research findings implore the Sudanese leadership to change the one-sided ideological program in order to reform the social integration and development. This study was self-funded, and was supervised by Dr. Catherine Jendia and Dr. Paddy Musana.

MUGAMBE Mpiima David

Gender relations in the access to and use of mobile phones and radios in agricultural production in Apac District, northern Uganda

Mr. MUGAMBE Mpiima David investigated the gender relations in the access to and use of mobile phones and radios in agricultural production in Apac District. Gender relations were found to mediate mobile phones and radios uptake. Farmers using agricultural information from these technologies experienced positive changes in gender power relations, gender roles, social status and incomes. The study recommended that technological interventions should be sensitive to interactions between men and women, and that agricultural extension officers should be sensitized on gender relations so that men and women can fully benefit from agricultural interventions. This study was funded by Makerere-Sida Bilateral Research Corporation, and was supervised by Dr. Henry Manyire, Assoc. Prof. Consolata Kabonesa and Dr. Margareta Espling.

NAJJEMBA Harriet (Ms)

Indigenous agricultural knowledge and food production in Uganda: Buganda region from 1860s to 1997

Ms. NAJJEMBA Harriet’s research analysed why some indigenous agricultural practices have become resilient and still inform crop production despite western scientific agricultural knowledge. She found that mulching reduces moisture loss, curbs weed growth and provides organic manure thus reducing effects of climate change. Intercropping, crop rotation, paspalum bunding, catch-pits, and fallowing maintain soil fertility. Select agricultural machinery aligned to tropics, topography and soil type enhances crop yields. The research established that these indigenous practices are still relevant and affordable, and NARO needs to deliberately encourage their use. This study was funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York through the NGAA Project and the African Humanities Programme (AHP), and was supervised by Dr. Simon Peter Rutabajuuka and Dr. Deo Katono Nzarwa.

NAKANGU Bugembe Barbara (Ms)

State Craft in the Natural Resources Management Structure of Uganda

Ms. NAKANGU Bugembe Barbara examined the historical and political circumstances in which the natural resources management structures were established. Nakangu situated the natural resource management within the political context of successive post-colonial regimes. Reforms in natural resource management link to the political orientation of various governments especially their ideas on the management of society. Nakangu showed why attempts at strengthening the resource management structures by the NRM government were unable to address the ecological challenges. Ecological disasters arose at moments when there was imbalance of power between the state or society. Conservation actors needed to re-establish the balance of power between the state and the society to address the declining ecological conditions. This study was funded by Norhed and Carnegie through Makerere Institute of Social Research, and was supervised by Dr. Lyn Ossome.

ODONGOH Stevens Aguto

Polluted boundaries, contested sociality: tracing the Acholi homestead after LRA war and displacement in northern Uganda

Mr. ODONGOH Stevens Aguto demonstrated an understanding of borders/boundaries beyond the usual territorial or geographical perspective. By exploring the return of displaced Acholi people to post-conflict Acholi sub-region in northern Uganda, he argued that: When the Acholi who were held captives by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), or were living in exile returned and society accepted them, in a sense, they were socially received but had to ritually or religiously cross different boundaries to regain belonging and sociality. Crossing such boundaries led to contestations of gender roles, identity and values. His analysis offers perspectives on resettling returnees, the human need for boundaries/borders during uncertainty and the capacity to cross them, and signifies how people draw boundaries or separate themselves in periods of uncertainty. This study was funded by NORHED under the Borderlands Dynamics Project of East Africa, and was supervised by Dr. Wotsuna Khamalwa and Dr. Andrew Ellias State.

OPESEN Chris Columbus

Trans-border cultural and reproductive health traditions: an ethnographic study of the Pokot female genital modifications at the Kenya-Uganda-Border

Mr. OPESEN Chris Columbus examined the lived experiences of women with trans-border cultural and reproductive health (CRH) traditions using female genital modifications (FGM) at the Pokot Kenya-Uganda border as his ethnographic case. Based on the inductive analysis he conducted, he observed that one’s experience with cultural and reproductive health traditions like FGM is an outcome of many factors including the nature of tradition undergone, the technology used, the skillfulness and experience of the surgeon. Notwithstanding, some exceptions, he argued that the life-long experiences of women that undergo extreme CRH traditions like FGM especially, infibulation, are synonymous with pain, violence and risk. To successfully eliminate FGM, he recommends supporting the current FGM-law enforcement with a soft approach targeting the software of this tradition using meaningful stakeholder engagements. This study was funded by the NORAD East African Borderlands Project, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Stella Neema and Dr. Fred Henry Bateganya

WELDESENBET Netsanet Gebremichael (Ms)

Topographies of reminiscences: Asmara as historical representations and deliberations

Ms. WELDESENBET Netsanet Gebremichael examined “neither war nor peace” (1998-2016) moment of historico-political raptures between Eritrea and Ethiopia from reminisces of Asmara – the capital city of Eritrea from Ethiopia in what appears to be a moment of rift. Foregrounding a context of non-movement, the dissertation asked: what happens to conventional historical methods in a moment of raptures? The dissertation opened methodological possibilities on how history could be done in moments of rift by mobilizing popular memory productions in form of oral–accounts with popular cultural productions such as autobiographies, memoirs, songs, novels and poetry. These reminiscing practices were conceptualized deliberations on popular political desires of the present. These accounts can further inform going peace-building efforts between the two countries. This study was funded by Carnegie through Makerere Institute of Social Research, and was supervised by Prof. Mahmood Mamdani.

School of Law

TUSASIRWE Benson

The judicial enforcement of the rights to freedom of political assembly and association in Uganda

Mr. TUSASIRWE Benson investigated the state of rights to freedom of political assembly and association in Uganda and the role that courts have played in their enforcement. The study found that although the concept of human rights has achieved reasonable normativity, on the ground the state of those rights remains precarious due the ideological character or content of the rights, and the political and socio-economic environment. While the courts of judicature have made bold decisions in defence of the rights, these have not gone far enough. It is contended that in the absence of a fundamental change in the political and socio-economic order, courts will not conceivably act as consistent guardians of the rights. The study was funded by Makerere University and SHUREA project, and was supervised by Frederick Jjuuko and Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango.

Please click the links below to navigate to the PhD Citations for the respective Sessions.

< Director’s Message | Session 1: Part1: Part2 : Part3 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 >

#Mak70thGrad

General

Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2025

Mak Editor

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala addressing the gathering on behalf of DVC F&A, Prof. Ireeta. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera}

Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.

The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.

“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.

A cross-section of scholar-alumni, listening attentively during the event. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***A cross-section of scholar-alumni, listening attentively during the event.***

In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.

“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”

Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.

Mr. John Osuna, speaking on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, at the event. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. John Osuna, speaking on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, at the event.***

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.

“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.

The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.

A cross-section of the alumni making their pledges towards the scholars give back project. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***A cross-section of the alumni making their pledges towards the scholars give back project.***

“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.

The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.

Ms. Agnes Katumba, the Director, Katumba Estates Ltd handing over part of her pledge towards the Scholars Giveback project. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms. Agnes Katumba, the Director, Katumba Estates Ltd handing over part of her pledge towards the Scholars Giveback project.***

“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.

Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.

The Representative from DFCU making the pledge to support Scholars Giveback project on behalf of the Bank. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***The Representative from DFCU making the pledge to support Scholars Giveback project on behalf of the Bank.***

In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.

Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Scholar-alumna addressing fellow Scholars and alumni at the event. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Scholar-alumna addressing fellow Scholars and alumni at the event.***

“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.

Some of the Scholars praying for their raffle draw tickets to win. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Some of the Scholars praying for their raffle draw tickets to win.***

The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.

The winner of the grand draw walked away with a flat screen TV. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Community Open Day, September 6, 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***The winner of the grand draw walked away with a flat screen TV.***

Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.

General

First-Year Student’s Joining Instructions 2025/26

Published

1 week ago

September 4, 2025

Mak Editor

Dear Students; Class of 2025/2026
I am very delighted to welcome you to Makerere University. You are joining a Premier University and I hope you all are excited to start your new academic journey. We would like to first congratulate all of you for successfully overcoming the many challenges you have all faced, from completing high school to choosing a university and a study program and the extensive delays in the admission process you experienced.

As you are about to begin one of the most exciting times in your life, you should acknowledge and appreciate your efforts and achievements so far. I am aware that as a fresher, you are filled with hope and ambition, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the road that has brought you here. I know that you have worked hard and overcome many obstacles
to reach this point. So, take a moment to savor this achievement and be proud of yourselves.

Now, as you step into the next phase of your lives, I want to remind you that this is a time of growth and exploration. You will face new challenges, make new friends, and gain experiences that will shape you into the person you will become. This is the time to embrace new opportunities, learn from your mistakes, and never stop growing.

Freshers-joining-Instructions-2025-2026 Download

I also want to emphasise the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. These are the qualities that will help you overcome any obstacle and succeed in your endeavors. Remember to keep your focus on your goals and work towards them with determination.
I encourage you to approach your studies with a growth mindset. This means that you believe that your abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow.

Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
Academic Registrar

General

Transform Ivory Tower into Impact Tower – First-ever CEOs’ Summit

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2025

Eve Nakyanzi

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga (4th Right), Hon. Balaam Barugahara (4th Left), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Rear: 3rd Left), and Mr. George Turyamureeba (3rd Right) with Members of Management and stakeholders at the First Ever Alumni CEOs Summit on 2nd September 2025. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2^nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.

The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.

Government Endorsement and Call to Action

The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3^rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.

She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga.***

She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.

Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:

“Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
“Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
“Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
“Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
“Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”

Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries.***

She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:

From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.

She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.

The Minister’s Reflection

Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures.***

Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.

He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.

Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined

Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali.***

Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential

Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.

He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.***

Convocation’s Strategic Role

MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.

CPA George Turyamureeba. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***CPA George Turyamureeba.***

Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.

CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team.***

Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began

In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.

He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:

The past to the future,
Business and industry to academia, and
Learning to market needs.

Dr. Peter Kimbowa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Peter Kimbowa.***

He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation

Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian.

Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework

The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.

Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.

Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa.***

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo.***

Proceedings

The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).