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Tributes to the Late Prof. Johnson Opio Acon

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On 15th January 2020, the Makerere University community awoke to the sad news of the passing on of Senior Prof.essor Johnson Opio Acon, which occurred in the early morning hours at Kampala Independent Hospital. He was a Prof.essor in the Department of Veterinary Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB). Please see below for some tributes from colleagues.

“Sometimes I run out of hope. Prof. Acon’s demise is a tragedy. I mourn him greatly. Prof. Acon has been a person who combined incredible achievement with great personal grace. Prof. Nasinyama once intimated to me that Prof. Acon was the greatest philanthropist to many of his students.

He was elegant in every way, the way he spoke with a soft Edinburgh accent, the way he dressed, his immense courtesy and concern for others. I can dare say, in all ways, Prof. Acon had style! He was smart in dressing and intellect; he was simply incomparable. From 1996 – 2005, I did not need to go to car vendors to know the trending vehicle in town because I could easy know that from Prof. Acon's latest car. For the two decades I interacted with Prof. Acon, I got testimonies to the effect that he had immense positive impact of the current and next generation of Veterinary Medics. I observed salient attributes befitting of a distinguished academic especially that he epitomized quality, ethics, standards and professionalism in all forms and manner. He leaves an indelible mark on the graduate research training function at Makerere. He truly symbolized a well cultured Professor in an African premier University i.e. of great scientific repute and champion of evidence use as a driver of change. I found him an amiable man with commitment to transform graduate training at Makerere.

During the 90s and early 2000s, when he was still an active member of Senate, Prof. Acon was always picked by the Chair and listened to by all not only for what he said, which always moved our thinking, but also for the way he said it; quietly, utterly without bombast, but with immense authority. He always made valuable contributions; never backed down from a good argument or passionate exchange. He always had a recommendation of something. He believed in the power of ideas, and in the power of sharing those ideas. His eloquence, well contextualized arguments, vigilant choice of words earned him respect among Senators.

There are generations of scientists at Makerere and globally, particularly in veterinary medicine who owe their academic success to Prof. Acon. Recently, much of his endeavor was focused on research for society, where he facilitated at many of the regional symposium.

Like many distinguished African elites of his time, Prof. Acon paid allegiance to Makerere University, promoted professionalism and integrity, but most importantly, he promoted good research practice. Prof. Acon had a big heart, a hearty laugh and dazzling intellect that he used to encourage rather than intimidate. He will be sadly missed by DRGT and all who knew him, both for his presence and for his contributions to Makerere’s intellectual development. We shall miss my friend Prof. Acon, with his wisdom, his humor and his generosity.

May his soul rest in peace. (Psalm 23 & 121)”

Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT)

 

“May The Good Lord Grant him eternal Peace and comfort his family. Very sad indeed.”

Prof. Denis K. Byarugaba, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB)

 

“Oh sincerely sorry. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Dr. Isaac Mugume, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

 

“This is indeed a tragedy.  May God have mercy and grant all family and friends peace, comfort and strength in the midst of this storm.”

Dr. Jessica Aguti, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)

 

“Very sad indeed. May the Lord comfort the family and friends.”

Betty Akoli, Department of the Academic Registrar

 

“This is very sad news. Professor Johnson Opio Acon is one of those people that made one admire his profession. He treated animals and people well. He has contributed greatly to the brand of Makerere University. On a personal level, I first met him in 1989. Back then, Veterinary Medicine was running an ambulatory clinic that I happily joined each time Dr. Seguya, Dr. Biryomumaso, the Late Frank and others run. We shall miss him dearly.”

Prof. Noble Banadda, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

 

“It's indeed a very sad day for the Veterinary profession, CoVAB and Makerere University. Prof. Acon has been an icon of the veterinary profession with very rare attributes of commitment, time keeping and professionalism that endeared him to his students, patients and clients.

May God strengthen and uphold his family through this dark season. The Veterinary Fraternity will miss him dearly. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Dr. Sylvia Angubua Baluka, President Uganda Veterinary Association President, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB)

 

“Very shocking news indeed. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.”

Dr. Okwi Andrew Livex, College of Health Sciences (CHS)

 

“So sad. May his soul rest in peace.”

Prof. Felix Bareeba, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

 

“It is indeed sad to have lost our senior colleague in the Veterinary profession. Our sincere prayers to the family upon this loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.”

Dr. Fredrick Muyodi, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)

 

“Prof. Acon will forever be missed by CoVAB, Makerere University community, Local and International Veterinary community, Academia and most of all, his family. My sincere condolences to all.”

Prof. George W. Lubega, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB)

 

Mark Wamai

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Mak 2nd Prayer Breakfast Reflects on Integrating Faith, Learning & Service

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2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 1st August 2025, the eve of the first year students’ arrival on Campus, held the 2nd Prayer Breakfast aimed at reiterating that staff service at the institution is a calling to pursue excellence and purpose under God.. Hosted in the St. Francis Chapel gardens, the meeting was presided over by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta who represented both the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The day’s message “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service” was delivered by Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, former Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University who also served as Makerere staff member between 1978 and 1987.

“This is a very good initiative” remarked Prof. Ireeta as he began his remarks, noting that the University’s enjoyment of a strike-free academic year 2024/2025 could perhaps be attributed to having commenced it with prayer. He expressed the Chairperson of Council’s and Vice Chancellor’s apologies, whom he noted would have loved to attend the 2nd Prayer Breakfast as they did the 1st but were unfortunately caught up in other meetings and official travel respectively.

Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta represented the Chairperson of Council and the Vice Chancellor at the Prayer Breakfast. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta represented the Chairperson of Council and the Vice Chancellor at the Prayer Breakfast.

“As we gather today, let us reflect on our shared purpose and values in this University and may this time of prayer and fellowship inspire us to make a positive impact in our work and community” Prof. Ireeta urged, noting that it was important to exercise compassion, wisdom and kindness as staff worked with the youth who are constantly bombarded with information from social media and other sources.

Prof. Ireeta therefore urged staff to always listen to diverse perspectives and work together to achieve the institution’s goals. He reiterated the University Management’s support to the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and the Chaplains who report to her, “We shall continue supporting you in all you do”.

“We are weak but God is strong” remarked the Chaplain St. Francis, Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa as a rejoinder to Prof. Ireeta’s remarks. “This is a demonstration that truly we need the strength of God – we cannot start this academic year without the divine hand of God.”

Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa makes her remarks. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa makes her remarks.

She went on to say that when we do not pray, we boldly declare that we do not need God’s divine guidance, “but in coming here today, we are boldly proclaiming that we need divine guidance, so thank you all for coming.”

Introducing the day’s speaker, Rev. Canon Dr. Senyonyi, the Chaplain admitted that she did not know any speaker who was better placed to address the topic, given his vast experience as an academician, theologian and university administrator. She added that the speaker in his exemplary style had come along with his wife, Canon Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, a lay Canon of the Diocese of Kampala, under whose jurisdiction St. Francis Chapel falls.

Commencing his address, Rev. Canon Dr. Senyonyi shared that he had an issue with the framing of the day’s topic, particularly the word “integrating” for it made it seem as if God, the author of faith and creator of heaven and earth was separate from the quest to “learn” about the very things he created and “service”, the act of people providing stewardship over the God-given talents, abilities and His creation. Referring to the theme scripture, Ephesians 4:10-12, he singled out three important conclusions to dwell on.

Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi delivered the day's message. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi delivered the day’s message.

“And those are simply; 1) the sovereignty of the ascended Jesus Christ, 2) Jesus is the giver of every ability, talent, skill, gift, whatever you may call it, even your education, and 3) Jesus equips whosoever He calls for service to others” he remarked.

Rev. Canon. Dr. Senyonyi further broke the conclusions down by noting that 1) Jesus is placed above all things and as such is sovereign over everything as further illustrated by scriptures; Mathew 28:18 – all authority in heaven and on earth (including academia) has been given to Him, John 1:1-5 – all things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made that was made, and Colossians 1:15-19 – by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth and for Him (including education and work). “If Jesus is sovereign, then our work in the universe, our education enterprise is a mission and that mission must be submissive to the mission of our sovereign.”

2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The fullhouse at the 2nd Prayer Breakfast in the St. Francis Chapel Gardens.

Proceeding to no 2) Jesus is the giver of every ability, and citing his personal experience, Rev. Canon Dr. Senyonyi said, “I left the teaching with this University because God was calling me to be an evangelist but I cannot say God gave me the gift of evangelism, that’s a mistake; that’s not how the scripture reads.” He added that the problem facing most people today is the tendency to think that everything is about them, and not recognizing that Jesus is the giver of the very things they call their own.

Turning to scriptures, Exodus 36:1 and Exodus 28:3 he explained that the craftsmen that Moses relied on to build the tabernacle and furnishings for His Temple were only able to excel because they were equipped by God. “In other words, what they had was a talent that God Himself gave… when we focus elsewhere, we forget what God has given us to… and your training is intended to be a gift to others.”

The choir made up of staff and students led the prayer breakfast in praise and worship. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The choir made up of staff and students led the prayer breakfast in praise and worship.

Rev. Canon Dr. Senyonyi then concluded with no 3) Jesus equips whosoever He calls for service to others, emphasizing the latter bit, the need to use all we are and have for the benefit of others. “If students are reporting tomorrow what are we going to do?” he challenged. “Are we going to facilitate soft landing or are we going to facilitate anger in their hearts?” he further pondered.

“If all of us are giving, if all of us are taking our faith where it should be, if all of us are showing the way, if all of us are ambassadors of Christ where we are, then everybody receives” the day’s speaker encouraged. “So your work is to equip the students until they graduate” he summed up, adding that one of the greatest joys is encountering former students whose faces light up with excitement when they see you.

Dr. Eve Nabulya (Right) and Mr. Moses Oluka prepare to lead one of the prayer sessions. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Eve Nabulya (Right) and Mr. Moses Oluka prepare to lead one of the prayer sessions.

The 2nd Prayer Breakfast would have been incomplete without prayer sessions, some of which were led by the Heads of the Joint Staff Fellowship Dr. Eve Nabulya and Mr. Moses Oluka. The final blessing was delivered by the day’s speaker Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi.

Mark Wamai

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Admission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2025/26

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The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), Makerere University has released the admission lists for applicants successfully admitted for postgraduate programs for the 2025/26 Academic Year. The lists include postgraduate diplomas, PhD and Masters programmes.

Please see admission lists for the respective Colleges listed below:

Update 30th July 2025

Prof. Julius Kikooma
DIRECTOR DGT

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IGAD Board Visits Mak, Reiterates Commitment to Promoting Academic Mobility

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Prof. Edward Bbaale (5th Left) with the delegation from IGAD after their courtesy visit on 29th July 2025. Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council Courtesy Visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Tuesday 29th July 2025.

The Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council on Tuesday 29th July 2025 paid a courtesy visit to Makerere University following the 5th Meeting of the IGAD Universities Forum held in Kampala from 28th to 29th July. The delegation was received by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Edward Bbaale in the presence of Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, Makerere University’s representative to IGAD.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Bbaale on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the University Management thanked the delegation for including a visit to Makerere on their Kampala itinerary, “It is an honour and privilege to host you here today,” he remarked.  He equally thanked Dr. Kiggundu Musoke for representing the University on IGAD and facilitating the visit.

Prof. Bbaale acknowledged that IGAD continues to play a critical role in fostering regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the Greater Horn of Africa. “The inclusion of higher education in IGAD’s strategic priorities speaks volumes about the importance you attach to knowledge, skills, and research as tools for transforming societies,” he supplemented.

Right to Left: Dr. Victoria Anib Majur, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Kebede Kassa Tsegaye and another IGAD official during the discussions. Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council Courtesy Visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Tuesday 29th July 2025.
Right to Left: Dr. Victoria Anib Majur, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Kebede Kassa Tsegaye and another IGAD official during the discussions.

The Acting DVCAA reiterated that Makerere University takes great pride in her IGAD membership, as well as the collaborative research partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and policy dialogues that seek to harmonise and strengthen higher education in the region undertaken therein. He equally lauded the participation of regional Vice Chancellors and Senior Academic Leaders in IGAD’s activities, “Your presence affirms our collective resolve to build stronger institutions and knowledge systems that respond to the developmental needs of our communities.”

He noted that Makerere in pursuit of her strategic research-led agenda takes cognizance of the importance of partnerships at regional and international levels and urged the leaders present to nurture them. “We need to build a strong academic and research network so that we have seamless flow staff and students on the African continent,” adding that “We hope this visit will further deepen the bonds between our institutions and inspire new opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research, innovation, and regional integration.”

Prof. Edward Bbaale (Left) presents coffee grown, roasted and packaged by Makerere University to Dr. Victoria Anib Majur (Right) in appreciation of the delegation's visit. Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council Courtesy Visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Tuesday 29th July 2025.
Prof. Edward Bbaale (Left) presents coffee grown, roasted and packaged by Makerere University to Dr. Victoria Anib Majur (Right) in appreciation of the delegation’s visit.

Dr. Kebede Kassa Tsegaye, the IGAD Senior Coordinator of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Program expressed delight at visiting Makerere, noting that the University and Republic of Uganda are strategic and extremely valuable partners of the regional body.

In her remarks, Dr. Victoria Anib Majur the Head, IGAD Health and Social Development Division thanked Makerere and other regional universities for promoting mobility among learners by endorsing the implementation of the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework (IGADQF). “It is our pleasure that your institution and all other partner institutions in the region are joining IGAD in fulfilling the mission of regional integration through skills development and through qualifications.”

She reiterated IGAD’s commitment to push for; excellence in education, inclusivity of gender and persons with disabilities, and promotion of skills that will prepare learners, especially refugees, returnees, and those from host communities in the IGAD region for the marketplace. The IGAD Secretariat is hosted by the Republic of Djibouti and region covers the host country-Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

Mark Wamai

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