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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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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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