General
Deans’ Forum Underlines Academic Leadership Roles
The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA on Wednesday 26th February 2020 hosted the Inaugural Deans’ Forum at a half-day workshop held at Grand Global Hotel, Makerere. The Forum which brings together Deans from 29 Schools of Makerere University has its origins in the series of training and sensitisation workshops for academic leaders organized by the DVCAA and Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) starting mid-2019.
The Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and Inaugural Chair of the Deans’ Forum, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze thanked attendees for taking time off to learn from each other and together, contribute to academic excellence of students at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
“As we move towards being a research-led university, it is important that we position ourselves to collectively be part of negotiating changes for better support to students, especially at graduate level” she explained.
Prof. Wanyenze then introduced other members of the Deans’ Forum as: Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi-Languages, Literature and Communication, Dr. Gilbert Maiga-Computing and Informatics Technology, Dr. Robert Tweyongyere-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Dr. Ronald Naluwairo-Law, Dr. Edward Bbaale-Economics and Dr. Grace Kibanja-Psychology. The DVCAA Dr. Umar Kakumba is the founding Patron of the Deans’ Forum.
In his address, the DVCAA noted that whereas the Makerere University Senate has been in existence for a long time, Deans seldom get the opportunity to interact outside these sessions. He therefore thanked the Inaugural Chairperson and Executive for embracing the idea and developing guiding documents such as a draft constitution and an annual work plan.
Dr. Kakumba then made a presentation on “Delivering on the roles as Dean in Makerere University”, based on his experience as Dean, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) for eight years. This was followed by a presentation by the Director Quality Assurance, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya on “Academic Process: Teaching, Examination and Student Supervision”.
Other presentations on the day were made by; the Deputy Registrar (Senate Division), Ms. Patience Mushengyezi on “Academic Polices and Senate Roles” and the Director Human Resources, Mr. Andrew Abunyang represented by Mr. Richard Mugisha, Manager Performance and Appraisal on “Roles on Deans in Human Resource Management (Performance Management)”. The last presentation of the day was delivered by the Senior Performance Officer, Directorate of Human Resources, Mr. Julius Lebo on “Labour Relations and Conflict Resolution”.
Some of the presentations lined up for future workshops of the Deans’ Forum will cover the role of Deans in attracting and managing grants.
Article by Public Relations Office.
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.”
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.”
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:
“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.
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