General
Prof. Bazeyo Hands over DVCFA Office to Dr. Nabukenya
The outgoing Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA on 30th November 2020 officially handed over office to the incoming Ag. DVCFA Dr. Josephine Nabukenya at a ceremony presided over by the Chairperson of Mak Council Mrs. Lorna Magara. The event held in the Central Teaching Facility 1 (CTF1) was guided by the Ag. University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and witnessed by the Chairperson Finance, Planning, Administration and Investment Committee (FPAIC) of Council-Mr. Bruce Kabaasa, the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Dr. Umar Kakumba, Members of University Management and Prof. Bazeyo’s family.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor paid tribute to Prof. Bazeyo for the tremendous achievements registered which made his own job very easy.
“One of Prof. Bazeyo’s tremendous achievements has been to move the University out of huge debt, with the most outstanding one; the In-House benefits scheme, almost completely settled,” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.
He also commended Prof. Bazeyo for his negotiation skills, which enabled the University to secure the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) from the Government of Uganda. Mak-RIF is the first of its kind Government funding dedicated purely to supporting research and innovations at Makerere University, and is open to competitive bidding by any member of staff.
Prof. Nawangwe thanked the outgoing DVCFA for his exemplary service and accepting to continue chairing the inaugural Grants Management Committee (GMC) of Mak-RIF. This selflessness, he noted would help Makerere to become a truly research-led university.
The Vice Chancellor equally expressed gratitude that Prof. Bazeyo was handing over to Dr. Nabukenya who is known for her steadfastness, prolific research and grant winning abilities. “Dr. Nabukenya has been very responsive when called upon to serve on various University Committees and we pledge to continue according you all the necessary support until a substantive DVCFA is appointed.”
In his handover speech, Prof. William Bazeyo thanked God for the negotiation and other skills that have enabled him to be a contribution to Makerere University right from his date of appointment on 23rd August 1993 until he attained the mandatory retirement age on 22nd June 2017. Now serving on a post-retirement contract valid until May 2021, Prof. Bazeyo shared that these skills had enabled him to transform the School of Public Health (MakSPH) from being virtually unknown to the second-best School of Public Health on the African continent.
Speaking about what motivated him to take up the role of DVCFA, Prof. Bazeyo outlined; the Media coverage of Makerere’s indebtedness, need to achieve research-led status, need to improve staff remuneration, unpaid retirement benefits and the absence of an institutional grants policy as some of the challenges that spurred him on.
“On the research front, I am glad to say that today, we have 595 project groups concurrently engaged with full funding by Government under Mak-RIF. And whereas Government had initially committed to avail this funding for only five years, they are now willing to funding every financial year having seen Makerere’s demonstrated capacity,” Prof. Bazeyo said.
Addressing Dr. Nabukenya, the outgoing Ag. DVCFA said, “I have never seen an office as challenging as this but the fact that I have tried means that you too can do the same through initiatives like strategic planning, participatory budgeting and a host of others as outlined in my handover report. I pledge that I will be available to introduce you and support you where you need me.”
In conclusion, Prof. Bazeyo thanked the Chairperson and Members of Council for entrusting him with the role of DVCFA and Prof. Nawangwe for always listening to his proposals and offering much-needed guidance. He thanked Dr. Kakumba for always speaking honestly and Dr. Eria Hisali for continually stepping-in to act on his behalf whenever he was out of office. Prof. Bazeyo equally thanked rest of the members of Management for their support throughout his term of office and staff in the Office of the DVCFA for enabling him to serve efficiently.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Josephine Nabukenya thanked the University Council for giving her the opportunity to act as DVCFA, a role she pledged to use wisely. “I thank the Chairperson Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and all members of Management for being part of this handover ceremony. I am humbled to be assigned the role of next Acting DVCFA, a great responsibility and at the same time, a great honour.”
She paid tribute to her predecessor Prof. Bazeyo for the achievements registered during his term of leadership and for not losing sight of his goals especially in research, despite the challenges faced. She attributed this to Prof. Bazeyo’s passion for Makerere University, which has been a good driving force during his three years in office.
Dr. Nabukenya nevertheless made appealed to her outgoing colleague to continue working with the institution to cement the successes that had been registered during his term. She pledged to work hand in hand with her colleagues in Top Management to ensure that several projects currently being undertaken such as automation of services are accomplished.
In her remarks, the Chairperson Council thanked Prof. William Bazeyo for his selfless service to Makerere University, especially for his role in spearheading negotiations with Government to secure the remainder of funds owed to the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Mrs. Magara noted that the University Council is still looking forward to working with Prof. Bazeyo in various capacities.
Turning to Dr. Nabukenya, the Chairperson noted that the University Council celebrates her as a woman who has ascended to a top position of University Management. She nevertheless noted that Dr. Nabukenya’s prolific record made her a good candidate for the position. “Drawing on the gender card was never a necessity in considering your candidature because your past attainments in research and especially automation made you a perfect fit for the role.”
Quoting Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold”, Mrs. Magara urged Dr. Nabukenya focus on leaving a legacy in Makerere University because her legacy would outlive her. She added that Council’s expectations of the DVCFA role are high but nevertheless expressed confidence that Dr. Nabukenya would deliver as much as Prof. Bazeyo had and hopefully, exceed expectations.
The Chairperson noted that whereas the University aspires to be research-led, the institution should not conduct research just for the sake. “Our drive must be to conduct research that responds to the National Development Agenda” remarked Mrs. Magara before posing a question, “What do we need to do to ensure that Makerere becomes the Think Tank for the National Development Agenda?”
She concluded her remarks by pledging the University Council’s and her personal support to the new Ag. DVCFA and urged Dr. Nabukenya to stay focused on her duties.
Members of Management also present included the University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Director Estates and Works Directorate-Eng. Christina Kakeeto, Director Internal Audit-Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Ag. Director Legal Affairs-Mr. Hudson Musoke, Representing the Ag. Director Human Resources-Mr. Deus Mujuni Tayari and other officials.
Article by Public Relations Office
Makerere University staff have been urged to embrace servant leadership, integrity and compassion as they prepare to welcome students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
The call was made during the Makerere University Staff Prayer Breakfast held on 31st July 2026 at St. Francis Students Centre Upper Hall under the theme “Faithful Stewards: A Servant Heart with Integrity and Wisdom,” drawn from Colossians 3:23–24 and Mark 10:35–45.
The prayer breakfast brought together members of Council, University Management, academic and administrative staff to dedicate the new academic year to God while reflecting on their responsibility of serving students with excellence, humility and integrity.
A Call to Seek God’s Wisdom
Host Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa reminded staff that no amount of professional experience or academic expertise can replace God’s guidance.
She noted that the University’s mission can only be fulfilled when staff continually seek God’s wisdom in serving students and one another.
“There is no amount of experience or expertise that can replace God’s wisdom.”
Rev. Dr. Kitayimbwa observed that students remain the reason universities exist and challenged staff to approach their work as a calling rather than merely employment.
“Without students, there is no university,” she said, encouraging members of staff to remain united, avoid unhealthy competition and trust God as they begin another academic year.
She further urged staff to become faithful stewards who work together in harmony which she started as, “United we stand; divided we fall.”
A Community, Not Just a Centre of Research.
Speaking on behalf of students, Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli welcomed the Council Chairperson and the Deputy Vice Chancellor to the breakfast, and reminded staff that a university’s value cannot be measured by research and innovation alone.
She described Makerere as a community held together by the wellbeing of its people, spiritual as much as academic, and called on staff to renew their commitment to one another as much as to the institution they serve.
A Season to Draw Inspiration From.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who sent his greetings but could not attend in person, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Sarah Ssali told staff that this year’s breakfast carried special significance.
“This is the first prayer breakfast we are having ever since we launched our strategic plan,” she said, referring to the University’s new Strategic Plan, launched on 2nd July 2026.
She encouraged staff to hold on to the morning’s reflections as a guide for implementing the plan over the next five years, describing Makerere as an institution many families choose above all others for the vision and training it offers their children. She urged staff to see themselves as stewards of that trust rather than simply employees carrying out a job.
Compassion and Discipline Must Go Together.
Delivering her remarks, Makerere University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara challenged staff to strike a balance between compassion and discipline when dealing with students.
She observed that many students face different personal and academic challenges, making encouragement and timely support essential throughout their university journey.
“A word of encouragement can restore hope and prevent costly mistakes,” she noted.
Dr. Lorna encouraged lecturers and administrators to respond promptly to students’ concerns, explaining that delays, insensitive decisions and abuse of authority can discourage students and negatively affect their academic experience.
She reminded staff that students often remember how they were treated long after they have forgotten what was taught in class.
“Students may eventually forget what we teach them, but they will always remember how we treated them.”
She added that education goes beyond transferring knowledge.
“Education is more than knowledge. We communicate life, character and values.”
Quoting Mark 10, Dr. Lorna called upon staff to embrace servant leadership by exercising authority with humility, integrity and accountability.
She encouraged members of staff to ask themselves whether they would treat every student the same way they would treat their own child.
“We may not always have all the answers,” she said, “but we can communicate honestly, take responsibility and treat every student with dignity.”
She concluded by urging different colleges and administrative units to work together instead of operating in isolation, noting that unity strengthens the University community.
Referring to Galatians 6:2, she reminded staff to carry one another’s burdens and remain faithful stewards of the responsibility entrusted to them.
Servant Leadership Begins with Faithfulness.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. James Magara, husband to the Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, called on members of staff to embrace servant leadership grounded in humility, faithfulness and service to others.
Drawing from Mark 10:35–45, Dr. Magara reflected on the account in which James and John asked Jesus for positions of honour in His kingdom, prompting discontent among the other disciples. He observed that despite walking closely with Christ, the disciples continued to struggle with the desire for status and recognition. He noted that such competition remained evident even during the Last Supper, where concerns over positions and prominence persisted.
Dr. Magara said that Jesus responded to these human tendencies by redefining leadership through service rather than authority. He described Christ’s act of washing the disciples’ feet as the ultimate demonstration of servant leadership, explaining that genuine leaders are willing to undertake even the humblest responsibilities in service of others.
Referencing Philippians 2, he urged staff to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness, contrasting it with the pride and self-exaltation illustrated in Isaiah 14. He emphasised that lasting influence and greatness are not measured by titles, positions or recognition, but by one’s willingness to serve faithfully and put the needs of others before personal ambition.
Drawing on his own leadership journey spanning several decades, Dr. Magara challenged leaders across the University to cultivate humility, integrity and a servant heart in the execution of their responsibilities. He cautioned that leadership driven by pride and personal ambition undermines both individual effectiveness and institutional progress, whereas servant leadership strengthens organisations and fosters lasting impact.
The prayer breakfast concluded with a call for unity and collective commitment as Makerere University prepares to begin a new academic year. Organisers noted that the reflections on stewardship, integrity and servant leadership would provide a strong foundation for the University community as it advances the implementation of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
-
General1 day agoUndergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027
-
General4 days agoAdmission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General1 week agoGulu University Benchmarks Makerere University’s Management of Mature Age Entry Examinations
-
General1 week agoMakerere, Southwest Minzu University and NARO Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Livestock Research and Innovation
-
General1 week agoMakerere’s Research Billions Offer MUST a Blueprint for Managing Grants