There are farewells that pass quietly and then there are those that leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who attend. The retirement luncheon of Patience Mushengezi held at the Senate Building University was unmistakably the latter.

Held in an atmosphere filled with warmth, gratitude, and reflection, the event brought together colleagues, friends, and family to celebrate a woman whose 26-year journey at the University has been defined by diligence, humility, and quiet impact.

From the moment she rose to speak, Patience set the tone, not with grandeur, but with gratitude.

“I thank God for the opportunity He gave me to serve,” she said, her voice steady but reflective. “Everything I have achieved has not been by my own strength.”

Her career began in the Transcripts Office as an Assistant Registrar, a role that would become the foundation of her legacy. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to Senior Assistant Registrar and later Deputy Registrar, serving in various units including the Senate. Along the way, she became not only a custodian of records but also a steward of institutional memory.

Colleagues recalled how, in earlier years, obtaining a transcript in a single day was nearly impossible. Today, that process has been streamlined, thanks in part to Patience’s innovation and persistence. Patience initiated the Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes (DARP) project to ease the storage, retrieval and acquisition of academic documents by stakeholders. What began as a simple concern about poorly kept records evolved into a transformative records management initiative that has since improved efficiency and safeguarded academic history.

“She is like a moving encyclopedia,” one colleague remarked, highlighting her deep knowledge of university policies, many of which, he noted, exist as much in her mind as they do on paper.

The luncheon was not just a celebration of professional achievement, but also of character. Speaker after speaker described Patience as calm, dependable, and deeply empathetic “a friend you can trust,” as her supervisor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, put it.

In his tribute, he reflected on his own transition from academia into administration, crediting Patience for guiding and mentoring him. “It is through her willingness to teach and support me that I became the administrator I am today,” he said.

Beyond the office, Patience’s impact extended into personal lives. Rev. Lydia Kitayimbwa spoke fondly of their friendship, describing her as a confidant and prayer partner. “She brings a sense of peace,” she said. “She listens, she prays, and she walks with people.”

Her sister, Alexandra Kalemera, offered an emotional reflection that captured the essence of the day. “It is a beautiful thing to serve in one place for 26 years and not simply disappear,” she said. “Today, we see the impact of a life well lived.”

Indeed, that impact was evident not only in speeches, but in the collective emotion in the room. There was laughter and moments of quiet introspection as colleagues reflected on their own journeys.

At the heart of Patience’s message was a call to action: to serve with integrity, to embrace small but meaningful change, and to value people above titles.

“Do not sit comfortably when things are not working,” she advised. “Do something.”

She also reminded colleagues of the importance of balance and self-care, urging them to find satisfaction in their work while recognizing the limits of their control.

As she steps into retirement, Patience is far from slowing down. She looks forward to pursuing personal ventures, including producing organic dairy products, and expanding her passion for mentoring young people, a calling she believes has already transformed lives.

“This is not the end,” Rev. Kitayimbwa noted. “It is the beginning of a new chapter.”

Perhaps the most profound reflection of the afternoon came from Prof. Buyinza, who posed a question to those gathered: When your time comes, will people come for you like this?

It was a moment that lingered, a reminder that legacy is not built on titles, but on relationships, integrity, and service.

As the luncheon drew to a close, one thing was clear: Patience Mushengezi may be retiring from office, but her influence will remain deeply woven into the fabric of the Department of Academic Registry.

And in the words echoed throughout the room—this was not goodbye.

It was simply the beginning of another journey.

I wish to proclaim that you, St. Augustine Chapel, occupy a special place in my life, and that the bond built over the years, will surpass generations! Whereas some people respect you for grounding them in the Catholic faith, I uphold you for being a parent figure – stretching to a counsellor, mental health expert, confidant, stress manager and reliever, and community development specialist.

I vividly recall the sessions on being a responsible Catholic, remaining safe and healthy, identifying the right friends, and tips on excelling in academics.

St. Augustine Chapel, you are a safe space for communion. You have grounded God’s people in the Catholic faith, and blended in well with activities to ignite a great sense of responsibility, leadership, community empowerment and service to humanity.

As we celebrate your 85 years of existence, I am glad that you have continued to grow. As we visualize your Centennial celebrations in the near future, you are presenting to us a golden opportunity to contribute to the expansion of St. Augustine Students’ Centre.

I am pleased to testify that I am a proud member of the St. Augustine Catholic Community at Makerere University, with a great sense of belonging, and an attachment destined to last forever.

My encounter with St. Augustine Chapel and Students’ Centre commenced in 2001, when I joined Makerere University for a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. I was blessed to do my ‘A’ levels at a vibrant Catholic school – St. Joseph’s S.S. Naggalama – and upon completion, I kept on wondering whether I would find such a place at Makerere University.

Little did I know that St. Augustine Chapel was destined to be my spiritual and genuine lover! The Chaplaincy and the Students Executive Committee coordinated special programmes that would bind us together in love. Both the Chapel and Students’ Centre became safe spaces to inculcate a high sense of responsibility, discipline, leadership, talent development, friendship, socialization and networking.

During the Freshers’ Orientation Week, the Chaplaincy and Students’ Executive Committee did engage us fully to optimal levels. Every evening, the new students would convene at St. Augustine Students’ Centre where the then Chaplain (Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyike) lined up a series of activities on balancing academics with other aspects of life, talent identification, counselling, career guidance, and socialization. We enjoyed the engagements that shaped a great sense of responsibility and calling to serve humanity.

To the Chaplaincy (Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyike and Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu), for the sessions where you identified professionals such as counsellors, mental health experts and coaches, to guide the students on balancing academics, spirituality and other demands of life, we will remain eternally grateful.

For talent identification, we were introduced to the different platforms such as the Choir, Music, Dance and Drama, Concerts, Catholic student clubs, and leadership opportunities within the Catholic community.

For friendship and socialization, the Chaplaincy would organize picnics, trips to Catholic sites, and beach bashes. The most popular ones were at Nabinoonya Beach, off Entebbe Road. The interaction would start with prayers, and thereafter, activities that re-kindled our youth such as enjoying breeze, listening to music, walking and playing in the sand, dancing, participating in games, and dining together. I believe that these activities also impacted our mental health, cognitive abilities and relaxation.

The Solidarity Masses in the Halls of Residence were memorable. The most vibrant one was the Lumbox solidarity mass, bringing onboard Catholic students from Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls. At the end of the Mass, we would interact as we enjoyed snacks and soft drinks courtesy of the Chaplaincy. Though intended for Catholics, the solidarity Masses also attracted students from other denominations. At some point, the Chaplain, fondly referred to as ‘Fr. Larry’ by the students, observed that the snacks and soft drinks were less compared to the turn up.  The Chaplain requested students from other denominations who wished to be part of the solidarity Mass to register a week in advance, the numbers soared, but given his generosity, we continued to enjoy the snacks and soft drinks.

A number of socialization and networking events would be announced in the Chapel, and hosted at the Students’ Centre.

It is my prayer that we contribute generously to the expansion of this facility. Within this space, many lives have been touched, shaped and inspired.

Long live St. Augustine Catholic Community! Looking forward to the Centennial Celebrations!

Ritah Namisango, Public Relations and Communication Specialist

As Makerere University marked 85 years of St. Augustine Chapel on April 12, 2026, the historic sanctuary came alive with voices of praise drawing not only students and clergy, but the community and generations of alumni who returned to honor a space that shaped their faith and memories. From nostalgic reunions to heartfelt thanksgiving, the milestone became more than a commemoration; it was a powerful homecoming of a community bound by eight and a half decades of spiritual nourishment.

Under the resonant theme, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord,” the thanksgiving Mass was led by His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala, who served as chief celebrant. His presence lent solemn weight to the occasion, as worshippers filled Makerere’s Freedom Square in a deeply moving celebration that blended reverence, reflection, and renewed devotion, echoing the enduring spiritual heartbeat of Makerere University.

Hailing the legacy of St. Augustine Chapel, Maj. (Rtd)  Jessica Alupo praised the students’ centre as a cradle of leadership that has helped steer the nation’s development. Speaking as the Vice President, the chief guest and proud alumna of Makerere University, she reflected on the chapel’s enduring influence since 1941, describing it as a rare space where intellect meets faith, questions meet prayer, and the pursuit of knowledge is illuminated by the gospel. Her remarks, underscored the chapel’s profound role in shaping generations of thinkers and servant leaders grounded in faith and service to their nation.

On his part, the Archbishop, His Grace, Paul Ssemogerere delivered a heartfelt reflection during his homily, reminding the congregation that true education shapes not only the intellect but also the heart. He praised St. Augustine Chapel for faithfully advancing that mission over 85 years, serving as a sacred space where students prayed before exams, sought guidance in uncertainty, and encountered Christ through the sacraments. Quietly yet profoundly, he noted, the chapel has not only formed scholars, but men and women of character and purpose. Highlighting the Church’s presence within Makerere University as a profound gift, he reaffirmed the harmony between faith and reason, and called for the chapel to remain a lasting refuge and guiding light for generations to come.

The event also served as a high-impact fundraising drive for the expansion of the Students’ Centre, aimed at creating much-needed space for growing student activities and services.

Appealing to the congregation, Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the chaplain, underscored the urgency and importance of investing in both the spiritual and social life of the student community. He emphasized that the expansion is not merely infrastructural, but foundational to nurturing holistic student development.

He recalled the vision of Msgr. Lawrence Kanyike, who during his tenure laid significant groundwork for St. Augustine’s Chaplaincy and long advocated for its expansion in response to growing student needs. With rising enrolment and increasing demand for services, the call for a larger, more functional student centre has become increasingly compelling.

Once completed, the extension is expected to stand as a landmark contribution in the Chaplaincy’s 85-year legacy. It will accommodate a wide range of student-focused programmes, including fellowship meetings, Bible study groups, prayer gatherings, mentorship and counselling services, leadership development, Sunday school, choir rehearsals, care groups, gym facilities, improved sanitation, administrative offices, quiet study areas, student clubs and movements, as well as outreach initiatives connecting students with surrounding communities.

Fr. Ddungu announced that the project target stands at Uganda Shillings Two billion only. He added that so far, UGX 164,673,650 has been raised in cash and banked funds, while pending pledges amount to UGX 85 million, bringing the combined total to Uganda Shillings 250,426,650.

“In Makerere, we build for the future. Those who came before us built for the future, and their future is our present. Now it is our responsibility to build for those who will come after us,” he said.

The Vice President, on behalf of the President delivered a contribution of Uganda Shillings 30 million who she said, also requested the Bill of Quantities of the project to facilitate continued government support toward its completion.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who contributed to the fundraiser, commended the Catholic community for its steadfast commitment to students’ spiritual welfare and its role in shaping servant leaders. He pledged continued support from the University Management to ensure this expansion of the Student center becomes a reality. From Senior Management, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, in their respective capacities, contributed to the fundraising effort too, reinforcing the collective commitment to the project’s success.

As the fundraising gathers momentum, the appeal remains clear and urgent, that every contribution brings the vision closer to completion. Built on the legacy of those who came before and sustained by the commitment of the present generation, the new Students’ Centre is poised to become a lasting beacon of spiritual grounding, intellectual growth, and communal transformation for decades to come.

If you wish to contribute via mobile money, below are the details of the recipient.

MTN: +256 (0)787888490, Airtel: +256 (0) 756851181 (Josephat Ddungu)