R-L: The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. William Bazeyo, and Dr. Sarah Ssali bow their heads during the Service to celebrate the life of Prof. Noble Banadda, 2nd July 2021, SFTNB Conference Hall, Makerere University.
Hundreds of mourners on Friday 2nd July, 2021 flocked social media platforms to pay their last respects to the Makerere University don and iconic Professor, the Late Noble Ephraim Banadda, who succumbed to COVID-19 on 1st July 2021 at CASE Hospital in Kampala after battling for his life for about one month.
The church service conducted physically and online at Makerere University’s School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall attracted 500 participants on zoom, 78 on Facebook, 80 on YouTube, 40 on Instagram and 100 on twitter.
The function was graced by Makerere University leadership including the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma, Council Chairperson Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Dr. Umar Kakumba, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Dr. Josephine Nabukenya, Director Gender Mainstreaming Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine as well as Dean School of Women and Gender Studies Dr. Sarah Ssali and Chairperson Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) Grants Management Committee (GMC) Prof. William Bazeyo.
The service was also attended by the Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Dean School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Dr. Abel Atukwase and Makerere University Academic Staff Associaiton (MUASA) Vice Chairperson, Prof. Edward Mwavu. Others were staff, students, friends and family members and relatives to the deceased and members from the diaspora.
The Church service
The service was led by the Executive Secretary of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Uganda (SDA) Pastor Dr. Maka Moses accompanied by the Chair Makerere University SDA Students Association Dr. Milka.
In his summon, Pastor Maka told the congregation that as they mourn the departed pillar of Makerere University, they should remember that his is over and it is now about them.
In his key message, Pastor Maka told mourners that as they do research, go about their business and make investments, they should know that death can strike any time imploring them to do the best for every day they live and also build their spiritual capital as well.
“Psalms 90:12 teaches us to number and remember our days that we may gain the hearts of wisdom. The French philosopher Jack said, we are born crying, we go through life complaining and die unsatisfied”, the Pastor said.
Pastor Maka said the greatest fear for humans is death because no one will ever get used to it nor get experience in it.
Speech by Chancellor
The Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma described the death of Prof. Banadda as an indelible loss to the family and a huge loss to the country.
“Banadda was just born in 1975 when I had been a lecturer for 18 months and enrolled for my PhD. It is hard to accept that, that young man, has gone from us.
He stood out, invited me to officiate at a number of events and when he got the Vatican Award, he informed me.
He was on the special subcommittee of the economy on agro processing and the speed at which he responded to work assignments was remarkable. This loss to Uganda is unbearable but we have no choice, we have to submit to Gods will.
His life was gentle and elements well mixed, nurtured all over Uganda, a special man who touched, helped and worked for his family and country. Now he is gone, we pray that we shall be in heaven with him and will live with him in eternity”. Prof. Suruma remarked.
Speech by Chairperson Council
Mrs. Lorna Magara said it was a very difficult afternoon from the previous day when Makerere was filled with heavy hearts at the loss of Prof. Banadda that has left many speechless and depressed. On behalf of Council, Mrs. Magara conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and University fraternity.
“Prof. Banadda was one of those members that warmly welcomed me to council and pledged support. He was one council member that was assuring and very supportive. We became friends and even when he left council, he would send video clips and never failed to send a joke or two.
The loss of Banadda has been one of the most painful and difficult one I have ever faced. Noble has been a prolific academic in University policy space.
Banadda never shied away from responsibility. The somber mood that has swallowed the University demonstrates how he touched the lives of many people.
As we mourn, let us remember to celebrate his incredible achievements in 46 years. Let us celebrate a father, colleague, and countryman. Council commits him in the arms of the Lord. He will be dearly missed by all,” said Mrs. Magara.
Speech by Vice Chancellor
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said this was the time to celebrate a short, but great life urging the congregation to thank God for a life well lived.
He said at the time of Prof. Banadda’s death, the medical bills stood at 110 million shillings. Of these 34 million had been cleared by the Petroleum Authority while 50 million had been raised by staff.
Prof. Nawangwe on behalf of the university delivered a two paged message of condolence detailing the early life of the Late professor, his career growth and contributions Banadda made to the university, the country and the world and the distinct persona of Banadda the late that left many in somber mood.
Prof. Nawangwe conveyed a message of condolence to the bereaved family, friends, relatives and university community verbatim below:
“It is with the deepest regret and heavy hearts that Makerere University Management, staff and students extend this message of condolence on the shocking and sudden death of Professor Noble Banadda, I extend my deepest sympathies to his loved ones, for the loss of such a brilliant Ugandan bio systems engineer, researcher and academician. We mourn a dedicated member of the academic community who has been taken from us so unexpectedly.
Banadda was born in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city on May 14, 1975. After attending local primary and secondary schools, he was admitted to Sokoine University of Agriculture, in Morogoro, Tanzania, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology.
His Master of Science degree in Process Engineering, together with his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemical Engineering, were both obtained from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, in Leuven, Belgium. Later he studied in a post-doctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the United States.
Speech by Principal CAES
The Principal CAES Prof. Bernard Bashaasha described the day as a sad moment meant to condole with the bereaved family saying, they had all lost a life and love of a father, parent, friend and a good man.
“We have lost a good man, a true definition of our academic of the time. Looking at his research, academic, awards, I was touched. His teaching, internationalization and administrative foot print speak volumes for his achievements.
He joined university in January 2006 and quickly ran through the ranks to full professor. He has left a huge legacy with research, innovations on ground.
He built from scratch the Department of Agricultural and Bio systems engineering and led it to greater heights.
He was a friendly person, frank and down to earth in character and never hesitated nor shied away to take on responsibility.
He related with me as a friend not like his boss, worked hard to build his students and the university. Makerere has lost a pillar heading AICAD regional body, not only CAES and Makerere but also a loss to the global citizens.
He had many ambitions as a young man. We pray that God gives solace to the family to cope. We have many questions unanswered. May God provide the answers.” Prof. Bashaasha submitted.
Speech Chairperson Mak-RIF GMC
Prof. William Bazeyo said, it was a very sad moment for him to speak about Prof. Banadda who had been a very close friend. He sai,d the passing on of Prof. Banadda raises questions as to whether the country was losing the battle against COVID-19 or something else was happening.
Prof. Bazeyo implored the university to cherish what the fallen colleague Banadda had left behind.
“Banadda was a young man and has been staff for ten years but his impact on the university is more than many professors that have been here for over 30 years. The greatest loss is on Makerere University. We have lost many people but this time, we have lost one who would build the University when we are not here.
He had many friends in Makerere and outside, the ones that he has walked with every day and he would sit with them at Piato restaurant just to talk about work”, Prof. Bazeyo said.
On plans to establish a University ICU and oxygen plant
Prof Bazeyo said the demise of Banadda had left a big hole in the CAES. He however noted that the late professor was not selfish and shared his works and therefore should find means of filling this gap.
He said, the Vice Chancellor was doing all it takes to establish an ICU at Makerere University Hospital and also build an oxygen plant.
“For three months, we are going to make sure that we have an alternative place for Ugandans to access medical services” He said.
The recording of Live proceedings from the Service to Celebrate the Life of Prof. Noble Ephraim Banadda may be accessed by clicking the embedded video below.
Celebrating the Life of Prof. Noble Ephraim Banadda (1975 – 2021), 2nd July 2021, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, Makerere University.
It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome you to Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and premier institution of higher learning, and one of Africa’s most respected centres of scholarship, research and innovation. On behalf of the University Senate and the Office of the Academic Registrar, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of you upon your admission to Makerere University for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
Today marks the beginning of one of the most important chapters of your lives. It is a day that signifies not only your admission to a great university, but also your acceptance into a community of scholars committed to the pursuit of knowledge, the advancement of society, and the service of humanity. You have earned your place here through determination, sacrifice and hard work. Behind every student seated here is a story of perseverance, encouragement from parents and guardians, dedication from teachers, and personal commitment to excellence. To all who have contributed to this achievement, we express our sincere appreciation.
As you join Makerere University, you become part of a remarkable legacy that spans more than a century. For generations, Makerere has stood as a beacon of academic excellence on the African continent. It has nurtured leaders in government, business, academia, science, education, the arts and many other professions. Its graduates have shaped public policy, advanced scientific discovery, built thriving enterprises and transformed communities across Uganda, Africa and the world. Today, you inherit that proud tradition. More importantly, you are called upon to enrich it through your own achievements and contributions.
The world you are entering is changing rapidly. Advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital innovation and data science are transforming every profession. Nations are grappling with climate change, public health challenges, food insecurity, unemployment, governance concerns and widening inequalities. These realities demand graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but also innovative, adaptable, ethical and committed to finding practical solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. Makerere University is committed to preparing you for that responsibility. Our vision is not simply to produce graduates, but to develop critical thinkers, responsible citizens, innovators and leaders who will make meaningful contributions to national development and global progress.
Dear Fresh Students,
University education is fundamentally different from the education you have previously experienced. At Makerere, learning is not confined to the lecture room. It requires curiosity, discipline and personal responsibility. Your lecturers will guide you, challenge your thinking and provide opportunities for intellectual growth, but the responsibility for learning rests with you. Attend your lectures consistently, participate actively in discussions, read widely beyond the prescribed materials, complete your assignments diligently and prepare adequately for your examinations. Success at university is rarely the result of extraordinary intelligence alone; more often, it is the product of consistent effort, effective time management and unwavering commitment.
As Academic Registrar, allow me to emphasise the importance of understanding and complying with the University’s academic regulations. These regulations exist to ensure fairness, transparency and the integrity of our academic processes. Complete your registration within the stipulated timelines, familiarise yourselves with the Academic Calendar and the Students’ Regulations, and regularly access your academic information through the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS). Always seek guidance whenever you encounter academic or administrative challenges. Our offices are here to support your success.
One value that must remain central throughout your academic journey is integrity. Your degree will derive its true worth not only from the knowledge you acquire, but also from the honesty with which you earn it. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, examination malpractice, falsification of documents and any other form of misconduct, undermines the very purpose of higher education. Protect your reputation and uphold the good name of Makerere University by conducting yourselves with honesty, responsibility and professionalism in all that you do.
While academic excellence remains our primary focus, I encourage you to embrace the broader university experience. Makerere University offers countless opportunities to develop your talents beyond the classroom. Participate in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, sports, cultural activities, volunteer programmes and community engagement initiatives. These experiences will enrich your education, strengthen your confidence and prepare you for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. Some of the most valuable lessons you will learn at Makerere will come through collaboration, service and engagement with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
You have joined one of the most diverse academic communities in the region. Within this University you will meet colleagues from every region of Uganda and from many countries across Africa and beyond. Embrace this diversity with respect, openness and humility. Learn from one another. Build lasting friendships. Listen to different perspectives and appreciate that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The networks you establish during your years at Makerere may become lifelong friendships, professional partnerships and opportunities that shape your future.
As you pursue your studies, remember that the University community is built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. Conduct yourselves with dignity both on and off campus. Respect your lecturers, fellow students and members of staff. Use social media responsibly and appreciate that your actions, whether online or offline, contribute to your personal reputation and that of the University. Leadership begins with character, and character is demonstrated through the choices we make every day.
There will undoubtedly be moments when university life becomes challenging. You may encounter difficult coursework, financial constraints, personal struggles or moments of uncertainty. Such experiences are not unusual, nor do they define your future. What matters is how you respond to them. Do not hesitate to seek assistance from your lecturers, academic advisers, counsellors or fellow students. Makerere University is committed to supporting your academic, personal and professional development, but you must also be willing to seek help whenever you need it. Resilience, perseverance and a positive attitude often distinguish those who succeed from those who give up too soon.
Dear Students,
Leadership is not reserved for those who hold positions of authority. Leadership begins with taking responsibility for your own actions, influencing others positively and serving your community with integrity. Throughout your time at Makerere, I encourage you to cultivate the qualities of ethical leadership, critical thinking, innovation and service. Challenge yourselves to become solution providers rather than problem identifiers. Ask yourselves not only how you will build successful careers, but also how your knowledge and skills will improve the lives of others and contribute to the development of Uganda, Africa and the wider world.
Among you are future scientists who will develop life-changing innovations, future entrepreneurs who will create employment opportunities, future judges who will uphold justice, future medical professionals who will save lives, future teachers who will inspire generations and future public servants who will shape national policy. The opportunities before you are immense, but they must be matched by discipline, humility and a commitment to lifelong learning.
As you begin this journey, remember that every lecture attended, every book read, every assignment completed and every meaningful friendship formed contributes to the person you will become. Make each day count. Pursue excellence not for recognition alone, but because excellence is a habit that shapes character and transforms lives.
As I conclude, I leave you with a simple but profound challenge. During your years at Makerere University, do not merely strive to obtain a degree. Strive to become a person of knowledge, integrity, compassion and purpose. Let your education inspire you to think boldly, act ethically and serve selflessly. Let your years at Makerere prepare you not simply for employment, but for leadership; not merely for personal success, but for meaningful impact.
On behalf of the University Senate and the Office of the Academic Registrar, I warmly welcome you to Makerere University. We are proud to receive you at this great institution, and we look forward to witnessing your growth into graduates who will uphold the values, traditions and reputation of Makerere University wherever life may lead you.
I wish you every success in your academic journey.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali has made a strong case for good Minutes Writing, describing the process as “very important in respecting the integrity of the institution.” She made the remarks while officially opening a training workshop organised by the Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC) for Executive and Administrative Staff on 4th August 2026.
And whereas it is important to consult long serving staff on institutional best practices, Prof. Ssali noted that good minute writing is the best way to preserve institutional memory, especially as staff come and go. She equally pointed out the importance of minutes in addressing issues of legality, as these accounts have since time immemorial been relied on to “help shape records and document the history of states”.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.
Away from setting the record straight, the DVCAA also stressed the importance of minutes in helping teams better prepare for their next meeting. Minutes, she noted, should help members develop an action matrix with quick turnaround times that empower the next meeting to address what was resolved.
The DVCAA equally underscored the importance of minutes in; helping institutions or their units comply with regulatory requirements, provide accountability in the event of tracking implementation of policies or programmes, and team alignment. “Minutes affect decisions and so they are good reference points for positions agreed upon by teams, especially where there was a lot of debate,” she said about the latter.
Prof. Sarah Ssali addresses participants at the workshop.
Prof. Ssali concluded by thanking executive and administrative staff present for sparing time to attend the training and urged them to uphold the highest degree of ethics and efficiency as they go about this noble task.
The Chairperson, MakWC, Prof. Fredrick Jones Muyodi in his remarks sincerely thanked the DVCAA for reiterating the importance of workshop in equipping staff to become better professionals. He, in the same breath, urged participants to do their best by putting into practice all the knowledge and skills that they acquire during the training.
Prof. Fredrick Jones Muyodi (L) chats with Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi.
Participants received specific training on Fundamentals and Roles of the Minute Taker by Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi and Minute Writing Techniques by Ms. Proscovia Nakayiki. The executive and administrative staff were equally tipped on; the Policy and Legal Environment for Minute Writing by Ms. Esther Kabinga, e-Meeting platforms by Dr. Godfrey Mayende, and Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda.
About MakWC
Housed under the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), MakWC is a pivotal centre aimed at enhancing Makerere University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution by 2030. The centre provides faculty, staff and students with assistance on their papers, projects, reports, multi-modal documents and other writerly needs across disciplines.
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), Makerere University has released the admission lists for applicants successfully admitted for postgraduate programs for the 2026/27 Academic Year. The lists include postgraduate diplomas, PhD and Masters programmes.
Please see admission lists for the respective Colleges listed below:
General2 days ago
General2 days ago
General1 week ago