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Prof. Noble Banadda Laid to Rest

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Prof. Noble Banadda has been laid to rest at his ancestral home at Lukooge Sempa, Luweero District.

Prof. Banadda succumbed to COVID-19 on 1st July, 2021 in a Kampala hospital. The celebrated professor was buried on Sunday 4th July 2021 and his funeral service relayed to hundreds of mourners within Uganda and the diaspora via zoom.

Banadda’s sendoff was attended by representatives from Government, Makerere University, Uganda Petroleum Authority, different educational, religious, research institutions, family members, friends, old boys and girls among others.

A member of the SDA clergy hands over a bible to one of Prof. Banadda's children
A member of the SDA clergy hands over a bible to one of Prof. Banadda’s children

The service was performed by the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Uganda (SDA) led by Pastor George William from Lukooge parish assisted by Pastor Maber Paul from Katikamu SDA Secondary School, Pastor Sonko Fred and Pastor John Ssempa.

Pastor George described the demise of Prof. Banadda as a great loss to academia, the country, the church and family.

He however said, death is not an end, imploring  the aggrieved to hold onto Jesus Christ , who conquered death, the only comforter and one that will come again to judge the living and the dead.

In his sermon the pastor told mourners that when the Messiah comes, every sad situation,  challenges and predicaments will be no more. Citing Isaiah 61.1, the pastor said at his coming, the Messiah will proclaim God’s freedom to those that are bound and give joy to the grieving

He said whereas the law demands that we die, thanks to the Messiah as written in John 3:16, whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.

Family members lay their wreath on Prof. Banadda's casket
Family members lay their wreath on Prof. Banadda’s casket

Paying their last respects, mourners described Banadda as not just an ordinary professor, but  a researcher, innovator, generous, a wonderful friend, humble, dependable and dedicated worker, a legend and true genius of the times.

Speaking on behalf of Makerere University, the Dean School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Dr. Abel Atukwase conveyed apologies on behalf of the Principal and Vice Chancellor who were not able to make it to the send-off due to earlier scheduled  commitments.

Dr. Atukwase delivered a message of condolence from the college and the school saying,  the university had earlier held a church service on 2nd July 2021 in honor of Prof. Banadda’s contribution to the university adding that, the Vice Chancellor’s condolence message had been circulated on different social media platforms.

 Dr. Atukwase said the University was greatly saddened by the passing on of Prof. Banadda as a colleague, a mentor and a teacher.

Banadda, the Dean said, joined the university as a part time lecturer in the then Department of Food Science and Technology in 2006 and later in 2011 he was appointed full lecturer and quickly rose through the ranks. He was promoted to full professor under the fast track promotion in 2012 given his robust research profile.

“He served diligently as a Professor of Agricultural and Bio systems engineering, teaching and conducting research and secondly as the Head of Department and, by the time of his death, he was left with two months to the end of his second term as Head in August 2021.

Dr. Beatrice Banadda pays her last respects to her husband.
Dr. Beatrice Banadda pays her last respects to her husband.

He served as member of the University Senate and represented the School on different national and international fora. He was a prolific researcher and one who won many accolades that led to the growth of the school.

He supported and mentored staff and students, sourced for scholarships, supervised students and provided guidance,” Dr. Atukwase said.

He pledged that the School and the University would work hard to continue with Prof. Banadda’s legacy of research excellence given that he worked with a strong dedicated team of staff and students.

He encourage the bereaved family with Psalm 18:2 to hold onto the Lord as the fortress and the rock in whom they should take refuge.

The President SDA in Uganda Dr. Matte Daniel told mourners that in the midst of the heavy hearts due to this bereavement, they should turn to Jesus as the only hope in this world.

“We share our heartfelt condolence for the loss of a beloved father, son, dependable worker and very dedicated citizen of Uganda and member of the University and Church.

We have been cheated of a humble, passionate, respectful, honest and committed man. Death is evil and cruel and the biggest enemy of the human race.

Pallbearers carry Prof. Banadda's casket to his final resting place in Lukooge Sempa Luweero District.
Pallbearers carry Prof. Banadda’s casket to his final resting place in Lukooge Sempa Luweero District.

Before death we are all vulnerable and helpless. The only logical and sensible lesson is that man needs God”, Dr. Matte stated.

Ernest Rubondo from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda said, Banadda was a very responsible man who served as Board Member on the technical, governance and audit committee of the oil and gas sector.

Rubondo said Banadda was nominated by the President and had been the Board Member that oversaw supervision of the Executive Director and management.

“He gave a lot of advice to the Authority, was critical by virtue of being an academician and very inquisitive in the quest to learn. He was full of strength, innovative and a very cheerful and humble person,

His contribution to Uganda’s gas and oil sector specifically to the Authority’s mandate will be missed. His commitment has enriched the authority.

The notable aspects during his service include his contribution to the preparation of the country’s report 2020.

He offered technical insights in the development of the state-of-the-art petroleum data center to handle the country’s data and information”, Rubondo remarked.

Rubondo said it will be difficult to replace him in many roles and responsibilities he has been handling adding that, his career growth to full professor at the age of 37 and the Papal Award were significant reflections.

He said God takes good people early and it is only human that the bereaved accepted his death as written in Romans:8:28.

Mrs. Dr. Beatrice Banadda supported by relatives and surrounded by her children at Prof. Banadda's graveside.
Mrs. Dr. Beatrice Banadda supported by relatives and surrounded by her children at Prof. Banadda’s graveside.

Speaking on behalf of the deceased friends, Moses Mayanja also Prof. Banaddas Best man said Prof. Banadda was an inspirational and trustworthy friend.

“We first met in 1988 at Bugema Secondary School and even when we separated after senior four, he kept in touch.  I dropped from the academic line to join business but he inspired me until I went back to school for a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and later did a Masters.

Banadda had a rare trait of trust and commitment. He has served his family, church, community and the nation in different capacities and in Munyonyo where he lived, he was engaged in the welfare of members.  I have lost a friend with whom we shared a lot”, Mayanja said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Jimmy Kitumba said they had lost a pillar in the clan, a brother, friend, a father who was also the heir to his father.

“I have lost a brother, a generous, supportive and a uniting factor” Dr. Kitumba said.

Dr. Kitumba thanked Makerere University, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, the various institutions, friends and relatives for the physical, financial and moral support accorded during Banadda’s hospitalization  and clearance of the medical bills.

Prof. Banadda is survived by wife Dr. Beatrice Namaganda Banadda, and three children Daniel Mayombwe Banadda,  David Lutaaya Banadda and Joy Deborah Nalutaaya Banadda.

The pallbearers lower Prof. Banadda's remains into the grave.
The pallbearers lower Prof. Banadda’s remains into the grave.

In their tribute read for them, the children described their father as Papa who was loving, caring and one that was very much interested in knowing what they would like to become in future.

“…Father was a very hard working man and loved the family. He always asked us what we want to be and told us to look at him as an example. He told us that life is full of challenges but it is fair if you attain an education. Now, it is up to us to write a chapter in our lives.

My mother is special and hardworking and she has never got enough sleep. This time, she is going to be working very hard and alone for our life,” parts of the children’s tribute read.

The widow Dr. Beatrice Namaganda Banadda said the late developed complications on 29th May 2021, three days after receiving his second jab of the COVID-19 vaccine on 26th May 2021 and started complaining of a sore throat, body weakness, sweating and breathing problems. These led to his hospitalisation in the ICU at Case hospital where he battled the disease for about four weeks until 1st July when he passed on.

Mrs. Banadda thanked all for standing by the family during the difficult times.

“Noble was my best friend and husband, he was the best father, he was the best everything he did for his family

He provided for everything. Everything I wanted, he would provide more. I don’t know where to go from here being that he has been everything. You let me fly and then my wings are cut, I don’t know.

Noble I really thank you for everything you did. I really hope and pray that God receives you in his boardroom and hope you can rest in real peace”, Dr. Beatrice Banadda bid farewell to her husband.

May the Almighty God strengthen Beatrice, the children and entire family.

Farewell Prof. Noble Banadda, Rest in Peace.

Prof. Noble Banadda's remains in his final resting place, Lukooge Sempa, Luweero District.
Prof. Noble Banadda’s remains in his final resting place, Lukooge Sempa, Luweero District.

Compiled by;

Jane Anyango,
Principal Communication Officer, CAES

Photography Courtesy of Landmark Media

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Makerere University and Goucher College Explore Strategic Collaboration

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (L)and Ms. Nenelwa Tomi holding a Goucher College's banner after the engagement on 2nd Oct. 2025.

Makerere University has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong global partnerships through a high-level engagement with Goucher College (USA), represented by Ms. Nenelwa Tomi. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, also brought together academic leaders from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) led by the Deputy Principal Dr. Eric Awich Ocen.

Opening the discussions, Prof. Ssali emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving Makerere University’s mission of knowledge generation, innovative teaching, research, and societal transformation. She highlighted her office’s role in supporting the Vice Chancellor’s vision and noted that the university has cultivated over 1,000 partnerships worldwide, ranging from global universities to community-based organizations. However, she stressed that the humanities, in particular, needed more collaboration to match the momentum already seen in the sciences.

The spotlight of the meeting was on Goucher College, with Nenelwa Tomi making a strong case for collaboration. She outlined the college’s unique strengths, including its liberal arts model, global education approach, and emphasis on experiential learning. Tomi emphasized Goucher College’s readiness to create synergies with Makerere University, ranging from faculty and student exchange programs to joint research, innovation projects, and alumni engagement opportunities. She noted that the shared values of diversity, community-centered learning, and innovation make the two institutions natural partners.

Ms. Nenelwa Tomi

Nenelwa Tomi highlighted Goucher College’s global perspective, noting that every student is required to engage in international learning as part of their degree. This, she explained, positions Goucher College as an institution deeply committed to cross-cultural exchange, making collaboration with Makerere University a natural extension of its mission. She emphasized the college’s strong tradition in liberal arts and humanities, pointing out that this could complement Makerere University’s growing interest in broadening partnerships beyond the sciences. She further mentioned that Goucher College has well-established student support systems, career readiness programs, and digital learning innovations, which could create synergies with Makerere University’s own efforts to integrate technology and experiential learning into academic programs.

In addition, she shared success stories of Goucher College’s collaborations with other international institutions, illustrating how these partnerships had not only expanded academic opportunities but also enhanced community impact. Finally, she stressed the importance of sustainable, people-centered partnerships, noting that collaboration should be designed to empower both students and staff, while also producing solutions that address pressing societal challenges in Uganda, the United States, and beyond.

Dr. Cathy Mbidde the Manager Makerere University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) spoke on behalf Makerere University Technology and Innovation Center, established in 2022 to commercialize research outputs. The UNIPOD with facilities such as maker spaces, food technology labs, textile and electrical sections, and a multimedia studio, the center has already incubated five student-owned companies in areas like health, irrigation, coffee, wine, and wood production. Its focus on nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship aligns closely with Goucher’s experiential learning philosophy, opening new pathways for co-creation between the two institutions.

In closing, the meeting underscored the vast potential for Makerere–Goucher collaboration, with both sides expressing optimism about partnerships that could benefit students, staff, and the broader community. The dialogue marked the beginning of what stakeholders described as a promising journey of innovation, knowledge exchange, and global academic synergy.

The meeting was held on the 2nd of October 2025 and was attended by Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (Dean of the School of Liberal and Performing) Dr. Dickson Kanakulya (Head of the Department of Philosophy) and Dr. Charlotte K. Mafumbo  (Head of the Department of History).

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Nkrumah Hall Holds its 2nd Nkrumah Day Public Lecture

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Keynote Speaker and Chief Guest Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire

Africa Must Wake Up and Unite

In commemoration of the Africa’s iconic leader, the late Kwame Nkrumah, a public lecture was celebrated on Friday, 26th September 2025. It was a day to celebrate and reiterate Nkrumah’s history and his dream of a one and united Africa through Pan-Africanism. The event was held under the theme ‘Transforming Young African Minds: Lessons We Can Draw from Kwame Nkrumah’s Ideas.’ As echoed by the Nkrumah hall’s chairman, Mr. Arinaitwe Peter, it was a day to transform the minds of activists. “Nkrumah Hall is not just a building but a temple of ideas, innovation and research.” he added highlighting the remarkable importance of Nkrumah’s legacy. With this spirit, Nkrumah hall’s leadership made it a responsibility to organise sports and charity works to the needy aiming at building brotherhood and lifting one another.

In the same regard, the Chief Guest and the Keynote Speaker, Hon. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire the State Minister for Internal Affairs highlighted the theme of the event affirming that Nkrumah lived dream for the unity of the African continent and that that is what inspires him. Reflecting on his journey as a student at Makerere 53 years ago, he mentioned that him and other colleagues became part time students and full-time guerrillas fighting for the love, peace and stability of their country, Uganda to liberate it from Idd Amin’s regime. “I rather live fighting than live on my knees begging…” he added.

He urged the youths to embrace the Africanism and unite Africa following Nkrumah’s dream therefore reinstating that if youths rise as Ugandans in oneness altogether, they shall be unbreakable. He added that we are living in a continent that encompasses countries that are democratically poor thus cannot do great things like going to the moon, inventing high end machinery and so on.

Maj. Gen. Kahinda, emphasized youths to do away with their cultural and religious beliefs and indifferences to develop the desire for the unity of Uganda, East Africa and Africa. Showing his worry, he stated that youths should wake up and stop being used fighters hence uniting the good as opposed to the bad ones. “I want you, young people to be Africans because I am an African and will be enough for me to go to my grave and rest.” he made a call to the youths. He articulated that Africa shouldn’t confine itself in the colonial borders forced on it by the colonialists but rather a border-less continent for all Africans thus cherishing in being a mayor in Africa than being a minister in Uganda.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli pointed it out that the university focuses at interesting students towards leadership and aims to honour the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah by raising a generation that will respect Africa’s values and stand the taste of time as Nkrumah’s name has done. Honoured to host the event, she added that the university prides in research and innovation.

As a norm to digest the Nkrumah’s dream of ‘Pan Africanism and Unity,’ a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Suzie Muwanga was conducted. On this platform, it was addressed that;

  • The African people failed to get dignity and thus for Pan Africanism to prevail, dignity needs to be attached to the people.
  • Nkrumah’s dream was to see an Africa that could stand on its own; Intra-African, intra-state and intra-regional.
  • Africa still holds its strength and wealth which key in attracting Africa’s enemies to continually endeavour to destabilise it to obtain Africans’ wealth. This therefore calls for Africans to discard such for Africa to stand.
  • Nkrumah’s efforts continued to inspire the next generations thus a call to every African to embrace the great duty of advancing the ideals, principles and values of Pan Africanism and not only expecting it from the existing leaders but as everyone’s personal duty.
  • With the spirit to shape the pathway of Pan Africanism, young people should understand that they live because their forefathers fought and should carry on the same spirit to also fight for where their children will live.

As the event came to an end, it was re-echoed that it is very is important for youths/young people to shift their mindset from being a special group of people that should be only catered for. Therefore, young people should harness the international community and embrace diversity to awaken and expose their mindset. As a call, young people/youths were called to action to ensure that the right decisions are done for the betterment of a united people of Africa as it was foreseen by Kwame Nkrumah.

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Prof. Sarah Ssali commends Makerere University’s longstanding relationship with the Mastercard Foundation

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Participants of the co-creation workshop pause for a group photo

By Antonny Tugaineyo

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, hailed Makerere University for its longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has produced tangible results and impact. She made these remarks while officiating the launch and strategic plan co-creation workshop of the Africa Climate Collaborative, another initiative between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation, held on 30th September 2025, at the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University.

“These initiatives illustrate how deeply the partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation has become. The Africa Climate Collaborative builds on this foundation, broadening opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and support for innovations that promote climate-resilient futures,” Prof. Ssali remarked.

Prof. Sarah Ssali delivering opening remarks.

Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Africa Climate Collaborative is a university-wide initiative created to tackle the ongoing challenges in graduate education in Africa, such as low completion rates, weak industry connections, and the disconnect between academic research and practical solutions.

“I strongly commend Makerere’s longstanding partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which began in 2013, supporting transformative initiatives such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Action Research in Psychosocial Services, the E-learning Initiative, and the enhancement of Safeguarding at the university.” Prof. Ssali pointed out.

The Program Director for the Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University and Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, used the workshop to elaborate on the Collaborative’s mission and its four strategic pillars;

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga explaining of the Africa Climate Collaborative’s interests

Pillar 1: Workforce Development: Enable talented young professionals to lead the development of climate solutions through quality education

  • Extend comprehensive Scholarships to 250 Masters and 40 PhD Students
  • Develop new curricula of 2 Masters and 1 PhD programmes
  • Upskill 150 Faculty in academic research supervision to improve the research experience of all graduate students

Pillar 2: Entrepreneurship: Empower youth to drive green economies through enhanced green entrepreneurship skilling programs

  • Skilling Programme for 500 youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue University Education
  • Provide seed funding for 200 viable entrepreneurship projects
  • Extend business mentorship to entrepreneurs for a period of 2 years           
  • Provide boost funding for 40 women and youth-led green community innovations

Pillar 3: Research and Innovation: Catalyze high-quality research and innovation through a Climate Resilience Support Centre

  • Support 30 post-doctoral fellows.
  • Establishment of the Climate Resilience Support Centre to catalyze high-quality research and innovation.
  • Seed funding for 101 Innovations (MSc, PhD, & Postdoctoral fellows) with facilitated mentorship for a period of 2 years.
  • Boost the research and innovation infrastructure at the University.

Pillar 4: Networks, Policy, and Learning: Strengthen networks to disseminate research outputs and innovations to enhance resilience to climate change

  • Partner with 5 Public Universities (Gulu University, Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Muni University) to develop joint research initiatives and community engagement programmes
  • Conduct 14 climate science-policy-practice dialogues to co-create transformative climate resilience solutions.
  • Support 15 Local Governments to develop their Climate Change Strategies and Action Plans
  • Engage 40 multi-generational community liaisons to promote uptake of research innovations.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Lead of Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her gratitude to university management for entrusting the Program Delivery Team with the responsibility of implementing the Programme. She also thanked participants for their highly productive engagement, noting that their valuable contributions will significantly guide the Program’s operations.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa – Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Prof. Namaalwa further indicated that more targeted engagements with university units will be conducted to support the effective implementation of the Program. She emphasised that the Programme will collaborate closely with various units and projects to deliver the following course:

  • Cross-cutting course on Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Program will partner with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod) to co-develop and co-deliver this course, making it accessible to all master’s and PhD students across the University.
  • Course on Human-Centred Design in Teaching and Learning: In collaboration with the Directorate of Graduate Training and the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support, the Program will co-develop and co-deliver this course for all faculty members.
  • Cross-cutting course on Climate Resilience for Livelihoods, Economy, and Ecosystems: The Collaborative will work with Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) to co-develop and co-deliver this course to all students.

Regarding the pillar aimed at skilling youth who have not had the opportunity to pursue university education, Prof. Namaalwa observed that the Program will leverage the expertise of the Africa Institute for Strategic Resource Services and Development (AFRISA) and other innovation centres and hubs across the University to equip the youth in creating and sustaining green enterprises.

The Africa Climate Collaborative is a new partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. It is being carried out in collaboration with three other universities: The University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge.

Antonny Tugaineyo is the Principal CRSC Coordinator for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University

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