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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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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:

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Makerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science

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Seated Left to Right: Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Dr. Jonathan Leape, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Prof. James Wokadala with other officials (Standing) after the MoU signing on 27th August 2025. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.

EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.

The partners show off the signed MoU. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The partners show off the signed MoU.

Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.

The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.

Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.

The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.

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Makerere University Hosts Delegation from Ghent University Association

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe during the visit on 27th August 2025. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.

He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.

The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.

Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.

She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance.

During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.

The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.

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