General
Prof. Noble Banadda Laid to Rest
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compiled by;
Jane Anyango,
Principal Communication Officer, CAES
Photography Courtesy of Landmark Media
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Education
Makerere Celebrates Prof. Mbazira’s Law Scholarship at His Inaugural Professorial Lecture and Book Launch
Makerere University lauded Professor Christopher Mbazira’s excellent contribution to the legal practice and academia during his inaugural professorial lecture and book launch organised through the School of Law. The celebration provided an opportunity to introspect on the topic of the day; exercise of judicial power for constitutional transformation in Uganda.
The lecture held on November 12, 2026 at Makerere Main Hall began on a lively note as Prof. Mbazira called out the traditional Makerere chant, “Emakerere Oye!” drawing an enthusiastic “Oye!” from the audience. It was a fitting start to a presentation he described as both a privilege and an honour.
Central Message of Prof. Mbazira’s Inaugural Lecture
In his presentation, Prof. Mbazira framed his central message to highlight that Judicial power remains one of the most important instruments for constitutional transformation, but its effectiveness depends on how it is exercised and whether its outcomes are respected.
Empahsising this, he drew on international scholarship to define judicial role. He referenced South African academic Prof. Bertus de Villiers, who guides that “the Judiciary can be an essential agent in the transformative process of a country. This is because the Judiciary can breathe life into the dry text of the constitution.”
Acknowledging that courts do not automatically become transformative simply because a constitution gives them extensive powers, Prof. Mbazira drew a sobering reality check regarding the limitations of the courts.
He warned that the Judiciary can of course be an instrument of oppression, and a defender of the status quo. Therefore, for the better, he recommended that the Judiciary be independent, courageous, principled, and responsive to the constitutional aspirations of the people. To the Executive and Legislature, he encouraged they recognise that constitutional limitations are not obstacles to governance but rather foundations to legitimate governance. He mobilised legal professionals, academicians, civil society to remain engaged in defending constitutionalism.
Professor’s inaugural lecture themed, “Uganda@64 and the Exercise of Judicial Power for Constitutional Transformation: Examining the Gains and the Lost Opportunities,” typically challenged the audience to rethink the role of the Judiciary.
Beyond his academic achievements, Prof. Mbazira made room to celebrate his family that has accompanied him on his journey. He invited his daughter, Ms. Christabella Mbazira, an aspiring lawyer, to address the gathering.
In her remarks, Christabella described her father as a role model, expressing admiration for his legal intellect and, with a touch of humour, the financial rewards of his profession.
A Tribute to Prof. Mbazira from Makerere University
Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Sarah Ssali, congratulated Prof. Mbazira on this achievement, describing it as not merely personal but institutional; a source of pride and a reflection of the scholarship and intellectual excellence that Makerere University continues to nurture.
Contextualising the Lecture, Prof. Ssali noted that it is always an opportunity to reflect on the academic journey of research, teaching, service, and contribution to society. She expressed confidence that this lecture on the role of courts in promoting constitutional transformation offers solutions to Uganda’s constitutional development and democratic future.
Prof Ssali, praised Prof. Mbazira for his mentorship contribution, noting that through his role at Makerere School of Law, he has groomed lawyers and legal scholars capable of critically using the law as an instrument of justice and social transformation.
The Acting Dean School of Law, Dr Zahara Nampewo described the inaugural professorial lecture as “one of the most significant academic traditions of any university,” noting it allows professors to “share the intellectual journey that has shaped their scholarship, to reflect on the contribution of their work to society, and to engage the wider public on issues of national importance.”
She emphasised that at the School of Law, constitutionalism is not an abstract academic concern. It is rather central to their mission as the leading institution of legal education, research and public engagement in Uganda. Exemplifying this, she referenced the 2016 amicus curiae brief submitted by nine law lecturers, including Professor Mbazira, which “established a progressive precedent for admission of amici curiae.”
Amici curiae are non-parties to a lawsuit such as experts, advocacy groups, organisations, or government officials who have a strong interest or specialised knowledge in the subject of the case.
Official Launch of Prof. Mbazira’s Book
Launching the book titled “Judicial Power, Politics and Constitutional Transformation in Uganda: Walking in and outside the Constitution”, Hon. Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda and former Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs and faculty at School of Law highlighted her long-standing relationship with Prof. Christopher Mbazira.
She acknowledged first encountering Mbazira as a student with “Law Intellect” and later as a colleague. She therefore expressed joy addressing him as Professor of Law now.
As the foreword author, she appreciated his book for its ability to help the Judiciary “reflect on their work, introspect and think, how we can do better.”
Further commending his role in critiquing the Judiciary, she emphasised the importance of authorship, referencing Albert Schweitzer to describe how authors “light the flame within” others.
On behalf of the University, Prof. Ssali said the book demonstrates how scholarship can interrogate institutions, challenge established thinking, and contribute to national and international debates.
Professor Mbazira’s Journey – Academic and Professional
Born in Jinja in the 1970s, at a time when the town was a thriving industrial centre, Prof. Mbazira would later build a distinguished career in legal academia. His journey into teaching was not initially planned. After graduating from the Law Development Centre in 2001, he had hoped to establish himself in commercial legal practice.
However, his career took a different turn when he was appointed a teaching assistant at Makerere University‘s then Faculty of Law where he serves to date and has grown to a senior position.
His journey has since brought him into contact with generations of lawyers, judges, academics, students and policymakers, most of whom were present for his inaugural lecture.
The citation presented by Dr Zahara Nampewo, the Deputy Dean at School of Law detailed Professor Mbazira’s academic and professional journey as follows:
Education and Early Work
Born in 1975, he earned his LLB from Makerere in 1999, an LLM from the University of Pretoria in 2003, and a PhD from the University of the Western Cape in 2007. His doctoral thesis “set the course for a substantial body of scholarship on how constitutional and international human rights guarantees can be translated into effective remedies for people whose rights have been violated.”
Career at Makerere
He joined the faculty in 2001 and became a full professor in July 2020. He has served in various leadership roles, including Head of Department and Acting Principal.
Scholarship
His work centers on “economic, social, and cultural rights, constitutionalism, and democratic governance.” His publications include “Litigating Economic and Social Rights in South Africa” and “Budding Democracy or Judicialisation.”
Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC)
Since 2012, he has coordinated PILAC, which “helps advance a model of legal education that combines academic instruction with practical engagement in the justice needs of the communities.”
It was indeed a great day that honored not just the individual, but the ongoing struggle for a more just and accountable society in Uganda.
General
Advancing Makerere university’s Research Visibility and Impact: DRIP Spearheads Institutional ORCID Adoption
The Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) has conducted a series of training sessions aimed at equipping graduate students, researchers, and research administrators with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively use the Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID). These trainings are designed to strengthen researchers’ professional identities, enhance publication tracking, and improve the visibility and recognition of their research outputs.
On 11th November 2026, DRIP held an online engagement with Makerere Research Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). The engagement was attended by Grants Management Committee(GMC) and (Mak-RIF) Secretariat staff. The GMC members in attendance included Chairperson Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Vice Chairperson Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Dr. Dorothy Okello, Dr. Stephen Wandera and Prof. Robert Wamala. The members were sensitized on individual and institutional registration, and benefits of ORCID adoption in research administration.
The successful drive towards strengthening ORCID adoption at Makerere University has greatly benefited from the strategic leadership and unwavering commitment of Prof. Sarah Sali, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs). Her leadership and institutional support have been instrumental in positioning ORCID adoption as a strategic University priority, recognising its importance in strengthening researcher identification, enhancing the global visibility of Makerere’s research outputs, improving publication tracking and reinforcing institutional research management. Her commitment to embedding ORCID within the University’s academic and research systems provides an important foundation for building a more visible, accountable and globally connected research community. DRIP sincerely appreciates her visionary leadership and continued support towards advancing Makerere University’s research excellence and impact.
Prof. Sarah Sali, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs
The Deputy Coordinator (Mak-RIF) Mrs. Phoebe Lutaaya Kamya speaking on behalf of Mak-RIF secretariat commended DRIP – the organisers of the online workshop and pledged support to the integration of ORCID in Mak-RIF’s processes. Mrs. Kamya looked forward to the training which was to help improve their operations in administering the research fund. Other members of MaKRIF secretariat included Evelyne Nyachwo, Grace Ruto, Gloria Nagayi, Karungi Jancita, Julie Nabirye, among others.
In his remarks, the Director Quality Assurance Officer, Dr. Cyprian Misinde acknowledged the importance of ORCID and called on all researchers to embrace the tool for their own benefit and to improve the evaluation of institutional research ranking.
“Being a research-led institution, we are ranked, and our ranking is partly based on research we do. So, if our research is not known, then we lose credit and it affects our position internationally”, Dr. Misinde noted.
Mr. Brian Masiga speaking on behalf of the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU), praised Prof. Robert Wamala and his team at DRIP for their efforts towards improving the research ranking of Makerere University most especially in research outputs.
“ORCID is one of those digital identifiers that is sort of like a CV that tracks the work that has been done by the researcher over a period of time”, Mr. Masiga said.
During the training, Prof. Robert Wamala presented a report which was previously discussed by the University Central Management on research outputs. The report showed that there were only 24% of academic staff who could be identified by ORCID. It is by this revelation that management resolved to sensitise staff and also to ensure that all systems at Makerere University are integrated with ORCID. Prof. Wamala assured the participants that the requirement for ORCID registration in research management was to ease Mak-RIF’s work in tracking research identities against outputs.
“The biggest importance towards the University is that Makerere University can actually validate and affiliate that a professor who claims to come from Makerere University is actually from Makerere University. Once these ORCIDs are generated and given through a hub and managed by Mak-RIF, Mak-RIF doesn’t have to ask people for their publications, these publications are automatically fetched into a hub”, Prof. Robert Wamala reported.
Mr. Tamale Fredrick from RENU delivered a presentation on the registration, use and benefits of ORCID to both the institution and the researcher. He explained that it was possible to integrate research done before a researcher obtained the ORCID other than creating a new identity profile.
Mr. Juma Katongole, Deputy Chief – Directorate of ICT Support(DICTS) reported that they had commenced the integration of ORCID in some of the institutional information systems like Research Information Management System (RIMS)- a systems that tracks postgraduate students’ research, and Makerere University Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS) which manages university staff records.
Mr. Katongole commended the partnership with RENU that working the Uganda OSHID Consortium they were able to integrate the systems and report appropriately.
“Because this information belongs to a staff or a researcher, they can always revoke permission. However, we follow data acquisition guidelines. Our role is to connect and synchronize. Since there is a bit of change management required, I’m happy that Prof. Wamala has gone around orienting stakeholders”, remarked Mr. Katongole.
Dr. Stephen Wandera contributing to the discussion, was glad for university’s resolve to leverage the ORCID platform for research identification and journaling.
“We could encourage staff members to make sure that they have created the profiles with the Web of Science, and many others. We need to make sure that as scientists, we are located and positioned properly in the global space”, Dr Steven Wandera reported.
Dr. Wandera said that through ORCID registration, the university will have better rankings and the contribution as individual researchers and institutions are properly allocated.
Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, supplementing on the engagement, commended the initiative and the benefits towards the university and the research ecosystem.
Dr. Zahara Nampewo and others confirmed having an ORCID but may require further assistance on how to tag their publications. Similar to the views of other GMC members, Dr. Zahara Nampewo and Dr. Dorothy Okello thanked DRIP for organizing the training.
In his closing remarks, Chairperson MAKRIF, Professor Fred Massagazi Masaazi said that the topical conversation on the development was very important and the benefits of ORCID was evident and relevant to MAKRIF. He was delighted that Mak-RIF staff had joined the discussion. Prof. Masagazi Masaazi pledged support of MAKRIF in advancing Makerere University’s Research Visibility and Impact by championing ORCID adoption through MAKRIF.
Through the Food for Peace initiative, the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport is stepping in to provide meals to over 200 students who struggle to afford meals, especially during the examination period.
According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, hundreds of students drop out of Makerere University every year due to financial constraints. The reality for those who remain is sometimes tougher, for they struggle to survive.
While addressing the media at a press conference held at Makerere University on November 11, 2026, Prof. Nawangwe shared that many of these students skip meals, a situation that is more frequent during examination periods, when the demands on the brain are much greater.
The University is aware of these reports and in his capacity as Vice Chancellor and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, Prof. Nawangwe lobbied the club to take action.
In preparation for intervention, a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted, inviting students to come forward and share their needs. About 200 students responded to the survey, indicating a pressing need for food support during examinations.
The findings birthed a legacy project code-named “Food for Peace”, targeting, for a start, 206 students at Makerere University, regardless of their sponsorship status, as long as they participated in the survey. The Makerere Rotary Peace Centre spearheaded the survey that helped identify the first cohort of those who will benefit from the initiative and guided that for a dignified experience, the beneficially names will remain in records and not disclosed.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasised that the core mission of this cause is to move a step up with efforts to ensure that economically challenged students at Makerere University do not go a day without a meal. Service providers in halls of residence will serve these students their food following a meal card.
Seeding the Project
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary International Director (RID) for Zone 22, while launching the initiative shared his personal experience of facing challenges that almost barred him from attaining an education. He believes education is an equaliser in life and that everyone should have a chance to access it. He reminded those in the room that they were all there together because of education.
RID Katongole highlighted the importance of supporting people, both as individuals and as a community. He expressed pride in being part of the launch of this project because it is going to create many more “Emmanuel Katongoles” through the provision of a meal.
He therefore personally committed to contribute UGX 5 million annually, starting this year, for as long as he lives or until the project ends. He also pledged to remain part of the initiative.
92nd Guild Commends “Service above Self”
From a student perspective, H.E. Kadondi Gracious, the 92nd Makerere University Guild President, delivered a vote of thanks for the initiative. She noted that students had petitioned Parliament to intervene in the matter and were happy that solutions had started coming from within.
She framed this move not just as charity, but as a way of restoring hope to Makerereans who were unsure of how they were going to maneuver through the examination period without lunch. In appreciation, the Guild President commended Rotary for showing what it actually means to offer service above self.
Sustainability of the “Food for Peace” Project
Although the immediate intervention is directed towards fewer than 300 students who expressed a need for assistance, the vision is bigger and looking beyond the current examination season.
As the Rotary Passport Club President noted, “if this is going to be sustainable, it means we are going to look out for partners to create a fund to sustain this initiative.”
The Club Secretary, Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, explained that as a legacy project, it is not a one-off. She committed the services of the Passport Club to supporting this legacy project.
Grounding the sustainability move, RID Emmanuel Katongole set the pace by pledging annual cash and in-kind support towards providing consistent assistance to students throughout subsequent academic periods, thereby enhancing student welfare over the long term.
Dr Winfred Kabumbuli, the Makerere University Dean of Students, showed strong support for the initiative since it falls within the core mission of student welfare. She appreciated the collaboration with Makerere University Passport Club, and pledged to rally internal support.
Call to Action and Contributions
The Club President made an appeal to alumni, corporate bodies, development partners, individuals and institutions of goodwill to join this noble cause, intended to ensure that students not only remain at the University but also attain their full potential on a full stomach.
The immediate fundraising goal is UGX 10 million shillings, which is required to implement the initial phase of food support. Excess amounts collected will facilitate an increase in the number of beneficiaries and after the examination period, add to the kitty for subsequent semesters.
Support and assistance can come in the form of financial contributions, food supplies, corporate partnerships, logistical support, and long-term partnerships.
To facilitate support, the club, through its Charter Treasurer (C.T.), Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, shared the banking details as follows
Bank: NCBA Uganda Limited.
Account Name: Rotary Club of Makerere Passport
Uganda Shillings (UGX) Account Number: 228129200017
United States Dollar (USD) Account Number: 228129200027
SWIFT Code: CBAFUGKA
Bank Code: 36
Students were left with one final promise from the Chief Guest, “you are no longer alone. You have a partner in the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport.”
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