General
Mak Holdings Ltd New Board Inaugurated Upon a Firm Foundation
“We know that ultimately you are the land Lord, Your word has said that ‘the earth is Mine and everything that is within it,’ and our role is to be good stewards of the resources that You have given us” prayed Rev. Can. Onesimus Asiimwe as he opened the handover ceremony with prayer.
“So bless them, use them Lord to bring into fruition the plans, the prospects that will bring development to this great university,” echoed the Chaplain’s prayer across in the cavernous Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF 2) auditorium, where a select few had gathered to witness the handover of the Outgoing and inauguration of the New Board of the Makerere University Holdings Limited (Mak Holdings).
The ceremony, also streamed live to a virtual audience across various platforms on 9th September 2021 was presided over by the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and graced by Members of Council, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Umar Kakumba, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Dr. Josephine Nabukenya and members of Management.
“On behalf of Management, I would like to thank the Outgoing Board led by Mr. Charles Mbire, for the firm foundation on which the Incoming Board will surely build,” lauded Prof. Nawangwe in his welcome remarks. Mak Holdings was set up by the University Council in June 2014 to improve both the University’s financial position and the nature and extent of services offered to students, personnel and the general public. The first board was inaugurated on 31st August 2014.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated that Makerere has an objective to become a research-led university while decreasing her dependence on the national coffers. He therefore thanked the Outgoing Board for their selfless service to Makerere University in a bid to achieve this objective.
In recognition of their exemplary service, the Chairperson of Council presented certificates of appreciation and plaques to Mr. Charles Mbire (Chairperson), Dr. Ruth Biyinzika Musoke, Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga, Dr. Winifred Tarinyeba-Kiryabwire (in absentia), Mr. Dan Kasirye (in absentia), Mr. Charles Ocici and Prof. William Bazeyo (in absentia).
“I thank you on behalf of the other Members of the Board of Makerere University Holdings Limited for the trust you gave us to serve our two terms, to steer a newborn baby called Makerere University Holdings Company,” acknowledged Mr. Mbire in his handover speech.
Using the analogy of a midwife and the important role she/he plays when a baby is being born into this world, Mr. Mbire shared that the Outgoing Board Members had sacrificed a lot of their time, effort and applied their expertise to try and get the newborn baby to start walking, and possibly start running.
“From a business angle, you have one of the best assets I can assure you” addressed Mr. Mbire to Members of Council and Management. “You actually do not need much from the Central Government; if you worked around this asset, you would be a self-sustaining university and I beg you and the New Board to work so much towards that” he added.
To inspire the Incoming Board he termed as ‘very capable’, Mr. Mbire shared two departing remarks, “picture yourself with a letter calling you to a committee to explain where the public money of 47 million shareholders has gone” and “eyes on, but hands off. That’s the function of a board”.
With the audience’s curiosity sufficiently piqued, it was time for Dr. Josephine Nabukenya to present the profiles of the very capable New Board Members of Mak Holdings. The seven (7) member Mak Holdings Board is composed of four (4) external members and three (3) internal members from Makerere University.
Mr. Christopher K. Musoke (Chairman) is an inclusive financial sector specialist with a wealth of experience in financial management, business management, project management, corporate governance and financial sector development spanning more than two decades.
Dr. Godrey Akileng (Makerere) holds a PhD in Accounting of the National University of Ireland at the University of Cork, a Master of Science, Accounting and Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) of Makerere University. He is currently the Dean of the School of Business and Chair of the School Board and its committees at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS). Prior to that, he was Head, Department of Accounting and Finance. He has taught and mentored many students and colleagues, some of whom currently occupy high offices in both public and private sectors in Uganda and Internationally.
Dr. Ruth Biyinzika Musoke is an experienced Private Sector Development expert holding a Doctor of Business Administration; Honoris Causa (DBA) Specialist in Project Management from Commonwealth University, an MBA specializing in SME Development and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). She has more than 10 years of proven working experience as a Programme Manager designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating projects and programmes as well as providing technical advice to multi-sectoral development projects, including agribusiness, education, manufacturing targeting the corporate and SME sector in both urban and rural development. Ruth has worked extensively on large and complex development programmes in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Ghana for international donor organizations including WB, DFID, EU, ADB and USAID.
Mrs. Judy Rugasira Kyanda is a commercially and technically savvy property professional with over 25 years’ experience in the East African, and the United Kingdom Real Estate markets. Mrs. Kyanda is a result oriented and highly driven individual with proven leadership skills, who is able to deliver results through the development and motivation of teams. She fully understands the value and importance of integrity and accountability in the business environment and uncompromisingly drives her team to go the extra mile to exceed clients’ expectations.
Mrs. Priscilla Mirembe Serukka is an experienced Leader and Manager with a Masters Degree in Management. She is an effective team builder with experience in leading dynamic-results-based International organizations. For 15 years, she led an International NGO intervening in 5 East African countries. She also posses 21 years’ experience in building successful investment portfolios and effective funds management.
Assoc. Prof. Ireeta Tumps Winston (Makerere) is a down to earth academic, researcher in optical fiber communication and loves passing on knowledge to others especially his students. He has supervised over 25 MSc. and PhD students and published over 30 peer reviewed journal papers. Assoc. Prof. Ireeta holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Mathematics from Makerere University, a Master of Science Degree in Physics (Electro-Optics) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway and a PhD in Physics (Optical Fiber Communication) from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Prof. William Bazeyo (Makerere) is a Uganda Physician, Academician and a Professor of Occupational Medicine at Makerere University. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree (MB ChB) Makerere University, a Master of Medicine Degree (Occupational Health) (M Med OM) National University of Singapore, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Atlantic International University and a Doctor of Science (Honorary Degree) from Tufts University. Prof. Bazeyo also obtained a certificate in Authentic Leadership Development from Harvard Business School. Currently, he acts as Head of Grants Administration, Management and Support Unit (GAMSU) of Makerere University.
Prior to inaugurating the New Board Members, the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara expressed her deep appreciation of the work that the Outgoing Members had done to bring Mak Holdings to its current state.
“As the Inaugural Board of Makerere Holdings, you took up the responsibility of steering the company before it attained the proof of concept, and when it was debatable whether a holding company was a workable idea for a university. You built the foundation that has got us where we are today, for this we cannot thank you enough” said Mrs. Magara.
Carrying forward Mr. Mbire’s analogy of the Inaugural Board’s role as midwife, she added, “You are the parent of this Makerere Holdings and when a parent has delivered a child, they do not leave that child in hospital. They work and nurture and train that child to adulthood and so we are trusting that you will still be available for us to come back to you for consultation and guidance.”
Mrs. Magara warmly welcomed the New Board Chairperson and Members, and thanked them for accepting to serve Makerere University. “An excellent team can only succeed a great team; you are standing on the shoulders of those that have gone before you and so we look forward to a great journey that lies ahead of you. We have all the faith that you will open new frontiers and scale new heights” she added.
The Chairperson noted that although Makerere as the pioneer is still testing the concept of holding companies in Ugandan universities, the Council has great expectations of and confidence in Mak Holdings. “The assets in this university present incredible opportunity to not only provide finances to manage this institution but also provide resources that can reach out to the communities around and make a difference.”
She added that Mak Holdings with the support of Council has the potential to convert the University’s land as well as the Intellectual and other properties to generate the needed revenue to finance her ten year strategic plan as approved in 2020.
“The University Council pledges utmost support to Mak Holdings. Over the last couple of months, we have strengthened the framework conditions in which the company will operate; the University’s Investment Policy has been revised and the reporting relations between Mak Holdings and other University organs have been streamlined” reassured Mrs. Magara before announcing, “It is now my singular honour and privilege to declare the New Board of Directors of Makerere University Holdings inaugurated.”
Delivering his acceptance remarks, the Chairman Board of Directors Mak Holdings Mr. Christopher K. Musoke thanked the Outgoing Board for laying a foundation upon which they could now build. “I know a little bit about building and if the foundation is not right, whatever you do above ground is a waste of time; something will break.”
Turning to his New Board Members, Mr. Musoke thanked them all for heeding the call to serve, particularly those that had accepted to stay on from the previous term, noting that this would give continuity. He acknowledged that although the New Board had high expectations to meet, he confessed “I believe with God, all things are possible.”
Mr. Musoke noted that although the new normal occasioned by COVID-19 poses a few challenges to the work environment, new and exciting innovations were causing their fair share of disruptions too. “Let us not ignore this. Things are being done differently now because of technology and we must be alert and aware as Makerere Holdings of how we can take advantage of these paradigm shifts.”
“By the grace of God we will triumph and indeed, we will be able to Build for the future” concluded Mr. Musoke.
Please click the embedded video below to view the proceedings
The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has honored Ms. Gladys Khamili for her 12 years of service as Registrar, as she transitions to a senior role in the Senate Division of Makerere University.
During the School’s 239th Management Meeting, colleagues recognized her contribution to academic administration and formally handed over the office.
Ms. Khamili assumes the role of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, where she will oversee academic standards, policy, and governance at the University. She replaces Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, who officially retires after 26 years of dedicated service.
At the ceremony, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean, together with members of MakSPH management, presented Ms. Khamili with a plaque in recognition of her service, noting that she “served the School of Public Health with distinction, demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence,” and that her contribution strengthened academic administration at the School.
Dr. Wanyenze described Ms. Khamili as a steady and dependable presence. “She’s been with us and supported us in many ways. We thought we should meet here together to see her off. And I wish her the very best… we shall continue to work with her. She will continue to serve us in a different capacity,” she said.
Ms. Khamili joined the School of Public Health on March 15, 2012, from the College of Computing and Information Sciences, where she served as an Assistant Registrar.
Over the years, she has been central to the School’s academic operations—coordinating student admissions, managing records, overseeing examinations, and serving as secretariat to key governance structures, including the Academic Board, Examinations and Results Committee, and Appointments and Promotions Committee. Her role also involved handling student matters and ensuring compliance with University policies and Senate decisions.
Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Khamili pointed to improvements in registration systems, records management, and examination processes. “In my tenure, I have had some achievements that have improved efficiency in the students’ registration processes and strengthened records management and data accuracy… and coordinated successful university graduation ceremonies,” she said.
She also highlighted areas for further strengthening, including improving documentation and follow-up of pending tasks, enhancing coordination across departments, and decentralising selected services, including transcript issuance.
The handover process was overseen by Internal Auditor Amos Dembe, who emphasized the importance of continuity in such a critical office. “The office of the registrar is very sensitive… It is at the core of what we do and what we stand for as a school. It calls for integrity and professionalism,” he said, adding that Ms. Khamili’s handover report provides “a strong body of knowledge for Ms. Annet Khabuya to build on and to hit the ground running.”
Mr. Dembe also commended Ms. Khamili’s professional and ethical record. “We have not had student issues of marks, money, or related concerns as a School… Thank you for making my work easier. That is not always the case. Some people make it hard for us, but this has not been the case here,” he noted.
Colleagues described her as thorough and dependable in a role that often operates behind the scenes. Dr. Joan Mutyoba, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, said the incoming Registrar would be stepping into a demanding position. “The shoes you are stepping into are really big. I have seen her work… She is extremely professional, one of the most professional people I have worked with. She takes her work very seriously and goes beyond the line,” she said.
In her farewell remarks, Ms. Khamili spoke candidly about her experience at the School. “My work has been with everybody… everything here is different—the people, the work culture—it has been very, very worthwhile,” she said, thanking colleagues for their support.
“If I had a choice, I would stay… but I don’t have that choice. Thank you so much for the support and for the love,” she added, acknowledging the demands of her role. “In my line of work, like in any space where you work with people, you certainly step on some toes… I ask that you find it in your heart to forgive and forget where necessary.”
The meeting also marked the official handover to Ms. Annet Khabuya, who takes over as Registrar. She commended the School’s approach to transition and organization.
“I have seen the systems, I have seen the organization, and I can confidently say there is continuity. I look forward to building on this work and working with all of you,” she said.
Ms. Khabuya joins MakSPH from the Examinations and Transcripts Division of the Senate and brings experience from the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Statistics and Planning.
Ms. Khamili’s transition marks a shift from School-level administration to University-wide academic governance, extending her impact beyond MakSPH to the broader Makerere system.
General
Makerere’s CHUSS Embraces Digital Future as RIMS Training Sparks Push for Faster Graduate Completion
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA, April 17, 2026 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University has taken a decisive step toward strengthening graduate training and accountability following a comprehensive hands-on Research Information Management System (RIMS) training by a team from the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) held yesterday, April 16, in the CHUSS Smart Room.
Opening the session, the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, underscored CHUSS’s central role in producing graduate students and contributing to Uganda’s development agenda. He cautioned that the college’s leading position could easily be overtaken if vigilance wanes.
“I’m glad we are back here to focus on something that can propel CHUSS to its rightful position,” Prof. Kikooma said. “Your contribution to graduate student production is highly envied across the university, but if you sleep even briefly, that position can be taken.”
He emphasized that beyond competition, the real goal is national transformation. According to Prof. Kikooma, increased graduate output directly supports Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which prioritizes building relevant human capital.
“More than ever before, the country needs human resources from the humanities and social sciences,” he noted.
Prof. Kikooma explained that the RIMS platform builds on CHUSS’ pioneering cohort-based PhD model by introducing a digital solution to track student progress, enhance supervision, and improve completion rates. The system, developed in collaboration with the Directorate for ICT Support, allows both supervisors and students to log and monitor academic activities in real time.
“This is not optional,” he stressed. “By the end of this month, we must report on who is using the system. It is a strategic priority of the University Council.”
Welcoming participants, the Deputy Principal of CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, described the training as timely and necessary in a rapidly digitizing academic environment.
“Makerere today is very different from the Makerere of 15 or 20 years ago,” he said. “We are moving from an analogue past to a digital future.”
He noted that while the college has improved its graduate output in recent years, gaps in tracking student progress remain a concern.
“We celebrate the numbers we graduate, but we may still have many students in the pipeline whom we cannot fully account for,” he said. “This system will help us track supervision and improve accountability.”
The training drew participation from the CHUSS Principal and Deputy Principal, senior lecturers, lecturers, and registrars from the School of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, and the School of Languages, Literature and Communication.
In an interview after the session, Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo offered a more reflective perspective, welcoming RIMS as a timely innovation while highlighting key realities in graduate training.
“I think RIMS is a good idea with strong potential,” he said, noting that the system could help address long-standing supervision gaps by ensuring that interactions between students and supervisors are tracked and visible.
However, he pointed out that delays in graduate completion are not solely the fault of supervisors. According to him, student-related factors—particularly lack of consistency and self-discipline during the research phase—play a significant role.
“At the coursework level, students are guided by timetables and structured assessments, which keeps them active,” he explained. “But once they transition to research, much depends on their own discipline. Some students simply become unresponsive.”
Dr. Ssentongo observed that RIMS could help counter this by introducing a level of accountability on both sides. If properly used, the platform would enable students to track feedback from supervisors while also making it clear when they themselves have delayed progress.
He also noted that the system’s monitoring aspect could encourage improved completion rates, as both supervisors and students become more conscious of timelines and expectations.
At the same time, he cautioned that implementation would be key. He explained that while systems that enhance accountability are beneficial, they must be introduced in a way that supports rather than intimidates users.
“There is an element of monitoring, which is good,” he said, “but it should be balanced so that it does not create an environment where people feel over-policed.”
Dr. Ssentongo further emphasized that RIMS should be seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen research culture at the university. Beyond improving completion rates, he said, there is need to encourage publication, collaboration between students and supervisors, and greater visibility of research outputs.
“If it is implemented well and supported by other initiatives, it can contribute not just to completion, but also to improving research productivity and impact,” he added.
The RIMS training marks a significant step in Makerere University’s efforts to modernize graduate education, improve accountability, and align academic output with national development priorities.
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