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 Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
General
Makerere University Leads EU-Funded MAGNETISE Project to Strengthen Gender Equality in Higher Education Across Sub-Saharan Africa
A consortium of African and European universities has intensified efforts to mainstream gender equality in higher education through the MAGNETISE project, with Makerere University taking a leading role in hosting a high-level workshop that brought together policymakers, researchers, and gender experts to reflect on institutional progress, persistent gaps, and future strategies.
The initiative, focused on Mainstreaming Gender in Higher Education Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa (MAGNETISE), is supported by the European Union and implemented through a multi-country partnership involving institutions in Uganda, South Africa, and Europe. It aims to move beyond policy formulation to practical implementation, monitoring, and institutional accountability in gender equality.
At the heart of the discussions was a shared concern: while universities across the region have developed gender policies over the past decades, translating these frameworks into measurable, lived institutional change remains uneven.
A Consortium Approach to Gender Mainstreaming in Academia
Opening the workshop, held at Makerere University recently, the project lead, Professor James Acai Okwee who is also deputy Principal CoVAB, described MAGNETISE as a collaborative effort designed to strengthen institutional capacity for gender equality planning across higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He explained that the consortium includes Ugandan partners such as Makerere University and Muni University, alongside South African institutions including University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rhodes University, and Nelson Mandela University. European partners include Katholieke Hoge school VIVES Zuid (VIVES) and KMOP Policy Centre from Belgium, as well as Research Innovation and Development Lab (ReadLab) and University of Peloponnese. The consortium also includes additional European academic collaboration through the University of Applied Sciences and related policy and research networks.
According to Acai, the core objective is not simply to produce policies, but to ensure universities develop functional gender equality plans supported by implementation tools, monitoring frameworks, and institutional accountability systems.
“We have had policies since the early 2000s, but the real question is: where is the implementation plan, and how do we track progress?” he noted. “If a policy says 40 percent representation for women in leadership, we must be able to measure whether that is being achieved.”
He emphasized that MAGNETISE would support training, capacity-building exchanges with European institutions, student engagement programmes, and the development of a digital knowledge hub for gender equality.
Makerere University’s Institutional Position on Gender Equality
Representing university leadership, Dr. Suzan Mbabazi of Makerere University’s Gender Mainstreaming Directorate reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing gender equality across its academic, research, and community engagement mandate. She highlighted significant progress made over more than two decades, citing policies such as the Gender Equality Policy and the Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, alongside governance frameworks that have institutionalized gender equity. Makerere has also established key structures, including the Institute of Gender and Development Studies and the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, to coordinate initiatives across faculties. Yet, Dr. Mbabazi cautioned that structural achievements do not erase systemic challenges. “Despite progress globally and locally, we must acknowledge persistent gaps, biases, and inequalities within higher education institutions,” she said, stressing the need to bridge policy and practice. She urged participants to prioritize awareness creation, institutional analysis of existing gaps, and deliberate action to dismantle structural barriers. Reaffirming management’s support, she called for continued collaboration among institutions and stakeholders to sustain momentum in gender mainstreaming.
Preliminary Survey Findings Reveal Mixed Progress
Presenting the initial findings of a university-wide survey, Dr. Peace Musiimenta of the School of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University revealed that responses from 82 participants across various units highlight both progress and persistent challenges in advancing gender equality. While many acknowledged strides in gender mainstreaming, structural and cultural barriers remain entrenched. The study found that although gender policies exist, their implementation is often inconsistent, and initiatives risk being treated as isolated projects rather than integrated institutional practices. Dr. Musiimenta noted that some staff perceive gender programs as overly focused on women, fueling resistance and ideological tensions within academic spaces. She emphasized that the challenge is no longer the absence of policy but the need to ensure visibility, ownership, and effective application of existing frameworks to embed gender equality across the institution.
Gender Audit Highlights Structural Gaps and Progress
Expanding on the institutional audit, Dr. Florence Ebila outlined the methodology and preliminary findings of the gender audit conducted between May and June 2026.She explained that the audit examined institutional policies, governance systems, practices, organizational culture, and perceptions of gender equality.
The study drew data from multiple administrative units including human resources, academic registrars, estates and works departments, and student leadership structures. Ebila reported that Makerere University has made significant institutional progress, including the establishment of gender-focused units and integration of gender considerations into teaching, research, and governance. However, she identified persistent disparities in representation, particularly in science-related disciplines where male staff and students remain dominant.
She also highlighted infrastructural gaps, noting that while newer buildings are increasingly accessible, several older facilities lack adequate support for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Another concern raised was limited gender-responsive budgeting, with insufficient allocation of resources to sustain gender mainstreaming activities across all units. “The challenge is not just policy design, but operationalization at all levels of the institution,” she said.
Gender, Identity, and Institutional Culture: A Critical Reflection
A keynote reflection by Dr Josephine Ahikire introduced a deeper theoretical lens to the discussion, situating gender mainstreaming within broader questions of institutional power, identity, and cultural norms.
Ahikire emphasized that gender mainstreaming is not a technical exercise but a structural transformation process that challenges entrenched systems of privilege.
She used the example of Makerere University’s centenary monument, where a male graduate is prominently positioned in front view while a female graduate is placed at the rear, to illustrate how symbolic representations can reflect deeper institutional biases.
“What appears natural often hides embedded inequality,” she argued. “Even symbolic structures matter because they reflect how institutions imagine gender.”
Ahikire acknowledged Makerere University’s progress in policy development and institutional frameworks but cautioned that deeper cultural transformation is still required.
She emphasized the need to interrogate curriculum design, research systems, and informal institutional practices that may perpetuate inequality despite formal commitments to inclusion.
She further argued that gender discourse must retain its political dimension, noting that terms such as feminism should not be avoided but engaged critically in order to address structural inequality.
“Gender equality work is not about comfort,” she said. “It is about questioning established norms and rethinking how power is distributed.”
Institutional Achievements and Remaining Challenges
Across presentations, several common themes emerged.
Participants acknowledged that Makerere University has developed one of the most advanced gender mainstreaming frameworks in the region, including:
- A dedicated gender equality policy framework
- Sexual harassment regulations and safeguarding policies
- Institutional gender mainstreaming structures
- Student engagement programmes and gender clubs
- Scholarships supporting women in science and disadvantaged backgrounds
- Increasing integration of gender into teaching and research
However, speakers consistently highlighted persistent challenges, including:
- Limited implementation of gender policies at departmental level
- Uneven representation of women in senior academic ranks
- Infrastructure gaps affecting accessibility and inclusion
- Weak gender-responsive budgeting mechanisms
- Resistance and misunderstanding of gender equality concepts
- Fragmentation of gender work across isolated units
Towards a Comprehensive Gender Equality Plan
A key outcome of the MAGNETISE project is the development of a comprehensive institutional gender equality plan for Makerere University, supported by monitoring tools and a sustainability framework.
The plan is expected to consolidate existing policies into a coherent implementation strategy, linking institutional commitments to measurable outcomes.
It will also include a handbook for monitoring gender equality initiatives and a digital platform for knowledge sharing among students and staff.
Project leaders emphasized that sustainability will depend on institutional ownership beyond donor funding, particularly through integration into university governance systems.
A Continuing Institutional Journey
The workshop concluded with a shared recognition that gender equality in higher education remains a work in progress, requiring sustained institutional commitment, cultural transformation, and accountability mechanisms.
While Makerere University has made notable progress over the past decades, speakers agreed that the next phase of gender mainstreaming must focus on implementation, visibility, and structural change.
As the MAGNETISE project continues across partner institutions in Africa and Europe, it positions itself not only as a research initiative, but as a long-term institutional reform effort aimed at reshaping how universities understand and operationalize gender equality in higher education.
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