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Dr. Nabukenya hands over DVCFA Office to Prof. Alinaitwe

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Dr. Josephine Nabukenya has after one year of service as Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA) handed over office to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). Dr. Nabukenya’s appointment was with effect from 16th November 2020 to 15th November 2021.

In her handover remarks, Dr. Nabukenya thanked the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma for considering her fit to serve her Alma mater in such a capacity. “For the last twelve months, I have had my singular honour to contribute to elevating of Makerere University in its pursuit to optimise its potential as a knowledge hub.”

She acknowledged the support of the University Council as led by the Chairperson Mrs. Lorna Magara and Vice Chairperson Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega as well as the top organ’s professionalism in playing it’s oversight role over Management.

Dr. Nabukenya equally thanked colleagues in Management for the team spirit and collegial support rendered to her throughout her term as DVCFA. She particularly thanked the Vice Chancellor for his leadership.

“I exceedingly appreciate my immediate supervisor, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for the technical and moral support, and confidence entrusted in me, as well as his judicious steering of the affairs of the University Management” she said.

During her tenure, Dr. Nabukenya provided leadership to the School of Computing and Informatics Technology (CIT) in the development of an in-house Academic Records Information System (MakARIS), an electronic Human Resource Management System as well as an electronic voting system for students. Both systems are up and running with the latter having used during both the 86th and 87th Guild and Senior Common Room (SCR) Elections.

Prof. Eng. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe is an eminent Engineer and Academician, newly appointed Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Makerere University effective 16th November 2021. He has served at senior management level in the University and as Principal in the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) since August 2013, a position he assumed rising from the ranks as Deputy Principal, Dean School of the Built Environment, Associate Dean of the then Faculty of Technology. He has been in Senate for more than 10 years. He has previously served as Chairman and member of the University Contracts Committee and he has chaired a number of various university committees.

Prof. Alinaitwe is a widely published, well-read professor in Civil and Construction Engineering with his research interests in the areas of areas of structures, construction materials, and construction project management. He is currently working on the project of redesigning the Main Administration Building at Makerere University.  He is a registered and practicing Engineer. He is a Fellow of Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK), and a Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences.

He attended some of the prestigious Universities in the world that include Lund University in Sweden where he obtained a PhD in Engineering as well as a Licentiate degree in Engineering. He obtained anMSc in Construction Management from Loughborough University, UK and a Master of Engineering Studies in Civil Engineering (Structures) degree from the University of Sydney, Australia. Prof. Alinaitwe obtained his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil option) from Makerere University. He holds a post graduate certificate in Public Administration and Management and another in Project Planning and Management.

Due to his good performance at Primary Leaving Examinations, Prof. Alinaitwe studied on state scholarship for his entire secondary education. At senior six, he emerged the best Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education examinations candidate which achievement enabled him to earn double boom at the University when Government was still paying for upkeep of students.

Prof. Alinaitwe is an assiduous manager who pays attention to detail, a trait that has earned him a track record in leadership and management at various levels, where as many will agree, he exudes efficiency and effectiveness in practice. He is gentle, calm and displays a demeanor of a great academic leader. At the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology where he has served most, his effort is evident from the effective working environment where staff are benefiting from his sense of purpose, mentorship and aspirations as demonstrated from the number of new and ongoing innovations and research projects.

He serves on a number of Boards and Management Board Committees notably Kiira Motors Corporation, Technology Consults Ltd., Mulago National Referral Hospital, and Kyogo Senior Secondary School. With Prof. Henry Alinatwe being part of the team at the helm of the stewardship of the University, there is no doubt that the institution will take wider strides in realizing the development agenda.

Mak Editor

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.

A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.

In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:

“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”

He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:

“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”

Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”

In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.

“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.

“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”

Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action

Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”

She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.

European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity

Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:

“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.

Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:

“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”

The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.

The Legacy Continues

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:

“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”

The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

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