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Management Recognises Outgoing Members at Last Meeting of 2021

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The University Management on 22nd December 2021 held its last meeting to take stock of the year and paint a picture of what 2022 holds. The special session held at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge was also an opportunity to unwind in the lush green garden setting and recognise Members who had served their terms of office.

Welcoming his guests, the host, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Members of Management and Staff present for honouring the invitation to attend the last meeting. Singling out the aspect of community engagement, the Vice Chancellor thanked all heads of Academic and Administrative units for taking the University to the community through impactful programmes.

“The Infectious Diseases Institute alone supports approximately 30% of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Uganda through various programmes” added the Vice Chancellor.

Turning to partnerships, the Vice Chancellor applauded the staff, noting that this was one of the main avenues through which the University’s research output was being fostered.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe with the newest members of Management L-R: Mr. Javason Kamugisha-Director Legal Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda-University Secretary, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe-Ag. DVCFA, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli-Dean of Students and Dr. Davis Malowa Ndanyi-Director Human Resources.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe with the newest members of Management L-R: Mr. Javason Kamugisha-Director Legal Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda-University Secretary, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe-Ag. DVCFA, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli-Dean of Students and Dr. Davis Malowa Ndanyi-Director Human Resources.

“I have signed more than 100 partnership agreements since July this year and we have more than 2,000 MoUs with Universities from all over the world, with ranking agencies placing our staff at the top globally in terms of co-publishing with staff in other universities” added the Vice Chancellor to applause from the audience.

He thanked all staff for ensuring a harmonious work environment at all levels, which had enabled them to be more productive. At the end of his remarks, the Vice Chancellor requested all present to observe a moment of silence in recognition of all colleagues who had passed on during the year.

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Dr. Umar Kakumba acknowledged that although 2021 had been a tough year, especially due to COVID-19, it was right and fitting to give thanks to the Almighty God who had seen us through various challenges.

He nevertheless acknowledged that a lot had been achieved in terms of productivity. “COVID-19 pushed us to explore our full potential and our staff have have been at the forefront of various scientific committees in the Government’s fight against COVID-19” he said.

Furthermore, the DVCAA informed the meeting that the University Council had successfully passed 79 academic programmes, with approximately 20% being new Masters while the rest had undergone review. “I wish to assure members that these are quality programmes with a lot of value addition from our partners.”

He added that the ability of the University to sustain operations despite disruptions caused by COVID-19 had resulted in continued confidence in our academic system. In this regard, he thanked Members of the University Senate for acting fast to make adjustments that enabled students to do internship using innovative ways, as well as coming up with alternative modes of assessment.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd R) and Mrs. Susan Nawangwe (2nd R) are joined by members of Management to cut cake.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd R) and Mrs. Susan Nawangwe (2nd R) are joined by members of Management to cut cake.

In his remarks, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reminded the audience that COVID-19 is still with us and urged members to remain cautious and lead by example by always wearing their masks.

He encouraged Members of Management to stay abreast of all procedures as outlined in the Organisational Manual so as to ensure efficiency in the operating environment. Furthermore, he urged staff to be more frugal with resources in light of budget cuts by the Government to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

On the infrastructure front, Prof. Alinaitwe noted that although a lot of the establishments were very old, projects such as the construction of the School of Law Building and the reconstruction of Main Building were underway and in the final preparatory stages respectively.

“I thank the Vice Chancellor for spearheading the mobilisation of funds for reconstruction of the Main Building and urge members of the Makerere University community to be patient with the disruptions that the works may cause” added Prof. Alinaitwe.

Prof. J.B. Nyakaana, the Director, Makerere University Jinja Campus.
Prof. J.B. Nyakaana, the Director, Makerere University Jinja Campus.

Other remarks of the day came from the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda who paid tribute to all the unsung heroes whose hard work guarantees that payment of salaries and other obligations are executed timely. He expressed hope that coming online of more systems such as electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS) would help reduce the paper trail and improve efficiency.

The Director Makerere University Jinja Campus (MUJC), Prof. J.B. Nyakaana thanked the University Management and Staff for all the support accorded to the Centre but called for more inputs to make MUJC even more vibrant. The Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi thanked the University Council and Management for continuing to build an enabling environment for research to thrive.

Prof. Buyinza noted that as the University continues to march towards its ten-year strategic direction of being more research led, there was need to renew commitment to hit the 5,000 Graduate Students by 2025 target. “Partners in the Global North and Global South are looking to Makerere University for mentorship.”

The Director, DRGT, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.
The Director, DRGT, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The following leaders were recognised for their service to Makerere University;

  • Prof. William Bazeyo, Chairperson, Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee
  • Dr. Josephine Nabukenya, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)
  • Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Director, Quality Assurance
  • Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha, Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
  • Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
  • Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
  • Prof. Tonny Oyana, Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)
  • Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
  • Dr. Fredrick Jones Muyodi, Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
  • Dr. Samuel Majalija, Deputy Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
  • Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
  • Dr. Gorettie Nsubuga Nabanoga, Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
  • Dr. Agnes Semwanga Rwashana, Deputy Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences
Prof. William Bazeyo reiterated his commitment to continue working with Makerere despite his retirement from the institution.
Prof. William Bazeyo reiterated his commitment to continue working with Makerere despite his retirement from the institution.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Bazeyo who retires from Makerere University service at the end of December 2021 thanked the University Council for appointing him and the Vice Chancellor for the invitation to bid farewell to a team he worked with.

“I started work on 22nd August 1993 and I wish to assure you that the best employer is Makerere University and I can see Makerere becoming a much better employer in the years to come” he reassured.

Prof. Bazeyo who was in November 2021 appointed Chairperson of the Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) and Innovation Council reiterated his commitment to continue working with Makerere to improve employability of Ugandan graduates.

“We have been appointed to skill graduates from all over the country and the President has given us a target of creating 20,000 jobs within the first 18 months” he explained.

Mark Wamai

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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:

Mak Editor

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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

Mak Editor

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