General
Mak@100: Professor Rowell Gifts Priceless Harpsichord to Makerere
Makerere University’s Centenary Celebrations on 27th January 2022 received an unanticipated boost in the form of a priceless Harpsichord, a classic keyboard-like instrument, thanks to a long established relationship.
This treasure of a gift was handed over by Professor Hugh Rowell, a former Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, where he taught between 1961 and 1970, and later served as external examiner.
A harpsichord is a keyboard musical instrument; one of the most important instruments in European music history from the 16th century through the first half of the 18th century.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga Tamusuza, the Chair, Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF) was humbled and extremely grateful for the gift, noting that it will be a very important teaching and learning material for the students of music. Previously, students had to rely on their imagination or the internet to acquaint themselves with the image and sound of this instrument.
In addition, Assoc. Prof. Nannyonga Tamusuza expressed gratitude to Professor Rowell for choosing Makerere other than any other entity as the recipient of his precious Harpsichord. She promised that it would be put to good use by the students and staff of PAF.
Professor Rowell spoke of how deeply he was attached to his French instrument since 1975 when it was specially made for him in California, U.S.A. He could not hide his delight at seeing that Makerere had accepted to become its new home.
“This instrument can produce the most horrible sound when out of tune, which is a good symbol to Makerere to always stay in harmony” he said analogically, before humourously adding “Whenever it is played, I will know.”
Addressing the audience at the handover, the Dean, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, Assoc. Prof. Patrick Mangeni had this to say, “We are celebrating this opportunity but also recognising the significance of music in our Department – music brings us together.”
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire, the Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) noted that the example of Professor Rowell, a Biologist, being so passionate about music bridges the divide between sciences and humanities.
The Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, who presided over the handover, explained that the donation of the classic instrument was timely as Makerere celebrates 100 years of existence.
“Given that the harpsichord is a historical instrument, housing it within the walls of the University Council Room will be a reminder of the university’s advancement to a new century looking back at the lives it has touched” he said.
Professor Nawangwe noted that the donation of the rare musical instrument further reinforced the Department of Performing Arts and Film’s reputation as a leading centre of music education in the region.
Giving a vote of thanks, the Deputy Principal CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma commended Professor Rowell for continuing to connect with Makerere even to the point of giving one of his prized possessions – the Harpsichord.
Assoc. Prof. Kikooma called upon the Almighty God to bless and richly reward Professor Rowell for his generosity. He also applauded the leadership and staff of PAF for being proactive, conducting mobilisation drives and entering into valuable partnerships that have attracted both resources and friends.
Present at the handover ceremony were; the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dean of Students-Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Gender Mainstreaming Directorate-Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Ag. Director Human Resources-Mr. Tayari Mujuni Deus, Estates and Works Directorate’s Mr. Darius Muwanguzi and Mr. Paul Fuuna as well as staff and students from PAF. Also present were friends of Professor Rowell who included; Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Dr. Christine Mukwaya, Dr. Perpetra Akite among others. Ms. Ritah Namisango the Principal Public Relations Officer was the moderator of the day.
Article by Public Relations Office
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
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