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
Business & Management
PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support
The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.
She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.
Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.
She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.
The centre team presented the proposed structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.
The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.
A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.
The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.
However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.
The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.
Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.
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