Prof. Hugh Rowell plays a tune on the Harpsichord as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe listens shortly after he handed over the instrument on 27th January 2022 in the Council Room, CTF1, Makerere University.
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.
The Harpsichord at its new home in the Council Room, CTF1, Makerere University.
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.
Seated: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) and Prof. Hugh Rowell (R) with Standing L-R: Mr. Mujuni Tayari Deus, Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Assoc. Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga Tamusuza, Assoc. Prof. Patrick Mangeni, Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire and Ms. Ritah Namisango after the Harpsichord handover ceremony.
“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.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) presents a plaque to Prof. Hugh Rowell (L) in appreciation of his donation as part of Mak@100 Celebrations.
“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.
Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.
Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.
We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!
Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025. Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.
Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.
“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.
Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.
Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.
“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.
Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.
Mr. Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.
Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.
“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.
Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.
Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.
Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:
Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.