Makerere University‘s supreme governing body – the University Council has honored outgoing Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and former Dean, School of Public Health Professor William Bazeyo upon his retirement.

“Council applauds his efforts and honors him with this certificate of exceptional service. Thank you very very much Professor William Bazeyo,” said Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Makerere University Council Chairperson

Adding that the recognition was a consideration to be awarded in appreciation of the services of men and women who have gone through the call of duty in service to Makerere University.

“Professor William Bazeyo is very passionate about national transformation especially through research and innovation. While at Makerere University, he was key in successfully championing the transformation of the research agenda like has been mentioned especially through engaging government for thru the Research and Innovation Fund and he championed several other partnerships,” said Mrs. Magara.

The special recognition was announced at the first session of the 72nd Graduation ceremony of Makerere University at the Ceremonial Grounds -the Freedom Square. At the ceremony, a total of 119 graduated from the School of Public Health. They included two PhDs of two faculty Dr. MUKURU Moses and Dr. NANKYA Mutyoba Eron Joan. A total of 40 graduated from the School’s only Bachelor of Environmental Health Sciences (BEHS), 54 graduated with a Masters in Public Health of Makerere University. Twenty-five graduated with Masters in Masters of Biostatistics, Masters of Health Informatics, Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Masters in Health Services Research. 

Professor Bazeyo’s service to Makerere University spans over three decades as a physician, public health specialist, academic, researcher, and academic administrator. On Friday December 31st 2021, Prof Bazeyo sought an early retirement from the University service after having a good transformative stint as Deputy Vice Chancellor (F&A).

The now Chief Executive Officer of the African One Health University Network (AFROHUN), an international network of institutions of higher learning, working to transform training environment and approaches to develop a One Health workforce Dr. William Bazeyo has been instrumental in resource mobilisation, grants and shaping the training and research in public health issues in Uganda.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the students and their professors on the achievement of graduation. He equally thanked their parents, guardians, the Government, and other sponsors, for supporting the students.

He extended a special tribute to the gallant members of staff, who have served Makerere for long periods of time with diligence and have now honorably retired.

Particularly at first session of the 72^nd graduation ceremony of Makerere University, Professor Nawangwe on behalf of the entire University gave special thanks to Prof. William Bazeyo for his exemplary service as Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration.

“Prof. Bazeyo played a big role in soliciting for funding for the University, leading to a reduction of the University debt from UGX 120 billion in 2017 to less than UGX 10 billion currently. Thank you very much Prof. Bazeyo for your diligent and dedicated service to Makerere and Uganda,” said Prof. Nawangwe.

Other gallant members of Staff who were recognized that had retired with decorated honors included Prof. Elly Sabiiti, Prof. David Serwadda, Assoc. Prof. Alex Okot, Prof. Sylvia Tamale and others.

The ceremony was graced by the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Hon. Minister of Education and Sports Janet K. Museveni.

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