Connect with us

General

First Lady visits Makerere, lays foundation stone for the Reconstruction of the Main Building

Published

on

Uganda’s First Lady and Education Minister, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni has this afternoon visited Makerere University where she officially opened new central teaching facilities and laid two foundation stones for the reconstruction and restoration of the iconic Main Building and another, for the School of Law. 

The opened Central Teaching Facilities 1 and 2 buildings are housing lecture rooms, administrative offices, boardrooms, a 1000 seater auditorium, study rooms among others. She also opened the Dental School and Hospital, which will further facilitate dental studies at the College of Health Sciences.  

The First Lady also laid foundation stones for two ongoing construction projects. The new School of Law building and the reconstruction and restoration of the Main Administration building. She said that she was last at Makerere on the night when fire gutted the Makerere main administration building and was glad that she had returned to commission its reconstruction.

 “I was last here on 20th September 2020, following the fateful night in which our main Administration Building was burnt. It was a sad day not just for Makerere but for our nation and the nations at large, because Makerere has educated many people from other nations.” she said, adding, “I am so glad that, today, I return not on a sad note, but on a victorious note, to lay a foundation stone not only for the reconstruction of the Main Administration building but also for the School of Law.” 

Hon. Janet Museveni assisted by Mrs. Lorna Magara cuts the tape to signify the commissioning of Central Teaching Facilities 1 and 2.

The Chairperson of Makerere University Council Mrs. Lorna Magara thanked the First Lady for facilitating the university, strengthening its capacity to ably perform its duties.

“The University has enjoyed exceptional support from the Government in the form of staff salary enhancements, infrastructure development, as well as funding for research and innovations since 2016, when you took over the stewardship of the Education Ministry” Mrs. Magara said. “Thank you, Honourable Minister, for your tireless efforts in mobilising Government funding to the tune of UGX 21 Billion for this iconic landmark’s restoration.” she added.

Speaking at the function, the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the First Lady and government for making these projects successful.

“Today you have laid foundation stones at the School of Law and at the Main Building reconstruction site, and also officially commissioned the new building for the School of Dentistry and the Central Teaching Facilities 1 and 2. You have had direct input in raising the resources for all these projects, costing more than UGX 60 billion and we thank you very much.” Prof. Nawangwe said.

The chairperson of the Makerere @100  organizing committee, Hon. Dan Kidega thanked the First Lady for extending the request for funding of the yearlong Makerere centenary celebrations which will climax with the final event on the 08th October, 2022, on the eve of the 60th independence day celebration. 

“On behalf of the organizing committee which is tasked to coordinate all the activities associated with the centenary celebrations, I take the special pleasure to thank you for facilitating the request to His Excellency for funding for the activities.” Hon. Kidega said. “We extend our thanks to His Excellency the President for the offer to contribute 800 million shillings towards the budget activities for the Centenary celebrations.” he added.

Hon Kidega also lauded the First Lady for her stewardship in negotiating $300m for the construction of the university teaching hospital. The teaching hospital is part of the legacy projects earmarked as part of the activities to commemorate Makerere’s 100 years of existence. 

Hon. Janet K. Museveni (5th L) with Mrs. Lorna Magara (6th L), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (6th R) and other officials at the Dental School and Hospital, Main Campus, Makerere University

The Minister of Education, Hon. Janet K. Museveni concluded by extending her appreciation to the Makerere Administration and University Council  for the work welldone in ensuring the smooth running of the University projects.  

“I applaud the Council, led by Mrs. Lorna Magara and the management team led by Prof. Nawangwe together with the entire team for the work you do. We have seen some of it this afternoon. Thank you for being good stewards of what has been entrusted to you. Thank you for providing leadership to this great institution.” She said.

View on Mak@100

Makerere AT 100
Mak@100

General

Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

General

Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

General

Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Trending