28^th June 2022

The Family of the Late Professor Christine Dranzoa

RE:      CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

The Makerere University Council, Senate, Management, Alumni and the entire University community have with great sadness learnt of the passing on of Professor Christine Dranzoa at Mulago Hospital. Our heartfelt consideration goes out to the family and friends. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

Professor Dranzoa was a hard-working and principled woman of impeccable integrity. She was always very objective and never backed down from standing for the truth. She was indeed a world-class Wildlife Ecologist, Conservationist, and Administrator by all standards.

A 1987 graduate of our Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Zoology, this gallant alumna joined Makerere University service as Lecturer in 1991, the same year she graduated with her Master of Science (MSc) in Zoology. In 1997, she earned her PhD in Zoology.

Professor Dranzoa’s service to Makerere can best be described as dedicated and impactful. She spearheaded efforts to turn the Wildlife subsection under the Department of Anatomy in the then Faculty of Veterinary Medicine into a fully-fledged Department of Wildlife and Animal Resources Management. As Head of this department, she initiated programmes at both undergraduate and graduate levels, whose graduates continue to make important contributions to wildlife and biodiversity conservation all over the world.

She then went on to serve as Deputy Director of our then School of Graduate Studies where she led many policy reforms. Key among these was the introduction of Doctoral Committee Supervision Model and Public Defence of Theses and Dissertations. She also popularized the award of joint degree programmes by units of Makerere University.

With those exceptional qualities, it came as no surprise that Professor Dranzoa was appointed as Chairperson of the Taskforce charged with setting up Muni University from December 2009 to May 2010. She was indeed the best choice for Vice Chancellor who in her own words contributed to the transformation of Muni University “from a green field to the current state of a fully-fledged Public University.”

We therefore stand with the family of the late Professor Christine Dranzoa upon the loss your dear beloved Mother, Sister, Friend and selfless Mentor. Professor Dranzoa opened her home to and raised countless relatives and orphan children. She was not only a world-class professional but the true definition of a loving mother.  

In a special way, we stand with our brothers and sisters at Muni University upon the loss Vice-Chancellor, senior colleague and mentor. We also stand with the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum upon the loss of an active and resourceful Member.

Our consideration also goes to the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) upon the loss of your Chairperson. We also stand with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) upon the loss of a gallant Member and President Emeritus. Professor Dranzoa has been a great resource to people, particularly the women of the West Nile Region. We therefore stand with the members and partners of the Nile Women Initiative upon the loss of your co-founder and Chairperson.

Finally, we stand with our colleagues at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) as well as professionals and enthusiasts of wildlife conservation and biodiversity upon the loss of a great colleague, mentor and innovator. The Department of Wildlife and Animal Resources Management that Professor Dranzoa founded and headed has made significant impact and created visibility in the conservation of wildlife in Uganda through the various research initiatives and projects, as well as services such as translocation of wildlife species and aquaculture.

In this moment of deep grief and loss, we commit you all to the comfort of the Almighty God, who alone knows the plans He has for each and every one of us.

We remain forever thankful to God for the gift of Professor Christine Dranzoa’s life and pray that the good Lord will rest her soul in eternal peace.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe
VICE CHANCELLOR