The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L), Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (3rd L), University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (L), Ag. University Bursar-Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira (2nd R) and Principal PRO-Ms. Ritah Namisango during the Budget Execution Meeting on 19th July 2022, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University.
Makerere University has received a total budget of UGX 369.3 billion shillings for the financial year 2022/2023 to be distributed among the 47 budgeting units of the University following the approved work plans and procurement plans.
Speaking during the Budget Execution meeting held on Tuesday 19th July 2022 at the Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the leadership and staff involved in the budget process for the good performance realized last financial year (2021/2022).
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addresses participants during the Budget Execution Meeting.
“I thank you for doing a good job. I am here to encourage you to continue doing the good work. Let us continue to be transparent.”
As we commence the financial year 2022/2023, the Vice Chancellor rallied the meeting consisting of members of the University Management, Principals, Deputy Principals, Deans, Heads of Units, College Bursars and staff from the Finance Department to pay more attention to efficiency, timelines and compliance with the financial guidelines and policies.
“When you receive a requisition, study it and clear it immediately. If you need additional information regarding the requisition, write a note on the requisition form and send it immediately to the originating office or responsible officer,” said Professor Nawangwe.
R-L: Professors Helen Byamugisha, Josephine Ahikire, Tonny Oyana and Eria Hisali and part of the audience (background) listen to proceedings during the Meeting.
Recalling an interaction he had with Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary-Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the ongoing engagement with Accounting Officers, Professor Nawangwe highlighted that it is going to be very tough for the University and other government entities to request for supplementary funding/budgets.
“The Permanent Secretary has indicated that he will not tolerate requests for supplementary funding. So, as people responsible for ensuring that Makerere University’s financial resources are managed well, there is need to understand the new dispensation. The budget process should be accorded priority and everyone should pay attention to detail,” said Professor Nawangwe.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.
The Vice Chancellor commended the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and the Acting University Bursar, Mr. Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira for organizing the budget execution meeting aimed at bringing every member of staff involved in the budget process and execution on board.
The University Secretary, Mr. Kiranda who is also the Accounting Officer of the University stressed the need to effectively utilize financial resources with adherence to timelines, work plans and procurement plans. He emphasized the need for team work and the commitment of every member in the budget cycle and chain for the successful implementation of the budget as well as improved service delivery.
Members of Management (Front Row) and other officials follow proceedings during the Meeting.
“I encourage each and every one of us to provide financial information and documents on time. If any staff member involved in the process delays a requisition or delays to provide the required information, the entire chain is affected. We should therefore uphold team work, efficiency and transparency,” said Mr. Kiranda.
He underscored the need to align the procurement of items to availability of funds. Mr. Kiranda cautioned staff against authorization of procurement of goods and services without making reference to the approved budget.
“Do not authorize procurement without money/budget. If you authorize procurement of items without a budget, you are committing an offence, and as such, the particular member of staff will be required to commit personal resources to pay,” he said.
Acting University Bursar, Mr. Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira.
The Acting University Bursar, Mr. Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira reiterated the cardinal principle of engagement of stakeholders following a bottom-top approach during the development of the budget. He advised participants to prioritize activities that should not be delayed with reference to the mandate of the respective units.
Responding to the question from one of the College Bursars regarding refund of personal money used to fund university activities, Mr. Lubowa guided as follows: “Before you carry out any activity for which you hope to request for a refund, the first step should be ensuring that you receive authorization from the mandated office/officer.”
One of the participants, Mr. Paul Agaba who is the Manager of Procurement and Disposal Unit reminded members of staff about the on-going pre-qualification of firms/companies interested in providing services to Makerere University. Mr. Agaba pointed out that the pre-qualification exercise would run up to 5th August 2022, and requested members of staff to convey the information to reputable firms/companies especially service providers of items from Science based Colleges/Units to apply for pre-qualification. He assured the audience that firms that satisfy the requirements would be listed among the pre-qualified service providers.
Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe.
Closing the budget execution meeting, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Professor Henry Alinaitwe appealed to everyone to perform his or her role with strict adherence to financial guidelines, rules and procedures. Professor Alinaitwe re-echoed the need for transparency as well as accountability for resources received to execute university activities.
Professor Frank Mwiine, the Principal of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB) led the prayer calling upon God to bless the deliberations. The Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms Ritah Namisango moderated the budget execution meeting.
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.