Education
Gone but still lives on: Makerere University celebrates Prof. Kajubi’s legacy
Professor William Senteza Kajubi, the first African to receive a Fulbright scholarship in 1952 and a renowned educationist who diversified and chaired a committee to review Uganda’s Curriculum in 1990 was remembered and celebrated by Makerere University College of Education and External studies (CEES) in a public lecture that happened on 22nd September 2022 at the Yusuf Lule teaching facility Auditorium at Makerere University.
The ceremony themed “Internationalization of Higher Education in the next Century” presided over by the United States’s Ambassador to Uganda Her Excellency Natalie Brown brought together many academicians, educationists and students across the world to celebrate the life and achievements of the person of Professor William Senteza Kajubi. In attendance were Vice Chancellors from Ugandan universities e.g. Soroti, Muni, Bishop Stuart, Bugema, Ndejje and Busitema.
Besides remembering the life of Prof. Kajubi, this public lecture also happened to be marking the Makerere University’s 100 year anniversary, Uganda’s 60 years of independence and its fruitful relationship with the United States that has paved way for the Fulbright Scholarship program and many other partnerships that have impacted lives of Ugandans.
While addressing the congregation, the Principal College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Professor Anthony Mugagga hailed Professor Kajubi for the 1989 report on Education which the National Resistance Movement government incorporated into its 10-point program.
“In 1954 when Pope Leo the 10th appointed Ben Kiwanuka as the first African Bishop, he cautioned him to be successful so that he can inspire more African theologians. Kajubi never got lost in the States, neither did he do drugs but he clang to studies and paved way for other scholars of the Fulbright Scholarship program,” added Professor Mugagga who concluded his remarks cautioning the congregation to emulate Prof. Kajubi, and also thanked all staff who participated in seeing this event a success.
On behalf of the Senteza Kajubi family, his son Wasswa Kajubi expressed their deepest gratitude and honor to Makerere University and CEES administration for always remembering their loved one even when he passed on long time ago.
The Chairperson Makerere University Council Mrs.Lorna Magara highlighted how the Late Prof. Kajubi’s life symbolized hard work, persistence and courage to pursue excellence and greatness. She added that Prof. Kajubi’s passion for education at Makerere and the University of Chicago resulted into a lot of phenomenal education reforms that saw admission of private sponsored students to Makerere.
“Prof. Sentenza Kajubi’s life symbolized hard work, passion for the profession,
creativity, innovation, and courage to pursue and carry out a vision”. This hard work ethic, Mrs. Magara informed the gathering, was reinforced daily by a family motto in the Kajubi sitting room, “OMULIMU LYE LINNYA LY’OMUNTU,” which may be translated as ONE’S WORK IS ONE’S NAME.
The late Prof. Kajubi’s passion and pursuit for knowledge can be traced through his education journey, from Mengo Junior Secondary school to Kings College Budo, to Makerere University, and on to the University of Chicago on a Fulbright Scholarship graduating with an MSC. with a concentration in Geography. Upon return, he embraced the privilege and honor of serving as a teacher, and Administrator. His dedicated service saw him rise through the ranks to serve as Director, National Institute of Education (1964- 1977) and twice as Vice Chancellor, Makerere University (1977-1979; 1990-1993).
Her Excellency Natalie Brown the United States Ambassador to Uganda said,” Professor Kajubi is a shining star among Fulbright alumni, in Uganda and beyond. He traveled to the U.S. in 1952 as a Fulbright student to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Chicago. He returned to make great contributions to the education sector in Uganda and the region. His two-time tenure appointments at the helm of this university demonstrate his outstanding leadership ability”. Professor Kajubi did not limit himself to education alone, he went on to serve as a delegate to Uganda’s Constituent Assembly which created the new constitution in 1995, among other things. His legacy of service to his country remains an inspiration to generations of faculty and students alike”.
Ms. Brown said the US Mission in Uganda are proud to manage the Fulbright program in Uganda where 12 Ugandan Fulbright grantees were sent this year to academic programs for Masters, PhD and research in the United States, and in exchange Uganda welcomed nine U.S. Fulbrighters to conduct research.
Makerere University and the people of America have had great partnerships that have seen America’s public Health enthusiasts and other specialists come to Uganda to conduct research. They include the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and so many others.
The keynote speaker of the day and the Vice President and Associate Provost for Internationalization at the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Michael Pippenger challenged African Universities to ensure solidarity, commitment and transparency if they actually want to internationalize since it not only helps them realize weaknesses, strengths and potential areas of collaboration but also builds transformative and global minded students.
“It is not the MOUs and agreements we sign that show internationalization, but rather the work we do while together on ending pandemics, fostering rule of law and other community impactful engagements. Surprisingly Prof Kajubi knew all this”. Concluded Dr. Pippenger who urged universities to stick to their visions and missions which should reflect on the communities they serve.
Prof. William Senteza Kajubi served as the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University at two different intervals 1977 – 1979 and 1990 – 1993. He was also a member of the constitutional Assembly that drafted Uganda’s constitution of 1995. He devoted his life to Academics and impacting communities until his death on May 1st, 2012.
Background
Prof. Senteza Kajubi was born in 1926, in Singo county (modern day Mityana District), to Yoweri Bugonzi Kajubi and Bulanina Namukomya. His family later moved closer to the capital and settled in Busega, a suburb in the outskirts of Kampala, where he began his long journey with, or rather in, education at the Mackay Memorial Primary School in 1933. He then attended Mengo Junior School from 1941 to 1943 before transferring to King’s College Budo for his Advanced Level, finally making it to Makerere College in 1947 where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts with a Diploma in Education.
Shortly after he graduated, Prof. Kajubi taught at Kako Junior Secondary School before going to the University of Chicago for a Master of Science in Geography. Later, in 1955, he went back to his alma mater, King’s College Budo, and taught Geography. It was during this period that he taught other notable personalities in Uganda’s history such as Mathew Rukikaire and Prof. Apolo Nsibambi in a predominantly white environment. The only other native teachers at Budo, then, were the Deputy Headteacher, Mr. Sempebwa and Erisa Kironde, an English language teacher.
As one of the few Protestant members of a predominantly Catholic Democratic party (DP), Senteza Kajubi was a member of the National Symbols Committee which was tasked with selecting the national anthem, flag and coat of arms.
His political acumen propelled him to chair a number of government boards over the years until he directly participated in electoral politics in 1994 as a delegate of the Constituent Assembly representing Kyadondo North.
Two years after Uganda got independence, now a lecturer at Makerere University, Prof. Senteza was appointed the Director of National Institute of Education. He served there until 1977 when he became Vice Chancellor for the first time.
Education Policy Formation in Uganda
As the Secretary General of the Uganda Teachers’ Association from 1959 to 1962, Prof. Senteza Kajubi was a member of the famed Castle Commission on Uganda’s post-independence education policy framework.
Instituted and appointed in January 1963, the Castle Commission had been tasked with examining the content and structure of education in Uganda in light of the approved recommendations of the International Bank Survey Mission Report, Uganda’s financial position and its future manpower requirement.
In the execution of its mandate, the commission dealt with a dilemma; if the formulated policy disproportionately focused on universal primary education and adult literacy while neglecting secondary, tertiary and higher education, it would fail to produce high level manpower which was required to staff government and teach in schools. However, on the other hand, the country did not have the resources to make improvements across the board and had to prioritise one option to the detriment of the other.
Since Makerere was still under the University of East Africa and higher education was still an inter-territorial responsibility, the commission instead focused on prioritising teacher-training, expanding secondary school enrolment and improving relevance, quality and access of primary education in remote areas.
In 1977, during his first tenure as the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Kajubi went on to chair the Education Policy Review Commission (EPRC) which was appointed by Idi Amin’s Minister of Education, Brig. Barnabas Kili.
Owing to the political climate at the time, the education system was facing even dire problems. The gross human rights violations had led to a mass exodus of highly qualified professionals from civil service, teachers and university faculty into exile. Imploding diplomatic relations rendered external assistance with regard to education inexistent and the government had to deal with shortages from personnel to instructional material.
Prof. Senteza Kajubi was then tasked with the responsibility of leading an effort to circumvent some of these challenges and therefore keeping the education system in Uganda alive. Unfortunately, the findings and recommendations of the report, from its members and constituent sub-committees were overtaken by events in 1979 when war broke out and the Idi Amin regime was overthrown. The report was shelved and never formally presented to cabinet.
In 1987, after the ascendancy of the NRM government into power, another commission, once again headed by Prof. Senteza Kajubi, was appointed. Still under similarly unique circumstances, this commission too had to work within the socio-economic confines of a post-war society riddled with scarcity of resources. Eighteen months later, the commission’s report was produced in January 1989.
The most notable outcome of this committee report was a government white paper which brought to life the famous Universal Primary Education. This recommendation alone, for all its limitations, has contributed significantly to literacy levels in Uganda and to the education system as a whole.
After chairing the second Kajubi commission, he then became the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University for the second time, from 1990 to 1993, preceded by Prof. George Kirya and succeeded by Prof. John Ssebuwufu.
The Fulbright Program
In 1952, Prof. Senteza went on to the University of Chicago, on a Fulbright Scholarship, to pursue a Master of Science in Geography, making him the first African beneficiary of this scholarship program.
The student exchange scholarship program, which was started shortly after the Second World War by an act of Congress, was named after the American Senator J. William Fulbright, its framer. He made the case that “educational exchange could turn nations into people, contributing as no other form of communication can to the humanising of international relations.”
Through his notable achievements and illustrious career, it is clear that this initiative to bridge cultural gaps through an international education exchange program had Prof. Senteza as one its successes.
Education
Makerere University holds Open Day for Critical Virtual Exchange in Artificial Intelligence
Education
School Stakeholders’ Exhibition: Graduate Students partner with schools to simplify the new Competence Based Curriculum
Makerere University, on Thursday 26th March 2026, hosted the School Stakeholders’ Exhibition, bringing together learners, teachers, researchers, and education policymakers to demonstrate how Uganda’s Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) can be implemented through experiential learning and real-life situations.
The Exhibition was championed by graduate students from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) guided by Dr. Anne Ampaire, a Lecturer of Educational Psychology at Makerere University.
With Dr. Anne Ampaire’s close supervision, the graduate students studying the Master of Early Childhood Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and the Master of Education-Educational Psychology, teamed up with various schools and learners, to showcase the possibilities of taking classroom content into real-life situations.
For instance, at the pre-primary level, students in kindergaten and nursery schools (Two to Eight years) participated in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sessions guided by their teachers, and graduate students pursuing the Master of Early Childhood Education at Makerere University.
Themed, School Stakeholders’ Responsibilities in Shaping Minds for Productive Life, the exhibition attracted pre-primary, primary and secondary school learners, university students, educators and stakeholders in the education sector.
The following university officials graced the School Stakeholders’ Exhibition: The Principal of CEES-Prof. Anthony Mugagga, the Dean, School of Psychology-Dr. Martin Baluku, and the Head of the Department of Educational, Social and Organisational Psychology-Dr. Richard Balikoowa, Dr. Naomi Namanya-School of Psychology, and Ms. Ritah Namisango-Public Relations and Communication Specialist, who moderated the proceedings.
Education is no longer confined within classroom walls
Dr. Anne Ampaire, a Lecturer of Educational Psychology, welcomed the participants to the Exhibition, an initiative designed to connect theory with practice through stakeholder collaboration.
“Why is it important for Makerere University academic staff and students, to engage with headteachers, teachers, administrators, and learners from pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels? The answer lies in collaboration and shared responsibility, to effectively implement the Competence Based Curriculum,” she emphasised.
Dr. Ampaire explained that the Competence Based Curriculum represents a major shift in education delivery. “Education today is no longer confined to classrooms, not even the transmission of knowledge from teacher to the learners is adequate. The new Competence Based Curriculum focuses on developing competencies that prepare learners for a rapidly changing world,” she stated.
She highlighted the key competencies promoted under Competence Based Curriculum (CBC), including critical thinking, creativity, communication, and problem-solving. “With CBC, the learner is at the centre of this transformation, actively engaged in a learner-centred learning environment,” she added.
CBC grounded in psychology and experiential learning
Dr. Ampaire explained that the exhibition is rooted in educational psychology and field-based research conducted by Makerere University graduate students. “This work is grounded in early childhood education, psychology of learning, human development, and instructional science,” she said.
According to Dr. Ampaire, the School Stakeholders’ Exhibition re-affirms that learning is shaped by the environment and interaction. “The environment continuously shapes learning,” she stressed.
She emphasised that modern education is collaborative. “What I know, what you know, and what others know-when combined-form a stronger system. That is the direction education is taking,” she said.
Dr. Ampaire challenged traditional teaching models. “Gone are the days of teacher-centred learning where the teacher is the sole authority. Today’s learning model recognises that none of us knows it all,” she said.
Roleplays, drama, and cultural performances
A major highlight of the exhibition was a series of interactive performances by learners from different schools, who used drama, storytelling, and traditional dances to demonstrate CBC principles in action.
Pre-primary and primary learners guided by teachers and graduate students, staged roleplays reflecting everyday life situations, including family interactions, classroom discipline, peer pressure, and decision-making. The performances illustrated both positive and negative behaviours, with learners demonstrating how better choices could be made in real-life situations.
In one roleplay, a home setting illustrated the importance of parental attention and emotional bonding, showing how children respond better when given quality time and encouragement.
Another skit focused on classroom discipline, where learners acted out cases of dishonesty and conflict, later resolving them through dialogue, counselling, and cooperation between teachers and parents.
A nutrition-based performance demonstrated how diet affects learning outcomes, contrasting healthy meals such as fruits, eggs, and yoghurt with unhealthy options such as soda and processed snacks.
The exhibition also featured vibrant traditional dances performed by learners to cultural songs. The performances showcased unity in diversity and reinforced messages of identity, discipline, and teamwork.
We must be our brother’s keeper
Dr. Richard Balikoowa, the Head, Department of Educational, Social and Organisational Psychology, emphasised the importance of positive psychology in child development. “Human beings are dynamic and grow through stages of confusion, chaos, compromise, and change,” he said.
He urged educators to focus on constructive discipline approaches. “We should strengthen desired behaviour through positive reinforcement and carefully guide correction without harming the child’s wellbeing,” he said.
Identify formation and long-term development
The Dean of the School of Psychology, Dr. Martin M. Baluku, emphasised identity formation and long-term development. He stressed the role of both teachers and learners in shaping future outcomes. “As teachers, we have a responsibility to shape minds and identities. At the same time, learners must actively shape themselves,” he said.
He called upon students to remain focused on their aspirations. “If you want to join Makerere University in future, you must work hard and take your studies seriously,” he said.
CBC is a bold and necessary reform
Dr. Ampaire described the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) as a major transformation in Uganda’s education system. “CBC is a bold and necessary step. Education is no longer confined within classroom walls. Learning is everywhere. We should prioritize project-based learning and contextual education. A banana plantation is a laboratory. A craft workshop is a laboratory. Learners must connect classroom knowledge to real-life experiences,” she said.
Schools must embrace practical learning
The Principal of CEES, Prof. Anthony Mugagga, praised the initiative and urged schools to fully adopt CBC approaches. “Many schools are still struggling with how to implement the Competence Based Curriculum,” he stated.
He emphasised that learning must be practical and reflective of real life. “When a child observes behaviour, they may internalise it. That is why learning experiences must be carefully guided,” he said.
Prof. Mugagga urged learners to value time and education. “When faced with challenges at school and you feel like giving up, remember those other Ugandans who wish to be at school, but they are not able, due to lack of school fees,” he advised.
“Being at school is a golden opportunity that you need to utilize to become a better person. I encourage you to be hard-working, focused,disciplined and resilient as you pursue your studies,” he added.
Sharing his experience, Prof. Mugagga disclosed that he was once a student, who faced challenges, but he did not give up.
Prof. Mugagga informed the participants that he was a seminarian, and when his chances of becoming a priest did not materialize, he focused on other career paths within the education sector, rising up to the rank of Professor at Makerere University, and with ability to stand in front of the learners, to share words of wisdom and inspiration.
Stakeholders encouraged to support learner centred education
The exhibition concluded with a strong call for collaboration among parents, teachers, policymakers, and communities to support learner-centred education. Stakeholders agreed that the Competence Based Curriculum can only succeed if all actors work together to create supportive, practical, and inclusive learning environments that prepare learners for real-life challenges.
Schools that participated in the exhibition
Some of the schools that participated in the exhibition include: Mengo Senior Secondary School, Mirembe G. Vocational Training Centre-Zana, Garfield Nursery and Primary School-Gayaza, Tephies Kindergarten School Nagalabi-Budo, Raayat Islamic Primary School.
Education
DACE Launches Research Seminar Series to Strengthen Co-Authorship and Scholarly Engagement
The Department of Adult and Community Education (DACE), under the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning at the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University, has launched a bi-weekly research seminar series aimed at strengthening scholarly engagement and promoting co-authorship among staff and students.
The initiative forms part of the Department’s broader strategy to develop and operationalise its research agenda, with the goal of repositioning Adult and Community Education within national and global academic discourse.
According to the Head of Department and staff members, limited public understanding of Adult and Community Education continues to constrain its visibility and impact, particularly in relation to its contribution to lifelong learning, community transformation, and national development. The research seminar series is therefore intended to enhance knowledge production, increase publications, and promote evidence-based engagement in the field.
The seminars, held every Tuesday, are coordinated by Dr. Karembe Ahimbibisibwe and Dr. Kellen Aganyira, following their nomination by the Departmental Academic Board.
The inaugural session, held on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, focused on the theme: “Understanding Co-Authorship in Academic Practice.”
The seminar brought together academic staff, PhD students, and recent graduates of the Master of Adult and Community Education (MACE) programme to reflect on collaborative research and scholarly writing.
Participants engaged with key aspects of co-authorship, including contribution, collaboration processes, and the role of joint writing in enhancing academic productivity and mentorship.
“Co-authorship is not just about writing together—it is about building shared thinking, mentorship, and a collective scholarly identity,” noted one of the facilitators during the session.
As part of the seminar, participants were required to prepare structured abstracts outlining their research focus, theoretical grounding, methodology, and anticipated contribution to scholarship or policy. The session included presentations of draft ideas, followed by peer feedback.
This practical approach enabled participants to move beyond conceptual discussions and actively engage in the process of developing publishable work.
A participant described the experience as transformative. “The seminar has helped me refine my research idea and think more clearly about collaboration. The feedback from colleagues is both constructive and motivating.”
The Department has prioritised inclusive participation by involving graduate students and recent alumni, with plans to expand the initiative to all postgraduate learners in order to strengthen research capacity across academic levels.
Speaking during the seminar, the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Joseph Watuleke, commended staff and students for embracing the initiative and called for sustained commitment to building a research culture. “This seminar series represents a deliberate step toward strengthening our research culture and increasing our contribution to knowledge and development,” said Dr. Watuleke.
Dr. Watuleke noted that the initiative aligns with the strategic direction of the Principal, CEES, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, who has consistently emphasized the importance of research in repositioning academic units within the University.
“The Principal has continually guided us to reclaim our intellectual space and strengthen our contribution to Adult and Community Education. This initiative is part of that broader vision of enhancing research visibility and academic leadership.”
The Department envisions the seminar series as a platform for fostering collaborative research, increasing scholarly publications, and building a vibrant academic community within the College of Education and External Studies (CEES).
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