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Makerere University Commemorates Uganda’s Education Icon, Prof. Senteza Kajubi
Two years after Uganda got independence, now a lecturer at Makerere, Prof. Senteza was appointed the director of National Institute of Education, at the same institution till 1977 when he became Vice Chancellor for the first time.
Makerere University in partnership with the United States Mission in Uganda will this afternoon commemorate the legacy of Prof. Senteza Kajubi with a public lecture in honour of his exceptional service to the growth of Uganda’s Education system.
In this article, we shed light on who this Academic Giant was and why it is necessary to reflect on his professional journey as we look towards Internationalisation of Higher Education in the next Century.
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. Apollo 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, Prof. Senteza was appointed the director of National Institute of Education, at the same institution till 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 one of the earliest beneficiaries of this scholarship program in Uganda and possibly all over the African continent.
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.”
As part of its year-long centennial celebrations, Makerere is hosting the Prof. Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture under the theme of; “Internationalization of Higher Education in the Next Century.”
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. As Makerere seeks to leverage its 100 years of excellence in building a transformed society, the lessons learnt from the lives and experiences of its alumni serve as an important pedestal from which to launch into the future.
General
Makerere University Strengthens Academic Leadership Through Capacity Building for Heads of Department
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
- Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
- A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
- Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
- Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
- Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
- Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
- Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
- Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
- Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
General
UNDP and Mak Launch Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio to Boost Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion
Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.
A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre
Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.
Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.
“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.
He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.
The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.
Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.
“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.
The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.
Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched
In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.
He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.
He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.
He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.
The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.
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