General
Mak Leadership Vows to Put God First in the Next 100 Years
By Ritah Namisango
“In the next 100 years of Makerere University, we are going to put God first,” proclaimed the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, amidst ululations from the congregation that convened at the Freedom Square on Friday 7th October 2022 to celebrate God’s love towards Makerere University. The congregation consisted of the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma, members of the University Council and Senate, religious leaders, University Management, Principals, Deputy Principals, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, academic, administrative and support staff as well as the Leadership and the faithful from Pastor Robert Kayanja Ministries.
Reflecting on the history of Makerere’s humble beginnings as a technical school with 14 day students in 1922 to its admirable growth over the years into a renowned university impacting lives worldwide, the Vice Chancellor remarked that there is evidence that God’s power, grace, mercy and love has been bestowed upon this great institution. He vowed to work with the University leadership at all levels, staff and religious leaders to ensure that God takes centre stage at the University.
The Vice Chancellor commended the religious leaders in Uganda for always dedicating time to pray for Makerere University. He noted that the University Chaplains (St. Francis Chapel and St. Augustine Chapel) as well as the Imam of the University Mosque had played a central role in the spiritual life of the University. He was delighted that on 2nd September 2022, the Mak@100 National Day of prayer organized by the University in conjunction with the Inter-Religious Council attracted a significant number of leaders of the different denominations as well as staff, students and believers. The gathering at the Freedom Square with one accord thanked God for the gift of Makerere University and its achievements over the 100 years (1922-
2022).
Prof. Nawangwe was filled with joy that Pastor Robert Kayanja Ministries had in the same vein, partnered with staff at Makerere University, the #MakerereAt00 Organising Committee and Secretariat, and his wife Mrs. Susan Nawangwe to organize a Corporate Prayer Breakfast and Luncheon to once again lift up the name of the Almighty God at Makerere University.
He therefore applauded Pastors, Robert and Jessica Kayanja for choosing to partner with Makerere University during the celebrations to mark 100 years of excellent service to humanity and transformation.
Moved by the videos of people in Karamoja starving to death and the fundraising campaign through “The Karamoja Cry” being undertaken by the Robert Kayanja Ministries, the Vice Chancellor pledged to champion Pastor Robert and Jessica Kayanja’s Karamoja initiative at Makerere University. In this regard, Prof. Nawangwe announced a fundraising drive towards addressing the food insecurity in Karamoja sub-region. Prof. Nawangwe pledged to reach out to members of staff at Makerere University to contribute money and relief items in order to save the people of Karamoja from hunger and death.
Responding to Pastor Kayanja and Prof. Nawangwe’s plea to mobilise funds to save people from hunger, Dr. Sarah Ssali reiterated the need for a long-term and sustainable programme to address food insecurity. She observed that whereas Africa has received the biggest investment in agriculture, the continent still remains a continent of famine and hunger. “As we collect the money, we should note that this is a short term plan. We should come up with a long term plan. It is also important for us the academics to think long term. Are we just wired to fit the standards of our American and European funders or are we located in the problems of society that we live in,” she questioned.
The Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University, Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga pledged to rally academics in her college to work with the Vice Chancellor, religious leaders and the leaders in Karamoja to understand the underlying problems and come up with informed programmes focusing on food security in the region.
Addressing the audience that filled the grand tent set in Freedom Square to capacity, the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma testified that he is a living example of God’s love and loving kindness. “I was once a student. God has lifted me from humble beginnings over the years to levels of leadership,” he said. He urged God’s people to always pray, love and believe in God. He paid special tribute to his wife, Mrs. Specioza Suruma and thanked her for being a woman of faith.
A prominent alumna and Editor-in-Chief at the Vision Group, Mrs. Barbara Kaija glorified God for the nurturing and great mentorship that she received while studying at Makerere University. Beaming with pride, she acknowledged the great efforts and dedication from her teachers and faculty at the Department of Literature at Makerere University whose focus is supporting their students to achieve their full God-given potential. She therefore used the golden opportunity to congratulate her alma-mater upon celebrating her centennial anniversary and prayed that God’s providence and the power of the Holy Spirit will be the hallmarks of the next 100 years at Makerere University.
Mrs. Kaija is a woman of faith. She disclosed to the audience that her success at work, in life, marriage and family life was premised on God and her choice of salvation.
Turning to the man of God, Mrs. Kaija informed the audience that it is Pastor Kayanja who prophesied about promotion and elevation in her career path, at a time when she did not have any idea that something great was going to happen in her life.
“Pastor Robert Kayanja proclaimed Barbara Kaija you are going to be promoted. I see your promotion coming very soon. I looked at him. I said, Pastor Robert Kayanja is a very nice man who wishes others well, but I did not believe what he was saying about my promotion. I was very hard working and professional, but the system was not that easy to navigate. However, his prophesy came to pass, I was promoted and elevated. After some time, another promotion also unfolded,” she said amidst applause from the congregation.
In her speech, Mrs. Susan Nawangwe emphasized the power of prayer, fasting and believing in God. She revealed that 7 th October 2022 will always serve as a special moment in her spiritual journey, in remembrance of the day when University leadership, staff, religious leaders with support from Pastor Robert Kayanja Ministries gathered in the Freedom Square to praise and worship God for His continued love and benevolence upon Makerere University. Mrs. Nawangwe prayed that God would continue to bless Makerere University and to manifest His power in the institution’s next 100 years.
Pastors Robert and Jessica Kayanja declared that they are proud to be associated with Makerere University as it celebrates 100 years of excellent service to humanity and journey of growth and remarkable achievements. Pastor Robert Kayanja revealed that the 7th October 2022 assembly in the Freedom Square was dedicated to invoking the power of the Holy Spirit at this great institution, so that its latter 100 years would be greater than the former in all aspects.
“I praise God for the opportunity. I believe that it has been the spirit of God. The next
100 years will usher in a spiritual beginning to this university. We will realise a spiritual healing,” he proclaimed.
Accompanied by his wife-Pastor Jessica Kayanja and son-Robert Kayanja Junior, Pastor Robert Kayanja recalled with nostalgia his wedding reception that took place at the Freedom Square 31 years ago. He revealed that Makerere University especially the Freedom Square occupies a special place in his life.
“On my wedding day, I received my first meal as a husband, from my bride-Jessica Kayanja, from this very place, the Freedom Square. I am happy to stand here today, as Makerere University celebrates 100 years of existence. To God be the glory. So, Mr. Vice Chancellor, whenever I feel like coming to Makerere University, kindly always allow me, for the Freedom Square occupies a special place in my life,” he said.
Preaching the word, Pastor Robert Kayanja thanked God for the contribution Makerere University has made not only in terms of human capital development, but also Uganda’s economic development.
He called upon students, staff and any person attached to the mighty Makerere University to focus with faith, commitment and in prayer so that they too will one day have a remarkable story to share about their transformation. Pastor Kayanja shared his belief that the good Lord blesses abundantly and lifts from humble beginnings to greater heights, from glory to glory, the man or woman who plays their part in faith and hope.
“In the bible, a little boy called Joseph was sold into slavery, thrown in prison, was used to do all sorts of work but never lost focus, kept his faith in God Almighty and his story turned out different. Joseph ended up holding bigger positions in Pharaoh’s Palace, the King of Egypt at the time,” Pastor Kayanja said.
He added that Joseph not only became a leader in the Kingdom of Egypt, but also controlled their land, food and finances. Pastor Kayanja in concluding rallied staff of Makerere University to thank God for the jobs they hold, serve the University and people with dedication, work to the best of their ability and remain faithful to God.
His wife and friend, Pastor Jessica Kayanja mentioned that reaching 100 years is neither by one’s might nor luck, but by blessing from the Almighty God.
Quoting from of Isaiah 65:20 where Jesus talked about the New Jerusalem she said, “If it does not live up to 100 years may be there is a curse. Therefore, I wish to proclaim that Makerere University has lived to see the biblical word, very blessed above limits,” Pastor Jessica Kayanja remarked. She also gave an example of the father of faith, Abraham who had lived many years childless but at 100 years, was blessed with a son who became a promise and a blessing.
To officially seal the Mak@100 memories as Makerere University embarks on its journey for the next century, the Chancellor-Prof. Ezra Suruma and Mrs. Specioza Suruma, the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Mrs. Susan Nawangwe and Pastors-Robert and Jessica Kayanja posed for a photo at the Mak@100 monument that was unveiled by H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda on Thursday 6 th October 2022. The Mak@100 monument that signifies Makerere University’s readiness to grow and excel beyond limits was designed by members of staff from the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art and funded by Excel Construction Limited.
Driven by the desire to amplify the works of the holy spirit, Pastors Robert and Jessica Kayanja together with Prof. Ezra Suruma and Mrs. Specioza Suruma, and Mrs. Susan Nawangwe, Associate Professor Sarah Ssali (Dean-School of Women and Gender Studies) and Ms. Ritah Namisango (Principal Public Relations Officer) prayed for the completion of buildings that were under construction. Sites prayed over included the Main Building under re-construction, the Makerere University Sports Arena just next to the swimming pool, the School of Women and Gender Studies (that is being expanded as per the original plan). Pastor Robert Kayanja
dedicated the construction sites, contractors and builders to God and prayed for an overflow of resources so that buildings may be completed to serve their purpose.
“Dear Lord and powerful God, we pray that you bless the buildings and works under construction so that they come to completion within the shortest period possible. We
would like to return Lord, to witness and glorify your name, in the shortest time possible,” he prayed, to which all present assented, ‘Amen.”
The spiritual engagements at the Freedom Square were moderated by the following members of staff; Dr. Twine Bananuka, Dean-School of Distance and Life Long learning at the College of Education and External Studies, Associate Professor Sarah Ssali, Dean-School of Women and Gender Studies-College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Pastor Julianne Susanne Sansa Otim, an Associate Professor at the College of Computing and Information Sciences.
Befitting hymns of praise and worship captivated God’s people at the Freedom Square who remained lively throughout the invocation of the holy spirit on 7th October 2022 from 7:30am to 2:55 pm.
Following the prayer breakfast and luncheon, Pastors Robert and Jessica Kayanja
proceeded to the Makerere University Main Sports Grounds for the Miracle crusade.
General
Are We Giving Enough Attention to the People Around Us Who Quietly Influence Lives Every Day?
By Marion Apio
On March 21, 2026, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with a close colleague and passionate leader, Owekitinisa Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki. We had not spoken since I moved to the United States to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist. The following day, I learned that he had been quietly undergoing treatment in and out of the hospital. True to his character, he had chosen to keep his condition private. I was shocked and saddened, wishing I had known earlier so I could offer support.
At first, reports from family and friends were encouraging. He had been diagnosed with malaria and low blood platelet counts and was receiving treatment. Respecting his wish for confidentiality, members of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community at Makerere University rallied discreetly around him.
However, on April 29, his condition worsened. He was transferred between medical facilities and underwent extensive tests, including a biopsy, as doctors searched for answers. Sadly, on May 29, Sylas passed away.
His death sparked an extraordinary outpouring of love and solidarity. Friends, colleagues, and former scholars mobilised to support his family, settle medical expenses, organise virtual vigils, and plan a dignified farewell. Hundreds gathered at St. Augustine Chapel to pay their respects. Within three days, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community raised approximately UGX 11 million, a testament to Sylas’ impact on countless lives.
In the days that followed, I found myself wrestling with difficult questions. In a world where we spend so much time following people online, are we paying enough attention to those quietly transforming lives around us? Why do we invest so much emotional energy in distant personalities while overlooking the people God has placed right in front of us?
Sylas lived with humility and served with grace. His death left more than 1,500 Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni grieving, alongside many others around the world who knew him. Yet his passing also exposed a contradiction in modern life.
We live in an age of unprecedented connectivity. Uganda has millions of internet users and WhatsApp subscribers, while globally, people spend hours each day on social media. We have more tools than ever to stay connected, yet many of us are becoming increasingly disconnected from the people who matter most.
Sylas resisted this trend. Through mentorship, service, and community-building, he remained deeply present in others’ lives. While many people retreat into individual pursuits, he consistently chose connection.
This challenge is especially relevant for Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni. Every year, young Africans leave home to pursue education and professional opportunities abroad. Distance, time zones, visa restrictions, and rising travel costs make it difficult to maintain relationships and remain actively involved in the communities that helped shape us.
For Sylas, the answer was simple: show up. Celebrate others. Offer support. Stay connected.
He never allowed geographical or personal barriers to become excuses for disengagement. Even while facing his own struggles, he invested in others. He embodied the values the Mastercard Foundation seeks to cultivate—ethical leadership, service, and community empowerment.
Sylas did not wait for a perfect platform to create change. He simply served where he was. He helped build bridges between education, culture, and professional development while remaining grounded in his values. He dreamed of creating a stronger alumni ecosystem and brought both passion and compassion to every initiative he touched.
Since his passing, social media has been filled with memories of his infectious smile and unwavering commitment to others. Those tributes reveal an important truth: people gave generously because Sylas had first given himself generously to them. People from different backgrounds, generations, and communities showed up because he had spent his life showing up for them. His legacy now challenges all of us.
The greatest tribute we can offer is not simply to mourn his loss but to continue his work. That means supporting the causes he cared about, helping the children whose education he championed, strengthening alumni networks, and pursuing the dreams we discussed with him.
The tragedy of modern life is not that we follow people online. It is that too often our attention to distant lives comes at the expense of meaningful relationships nearby. Yet strong relationships are as essential to our well-being as physical health.
As Ugandans, we take pride in our faith, culture, and sense of community. We contribute to fundraisers, attend ceremonies, and support family members in times of need. But increasingly, genuine connection is being replaced by passive digital interaction. Families and communities cannot thrive on likes, retweets, and emojis alone.
They require presence—phone calls, visits, conversations, and the willingness to notice when someone is struggling.
Before spending another hour immersed in the lives of strangers online, look around. Call the friend you have not spoken to in years. Check on a family member. Reach out to a colleague who seems withdrawn. Communities are not built by algorithms or celebrities. They are built by ordinary people who choose, day after day, to care for those within their reach.
Uganda needs more people like Sylas. At just 32 years old, he achieved what many spend a lifetime striving for. He served as Minister of Information in the Toro Kingdom and as President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Association in Uganda. More importantly, he dedicated himself to serving others.
While his death is deeply painful, his life remains a powerful example of how we should live. My prayers and condolences go to his family, friends, and the entire Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community.
Rest in perfect peace, Owek. Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki.
The author is a Mastercard Foundation Alumna from Makerere University and the University of California, Berkeley. She is a journalist based in Southern California and the CEO of the Debunk Media Initiative.
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