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
Makerere University and Xiangtan University Advance Strategic Partnership in Chemical Engineering
Makerere University and Xiangtan University are set to update their close to 20-year academic partnership, with a new focus on launching a joint Master’s degree program in Chemical Engineering and expanding student and staff exchange initiatives.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a recent visit by a delegation from Xiangtan University to Makerere University headed by Professor Dingyu Ou, in the company of Mr. Tang Fei and Professor Gilbert Gumshabe, the Chinese and Ugandan Directors of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University respectively.
While addressing the delegation, Professor Nawangwe highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify academic offerings and contribute to national development through training in Chemical Engineering. Through this new initiative, the University will better prepare graduates for the petrochemical industry and support the country’s industrial growth.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated that the proposed collaboration aims to address Uganda’s growing need for industrial expertise, particularly as the country develops its petroleum sector. The two universities here are working toward a 1+2 training model, which will enable Makerere students to gain practical experience and access advanced laboratory facilities at Xiangtan University.
Professor Nawangwe further reiterated that “our relationship with the people of China, not just for Makerere but also for a big part of Uganda, has been opened wider by the establishment of the Confucius Institute, considering that many other collaborations like one being discussed now have come through this collaboration.”
The head of the Xiangtan delegation, Professor Dingyu Ou, expressed appreciation for the meeting, and acknowledged the history between the institutions. “As mentioned, we have a very long relationship and a very stable friendship between our two universities.”
Professor Ou extended appreciation for the support provided to the Confucius Institute at Makerere, the care shown to his colleagues, and looked forward to the successful start of the Chemical Engineering collaboration.
Assuring the delegation of Makerere’s readiness for the collaboration, Ms. Hawa Ndagire Kajumba the Lead, Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, Makerere University Advancement Office, aligned with the Vice Chancellor’s emphasis of University goal to have both theory and practice imparted to the students.
She said “the curriculum of the university and Uganda as a whole is moving towards competence-based education training to ensure students are equipped to demonstrate those skills in the actual field, particularly regarding petroleum exploration.”
Ms. Ndagire Kajumba also emphasised a shift in strategy for the partnership office, saying, “we are moving away from just signing MOUs that collect dust, and moving towards those that are more collaborative to benefit our faculty and students, just like this one.”
Professor Gilbert Kumushabe aligned his remarks with those of the Vice Chancellor and Ms. Ndagire Kajumba, and described the method used at Xiangtan University as “actually competence-based teaching.”
Based on his recent visit, Prof. Gumoshabe shared that students in China are divided into groups with dedicated teachers to perform practical, hands-on work beyond the theoretical lecturers. He expressed gladness that the same was being adopted for the Ugandan context.
Both institutions are now working to finalise the specific agreements for the joint degree and exchange programs. Beyond academic training, the collaboration will advance cultural and professional exchange.
Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
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