Education
Memorial Lecture: Nsumba-Lyazi’s unforgettable Legacy
He was a great educator, a loving father, very calm despite his level of education, a good listener, a smart guy, punctual, disciplined, religious, social, trustworthy, dependable, cooperative and a great mentor were some of the words used to describe the Late Robinson Nsumba-Lyazi.
Speaker after speaker poured praises on the fallen Robinson Nsumba-Lyazi, a great educationist, to whom many owe their success.
This was during the maiden Memorial Public Lecture in his honour, held on Wednesday 25th January 2023 at the Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.
Nsumba-Lyazi is said to have died a contented man in 2022 after 40-years of service to the education sector.
“It takes a lot to raise men and women who are admired and we can stand up and speak about them. If you evaluate yourself, will you have people to celebrate and speak about you when we are gone?” asked Hajjat Zaujja Ndifuna, the Director of Mbogo Schools during her keynote address.
Speaking about Nsumba-Lyazi, Hajjat Zaujja said he always emphasized to people that ‘Our beginnings do not define our future’. Having been born to peasant parents in Mityana, Nsumba-Lyazi rose to the rank of Director Basic and Secondary education. Before serving in that capacity, he served as the Commissioner Private Schools and Institutions, Assistant Commissioner Comprehensive Education, Chairperson Church of Uganda Schools in Uganda, Head teacher Mityana SS and Head of Laity Mityana Diocese.
The public lecture was attended by different dignitaries including; his family members, officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Makerere University, different secondary schools among others.
In his speech read to the congregation by Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised Lyazi as a great Educationist.
“Robinson Nsumba-Lyazi attended Makerere during a period of great political upheaval. Academic and Administrative staff had fled into exile and only a handful remained holding fort; doing their best to ensure that Makerere continued producing graduates despite economic hardships that characterized the period,” he said adding,
“Specifically, the University’s plan 1980-1986 outlined efforts to reintroduce correspondence courses or distance education courses, which included External Degrees. Distance education courses are particularly designed to take the University to the people. This was Makerere’s way of recognizing the challenges at hand and in response, extending the principles and quality of University education to the greater majority of people who are unable to attend full-time courses due to work, financial and other obligations,”
This strategic move by the University, he said, could have inspired Robinson Nsumba-Lyazi to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Education immediately after completing his Bachelor of Science to enable him teach Physics and Double Math at Secondary school level.
“Looking back, I think Nsumba-Lyazi was not going to wait for the people to come to the University. He wanted to inspire them even before they embarked on their respective Higher Education journies,” the Vice Chancellor said.
“As one who had witnessed firsthand what his parents’ entrepreneurial skills had helped the family achieve, Robinson Nsumba-Lyazi’s exposure to higher education and science subjects in particular made him an even stronger advocate for the value that education adds to our God-given talents. Education unlocks one’s potential and in so doing, opens many more doors for that talent to shine even brighter”.
It is against this background that Robinson Nsumba-Lyazi was a strong advocate for the competence-based curriculum, and worked hard to ensure that its implementation gains traction before his retirement.
“It is very important that our young men and women graduate with skills and competencies that empower them to make meaningful contributions to society,” he added.
Despite being born to peasant parents, Nsumba-Lyazi according to Speakers broke the chains and became a great person who worked tirelessly to promote private schools not only in Mityana but Uganda as a whole.
“He was passionate about teaching right from his early days, after S.6 he was invited in Mityana to teach fellow students which he took on. He rose through the ranks of a teacher to lead and education institution and finally to the Ministry of Education,” Hajjat Zaujja noted adding,
“His family members described him as a great husband, father, relative who worked towards instilling humility, discipline, respect in everyone that knew him.”
Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo the State Minister of High Education in a speech read for him by Mr. George Mutekanga, Commissioner of Private Education Institutions, asked the audience to emulate the works of the late Nsumba-Lyazi whom he said gave his best to humanity.
Nsumba-Lyazi, Dr. Muyingo said, walked away from the Ministry with satisfaction that he had done his part.
“We liked the way he did his work, there a number of lessons: our beginnings should not define our destiny,” he said
Nsumba-Lyazi’s services, the Minister noted, were always with a smile that lit up the room.
He is credited for having developed education standards in Mityana and also started the association of Private Academic institutions in an effort to ensure that the schools had a voice and could participate in the decision making at the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Nsumba-Lyazi is said to have loved a quote by Martin Luther King, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” He is said to have been moving until his death in 2022.
Over 240 students graduated with certificates and diplomas from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) under the Love Binti Program, which offers training in fashion design and hairdressing.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on December 13, 2024, Mr. Joseph Watuleke, the program coordinator at Makerere University, noted that while the program has provided free training for seven years, this year’s graduates were required to co-fund 50% of their tuition to ensure sustainability. Due to rising demand, the college introduced diploma-level training and plans to expand into other vocational courses.
Preparing Job Creators, Not Job Seekers
As the global focus shifts from creating job seekers to fostering job creators, graduates from the Love Binti Program expressed interest in pursuing higher education to enhance their qualifications. They called for universities to prioritize vocational courses at the degree level, citing the growing youth unemployment crisis.
“Universities are still producing job seekers, leaving many graduates unemployed due to a lack of practical skills,” said Mr. Moses Conrad Yesuanjagala, a fashion and design graduate. “If more students were enrolled in vocational training, they would be job-ready upon graduation.”
The students made this plea during the Love Binti International graduation ceremony held at Makerere University’s Rugby Grounds, where 244 students were conferred ordinary and advanced certificates in fashion and design.
Transforming Dreams into Reality
Since its founding in 2018, Love Binti International has graduated 1,930 students in Uganda in hairdressing and fashion design. Mr. Yesuanjagala, 53, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, sharing how his lifelong dream of becoming a fashion designer came true through the program.
“I’m a father of grown children, but I still pursued this knowledge because the skills are practical and marketable,” he said, urging universities to embrace vocational skilling.
Similarly, Ms. Sarah Apio, a fellow fashion and design graduate, called on her peers to pursue their passions fearlessly. “The world needs your unique perspective, talent, and passion. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and pursue your dreams,” she advised.
Institutional Support and Future Prospects
Dr. Jimmy Tibs Tumwesigye, representing the Department of Adult and Community Education at Makerere, emphasized the need for continuous skilling beyond formal education. He encouraged graduates to form groups and apply for government programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga for startup capital.
“Be our ambassadors and train at least five more people. That is how we build a skilled and self-reliant society,” he urged.
Dr. Harriet Nabushawo, Dean of the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, served as the guest of honor. She encouraged graduates to remain proactive, collaborate, and seek out new knowledge and designs online.
On behalf of Makerere University, Dr. Nabushawo pledged continued support for the program, which has been hosted at the university for seven years.
Founder’s Vision and Sustainability Plans
Ms. Elle Yang, founder and executive director of Love Binti International, shared her vision of empowering African men and women through vocational training to combat unemployment. Initially offering fully sponsored programs, she introduced a co-funding model this year due to rising enrollment.
“Instead of giving you fish, I wanted to teach you how to catch it. These skills, if used well, can change your life,” she affirmed.
December 11, 2024
Makerere University has embarked on a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing the pedagogical and professional competencies of its academic staff. The inaugural training, organized by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), was officially launched by Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza at Fairway Hotel. The training is facilitated by a team from the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS) at the College of Education and External Studies (CEES).
In his opening remarks, Prof. Buyinza emphasized the urgent need for retooling academic staff in light of emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) and evolving teaching technologies. “The digital era has reshaped how we teach and learn. We must equip our staff with the necessary pedagogical skills and ethical professionalism to remain at the forefront of higher education,” he said.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, one of the lead facilitators, highlighted that the training goes beyond teaching techniques, focusing on developing reflective and adaptive educators. “University teaching today demands more than subject expertise. It requires an intentional blend of pedagogical knowledge, ethical standards, and technological competence,” he remarked.
The University Pedagogy and Professionalism Course was designed in response to gaps identified in higher education teaching. According to the course guidelines, many academic staff possess deep subject-matter expertise but lack structured training in pedagogy and andragogy, essential for effective knowledge transfer.
Participants will engage in an intensive curriculum covering themes such as educational theory, professional ethics, teaching models, assessment strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies. The course, guided by the National Council for Higher Education’s strategic plan, aims to foster continuous professional development among university educators.
Prof. Buyinza concluded by reiterating Makerere University’s commitment to nurturing competent and ethically grounded educators. “This initiative reflects our dedication to academic excellence and our role in shaping the future of higher education in Uganda and beyond.”
The training is expected to run in phases, ensuring that all academic staff receive the essential skills needed to enhance the university’s teaching and learning environment.
The U.S Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp, has called on institutions of higher learning to groom and shape active citizens. The ambassador was delivering a keynote address at the Annual Prof. William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture, held on Thursday October 3, 2024 at Makerere University’s Yusuf Lule Auditorium.
“Higher education is not just about earning degrees; it is about cultivating the skills and values that create active, engaged citizens who can contribute to a better world,” H.E. William W. Popp said.
Ambassador Popp emphasized the crucial role universities play in nurturing responsible citizens. By fostering debate, advocacy and governance participation, universities equip students with the tools needed for leadership in their communities and beyond. “Universities are essential for promoting civic participation, critical thinking, and informed citizenship—key components of a healthy democracy. A vibrant democracy relies on citizens who can engage constructively and peacefully with each other and their leaders,” he explained.
He elaborated on how universities contribute to civic education by offering courses in disciplines like political science, history, and sociology. These programs inform students about democratic systems, civil rights, and global issues, while also providing platforms for interaction with current and former political leaders, he said.
Ambassador Popp highlighted the importance of fostering critical thinking and debate. “By engaging in discussions around complex issues, students learn to form informed opinions and engage in responsible democratic discourse.” He noted that universities empower individuals through education, internships, and student councils, laying the groundwork for active and informed citizenship. “History shows that universities are incubators of social movements, where students challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that benefit society.”
Panel discussants
Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, Director of the Law Development Centre, reinforced these points by outlining three core roles of universities: teaching, applied research, and community engagement. “We must reflect on how well we are fulfilling these responsibilities,” she urged, encouraging students to adopt a lifelong learning mindset and recognize that no one can know everything.
Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, Coordinator of the GROW Project at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), shared insights on various opportunities available to students that can help them navigate their career paths. She also called on parents to actively engage in shaping their children’s educational journeys before they transition to higher education institutions.
In honoring the legacy of Prof. Senteza Kajubi, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised him as one of Uganda’s most influential educationists. A two-time Vice Chancellor and the first Fulbright from Uganda, Prof. Kajubi opened doors for many African students to benefit from the Fulbright scholarship. Prof. Nawangwe recalled his personal friendship with Kajubi, highlighting the wisdom he gained from him.
During Uganda’s struggle with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Prof. Kajubi played a pivotal role in establishing a partnership between Makerere University and Case Western Reserve University in the U.S., which helped train staff to manage the crisis. “The first COVID-19 testing kits we received at Mulago Hospital were donated by Case Western Reserve University—400,000 free kits,” noted Prof. Nawangwe, emphasizing the enduring impact of Prof. Kajubi’s contributions to Makerere University and Uganda.
Through these discussions, the lecture underscored the vital role of higher education in not only developing individual capabilities but also fostering a more engaged and informed citizenry, ultimately contributing to a stronger democracy.
-
Health1 week agoCertificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene 2025
-
Humanities & Social Sciences2 weeks agoInaugural CHUSS Non-Academic Staff Retreat Highlights Customer Care, Quality Services and Professionalism to Improve University Image
-
General1 week agoMinister Janet Museveni Lays Foundation Stone for School of Graduate Studies Building, Commissions the School of Law Building and the renovated Lumumba Hall
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere University Commended for strides in Grants Management
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoMak Welcomes CaReFoAfrica Project Sponsored Students