Natural Sciences
73rd Graduation Ceremony – CoNAS Presents 275 students
The Vice Chancellor of the University of London, Prof. Wendy Thomson has emphasized the role of higher education in shaping individuals and societies. “Makerere University and the University of London have tens of thousands of talented graduates now contributing to social and economic development and tackling global challenges both at home and around the world, in areas that include education, health, law, business, technology and a range of fields critical to sustainable development,” she noted while delivering her Commencement Lecture on the first day of the 73rd graduation ceremony, 13th February 2023. Citing the UN Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 that proclaimed the right to education, directed to the full development of the human personality, the strengthening of respect for human rights, the promotion of global citizenship, and sustenance of the global commons, Prof. Thomson said strengthening higher education would greatly transform nation states across the globe. “The University of London is scoping deeper engagement with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) in its mission to expand doctoral education and build research capacity to address key challenges including health, education, climate, natural resources and deep social and economic questions of equality and sustainability. We know that graduates of ARUA institutions – including our own graduates across Africa are key to long-term sustainable development,” she said.
Visiting Uganda and Makerere for the first time, Prof. Thomson noted that it was a great opportunity for the two Universities to renew their historical ties and strengthen collaboration. “At a time when Makerere has reached its centenary, this is a splendid opportunity for both institutions to reflect upon our special relationship and look to a future collaboration,” she said. The relationship between the two institutions dates back to 1949 when Makerere became a university college affiliated to the University College of London. With the establishment of the University of East Africa on 29th June 1963, the special relationship with the University of London came to a close and degrees of the University of East Africa were instituted. On July 1, 1970, Makerere became an independent national university of the Republic of Uganda, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses leading to its own awards.
Prof. Thomson congratulated the graduands upon the ‘very important milestone’ given the challenges placed on study and health care services during the pandemic. “I would also like to express my recognition and respect to your family and friends who have supported you through your studies to reach this joyful moment. I have a daughter who has just begun university in England, and I appreciate the financial and emotional calls that are made on parents and families during a university education.”
Graduation statistics
Three Colleges presented students for the award of degrees and diplomas on the first day of the 73rd graduation ceremony of Makerere University. These include; the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the School of Law. CoNAS presented 275 graduands, 84 female and 192 male. Of these, 7 graduated with PhDs (3 female, 4 male), 38 with MSc (7 female, 31 male) and 130 with BSc (74 female, 156 male). The PhD graduates include; Dr Samuel Ojelel, Head, Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology; Kajumba Pamella Katalihwa (Department of Physics), Mukalazi Hebert (Department of Mathematics), Nayebare Gumoteyo Jacintha (Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies); Okello Alex (Department of Physics); Kimuli Philly Ivan; and Nankinga Loy (Department of Mathematics).
A total of 13,209 students will be awarded degrees and diplomas of Makerere University during the 73rd graduation ceremony that ends on Friday, 17th February 2023. Of these, 6803 (52%) are female and 6406 (48%) male.
Remarks by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports
In her remarks, the Minister of Education and Sports. Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni who attended the ceremony virtually congratulated the graduands and appreciated the parents and guardians for the sacrifices made to ensure their children acquire quality education. She equally appreciated the faculty of Makerere for committing time to educate the students. The Minister applauded the University Council for the new strategy that seeks to increase graduate students at Makerere and pledged more government support towards research. She challenged the incoming members of Council and the University Management to work out plans to equip students with skills to fight moral decadency in society, focusing on the fight against HIV/AIDS and corruption. “Each individual life has a purpose and if that purpose is not discovered, life becomes meaningless. Do what it takes to prepare students with integrity and humility to enable them fulfil God’s given purpose,” she advised. She urged the graduands to use the skills acquired at the University to develop the country.
Remarks by the Chancellor
The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma congratulated the students for successfully completing their respective programmes of study and research. “One of my favorite quotations is from the Gospel of John chapter 17. Jesus is praying to God and He says: I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (John17:4)NIV. This implies that finishing the task God has given us to do brings glory to God and to us. So by accomplishing what brought you to Makerere University, you have brought glory to God, to your parents, to your supporters and to your country.”
He paid special tribute to members of staff for the excellent work done to prepare the graduands. “Despite the severe challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic to both staff and students, they persevered and today marks your successful victory over all these challenges. The university leadership and teachers as well as the graduands deserve our gratitude for a job very well done.” He also appreciated the parents, guardians and sponsors for supporting the students.
Prof. Suruma thanked the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for the unwavering support to the University. “At a time when the national budget is very tight you have ensured that Makerere University continues to receive the financial support it needs to maintain and even surpass its record of excellence in education and research. We appreciate you for being exemplary as a mother, a guardian and a true champion of morality in Uganda’s education sector. Together with His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni you have persistently supported Makerere University in particular and the Education Sector in general. We thank you very much for taking the time to celebrate Makerere University’s 73rd Graduation Ceremony with us.”
The Chancellor thanked the University Council, under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Lorna Magara for putting in place the right policies and controls to guide and steer the Institution. He commended the University Management under the leadership of Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for ensuring that the policies are successfully implemented.
He encouraged the graduands to remain hopeful even in the midst of affliction. “Worry and anxiety come to all of us, although they don’t improve anything. But faith and trust in God has worked miracles for me. I sincerely encourage you to trust in God. The God who has enabled you to survive COVID and to complete your programme here at Makerere is alive and real.”
Remarks by the Vice Chancellor
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe appreciated the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni and First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for the support that led to the creation of the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) in the 2019/2020 financial year with initial funding of UGX 30 Billion. “The Research and Innovation Fund has transformed Makerere tremendously, with very many innovations in agriculture and food security, health, engineering, education, and the social sciences that are already changing the lives of our people. Beyond the 826 grants issued by Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund to date, we have taken a strategic decision to use part of the funding to support PhD research grants. This is in line with Government efforts to develop Uganda’s knowledge economy. We are hopeful that this will help unlock the potential of Makerere to substantively contribute to national development,” he said. He also appreciated the President for the generous contribution of UGX 800 million towards the year-long Mak@100 celebrations. He equally applauded the development partners whose generous support has trained the majority of PhDs, as well as a number of Masters and Post-docs. “I commend the Government and People of Sweden for the biggest staff development programme in the history of Makerere University. Sida support to Makerere University came to an end in June 2022 with more than 500 (staff at Makerere University and other Public Universities) obtaining PhDs and more than 1,000 obtaining Masters’ degrees. We are in consultation with the Swedish Embassy to explore alternative ways of research collaboration.”
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the MasterCard Foundation for the e-Learning Initiative aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning and therefore enhancing Makerere University’s resilience to future disruptions in teaching, learning and research. “I would like to thank the other stakeholders who are providing scholarships to enable bright, but economically disadvantaged students to attain education at Makerere. These include the Madhvani Foundation, the Government of Uganda through the Higher Education Students Financing Board, the Embassy of China, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Government Ministries, State House, NORAD and many others. I thank the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board for the award of loans to students’ for both undergraduate degree and diploma programmes. The Board has so far supported a total of 1,853 learners at Makerere University since 2014 and this year, a total of 114 Students Loan beneficiaries are graduating.”
Regarding infrastructure development, the Vice Chancellor said plans were in high gear to renovate halls of residence starting with Lumumba and Mary Stuart. “We commend His Excellency, the President for his strategic engagements with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to provide the required funding for the renovation of all Halls of Residence and Schools of Medicine.”
Prof. Nawangwe urged the graduands to be proud and good Ambassadors of the Alma Mater and to put to good use the knowledge acquired to transform their communities and country at large.
Natural Sciences
Makerere Department of Mathematics, Industry Partners Explore Strategies to Strengthen Collaboration in Addressing Societal Challenges
The Department of Mathematics at Makerere University recently hosted a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing the contribution of mathematics to sustainable development, with a particular focus on strengthening academia-industry collaboration and advancing regional integration.
Held at the Senate Building, the workshop brought together academics, researchers, and industry practitioners from Uganda and across the East African region to discuss how mathematics can be more effectively applied to address pressing societal challenges.
The workshop formed part of the activities of the Africa-Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Mathematics (CoRE-MATH) initiative, implemented in collaboration with the NORHED II project, Mathematics for Sustainable Development (Math4SDG). The programme seeks to establish sustainable structures and platforms for Academia-Industry-Society collaboration in applications-oriented mathematics and data science through Mathematics in Industry Contact Workshops (MICW) and Mathematics in Industry Study Groups (MISG).
Addressing the Academia–Industry Gap
Despite significant growth in mathematical research across East Africa in recent years, its impact on industry and broader societal development remains limited. This gap is largely driven by weak knowledge transfer mechanisms and a lack of structured collaboration between academia and industry.
The workshop was designed as a “contact forum” to foster direct engagement between researchers and industry representatives, with the aim of identifying practical challenges that can be addressed through mathematical modelling, data science, and computational techniques.
Specific Objectives
- Foster academia-industry collaboration
- Promote applied and industrial mathematics in society
- Support research and innovation
- Strengthen regional and interdisciplinary networks
Coordination and Leadership
The CoRE-MATH (Africa–Europe Cluster of Research Excellence in Mathematics) is co-led by Prof. John Mango Magero (Makerere University) and Prof. Bengt Ove Turesson (International Science Programme / Uppsala University, Sweden). They Coordinate the cluster’s activities across African and European partner universities.
The workshop was coordinated by Prof. John Mango Magero and Dr. Alex Behakanira, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and member of the academic network contributing to capacity building and collaborative research activities in the CoRE-MATH initiative.
Expert Insights on the Role of Mathematics in Real-World Challenges
A key highlight of the workshop was a series of technical presentations demonstrating the wide-ranging relevance of mathematical sciences in addressing real-world challenges across health, urban development, energy, finance, agriculture, and environmental systems. The presentations reinforced the workshop’s overarching goal of strengthening academia-industry collaboration through applied research and innovation.
European technical expert, Prof. Matti Heilio, set the tone with a keynote address on the global evolution of industrial mathematics. He outlined how structured partnerships between universities and industry have historically driven innovation and economic transformation in advanced economies, and emphasized the importance of building similar ecosystems to support Uganda’s research and innovation agenda.
In her presentation, Dr. Rebecca Nsubuga, Visiting Professor at Hasselt University, Belgium, shared insights on the growing role of mathematical methods in medical research and clinical decision-making. Similarly, Dr. Irumba Richard, former Director of Physical Planning at Kampala Capital City Authority, demonstrated how mathematical modelling can inform sustainable urban planning in rapidly growing cities such as Kampala. His presentation highlighted the importance of data-driven planning tools in managing urban expansion and infrastructure pressures.
Focusing on aquaculture, Dr. Kubiriza Kawooya Godfrey, Head of the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University explained how investment and production decisions are fundamentally grounded in mathematical reasoning. He emphasized the need for robust modelling of biological and economic variables to enhance productivity, efficiency, and decision-making in the sector.
Dr. Dennis Ndanguza from the University of Rwanda presented mathematical models supporting the extraction of methane from Lake Kivu, illustrating how applied mathematics can contribute to sustainable energy development and improved resource management.
From the financial sector, Mr. Grace Semakula of Stanbic Bank Group highlighted the growing importance of mathematical sciences in enhancing financial decision-making, risk assessment, and long-term investment planning. From the healthcare sector, Dr. Iddi Ndyabawe presented on retinopathy of prematurity in Uganda, showing how quantitative approaches can improve early diagnosis, guide clinical interventions, and ultimately enhance treatment outcomes for vulnerable neonatal populations.
Towards Sustainable Collaboration
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to sustained engagement between universities and industry, aimed at ensuring that mathematical research contributes more directly to economic development and societal needs.
Participants recommended the establishment of structured follow-up activities, including future Mathematics in Industry Study Groups, where selected industrial challenges will be further explored through joint academic–industry research teams.
About the CoRE-MATH Initiative
The CoRE-MATH (Cluster of Research Excellence in Mathematics) Initiative is an Africa-Europe collaborative research programme established in 2024 under the partnership of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities.
The initiative seeks to strengthen mathematics research, postgraduate education, and academic collaboration between African and European universities. Its core objectives include building research capacity in African institutions, enhancing the quality and volume of joint mathematical research, supporting doctoral training, and promoting the participation of women in mathematics. It also aims to apply mathematical knowledge to address social, economic, and developmental challenges across Africa.
The initiative brings together leading universities from both continents. African partner institutions include Makerere University, the University of Nairobi, the University of Rwanda, the University of Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa University, the University of Zambia, and Stellenbosch University. These institutions collaborate with European universities such as Uppsala University, the University of Amsterdam, and the University of Oslo.
Through joint research projects, academic exchanges, workshops, conferences, and collaborative PhD programmes, CoRE-MATH fosters knowledge sharing and strengthens international research networks. In Uganda, Makerere University plays a central role in advancing mathematical sciences and developing highly skilled researchers for the region.
Pictorial of the workshop: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1if6y8bYPOt8vW6Tm6k50Wspg0XFibl02?usp=sharing
Natural Sciences
Change of Guard: Prof. Michael Owor Hands Over Office of Dean, School of Physical Sciences to Prof. David Ssevviiri
Prof. Michael Owor has officially handed over the office of Dean, School of Physical Sciences to Prof. David Ssevviiri. Prof. Owor has served as Dean since 1st February 2022. Following his appointment by the University Council, Prof. Ssevviiri will serve as Dean for the next four years, effective 6th May 2026.
Handover Ceremony
Held on 28th May 2026 in the office of the Dean, the handover ceremony was overseen by Makerere University Chief of Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet. It was attended by the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Juma Kasozi; the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dr Emmanuel Tebandeke; the representative of the Head of the Department of Physics, Dr. Nicholas Kwarikunda; the representative of the Head of the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, Dr Denis Mutebi; the College Human Resource Officer, Ms. Kevin Nabiryo Mikwano; and the College and School Registrars.
Remarks from the College leadership
On behalf of the College leadership, Prof. Juma Kasozi commended Prof. Owor for his dedicated service and leadership throughout his tenure and congratulated Prof. Ssevviiri upon his appointment, wishing him success in his new role.
Achievements and remarks by the outgoing Dean
During his tenure, Prof. Owor chaired the School Academic Board and several key committees, including the Establishment and Appointments Committee, the Examination Malpractices Committee, and the Irregularities and Appeals Committee. He also presided over MSc viva voce examinations and PhD public defenses. Under his leadership, he ensured the timely submission of results, eliminated academic backlogs, and strengthened the coordination of graduate examinations, while also supporting the development and review of academic programmes. He has also served as the Patron of the CoNAS Students’ Guild.
In his remarks, Prof. Owor expressed gratitude to the University Council and Management for the opportunity accorded to him to serve as Dean. He also thanked the College leadership and staff for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the University.
“I want to thank the University Management through the Chief Human Resource Officer for appointing me as dean, School of Physical Sciences for the last four years. I pledge my total support to the incoming Dean of the School. I also pledge to continue offering my services to the University through my mother Department, Geology and Petroleum Studies.”
Remarks from the Directorate of Human Resources
Representing the Directorate of Human Resources (DHR), Ms. Kevin Nabiryo Mikwano commended Prof. Owor for his leadership and contributions during his tenure.
“You have steered the school through curriculum reforms, staff development, student growth, and your commitment to both staff and students has not gone unnoticed. The foundation you have laid will continue to support the school’s progress. Thank you for your partnership with the Directorate of Human Resources in ensuring staff welfare, recruitment, and performance processes were handled with integrity and care.”
She also congratulated Prof. Ssevviiri on his appointment, expressing confidence in his leadership and vision. She reaffirmed the Directorate’s readiness to support him in team building, talent management, and fostering a positive working environment for academic, administrative, and support staff. She further encouraged staff to maintain strong collaboration with the incoming Dean, emphasizing: “The success of the school depends on how well we work together. At the DHR, our commitment is to ensure that policies, processes, and people management practices support the school’s academic mission. May this handover mark the beginning of another strong chapter for the School of Physical Sciences.”
Guidance on the officially recognized Government handover procedure
The Chief of Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet, commended both the outgoing and incoming Deans and emphasized adherence to the Government of Uganda handover and taking of office procedures. He noted that strict compliance with established guidelines is essential for accountability, transparency, institutional continuity, and smooth transition of responsibilities.
Remarks by the incoming Dean
In his remarks, Prof. David Ssevviiri thanked Prof. Owor for his service and appreciated the University Management for his appointment. He emphasized the importance of the School of Physical Sciences in advancing science and innovation. “We have a responsibility of nurturing our students into innovative problem solvers. The future of Science depends on how well we prepare our students. Building on the successes of my predecessors, and working collaboratively through our Departments, we can further contribute to solving real world challenges.
Profile of Prof. David Ssevviiri
Prof. David Ssevviiri is a Ugandan mathematician and academic leader serving as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Makerere University, College of Natural Sciences. He is widely recognized for his work in pure mathematics, particularly in algebra, module theory, ring theory, algebraic geometry, and local cohomology.
He holds a Bachelor of Science with Education in Mathematics and Chemistry from Makerere University, as well as a Master of Science in Mathematics from the same institution. He also obtained an additional MSc and a PhD in Mathematics from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (now Nelson Mandela University), South Africa. His doctoral research, A Contribution to the Theory of Prime Modules, focused on advanced module theory and algebra.
Prof. Ssevviiri joined Makerere University in 2011 as an Assistant Lecturer and rose to the rank of Associate Professor in 2022. He previously served as Head of the Department of Mathematics from 2015 to 2020, where he contributed to strengthening teaching, research collaboration, and postgraduate training.
His research interests include primeness and nilpotency in ring and module theory, torsion theory, radical theory, homological algebra, and the interaction between algebra and algebraic geometry. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in international journals, contributing significantly to advancements in abstract algebra.
Beyond teaching and research, he has contributed to mathematics development in East Africa through student supervision, external examining, and coordination of regional academic programs. He has also participated in initiatives aimed at promoting mathematics education and encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
Pictorial of the ceremony: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pmWX5H46UHbFkTT-I4OIJwFbXIwuO6e1?usp=sharing
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