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Mak 73rd Grad: Highlights from Day 4

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The fourth session of the 73rd Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University was dedicated to the Makerere University Business School (MUBS). The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma in his remarks commended Makerere University for continuing to produce research that is tackling real life problems. Citing his personal experience where he had to flee into exile twice, he encouraged graduands to have hope in the midst of affliction especially as they leave the gates of Makerere.

Prof. Ezra Suruma presents the Convocation Award to Mrs. Lorna Magara (3rd R) as Eng. Isaac Mubarak Ngobya (2nd R), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L), Prof. Waswa Balunywa (L), Prof. Moses Muhwezi (R), Dr. Tanga Odoi (3rd L) and Hajat Shifrah Lukwago (4th R) witness.
Prof. Ezra Suruma presents the Convocation Award to Mrs. Lorna Magara (3rd R) as Eng. Isaac Mubarak Ngobya (2nd R), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L), Prof. Waswa Balunywa (L), Prof. Moses Muhwezi (R), Dr. Tanga Odoi (3rd L) and Hajat Shifrah Lukwago (4th R) witness.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe asked the congregation to pay special attention to Government’s Parish Development Model, and urged staff at Makerere and MUBS to partner with Government in this great endeavour through studies and other activities that will lead to its successful implementation.

Prof. Ezra Suruma presents the Convocation Award to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) as Mrs. Lorna Magara (R) and Dr. Tanga Odoi (2nd R) witness.
Prof. Ezra Suruma presents the Convocation Award to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) as Mrs. Lorna Magara (R) and Dr. Tanga Odoi (2nd R) witness.

On a cautionary note, the Principal MUBS, Prof. Waswa Balunywa urged the graduands to safeguard their careers by staying away from drugs and reminded them to abstain from sex to avoid catching HIV/AIDS. On the need to safeguard the environment, the Principal urged students to be champions of responsible use and disposal of polythene bags and plastic bottle, and finally, support persons with disabilities.

Prof. Waswa Balunywa (C) shows off his Convocation Award shortly after receiving it from the Chancellor-Prof. Ezra Suruma (2nd L) as L-R: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Tanga Odoi and Prof. Moses Muhwezi witness.
Prof. Waswa Balunywa (C) shows off his Convocation Award shortly after receiving it from the Chancellor-Prof. Ezra Suruma (2nd L) as L-R: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Tanga Odoi and Prof. Moses Muhwezi witness.

The Makerere University Convocation led by the Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi then presented Awards of Recognition to the Chancellor, Chairperson of Council, Vice Chancellor and Principal MUBS as detailed below:

CHANCELLOR

Prof. Ezra Suruma,

For Your Patriotism and Support to Makerere University and Makerere Convocation as Chancellor and Patron.

CHAIRPERSON OF COUNCIL

Mrs. Lorna Magara,

For Your Outstanding Performance as Chair Council and the First Female Chairperson of Makerere University Council in its 100 Year History.

VICE CHANCELLOR

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe,

For Your Outstanding Achievements and Support to all Makerere University Convocation Causes during Your Tenure as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.

PRINCIPAL MUBS

Prof. Juma Waswa Balunywa,

For Your Tireless Contribution to Makerere University Business School as its First Principal and Mentor to many Ugandans.

Dr. Tanga Odoi also presented a plaque and a cash prize of UGX 1 million to Best Humanities and Best Overall Student Mr. Owomugisha Jordan who attained a CGPA of 4.90 in the Bachelor of Commerce. He was also the Guild Prime Minister for the MUBS Mbarara Campus for academic year 2021/2022.

Prof. Ezra Suruma presents the Convocation Plaque to Mr. Owomugisha Jordan (3rd L) and his mother as Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) Prof. Waswa Balunywa (3rd R), Prof. Moses Muhwezi (2nd R) and others witness.
Prof. Ezra Suruma presents the Convocation Plaque to Mr. Owomugisha Jordan (3rd L) and his mother as Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) Prof. Waswa Balunywa (3rd R), Prof. Moses Muhwezi (2nd R) and others witness.

Please click the links below to read the full speeches.

Please click the link below to view the day’s proceedings.

73rd Makerere University Graduation Ceremony (DAY 4) – YouTube

Mark Wamai

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Celebrating Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende

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Dr. Irene Namatende was conferred upon the PhD in Education Management on Day 1 of the 75th Graduation Ceremony. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende who serves as the Quality Assurance Officer, College of Health Sciences Makerere University (MakCHS) received her PhD at the 75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University held 13th – 17th January 2025. Congratulations to her on reaching this milestone. Following is a brief interview with Dr. Namatende sharing her PhD journey and inspiration.

Who is Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende? She hails from Busoga-Iganga-Bubago-Buwaya in Mayuge District. She is the daughter of Mr. Tenywa Mudiba Amuraphel, a Fine Artist, and the late Ms. Aidha Mukyala, a teacher. Irene Rebecca Namatende attended Naluwoli Primary School in Kamuli District, Kiira Academy in Jinja for her O-levels, and Mukono Town Academy for her A-levels.

Prior to PhD studies, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from Makerere University, Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management (DPAM) and a Master’s in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Management Institute. She also has a certificate in Research Management and Leadership Programme from George Mason University (USA) through IREX/UASP Fellowship in 2019-2020.

Her PhD Journey: My pursuit of a PhD began in 2015 at the East African School of Higher Education and Development Studies, Makerere University. Driven by my enthusiasm for Quality Assurance, I decided to pursue a PhD in Education Management; my research focused on the Management of External Examination of PhD Theses at Makerere University.

The PhD program allowed Irene to develop enhanced research skills and knowledge in quality assurance. She said, ‘I am now well versed in QA mechanisms and have a clear understanding of the policies, processes, and principles that govern external examination in higher education institutions. – I have gained insight into the experiences faced by PhD students. To date, I have published two papers in internationally recognized journals’.

A brief about her Study: The study explored the methods and principles involved in the external evaluation of PhD theses at Makerere University. It outlines the historical, theoretical, conceptual, and contextual aspects of external PhD thesis evaluation at Makerere University. Additionally, it traces the worldwide origins of external examination, examines Makerere‘s specific context, and employs Pryor et al.’s 5Ps Model to assess its effectiveness. The research highlights various challenges, such as delays, compensation for external examiners, and discussions regarding relevance. Furthermore, the study suggests that Makerere University improve its external examination processes, create a solid tracking system for all PhD theses, and recognize and reward both internal and external examiners, as this would inherently encourage examiners to perform diligently and submit the PhD reports promptly, allowing PhD students to graduate within the expected time frame. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of efficient performance metrics and principled examination procedures for ensuring the academic quality of PhD theses.

What motivated the PhD studies? Her inspiration was Professor Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikunbinza, a Justice of the Supreme Court. Professor Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza who served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Makerere University and simultaneously held the role of Principal Investigator (PI) for the Quality Assurance Project, sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2005-2006

In 2006, Irene was appointed as the secretary for the Quality Assurance project, working under Professor Elisha Semakula. Both he and Prof. Ekirikunbinza motivated her to aspire to more than just being a project secretary. During this period, she supported the drafting and the writing of QA Policy framework/policy in 2006 and formulated the proposed strategic plan for the Quality Assurance Directorate.    She noted,’my enthusiasm for Quality Assurance, combined with my professional journey from 2006 to 2025, led me to enroll in a PhD program in Education Management at the East African School of Higher Education and Development’.

Challenges during PhD Study: Dr. Namatende highlighted the challenges during her PhD journey thus, “The path to my PhD has not been very smooth. The onset of COVID-19 in 2019/2020 dramatically hindered my ability to concentrate, leaving me at a standstill. 2. During my studies, I experienced the loss of my second supervisor, Dr. Hilary Mukwenda (RIP), with whom I had closely collaborated, which affected my progress. 3. Although my school submitted my book to the external examiner on time, the feedback took nearly eight months, making me feel like a hindrance in my research. Amidst all these challenges, I became victorious”.

Community Service/Contribution: Beside her work as a Quality Assurnace Officer, she also holds various assignments including General Secretary, of Makerere University Senior Administrative Staff (MASA); Chairperson Joint Hymnal Choir – St. Francis Chapel Makerere University from 2019 to 2020; member – Welfare Committee MakCHS; member – Quality Assurance, ICT and Gender Committee, MakCHS; member of the Principal’s Operation Team (POT), MakCHS.

Her quote: ‘Everything Ends according to God’s Purpose’

Zaam Ssali

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Mak Planning and Development Department gets new leadership

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By Carol Kasujja Adii

Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu on 21st January 2025 officially handed over office to the newly appointed acting Manager of Planning and Development Department, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike – a Principal Planning Officer in the same unit.

Presiding over the handover ceremony, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi who represented the Vice Chancellor commended Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu who joined the University service in November 1991 for the vibrant leadership during his tenure as the Manager of Planning and Development Department. He also credited Mr. Kabuye Kagimu for serving Makerere University stakeholders with dedication and humility.

“Presiding over and also witnessing a number of such ceremonies over the years, I have learnt one thing, that they only strengthen our resolve to continue contributing to Makerere University. When you see a colleague that has served with distinction and integrity, it is a message to the in-coming that you need to not only emulate the strides made but also do better than your predecessor,” said Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) on behalf of the University management.

Out going Manager Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu speaking at the handover ceremony.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi explained that over the years, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu has not only guided the University Management in strategic planning, budgeting and resource allocation, but also mentored many of them.

“Mr. Kabuye Kagimu, you are lucky you are leaving with your head held high. You are lucky that God has given you an admirable tenure, you have served with distinction and we are happy. We wish you good health as you continue serving in whatever capacity God puts you,” Prof Buyinza Mukadasi said.

Despite facing significant challenges, including limited staffing and resources and unprecedented budget cuts, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu led the planning unit with unwavering dedication. Under his leadership, the team delivered crucial planning functions, including budgeting and reporting, in alignment with the Government of Uganda’s programme budgeting system.

Furthermore, during his tenure, the unit oversaw the decentralization of the University’s budgeting function to the Colleges and Administrative Units, as well as alignment of the Makerere University 10-year strategic plan (2020-2030) with the National Development Plan II. Mr Kabuye Kagimu also diligently worked with the different Colleges and Departments on development of infrastructural facilities improvement projects.

[L-R] Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike

Welcoming the newly appointed Acting Manager Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike to the leadership role, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi pledged to accord him the necessary support.

During the handover, the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, who has worked with Mr. Kabuye Kagimu for five years, testified that he is a highly skilled personality who has exhibited high standards of ethics, integrity, morality and professionalism.

“Mr. Kabuye has exhibited a high level of team work.  He has worked well with the finance team and a number of staff in the entire University as he oversaw the planning function,” Mr. Bainomugisha said.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu thanked the University Council, as well as Central and Top Management for the cooperation and support accorded to him during the 33 years he served the University.

Mr. Kabuye Kagimu appealed to the University Management to prioritize the staffing needs in the Planning and Development Department so that the Unit is in position to serve the entire university on time, and with the right financial and human resources.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike, the Acting Manager Planning and Strategy, extended deep gratitude to the University Management especially the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for their mentorship over the years and entrusting him the new responsibility.

“Without a plan, we are directionless. Without accurate reporting, we cannot ensure effective accountability because these are pillars upon which success stands. I want to assure you, Acting Vice Chancellor-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi that my team and I, are fully aware of the monumental task ahead. We are committed to tackling it with unwavering resolve and dedication,’’ Mr. Kitamirike said.  He also pledged to give attention to grant-funded projects.

Group photo of participants who attended the handover ceremony.

Present during the handover were Mr. Lubowa Gyaviira Ssebina, the Deputy University Bursar, Ms Joan Makanga Mutekanga-representing the Directorate of Internal Audit, Ms Consolate Komugisha-representing the Office of the University Secretary and staff from the Planning and Development Department.

About the Department The Planning and Development Department (PDD) was established in 1992 with the overall mandate to coordinate the formulation and implementation of the University’s Strategic Plans. The Department has to date rolled out four planning cycles. The Department brings together the constituent components of the University-wide plan, including plans from all units of the University, to ensure that Makerere is an efficient and responsive University.

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Makerere University Convocation Graduation Luncheon Honors CEDAT Staff and Outstanding Students

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Several staff members from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) were recognized for their exceptional contributions in research and teaching during the Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon, held on Friday, January 17th, 2025. The event celebrated the achievements of top students, teachers, and researchers, with special awards presented to CEDAT staff for their outstanding performance and dedication.

Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Okello and Mr. Ayor Andrew Semakula received the Teacher of the Year Award, acknowledging their exemplary contributions to education and their significant impact on students. The recognition highlights the commitment and excellence of CEDAT staff in advancing the fields of engineering, design, art, and technology.

The Senior Career Award went toProf. Kirabira John Baptist, Prof. Olupot Wilberforce and Assoc. Prof. Michael Luswataall from the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Congratulations to you dear staff Prof. Olupot Wilberforce for receiving the Senior Career Award

Dr.VianeyYiga, Dr. SemiyagaSwaib, Mr. Manga Musa got the Mid-Career Award, while  Ms. Namuju Dona Lillian, Ms. Wesonga Racheal and Ms. NamakulaHidaaya received the Early Career Award. At the same event, thirty of the best performing students were also recognized.

Congratulations to you dear staff Dr.Vianey Yiga for receiving the Mid Career Award

The Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon celebrated outstanding achievements, with a strong emphasis on recognizing excellence through awards. Colonel Edith Nakalema, Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, delivered a keynote address focused on integrity and creativity for graduates.Col. Nakalema stressed the need for graduates to uphold high moral standards and professionalism, urging them to focus on creativity and integrity, especially in the age of AI, to achieve true success.

The event, themed “Celebrating Excellence and Creating Path to Success,” honored the top performers from each college. Col. Nakalema congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of making positive contributions to society. Other speakers, including Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the role of universities in socio-economic transformation and the importance of research.

Congratulations to you dear staff Dr. Semiyaga Swaib for receiving the Early Career Award

Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principle Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology

Alex Isemaghendera

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