Left -Right: Mrs. Christine Kiganda, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Umar Kakumba, Mrs. Lorna Magara, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera and Hon. Mathew Rukikaire in a group photo at the celebration of a Legacy of Leadership on 17th March 2023, Kampala Serena Hotel.
Dawn broke to a cold and overcast morning on Friday 17th March 2023. As if sensing the impending downpour, motorists and pedestrians alike made haste to get to their respective destinations; not a soul willing to add wetness to an already cold morning. But, not to be outdone, mother nature had other plans. The skies opened up, and down came the rain, nothing thunderous or menacing but steady nevertheless. And then it let up, but after a few minutes, resumed in earnest, continuing the pattern intermittently as the traffic slowed to a crawl, occasionally grinding to a halt.
So continued the trend until the gates of the Kampala Serena Conference Centre came into view. Security checks cleared, the teardrop banners were hard to miss; drenched to the core but still standing tall, their various messages welcoming guests to a celebration of Makerere University. Parking slots secured, the sighs of relief were unmistakable as guests finally made it into the quiet cavernous foyer of the Conference centre.
The vocals and melodies by Dr. Milton Wabyona (2nd R) and his ensemble ushered guests into the hall and kept them entertained.
As one started to wonder if they were in the right place, a look to the right revealed a clue, a pull-up banner, beckoning guests upstairs. Steps cushioned by the deep red carpet, another clue beckoned on the ascent, a soft interplay of adungu and tube fiddle interwoven with song melodiously pouring out of a room at the end of the corridor. As one drew closer, the singing voices became more distinct, particularly that of Dr. Milton Wabyona as he effortlessly led the vocals of one of many traditional songs.
Katonga Hall was bathed in soft light, abuzz with warm greetings and laughter, as long lost friends and colleagues caught up, the total opposite of mother nature’s cold display on the outside. The host and Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, assisted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and members of Management was on hand to welcome her guests, freely mingling, beaming with appreciation as Makerere University celebrated a Legacy of Leadership. The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and day’s emcee too worked his way across the room, ensuring that there was not letting up on celebratory mood, and that all went according to schedule.
Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) welcomes former Vice Chancellors Prof. George Kirya (Right) and Prof. Livingstone Luboobi (2nd Right).
Commencing the formalities, Prof. Nawangwe thanked the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara for bringing the idea of celebrating Makerere‘s past leadership to life. He noted that it was important to pay homage to the gallant men and women, both living and deceased, that had sacrificed their lives to serve and protect Makerere, especially during turbulent political times.
On this note, he made special mention of Owek. Martin Luther Nsibirwa, Makerere‘s first Vice Chancellor, Mr. Frank Kalimuzo and Ms. Theresa Nanziri Bukenya the warden of Africa Hall as some those that lost their lives because of the values they stood for. “These are celebrated great sons and daughters of Uganda who made Makerere not only thrive but also progress.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe delivers his remarks at the Legacy of Leadership Celebration.
Prof. Nawangwe equally thanked the celebrants for sparing time to attend the event as well as the families of those who had since passed on for honouring the University’s invitation..
Former Makerere University leaders present or represented that received their awards on the day included;
1. Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza
2004–2009 2007–2012
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FORMER DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLORS (FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION)
1. Prof William Bazeyo
2017–2020
Self
2. Prof. Barnabas Nawanagwe
2013–2017
Self
3. Prof. Sandy Stephens Tickodri – Togboa
2009–2013
Self
4. Prof. David Justin Bakibinga
2004–2009
Self
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Centre) interacts with Hon. Mathew Rukikaire (Left) and Mrs. Christine Kiganda (Right) during the celebrations.
An event of this distinction would be incomplete without a moving address. And none was better placed than one who previously served Makerere as Guild President in 1962 and as Chairperson of Council for two successive terms, an author in his own right, 70 Years A Witness of Uganda’s pre and post-independence struggles, the Honourable Mathew Rukikaire.
A few opening statements into his keynote address, Hon. Rukikaire had the audience feeding right out of the palm of his hand, with every sentence well articulated with poise as he expertly knitted the histories of Uganda and Makerere together. One could easily tell how passionately he felt about his alma mater.
Hon. Mathew Rukikaire delivers his keynote address at Makerere University‘s celebration of a Legacy of Leadership.
“…so were Makerere’s fortunes adversely affected; yet, mercifully, its star was one of those that remained shining in that dark night” cited one example, in reference to the dark period following Mr. Frank Kalimuzo’s abrupt disappearance in 1972. “As they say, stars shine brightest when the night is darkest. Makerere continued to shine in Uganda’s darkest hour” he added reverently of his Alma mater.
Hon. Rukikaire nevertheless had a few pointers on what he thought ought to be Makerere‘s role, in the next two to three decades. Earlier, he had made reference to Africa’s exploding population and the apparent lack of jobs for its youth combined with the slow pace of development of its mineral resources as “the greatest demographic upheaval in history”.
Juliet Nsibambi Kasujja and Violet Nsibambi receive the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of their late father Rt. Hon. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi from Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right).
He however expressed hope that in prioritizing three things; Education, Regional Integration and Macroeconomic Stability, Africa still had opportunity to tap into the potential of its youth and reap the demographic dividend.
“I propose that Makerere as the oldest university in East Africa spearheads the search for and propose solutions to these problems by establishing a faculty or a specialized department to deal with these in Sub-Saharan Africa, covering economic integration, population and demography, environment and related technical training to support these efforts”, he submitted.
Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza (Left) receives her Certificate of Recognition from Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right).
Hon. Rukikaire opined that by hosting such a centre, Makerere “would be able to attract global support and financing, because its impact and ramifications would be global.”
Delivering the day’s concluding remarks, Mrs. Lorna Magara thanked Hon.Rukikaire for an address she termed as “insightful and passionate”, noting that it was a great indicator that Makerere‘s former leaders “are still passionate and concerned for its growth, progress, and impact on our society.”
Mrs. Lorna Magara smiles as she witnesses the proceedings of the celebration.
The Chairperson added that the day’s celebration was not only aimed at honouring past and continuing diligent service of Makerere‘s leaders but also cherishing the contributions of those who selflessly served the institution but have since passed on. “It is our humble gesture as the current leadership of this great institution to demonstrate that we remember and sincerely appreciate their respective contributions and influence long after their departure.”
Mrs. Magara affirmed the University leadership’s commitment to ensuring that it consolidates the gains made in Makerere‘s first century, by putting in place the appropriate policy environment responsive to emerging technology breakthroughs and their anticipated disruption of various sectors.
Seated Left to Right: Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, Prof. George Kirya, Prof. Umar Kakumba, Mrs. Lorna Magara, Ms. Phyllis Kalimuzo and Mrs. Betty Mugoya Kajubi. Standing Left to Right: Mr. Daniel Kalimuzo, Mr. Martin Mwanje and Ms. Samalie Kajubi pose with their Certificates of Recognition.
“Makerere has had 100 years of being fed, empowered, nurtured and supported. The next 100 must be years of coming out of the University and impacting society; Makerere must be relevant to the nation, the nations around us, and to Africa” she emphasized.
The Chairperson concluded the day’s remarks by extending an open invitation to Makerere‘s elders to a fireplace conversation, where the younger generation can ask questions, hear their stories, and receive wisdom. “There is so much more that we lose if we don’t connect with our elders,” she politely added.
Mrs. Margaret Kakitahi Bikangaga (2nd Right) and Eng. Andrew Bikangaga (2nd Left) receive the Certificate of Recognition on behalf of their late father Canon John Bikangaga from Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right) as Prof. Umar Kakumba (Left) and Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga (Rear) witness.
Formalities done, it was time for the elders to once again mingle with the audience and share fond memories. The delight on their faces as they read the wording on their certificates of recognition and souvenirs said it all, it had been a morning well spent.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.