General
Mak Celebrates a Legacy of Leadership
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.
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.
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. 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;
| CATEGORY | NAME | TERM OF OFFICE | REPRESENTED BY | |
| A | FORMER CHANCELLORS | |||
| 1. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi | 2003–2007 | Daughters: Juliet Nsibambi Kasujja Violet Nsibambi | ||
| 2. Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera | 2007–2011, 2012–2015 | Self | ||
| B | FORMER CHAIRPERSONS OF COUNCIL | |||
| 1. Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem | 2018–2022 | Self | ||
| 2. Hon. Mathew Rukikaire | 2010–2018 | Self | ||
| 3. Canon John Bikangaga | 1990–1996 | Son & Daughter Eng. Andrew Bikangaga Mrs. Margaret Kakitahi Bikangaga | ||
| C | FORMER VICE CHAIRPERSONS OF COUNCIL | |||
| 1. Mrs. Christine R.M. Kiganda | 2002–2010 | Self | ||
| D | FORMER VICE CHANCELLORS | |||
| 1. Prof Livingstone Serwadda Luboobi | 2004–2009 | Self | ||
| 2. Prof. Pancas John Mukasa Lubowa Ssebuwufu | 1993–2004 | Son: Mr. Martin Mwanje | ||
| 3. Prof. Barnabas George Kirya | 1986–1990 | Self | ||
| 4. Prof. William Senteza Kajubi | 1977–1979, 1990–1993 | Daughters: Mrs. Betty Mugoya Kajubi Ms. Samalie Kajubi | ||
| 9. Mr. Frank Kalimuzo | 1970–1972 | Son & Daughter: Daniel Kalimuzo Phyllis Kalimuzo | ||
| E | FORMER DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLORS (ACADEMIC AFFAIRS) | |||
| 1. Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza | 2004–2009 2007–2012 | Self | ||
| F | 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 |
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.
“…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”.
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.
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.”
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.
“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.
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.
Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.
EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.
The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.
The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.
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