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Mak Celebrates a Legacy of Leadership

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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.
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).
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. 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;

 CATEGORYNAMETERM OF OFFICEREPRESENTED BY
AFORMER CHANCELLORS
  1. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi2003–2007  Daughters:
Juliet Nsibambi Kasujja
Violet Nsibambi
  2. Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera2007–2011, 2012–2015Self
BFORMER CHAIRPERSONS OF COUNCIL
  1. Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem2018–2022 Self
  2. Hon. Mathew Rukikaire2010–2018 Self
  3. Canon John Bikangaga1990–1996Son & Daughter
Eng. Andrew Bikangaga
Mrs. Margaret Kakitahi Bikangaga
CFORMER VICE CHAIRPERSONS OF COUNCIL
  1. Mrs. Christine R.M. Kiganda2002–2010Self
DFORMER VICE CHANCELLORS
  1. Prof Livingstone Serwadda  Luboobi2004–2009Self
  2. Prof. Pancas John Mukasa Lubowa Ssebuwufu1993–2004  Son:
Mr. Martin Mwanje
  3. Prof. Barnabas George Kirya1986–1990Self
  4. Prof. William Senteza Kajubi1977–1979, 1990–1993Daughters:
Mrs. Betty Mugoya Kajubi
Ms. Samalie Kajubi
  9. Mr. Frank Kalimuzo1970–1972Son & Daughter: Daniel Kalimuzo Phyllis Kalimuzo
EFORMER DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLORS (ACADEMIC AFFAIRS)
  1. Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza2004–2009 2007–2012Self
FFORMER DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLORS (FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION)
  1. Prof William Bazeyo2017–2020Self
  2. Prof. Barnabas Nawanagwe2013–2017Self
  3. Prof. Sandy Stephens Tickodri – Togboa2009–2013Self
  4. Prof. David Justin Bakibinga2004–2009Self
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Centre) interacts with Hon. Mathew Rukikaire (Left) and Mrs. Christine Kiganda (Right) during the celebrations.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.

Mark Wamai

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Office of the Academic Registrar Lauded for Groundbreaking Achievements In Digitalization

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Mr. Charles Ssentongo (5th Left), together with Office of the Academic Registrar staff members are joined by Dr. Dickson Kalungi (4th Right) and MUST Registrars for a group photo in front of the Senate Building on 25th March 2025.

By Gerald Ochwo

On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.

As a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.

Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.
Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.

In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.

“I want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”

Conclusion

The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

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Press Release: Launch of #MakRun2025

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Makerere University officially launches the 5th Edition of the Makerere University Marathon #MakRun2025, 27th March 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

27th March 2025

LAUNCH OF THE 5TH EDITION OF THE MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MARATHON (#MakRun2025)

Makerere University is pleased to announce the launch of the 5th edition of the Makerere
University Marathon, also known as #MakRun2025, under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future” which is scheduled to take place on 17th August 2025.

The MakRun2025 is targeting 10,000 participants drawn from the university community, corporate entities, sports enthusiasts, and the general public. Proceeds from this year’s marathon will go towards further equipping the Makerere University Disability Support Unit and strengthening the Makerere University Endowment Fund.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, the Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating that the “#MakRun2025 is not only about physical endurance it is a uniting force that brings people together from all walks of life, driving us towards a common goal, advancing education and inclusivity for all.”

As part of the launch event, Makerere University officially handed over assistive equipment to the Disability Support Unit, procured from proceeds of the #MakRun2024. The equipment includes:

  • Focus Blue 40 Braille Display – 5th Generation for the Visually Impaired
  • Everest D5 Braille Embosser
  • DUXBURY Braille Transcription Software
  • And other essential assistive tools to support students living with disabilities.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed the importance of this annual event, stating that “This event has become one of the most significant social and community engagement activities in our university calendar, bringing together students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and members of the wider public for a good cause.”

In his remarks, the Ag. Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize, highlighted the growth of the initiative: “What started as a small university event has now evolved into a major attraction. To professionalize the event, we are incorporating race timing chips, cash prizes for winners, among other enhancements, with a vision of making it a regionally recognized major race by 2027.”

We call upon all members of the Makerere University community and the general public to participate and support this noble cause.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tuhirirwe Karane
Communications Officer
Makerere University Endowment Fund
+256 414 660 416/+256 703 647496

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Call For Abstracts: Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed & Food Security in Africa

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Some of the speakers lined up for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa, 5th–6th June 2025, Onomo Hotel, Nakasero, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with Michigan State University, invites researchers, development actors, regulators, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the Global Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa.

The symposium will be held from 5th–6th June 2025 at Onomo Hotel in Kampala, under the theme: Advancing the role of insects in African farming systems for feed, food, and food security. The symposium aims to share knowledge and experiences in advancing the use of insects as a solution to Africa’s food, feed, and food security challenges. Contributions on the following sub-themes are welcome.

  1. Insects as animal feed for sustainable livestock production livelihoods
  2. Insects for human food and food security, including indigenous insect food systems
  3. Insects for improved soil health and crop production
  4. Commercialization of insect farming and products, including regulation and standardization

Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: 18th April 2025
Feedback to Participants: 2nd May 2025

Registration Fee:  Participants will be required to pay a fee of USD 45, which will cover meals and venue costs. Limited scholarship slots are available for students and farmers. Please note that participants are responsible for their transportation and accommodation.

Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should align with the symposium themes and must be submitted by the deadline. Further details on submission formats and requirements will be provided upon request.

For further information about the symposium and Abstract submission, please refer to the contact below.

Dr. Amulen Deborah Ruth (PhD)
Makerere University
College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity
Department of Livestock Industrial Resources
P.O. Box 7062, Kampala
Phone: +256 782 315 636

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