Left-Right: Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Guild President H.E. Robert Maseruka, Vice Chairperson of Council-Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, Her Worship Stella Okwong Paculal, Senior Administrative Staff Representative-Mr. Henry Amanya, Vice Guild President-H.E. Mariat Namiiro, Chairperson Convocation-Mr. George Turyamureeba and University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda after the swearing in Ceremony held on 18th May 2023 in the Council Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University.
The Makerere University Council 2022 – 2026 was on 18th May 2023 fully constituted as the last four representatives of Senior Administrative Staff, the Convocation and Students were sworn in by Senior Principal Magistrate Grade I, Entebbe, Her Worship Stella Okwong Paculal. The ceremony, held in the Council Room, was attended by the Vice Chairperson of Council, Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Members of Management, Staff, families of the representatives, and moderated by the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.
One by one, the representatives led by Mr. Amanya Henry-Senior Administrative Staff took the Oath of the Member of Makerere University Council and the Oath of Secrecy, as their constituents applauded. He was followed by representatives; Mr. Mugabi George Turyamureeba-Convocation, 89th Guild President H.E. Maseruka Robert and 89th Vice Guild President H.E. Namiiro Mariat-Students.
Congratulating the representatives, Her Worship Okwong Paculal said that the oath the new members had taken was one of service and a reminder to already sworn in representatives that the public expected the best from them. Quoting from the Holy Bible, she took the opportunity to remind Members of Council to let their ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and ‘No’, ‘No.’ “We have seen your ‘Yes’ (as you swore in) today and we expect that you will abide by that oath.”
Speaking on behalf of the University Management, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the newly sworn in representatives, and added “you have been appointed Members of Council of one of the most prestigious universities in the world.”
He reminded representatives that Makerere has been governed by very eminent Members of Council over the last 100 years, and that it was the role of this new Council to take the University to greater heights. “We expect that you will work with maximum integrity to ensure that our University not only remains as prestigious but also moves to a higher level.”
Representing the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, Rt. Hon. Kidega thanked HW Okwong Paculal for presiding over the ceremony and congratulated the representatives upon being elected to Council by their constituents.
In particular, he congratulated the Guild and Vice Guild Presidents upon their election and requested them to balance between expectations of their constituency and the University Council’s work.
Left to Right: The newly sworn in representatives to Council Mr. Amanya Henry, Mr. Mugabi George Turyamureeba, H.E. Namiiro Mariat and H.E. Maseruka Robert.
“We have had beautiful experiences with your predecessors; they had only three months but these felt like three years of work they have done with us. We really congratulate the outgoing leadership for the great work and we urge you to work closely with them and listen to them” added. Rt. Hon. Kidega.
The Vice Chairperson thanked the University Management led by Prof. Nawangwe for keeping the University in good shape. He added that Makerere is at the brink of being research-led, and that the hope of the whole nation was in the University Council and its members to help the institution achieve this objective.
Making mention of the oaths he took as Head Prefect of Ntare School and later as Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kidega invited representatives to pay critical attention to the words of the oath they had taken, as a guide to all the work they will undertake as Members of Council.
“Reflect or re-read the commitment you have made to this great University and Council and you will not make any mistakes. I would like to assure you that the University Council is a great place to work. This is my second term and I thank my colleagues who have allowed me to serve as the Vice Chairperson of this great University Council” he added.
The Makerere University Council is made up of twenty-four (24) members with appointees from Government, Council, Senate, Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Other appointees are from the National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU), Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA), Support Staff, Staff with Disabilities, Makerere University Convocation as well as the Students.
The fully constituted Council consists of appointees; Mrs. Lorna Magara (Chairperson), Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega (Vice Chairperson), and Mr. Edwin Karugire-Government; Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe-Vice Chancellor; Prof. Umar Kakumba-Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs); Prof. Henry Alinaitwe-Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration); Mr. Bruce Kabaasa Balaba, Dr. James L. Nkata, and Mr. George Bamugemereire-Council; Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze and Prof. Sarah Ssali-Senate; Dr. Edward Damulira Sengonzi-MoFPED; Mr. Timothy Musoke Sejjoba-MoES; Mr. Silas Ngabirano-MoICT; Mr. Julius Kateregga-KCCA; Mr. John Chris Ninsiima-NUDIPU; Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi and Dr. Dianah Ahumuza Ateenyi-MUASA; Mr. Amanya Henry-MASA; Mr. Byamukama Jackson-Support Staff; Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima-Staff with Disabilities; Mr. Mugabi George Turyamureeba-Convocation; H.E. Maseruka Robert and H.E. Namiiro Mariat-Students.
Visionary Blueprint to Drive Excellence, Innovation, and National Development.
Kampala, Uganda – July 2, 2026. — Makerere University today officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining a bold roadmap for academic excellence, research innovation, and transformative impact on Uganda and the region. The high-profile launch event, held at Makerere University Main Campus, brought together government leaders, university stakeholders, development partners, and academia.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presided over the official launch. In his presentation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas highlighted the University’s past achievements and the new Plan’s strategic vision. “This Strategic Plan builds on our rich legacy while positioning Makerere University as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges through cutting-edge research, quality education, and innovation,” he stated.
The Plan was developed through an inclusive process led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, with input from across the University community. It aligns closely with national development priorities, as affirmed by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority.
University Council Chairperson Dr Lorna Magara emphasised the Council’s oversight role and commitment: “The University Council is fully committed to providing the strategic leadership and oversight necessary for the successful implementation of this Plan. It will strengthen Makerere’s role as a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensure we remain a beacon of excellence in higher education across Africa.”
Development partners, Vice Chancellors from other public universities, college principals, deans, professors, and student representatives attended the event, underscoring broad stakeholder support.
Key Pillars of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 include enhancing excellence in teaching and learning, advancing research and innovation, strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and deepening engagement with industry and government. Following the formal proceedings, guests participated in a networking breakfast and media engagement session.
Additional Quotes:
“Makerere University remains Uganda’s flagship institution. This Strategic Plan will further harness our intellectual capital to contribute meaningfully to the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.” — Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
“We are excited to embark on this new strategic journey. With the support of our dedicated staff, students, alumni, and partners, we will achieve even greater heights in the next five years.” — Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University
Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1922. It is a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and cross-disciplinary innovation. With over 35,000 students and a strong alumni network, Makerere continues to shape leaders and solutions for Africa and beyond.
For more information, contact:
Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Deputy Chief, Public Relations
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere (R) leads the team on a guided tour of the site.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
L-R: Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inspect the top floor of CCE Hall.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
R-L: Eng. Ezra Sekadde, Eng. Brian Buhanda, Prof. Anthony Mugagga, Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere and other stakeholders at the site handover.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
Stakeholders pose for a group photo after the event.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.
Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.