General
Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga Receives Office of University Librarian
Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga on Friday 7th July, 2023 officially received the office of University Librarian from Assoc. Prof. Helen Byamugisha at a ceremony presided over by the Human Resources Directorate represented by Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. The ceremony was witnessed by the Directorate of Internal Audit represented by Mr. Aggrey Luwuliza, University Library Management and other officials.
Assoc. Prof. Byamugisha was appointed as Deputy University Librarian in 2013 and was the first PhD-holding appointee to the position. She was later appointed Acting University Librarian from 2015 until she was substantively appointed in 2018.
However, Assoc. Prof. Byamugisha’s long and illustrious career at Makerere University started close to 44 years ago in 1979 soon after completing her Bachelor of Science (Botany/Zoology), when she secured her first job as Assistant Manager of the University Bookshop. She held this position until 1994 when she was transferred to the University Library to manage the Book Bank that had been established in 1990. “My major task was to take charge of acquisition of print books for the University.”
Faced with new work demands, she enrolled for a Postgraduate Diploma in Librarianship, which she completed in 1996. She would later enroll as one of the pioneers of the Master of Science in Information Sciences in 1997, and later as one of the pioneers of the PhD in Information Sciences, which she completed in 2012.
Assoc. Prof. Byamugisha who admitted that she had never dreamt of ever becoming a professor let alone the University Librarian attributed all her achievements to God who gave her the gift of discovering her own potential, courage and determination; “I have faithfully worked for close to 44 years at Makerere without a break and I go away with rich experiences, feeling proud of the skills and knowledge I not only acquired but also passed on to the many I have mentored, thanks to the great support of my colleagues.”
Sharing achievements from her handover report, Assoc. Prof. Byamugisha noted that she has been able to implement two Library Strategic plans, established a more peaceful and harmonious working environment at the Library, as well as the other units it interfaces with.
On the infrastructure front, she took note of the successful reroofing of the Main Library’s old wing and installation of additional water storage capacity to support the huge volumes of readers that regularly use the Library washrooms. A fire detection system is also currently under installation in the Library’s old wing with the support from the Mastercard Foundation.
Assoc. Prof. Byamugisha also took pride in, with support from the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, successfully lobbying the Parliament to allocate UGX 1.5billion per annum to sustain purchase and subscriptions to electronic resources. This was particularly important after the two-decade support from the Swedish Government through Sida that hitherto annually funded electronic resources came to an end in 2020.
Following the fire that gutted the Main Building in 2020, the University Library in addition to installing fire detection systems in the old wing also intensified its efforts to digitize its rare historical archives. These efforts have been boosted by the Mastercard Foundation through the purchase of a specialized scanner which is due to be delivered within the next 30 days.
Capacity building for University Library staff at all levels was one of Assoc. Prof. Byamugisha’s priorities upon assuming office. She was therefore proud to report that nine (9) staff had enrolled for PhDs during her tenure with one having successfully completed, another one (1) defended, while seven (7) are still continuing. “Additionally, twelve staff completed their Masters degrees while nine are on course” she added. Her term has also witnessed an increase in the output of research publications especially by the Academic Librarians.
Furthermore, nineteen staff were promoted to various positions including the incoming University Librarian who was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor. “Twelve staff were either confirmed or recruited into Library service while several staff have taken up leadership positions in associations at international, regional and national levels” she supplemented. For example, Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga is the current Chairperson of the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) as well as a member of the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Division Committee of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
At close to 150 staff, the University Library is home to one of the biggest unit workforce at Makerere University. Staff welfare and activities that promote socialization were therefore serious priorities to Assoc. Prof. Byamugisha during her term. “We mobilise financial contributions for library staff who have family functions such as weddings or burials in the event that we lose a loved one. We usually fuel the library welfare van which takes the staff to the functions. It is through such activities that we strengthen staff bonds and promote unity and socialization.”
Content as she might be to have successfully completed her service to the University Library and Makerere University in general, Assoc. Prof. Byamugisha nevertheless pointed out a few challenges that her successor ought to follow up. These include; inadequate staffing and library space especially at the College level, inadequate funds to meet the demand for print books, inadequate space for staff recreation, the need to secure a permanently stationed plumber, renovation of worn out infrastructure, among others.
She concluded by wishing her successor a fruitful term and God’s blessing.
Delivering her acceptance remarks, Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga congratulated Assoc. Prof. Helen Byamugisha upon successfully completing her term and restoring a more peaceful and harmonious working environment among staff at the University Library. She equally thanked her predecessor for being intent on mentoring and showing her the way as a senior colleague.
“We have been able to work together, write grants together, write papers together and above all to discover each other’s talent and expertise… so as I take on the mantle, I will endeavour at all times to create an environment where staff members are able to do their work productively… the Library staff would like to be known by how distinct their outputs and contributions are to the University’s strategic priorities” shared Assoc. Prof. Nalumaga.
She added that as University Librarian, she will continuously look out for opportunities of academic excellence. “I thank you Prof. Helen for mentoring me and wish you the best in your future endeavours.”
The Chair of the handover ceremony Ms. Ikiriza Racheal thanked Assoc. Prof. Helen Byamugisha for her long and dedicated service to Makerere University and the Library in particular, noting that it was increasingly rare to encounter individuals who had served the same institution throughout their career. In the same breath, she congratulated Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga upon her appointment to the position of University Librarian. She wished both the outgoing and incoming University Librarians God’s blessings as they embark on the next phase of their careers.
Following the formalities where the outgoing and incoming officials exchanged the report and toured the office, the handover ceremony was crowned by staff from the University Library presenting a gift to Assoc. Prof. Helen Byamugisha and cutting cake in honour of their former boss.
The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.
Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.
He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.
In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.
“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.
She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.
“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.
She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”
The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
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