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.
General
Makerere University and Xiangtan University Advance Strategic Partnership in Chemical Engineering
Makerere University and Xiangtan University are set to update their close to 20-year academic partnership, with a new focus on launching a joint Master’s degree program in Chemical Engineering and expanding student and staff exchange initiatives.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a recent visit by a delegation from Xiangtan University to Makerere University headed by Professor Dingyu Ou, in the company of Mr. Tang Fei and Professor Gilbert Gumshabe, the Chinese and Ugandan Directors of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University respectively.
While addressing the delegation, Professor Nawangwe highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify academic offerings and contribute to national development through training in Chemical Engineering. Through this new initiative, the University will better prepare graduates for the petrochemical industry and support the country’s industrial growth.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated that the proposed collaboration aims to address Uganda’s growing need for industrial expertise, particularly as the country develops its petroleum sector. The two universities here are working toward a 1+2 training model, which will enable Makerere students to gain practical experience and access advanced laboratory facilities at Xiangtan University.
Professor Nawangwe further reiterated that “our relationship with the people of China, not just for Makerere but also for a big part of Uganda, has been opened wider by the establishment of the Confucius Institute, considering that many other collaborations like one being discussed now have come through this collaboration.”
The head of the Xiangtan delegation, Professor Dingyu Ou, expressed appreciation for the meeting, and acknowledged the history between the institutions. “As mentioned, we have a very long relationship and a very stable friendship between our two universities.”
Professor Ou extended appreciation for the support provided to the Confucius Institute at Makerere, the care shown to his colleagues, and looked forward to the successful start of the Chemical Engineering collaboration.
Assuring the delegation of Makerere’s readiness for the collaboration, Ms. Hawa Ndagire Kajumba the Lead, Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, Makerere University Advancement Office, aligned with the Vice Chancellor’s emphasis of University goal to have both theory and practice imparted to the students.
She said “the curriculum of the university and Uganda as a whole is moving towards competence-based education training to ensure students are equipped to demonstrate those skills in the actual field, particularly regarding petroleum exploration.”
Ms. Ndagire Kajumba also emphasised a shift in strategy for the partnership office, saying, “we are moving away from just signing MOUs that collect dust, and moving towards those that are more collaborative to benefit our faculty and students, just like this one.”
Professor Gilbert Kumushabe aligned his remarks with those of the Vice Chancellor and Ms. Ndagire Kajumba, and described the method used at Xiangtan University as “actually competence-based teaching.”
Based on his recent visit, Prof. Gumoshabe shared that students in China are divided into groups with dedicated teachers to perform practical, hands-on work beyond the theoretical lecturers. He expressed gladness that the same was being adopted for the Ugandan context.
Both institutions are now working to finalise the specific agreements for the joint degree and exchange programs. Beyond academic training, the collaboration will advance cultural and professional exchange.
Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
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