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Makerere University celebrates Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah

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When you visit Makerere University, it is hard to miss the various landmarks bearinghistorical names, names of great people and Pan-Africanists.  The students’ Halls of residence that derive their names from Pan Africanists of our time include Nkrumah and Lumumba Halls. The most outstanding of these is probably Nkrumah Hall, named after the West African Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah; who is remembered for leading Ghana to independence.  

“As we celebrate the enduring legacy of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, it is crucial to not only acknowledge the profound impact he had on the people of Ghana but also to understand how his vision continues to resonate with the youths of today,” affirms Dr. John Serbe Marfo, a lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Nkrumah’s life and work embody the very values that Nkrumah Hall at Makerere University proudly upholds – the ideals of Pan-Africanism, unity, and progress.

Nkrumah embarked on his journey as a statesman and visionary with a fervent call for the liberation of African nations from the clutches colonial rule. His unyielding commitment to the Pan-African cause earned him the revered title of “Osagyefo,” a name that has become synonymous with the hallowed Nkrumah Hall. This title signifies his unmatched dedication to the advancement of African people.

Upon visiting to the Hall, you are welcomed by Nkrumah’s sculpture with writings, “Activists, forward we ever move”. This motto encapsulates the spirit of Nkrumah’s leadership and remains profoundly relevant to the youth of today. It underscores the importance of continuous progress, of pushing the boundaries, and of collective efforts to advance the African continent. The 69-year-old hall accommodates over 450 male residents. Like the words of the Makerere University Anthem state, very many males who have gone through these gates have had the unique opportunity of being residents of this great Hall. According to the Dean of Students Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, some of the notable alumni include Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Mr. Onapito Ekolomoit the Board Chairperson, Nile Breweries Limited, Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Headmaster Ndejje SS, among many others in Uganda and abroad.

According to Mrs. Kabumbuli, Nkrumah Hall was built in 1954 and was originally under the management of Northcote Hall (Now named Nsibirwa). She adds that Nkrumah Hall was named after Nkrumah the Pan-Africanist by way of appreciating his contribution to the liberation struggles in Africa against Colonialism.

“On a typical weekday, Nkrumah Hall’s corridors and common spaces are busy with students, going to and from lectures in pursuit of education like their highly educated hero-Nkrumah.They equally murmur with excitement about the forthcoming birthday of Kwame Nkrumah, their champion which is today, the 21st of September” remarked Mrs. Kabumbuli.

Mr. Duncan Nuwabigaba, the Hall Chairman says the idea of the annual Nkrumah day was birthed out of the need for students to connect with the Alumni who resided in Nkrumah Hall and share experiences, opportunities, challenges and also lay strategies for giving back to their Hall. He appeals to all the alumni to come and join this annual celebration to take stock of their achievements and learn more about Kwame Nkrumah, his values and contribution to the world.

This year’s celebrations shall happen on 30th September at Nkrumah Hall, and they shall include a football match between the alumni and the residents. There shall also be charity visits to homes of the elderly and orphanges. “I am glad to note that the students themselves guided by the Warden have chosen to help the people that did not have the rare opportunity of belonging to Nkrumah Hall and Makerere University”, said Mr. Nuwabigaba, before adding“Consequently, all the material and gifts to be donated have been generously given by the students, friends and well-wishers as we cultivate a culture of giving back to our Hall and communities that badly need our helping hand.”

According to the warden, Mr. Rodney Rugyema, it is important for the residents both past and present to celebrate what they are, understand Nkrumah in the true sense and emulate him. One of the most abused words today is activism. This has to be given true meaning from the Kwame Nkrumah perspective and the perspective of the university rules and regulations as well as the laws of the land so that students realise the goals for which they joined Makerere University. According to Mr. Rugyema, Nkrumah Hall has produced many great people in all spheres of life including doctors, professors, politicians, guild presidents including the current one,managers, head teachers, directors, etc.

“All these are a significant contribution to the development of Uganda like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah did in Ghana. I therefore call upon these great men in our land and beyond to come back home and inspire these students to ensure that they emulate them for better” said Mr. Rugyema.

In commemorating Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nkrumah Hall reaffirms its dedication to the principles that define its existence. It is a call to delve deeper into the life and accomplishments of this great African leader and to recognize that his legacy remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for all generations.

“Today’s youth can find guidance in Nkrumah’s unwavering commitment to progress through unity, determination, and an unrelenting focus on the betterment of our continent”, says Dr John Serbe Marfo.

Forwards Ever, Backwards Never

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Makerere University Inaugurates 2nd Health User Committee

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) with L-R: Ms. Kevin Nabiryo, Mr. Godfrey Othieno, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa and Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha after the inauguration on 20th April 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.

Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.

Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.

The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.

The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.

Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.

Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/

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Makerere University Employment Opportunities: Academic, Administrative and Support Staff

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Participants pose for a group photo on Day Two of the staff induction ceremony for new recruits on 16th May 2025. Makerere University day two of induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, 16th May 2025, School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for various academic, administrative, and support staff positions.

Detailed job profiles and the application link can be found at:
http://ehrms.mak.ac.ug/recruitment/jobs.

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human
Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to
provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:

  1. An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
  2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of
    at least three referees.
  3. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
  4. A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.

The application should be addressed to:

The Chief Human Resource Officer
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala

Closing Date: 04th May 2026, 17:00HRS E.A.T

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End of a Distinguished Era as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi Hands-Over Senate Division Office

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The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (R) witnesses as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi (L) officially hands over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili on 20th April 2026. Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Gerald Ochwo

On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.

In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.

While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.

“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.

In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Gladys Khamili.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the Academic Registrar’s Senior Management Team witness the handover.

I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.

Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.

In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.

She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms Khamili paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service.

“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.

The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.

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

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