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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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Mak 2nd Prayer Breakfast Reflects on Integrating Faith, Learning & Service

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2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 1st August 2025, the eve of the first year students’ arrival on Campus, held the 2nd Prayer Breakfast aimed at reiterating that staff service at the institution is a calling to pursue excellence and purpose under God.. Hosted in the St. Francis Chapel gardens, the meeting was presided over by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta who represented both the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The day’s message “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service” was delivered by Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, former Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University who also served as Makerere staff member between 1978 and 1987.

“This is a very good initiative” remarked Prof. Ireeta as he began his remarks, noting that the University’s enjoyment of a strike-free academic year 2024/2025 could perhaps be attributed to having commenced it with prayer. He expressed the Chairperson of Council’s and Vice Chancellor’s apologies, whom he noted would have loved to attend the 2nd Prayer Breakfast as they did the 1st but were unfortunately caught up in other meetings and official travel respectively.

Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta represented the Chairperson of Council and the Vice Chancellor at the Prayer Breakfast. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta represented the Chairperson of Council and the Vice Chancellor at the Prayer Breakfast.

“As we gather today, let us reflect on our shared purpose and values in this University and may this time of prayer and fellowship inspire us to make a positive impact in our work and community” Prof. Ireeta urged, noting that it was important to exercise compassion, wisdom and kindness as staff worked with the youth who are constantly bombarded with information from social media and other sources.

Prof. Ireeta therefore urged staff to always listen to diverse perspectives and work together to achieve the institution’s goals. He reiterated the University Management’s support to the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli and the Chaplains who report to her, “We shall continue supporting you in all you do”.

“We are weak but God is strong” remarked the Chaplain St. Francis, Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa as a rejoinder to Prof. Ireeta’s remarks. “This is a demonstration that truly we need the strength of God – we cannot start this academic year without the divine hand of God.”

Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa makes her remarks. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa makes her remarks.

She went on to say that when we do not pray, we boldly declare that we do not need God’s divine guidance, “but in coming here today, we are boldly proclaiming that we need divine guidance, so thank you all for coming.”

Introducing the day’s speaker, Rev. Canon Dr. Senyonyi, the Chaplain admitted that she did not know any speaker who was better placed to address the topic, given his vast experience as an academician, theologian and university administrator. She added that the speaker in his exemplary style had come along with his wife, Canon Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, a lay Canon of the Diocese of Kampala, under whose jurisdiction St. Francis Chapel falls.

Commencing his address, Rev. Canon Dr. Senyonyi shared that he had an issue with the framing of the day’s topic, particularly the word “integrating” for it made it seem as if God, the author of faith and creator of heaven and earth was separate from the quest to “learn” about the very things he created and “service”, the act of people providing stewardship over the God-given talents, abilities and His creation. Referring to the theme scripture, Ephesians 4:10-12, he singled out three important conclusions to dwell on.

Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi delivered the day's message. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi delivered the day’s message.

“And those are simply; 1) the sovereignty of the ascended Jesus Christ, 2) Jesus is the giver of every ability, talent, skill, gift, whatever you may call it, even your education, and 3) Jesus equips whosoever He calls for service to others” he remarked.

Rev. Canon. Dr. Senyonyi further broke the conclusions down by noting that 1) Jesus is placed above all things and as such is sovereign over everything as further illustrated by scriptures; Mathew 28:18 – all authority in heaven and on earth (including academia) has been given to Him, John 1:1-5 – all things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made that was made, and Colossians 1:15-19 – by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth and for Him (including education and work). “If Jesus is sovereign, then our work in the universe, our education enterprise is a mission and that mission must be submissive to the mission of our sovereign.”

2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The fullhouse at the 2nd Prayer Breakfast in the St. Francis Chapel Gardens.

Proceeding to no 2) Jesus is the giver of every ability, and citing his personal experience, Rev. Canon Dr. Senyonyi said, “I left the teaching with this University because God was calling me to be an evangelist but I cannot say God gave me the gift of evangelism, that’s a mistake; that’s not how the scripture reads.” He added that the problem facing most people today is the tendency to think that everything is about them, and not recognizing that Jesus is the giver of the very things they call their own.

Turning to scriptures, Exodus 36:1 and Exodus 28:3 he explained that the craftsmen that Moses relied on to build the tabernacle and furnishings for His Temple were only able to excel because they were equipped by God. “In other words, what they had was a talent that God Himself gave… when we focus elsewhere, we forget what God has given us to… and your training is intended to be a gift to others.”

The choir made up of staff and students led the prayer breakfast in praise and worship. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The choir made up of staff and students led the prayer breakfast in praise and worship.

Rev. Canon Dr. Senyonyi then concluded with no 3) Jesus equips whosoever He calls for service to others, emphasizing the latter bit, the need to use all we are and have for the benefit of others. “If students are reporting tomorrow what are we going to do?” he challenged. “Are we going to facilitate soft landing or are we going to facilitate anger in their hearts?” he further pondered.

“If all of us are giving, if all of us are taking our faith where it should be, if all of us are showing the way, if all of us are ambassadors of Christ where we are, then everybody receives” the day’s speaker encouraged. “So your work is to equip the students until they graduate” he summed up, adding that one of the greatest joys is encountering former students whose faces light up with excitement when they see you.

Dr. Eve Nabulya (Right) and Mr. Moses Oluka prepare to lead one of the prayer sessions. 2nd Prayer Breakfast, Theme: “Integrating Faith, Learning and Service”, Speaker: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, 1st August 2025, St. Francis Chapel Gardens, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Eve Nabulya (Right) and Mr. Moses Oluka prepare to lead one of the prayer sessions.

The 2nd Prayer Breakfast would have been incomplete without prayer sessions, some of which were led by the Heads of the Joint Staff Fellowship Dr. Eve Nabulya and Mr. Moses Oluka. The final blessing was delivered by the day’s speaker Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi.

Mark Wamai

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Admission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2025/26

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The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), Makerere University has released the admission lists for applicants successfully admitted for postgraduate programs for the 2025/26 Academic Year. The lists include postgraduate diplomas, PhD and Masters programmes.

Please see admission lists for the respective Colleges listed below:

Update 30th July 2025

Prof. Julius Kikooma
DIRECTOR DGT

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IGAD Board Visits Mak, Reiterates Commitment to Promoting Academic Mobility

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Prof. Edward Bbaale (5th Left) with the delegation from IGAD after their courtesy visit on 29th July 2025. Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council Courtesy Visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Tuesday 29th July 2025.

The Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council on Tuesday 29th July 2025 paid a courtesy visit to Makerere University following the 5th Meeting of the IGAD Universities Forum held in Kampala from 28th to 29th July. The delegation was received by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Edward Bbaale in the presence of Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, Makerere University’s representative to IGAD.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Bbaale on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the University Management thanked the delegation for including a visit to Makerere on their Kampala itinerary, “It is an honour and privilege to host you here today,” he remarked.  He equally thanked Dr. Kiggundu Musoke for representing the University on IGAD and facilitating the visit.

Prof. Bbaale acknowledged that IGAD continues to play a critical role in fostering regional cooperation, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the Greater Horn of Africa. “The inclusion of higher education in IGAD’s strategic priorities speaks volumes about the importance you attach to knowledge, skills, and research as tools for transforming societies,” he supplemented.

Right to Left: Dr. Victoria Anib Majur, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Kebede Kassa Tsegaye and another IGAD official during the discussions. Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council Courtesy Visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Tuesday 29th July 2025.
Right to Left: Dr. Victoria Anib Majur, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Kebede Kassa Tsegaye and another IGAD official during the discussions.

The Acting DVCAA reiterated that Makerere University takes great pride in her IGAD membership, as well as the collaborative research partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and policy dialogues that seek to harmonise and strengthen higher education in the region undertaken therein. He equally lauded the participation of regional Vice Chancellors and Senior Academic Leaders in IGAD’s activities, “Your presence affirms our collective resolve to build stronger institutions and knowledge systems that respond to the developmental needs of our communities.”

He noted that Makerere in pursuit of her strategic research-led agenda takes cognizance of the importance of partnerships at regional and international levels and urged the leaders present to nurture them. “We need to build a strong academic and research network so that we have seamless flow staff and students on the African continent,” adding that “We hope this visit will further deepen the bonds between our institutions and inspire new opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research, innovation, and regional integration.”

Prof. Edward Bbaale (Left) presents coffee grown, roasted and packaged by Makerere University to Dr. Victoria Anib Majur (Right) in appreciation of the delegation's visit. Chairperson and Members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Board of the Higher Education Council Courtesy Visit to Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Tuesday 29th July 2025.
Prof. Edward Bbaale (Left) presents coffee grown, roasted and packaged by Makerere University to Dr. Victoria Anib Majur (Right) in appreciation of the delegation’s visit.

Dr. Kebede Kassa Tsegaye, the IGAD Senior Coordinator of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Program expressed delight at visiting Makerere, noting that the University and Republic of Uganda are strategic and extremely valuable partners of the regional body.

In her remarks, Dr. Victoria Anib Majur the Head, IGAD Health and Social Development Division thanked Makerere and other regional universities for promoting mobility among learners by endorsing the implementation of the IGAD Regional Qualifications Framework (IGADQF). “It is our pleasure that your institution and all other partner institutions in the region are joining IGAD in fulfilling the mission of regional integration through skills development and through qualifications.”

She reiterated IGAD’s commitment to push for; excellence in education, inclusivity of gender and persons with disabilities, and promotion of skills that will prepare learners, especially refugees, returnees, and those from host communities in the IGAD region for the marketplace. The IGAD Secretariat is hosted by the Republic of Djibouti and region covers the host country-Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

Mark Wamai

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