Her Worship Evelyn Najjuuko (Centre) assists the Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal, Dr. Henry Onoria (Left) to take his oath on 16th November 2023. Right is Mr. Peter Eneru, Clerk to the Staff Appeals Tribunal.
The New Chairperson, Dr. Henry Onoria and Members of the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal were on Thursday 16th November 2023 sworn in to commence their four-year term by Her Worship Evelyn Najjuuko, Senior Grade One Magistrate, Wakiso Court. On hand to witness the swearing-in ceremony were the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson Appointments Board, Mr. Edwin Karugire, Chairperson Legal, Rules, Privileges and Estates Committee, Mr. George Bamugemereire and Members of Council; Dr. Diana Ahumuza Ateenyi, Dr. Deus Kamnyu Muhwezi and Mr. Jackson Byamukama.
Members of University Management present included the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Kakumba, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Ag. Director Human Resources, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Ag. Director Estates and Works, Eng. Darius Muwanguzi, Ag. Director Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet, and Ag. Director Legal Affairs, Mr. Hudson Musoke. Staff Associations were equally well represented by their executives and leaders namely; Chairperson Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Dr. Robert Kakuru, Chairperson Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA), Mr. Bennet Magara and Ag. Chairperson National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI), Mr. Isaac Okello. The Ag. Head, Human Rights and Peace Centre (HURIPEC), Dr. Busingye Kabumba was in attendance.
Vice Chancellor Welcomes Tribunal Members
Welcoming all present Prof. Kakumba appreciated God for the wonderful opportunity to witness the swearing in of the Staff Appeals Tribunal, one of the important organs of the University. He noted that systems, structures and processes enable institutions such as Makerere to not only exist but thrive. This, in the case of the Staff Appeals Tribunal, is achieved by inculcating a harmonious level of co-existence when contradictions emerge.
The Acting Vice Chancellor-Prof. Umar Kakumba (Left) interacts with Dr. Henry Onoria during the event.
“The tribunal is such an important organ to handle issues related to grievances, reconciliation and foster the strategic vision of the institution” said the Ag. Vice Chancellor. He therefore congratulated and thanked Dr. Onoria for accepting to come back to his alma mater and head this important organ.
“We are looking forward to your contribution towards fostering the strategic vision of Makerere University as a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation and development” he added.
Chairperson Appointments Board pledges Cordiality
In his brief remarks, Mr. Karugire couldn’t help but share with the audience how he constantly reminds fellow Council Members how he is more Makererean that they are, having been born, raised, educated and now actively serving on the Governing body. “And so it is an honour and a privilege to serve at this great institution.”
He pledged on behalf of the Appointments Board to ensure that in the exercise of its mandate, his Council Committee would strive to make the Tribunal’s workload is lighter. This, he noted, would be achieved by placing Makerere’s mission to provide transformative teaching and learning as well as research environment responsive to national and global needs at the core of all activities.
The Chairperson Staff Appeals Tribunal-Dr. Henry Onoria (Left) shakes hands with the Chairperson Appointments Board-Mr. Edwin Karugire (Right) at the swearing-in ceremony.
Mr. Karugire added that the achievement of this mission requires highly motivated, disciplined and committed staff, which makes keeping them (staff) accountable very important. “In this regard, the Appointments Board as well as the Tribunal have different but complimentary roles.”
He concluded by saying that he was looking forward to working with the distinguished members of the tribunal to serve the great Makerere and renewed his pledge to foster a cordial working relationship between the Appointments Board and Tribunal.
New Tribunal Members Sworn In
Dr. Henry Onoria (Left) shakes hands with Dr. Robert Kakuru (Right) as the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Centre) introduces him to leaders in attendance.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, who moderated the event shared that Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal is by law made up of eight members including a Chairperson; appointed by the Chancellor, and representatives from the University Council (1), University Senate (1), MUASA (2), MASA (2) and the Ministry of Public Service (1). At the time of the swearing-in, the Ministry of Public Service was yet to nominate its representative. As such, the members present were sworn in as listed below;
Dr. Henry Onoria – Chairperson
Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega – Council Representative
Assoc. Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala – Senate Representative
Ms. Rhoda Nalubega – MUASA Female Representative
Dr. Fred Maniragaba – MUASA Male Representative
Ms. Sarah Wegosasa – MASA Female Representative
Mr. Joseph Kalema – MASA Male Representative
HW Najjuuko Calls for Confidentiality
Following the administration of oaths, Her Worship Najjuuko congratulated Members of the Staff Appeals Tribunal upon being sworn in and reminded them that “with great power comes great responsibility.
Her Worship Evelyn Najjuuko makes her remarks after presiding over the swearing-in ceremony.
“I pray that you are able to run this office for the term that you are appointed. Please serve it with integrity, professionalism, and I need to emphasize, with confidentiality…and may God bless and keep you,” remarked Her Worship. She concluded by observing that there was no Muslim member of the Tribunal and prayed that there would be one at the next opportunity.
Acceptance Remarks by Dr. Onoria
Delivering his acceptance remarks, the Chairperson of the Staff Appeals Tribunal thanked all present for sparing time to come and witness the swearing-in ceremony. However, he was quick to add that he looked forward to receiving the eighth and final member, the nominee from the Ministry of Public Service. He went on to share that as one who completed his Bachelor of Laws in 1992 and returned to teach for fourteen years from 1998 to 2011, it gave him great pleasure to come back and serve Makerere University, where he spent a significant part of his adult life.
“From where I stand, this is a great opportunity to do one final round in terms of service to the University because I’m not getting any younger…what I can pledge as we start after this tribunal inauguration and swearing-in is that we begin to look at how to fast track resolving some of the matters that have been pending for over six months” said the Chairperson.
The New Chairperson of the Staff Appeals Tribunal, Dr. Henry Onoria delivers his acceptance speech.
The pending cases notwithstanding, Dr. Onoria was particularly happy that the Staff Appeals Tribunal is guided by rules of procedure, and thanked the Legal, Rules, Privileges and Estates Committee of Council for drafting them. He was also pleased that the Tribunal’s membership was largely made up of staff, who will offer a deeper understanding of the cases presented by aggrieved colleagues. “The constituency brings a lot to work out how best to resolve disputes and I am hoping that with the team that is continuing their tenure, my tasks will be much easier as Chair.”
He thanked the Chairperson Appointments Board for his commitment to a culture of collaboration, which will help map out the best ways of resolving disputes as they arise. “I want to thank everybody for coming and I look forward to executing this role…may God bless everybody on the tribunal and give us wisdom and understanding,” he prayed.
Concluding Remarks by Chairperson of Council
Concluding the day’s remarks, the Chairperson of Council expressed pleasure at participating in the inauguration of the Staff Appeals Tribunal and thanked Her Worship for presiding over the swearing-in of the new team. She congratulated Dr. Onoria, the new, as well as continuing members upon being appointed to serve in the critical role.
Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) delivers her remarks after the swearing-in ceremony.
“The University Council looks forward to your team as a strong pillar of the university’s grievance handling mechanism, which should promote good governance, foster staff confidence and motivation and at the end of the day, improve service delivery” remarked Mrs. Magara. She equally thanked the outgoing Chairperson Justice John Patrick Mashongo Tabaro and his team for their service to the university.
The Chairperson of Council reiterated that the overarching goal of the Makerere University Strategic Plan to position the institution as “a sustainable research-led and responsive university with a highly productive workforce churning out versatile graduates” ought to remind staff of the shared responsibility to deliver on the national development agenda and to push collectively to achieve the plan’s targets.
Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, Vice Chairperson of Council and Council Representative to the Staff Appeals Tribunal swears in.
Turning to the Staff Appeals Tribunal, Mrs. Magara was pleased to note that Dr. Onoria not only has the legal experience and knowledge but also an emotional attachment to the university as a former staff and student. She nevertheless cautioned that the rule of law ought to be the cornerstone of service, “whether in Council, whether in Management or the Staff Tribunal.”
The swearing-in ceremony was followed on 16th and 17th November 2023 by inauguration and orientation activities for members of the Staff Appeals Tribunal as well as relevant Council Committees. The University Secretary also used the occasion to recognise Dr. Josephine Ndagire and Mr. Peter Eneru, the Secretary and Clerk of Staff Appeals Tribunal respectively as well as Mrs. Naome Kiconco Ocheing and Ms. Annet Nakayovu as staff who contribute to its smooth running.
Ms. Sarah Wegosasa (C) assisted by HW Evelyn Najjuuko (L) and Mr. Peter Eneru (R) swears in.
The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.
Why join this summer?
A diverse range of credit-bearing courses The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.
A truly international experience Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.
An exciting cultural and social programme Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.
A safe and welcoming destination Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.
Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!
On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.
2.End of the Second Semester
The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9th August, 2025.
3. Resident Students
All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17th May, 2025.
4. University Property
Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.
5. Security of personal property
Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.