General
Council Celebrates Prof. Suruma’s Two Terms as Chancellor
It was an evening of warm remarks and celebration as the University Council on Wednesday, 20th December took a moment during its last meeting of 2023 to celebrate the conclusion of Prof. Ezra Suruma’s two terms as Chancellor. Prof. Suruma who was installed as Chancellor on 18th January 2016 was at the expiry of his first term in December 2019 re-appointed by the President of the Republic of Uganda and Visitor of Makerere University, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for a second eligible term.
Welcoming Members of Council, Management and other guests to the celebration, the University Secretary and evening’s moderator Mr. Yusuf Kiranda noted that the dinner was only one of the activities the University Council had lined up in honour of Prof. Suruma’s distinguished service.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed delight at welcoming Prof. Suruma and his wife Mrs. Specioza Suruma to the evening of celebration. He testified that he had enjoyed a very cordial working relationship with Prof. Suruma, whose advice has always been valuable.
Turning to the day’s host the Chairperson of Council, Prof. Nawangwe observed that Makerere has attained a lot during Mrs. Lorna Magara’s term, especially with regard to changes aimed at fostering the University’s research-intensive and research-led aspirations. “In the Soviet Union we used to say ‘thank you very much our very wise and visionary leader’”.
The Vice Chancellor equally thanked the Government for restoring confidence in the University as exhibited by designated funding for research and innovations (Mak-RIF), timely remuneration and able representation on Council. In the same breath he thanked the University Management as well as the Principals and their Deputies for the hard work that has kept Makerere shining and internationally recognized.
In her remarks prior to inviting Prof. Suruma to address the guests, Mrs. Lorna Magara acknowledged the Vice Chancellor’s appreciation of her leadership, relating it to a proverb often quoted by leadership gurus that says, “If you think you are leading and no one is following you, then you are only taking a walk.”
She too paid allegiance to Prof. Suruma, whom she admitted looking up to as “a strong leader, a leader of integrity, a man who leads by conviction”, and who has challenged all members of Council and Management to lead the same way. His distinguished service, Mrs. Magara added, has inspired both staff and students to lead more impactful and conscientious lives.
Quoting a public speaker who recently used the illustration of a pencil to describe human life, the Chairperson of Council shared that just as the important part of the pencil is the lead that writes, the important part of life is who we are on the inside. Similarly, just as sharpening makes the pencil usable, Mrs. Magara pointed out that it is the difficult experiences that sharpen us and prompt us to lead more impactful lives.
She therefore paid tribute to Prof. Suruma for being an exception leader, “you have fathered us, you have given us wisdom, you have guided us” praised Mrs. Magara, before adding “and we bless you together with your wife and your family that the next season will just take you further up in your purpose in life.”
She concluded by informing guests that the University Council would request Prof. Suruma to deliver a public lecture early in 2024, whereupon he would be presented with various items in appreciation of his distinguished leadership as Chancellor.
Prof. Suruma’s remarks of the evening were equally as warm, expressing great joy and satisfaction with the Makerere University Community for eight years of friendship, cooperation and leadership at Uganda’s greatest educational institution.
“In a very special way, permit me to thank the University Council Chairperson, Mrs. Lorna Magara and the entire Council for eight years of professional cooperation and leadership… Allow me also to say how delighted I am to recognize the excellence and distinction of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe. Thank you very much for serving humanity with such great love and sacrifice” extolled Prof. Suruma.
Turning to the Graduation Ceremonies, a highlight of his role as Chancellor, Prof. Suruma thanked the Deputy Vice Chancellors, Prof. Umar Kakumba and Prof. Henry Alinaitwe as well as the Academic Registrar and Principals of colleges for ensuring that the events were managed efficiently and effectively throughout his tenure. In the same breath, he acknowledged the special relationship nurtured with the Department of Performing Arts and Film, whose performances he said, “Often brought tears of joy to my eyes”.
Prof. Suruma described his fifty years of relationship with Makerere University where he started out as Lecturer in 1973 as “intermittent”. In 1975 he had to leave for the USA to complete his Ph.D, which he did in 1976, but had to wait until President Amin’s overthrow in 1979 to return. Unfortunately, he had to flee back into exile that same year because he had joined politics and the military was looking for him, only returning in 1985 when it was safer.
In 1987 he once again had to leave Makerere to take up the position of Director of Research at the Bank of Uganda, where he rose to the rank of Deputy Governor in 1990. He went on to serve in various capacities as Chairman and Managing Director of Uganda Commercial Bank (1993-1996), Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (2005-2009), and as Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit (PDMU) during which term of service he was appointed Chancellor in 2016.
“When my late father, Sulumani Baliranwa prayed to be an intellectual as the Late John Bikangaga, probably the first graduate from Kigezi region, God told him that would not happen. But He promised that ‘one of your sons would teach Uganda’. That divine promise has been fulfilled in my presence here” remarked Prof. Suruma.
He therefore prayed that all present at the dinner would discover God’s purpose for their lives and pursue it diligently, and concluded by thanking the University Leadership for treating him and his wife to the wonderful evening of celebration. Upon Prof. Suruma’s request, the Department of Performing Arts and Film led by the Chair, Dr. Benon Kigozi sung the hymn Amazing Grace and in the Spirit of Christmas followed it up with Joy to the World.
By Carol Kasujja Adii
Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu on 22nd January 2025 officially handed over office to the newly appointed acting Manager of Planning and Development Department, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike – a Principal Planning Officer in the same unit.
Presiding over the handover ceremony, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi who represented the Vice Chancellor commended Mr. Matia Kabuye Kagimu who joined the University service in November 1991 for the vibrant leadership during his tenure as the Manager of Planning and Development Department. He also credited Mr. Kabuye Kagimu for serving Makerere University stakeholders with dedication and humility.
“Presiding over and also witnessing a number of such ceremonies over the years, I have learnt one thing, that they only strengthen our resolve to continue contributing to Makerere University. When you see a colleague that has served with distinction and integrity, it is a message to the in-coming that you need to not only emulate the strides made but also do better than your predecessor,” said Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) on behalf of the University management.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi explained that over the years, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu has not only guided the University Management in strategic planning, budgeting and resource allocation, but also mentored many of them.
“Mr. Kabuye Kagimu, you are lucky you are leaving with your head held high. You are lucky that God has given you an admirable tenure, you have served with distinction and we are happy. We wish you good health as you continue serving in whatever capacity God puts you,” Prof Buyinza Mukadasi said.
Despite facing significant challenges, including limited staffing and resources and unprecedented budget cuts, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu led the planning unit with unwavering dedication. Under his leadership, the team delivered crucial planning functions, including budgeting and reporting, in alignment with the Government of Uganda’s programme budgeting system.
Furthermore, during his tenure, the unit oversaw the decentralization of the University’s budgeting function to the Colleges and Administrative Units, as well as alignment of the Makerere University 10-year strategic plan (2020-2030) with the National Development Plan II. Mr Kabuye Kagimu also diligently worked with the different Colleges and Departments on development of infrastructural facilities improvement projects.
Welcoming the newly appointed Acting Manager Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike to the leadership role, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi pledged to accord him the necessary support.
During the handover, the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, who has worked with Mr. Kabuye Kagimu for five years, testified that he is a highly skilled personality who has exhibited high standards of ethics, integrity, morality and professionalism.
“Mr. Kabuye has exhibited a high level of team work. He has worked well with the finance team and a number of staff in the entire University as he oversaw the planning function,” Mr. Bainomugisha said.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Kabuye Kagimu thanked the University Council, as well as Central and Top Management for the cooperation and support accorded to him during the 33 years he served the University.
Mr. Kabuye Kagimu appealed to the University Management to prioritize the staffing needs in the Planning and Development Department so that the Unit is in position to serve the entire university on time, and with the right financial and human resources.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike, the Acting Manager Planning and Strategy, extended deep gratitude to the University Management especially the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for their mentorship over the years and entrusting him the new responsibility.
“Without a plan, we are directionless. Without accurate reporting, we cannot ensure effective accountability because these are pillars upon which success stands. I want to assure you, Acting Vice Chancellor-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi that my team and I, are fully aware of the monumental task ahead. We are committed to tackling it with unwavering resolve and dedication,’’ Mr. Kitamirike said. He also pledged to give attention to grant-funded projects.
Present during the handover were Ms. Joan Makanga Mutekanga-representing the Directorate of Internal Audit, Ms, Consolate Komugisha-representing the office of the University Secretary and senior staff from the Planning and Development Department.
About the Department The Planning and Development Department (PDD) was established in 1992 with the overall mandate to coordinate the formulation and implementation of the University’s Strategic Plans. The Department has to date rolled out four planning cycles. The Department brings together the constituent components of the University-wide plan, including plans from all units of the University, to ensure that Makerere is an efficient and responsive University.
General
Makerere University Convocation Graduation Luncheon Honors CEDAT Staff and Outstanding Students
Several staff members from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) were recognized for their exceptional contributions in research and teaching during the Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon, held on Friday, January 17th, 2025. The event celebrated the achievements of top students, teachers, and researchers, with special awards presented to CEDAT staff for their outstanding performance and dedication.
Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Okello and Mr. Ayor Andrew Semakula received the Teacher of the Year Award, acknowledging their exemplary contributions to education and their significant impact on students. The recognition highlights the commitment and excellence of CEDAT staff in advancing the fields of engineering, design, art, and technology.
The Senior Career Award went toProf. Kirabira John Baptist, Prof. Olupot Wilberforce and Assoc. Prof. Michael Luswataall from the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Dr.VianeyYiga, Dr. SemiyagaSwaib, Mr. Manga Musa got the Mid-Career Award, while Ms. Namuju Dona Lillian, Ms. Wesonga Racheal and Ms. NamakulaHidaaya received the Early Career Award. At the same event, thirty of the best performing students were also recognized.
The Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon celebrated outstanding achievements, with a strong emphasis on recognizing excellence through awards. Colonel Edith Nakalema, Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, delivered a keynote address focused on integrity and creativity for graduates.Col. Nakalema stressed the need for graduates to uphold high moral standards and professionalism, urging them to focus on creativity and integrity, especially in the age of AI, to achieve true success.
The event, themed “Celebrating Excellence and Creating Path to Success,” honored the top performers from each college. Col. Nakalema congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of making positive contributions to society. Other speakers, including Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the role of universities in socio-economic transformation and the importance of research.
Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principle Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology
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