General
Citation Award of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa of Makerere University to Hon. Justice Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende
Hon. Justice Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende is being awarded a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa of Makerere University in recognition of a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in legal practice, international adjudication and mediation and academia.
He was born in 1956 and educated at Makerere University where he received a Bachelor of Laws degree, with honours. His postgraduate qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre; and a Master of Laws degree in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
As one of the few advocates practicing in Jinja district in the 1980s and 1990s, he rose to become Vice President of the Uganda Law Society. He is the immediate past Chairperson of Law Council and has been a Judge and Justice of the following courts: Chief Justice, High Court of the Seychelles (2009 to 2014); Acting Justice, Supreme Court of Uganda (May 2008 to Jan 2009); International Judge, United Nations Mission in Kosovo (2002-2004); Judge, Court of Appeal of East Timor (2000-2001); Justice, Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court of Uganda (2000 to date); and Judge, High Court of Uganda (1991-2000).
He contributed to the reorganization of the Uganda Law Society, following several years in which the Association was either banned or handicapped in operation. He has lectured Law at Makerere University and was the Chairperson of the Law Reporting Committee of the Judiciary.
As Chairperson of the Judicial Training Committee (1996-97), he set out a broad framework, still in place today, for the design and delivery of programs on judicial education which were intended to develop and enhance knowledge & skills for new and serving judicial officers.
Well known as a Technology “geek”, he pioneered the establishment of the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII) – a free online legal information database, that publishes and provides the public with primary legal information including decisions of courts of record in Uganda.
As Chairperson of the Working Committee on the Computerization of the Registries in the Uganda Judiciary (1996-97) and the first chairperson of the Technology Committee of the Judiciary of Uganda (1997), he was instrumental in the development of the Technology and Automation Plan for the judiciary and the design and implementation of the Computerized Case Administration System, which culminated into the adoption of the now-indispensable Electronic Court Case Management Information System, which has improved court efficiency.
His judicial imprint has been felt in virtually all areas of the law, from constitutional law and contract law to family law, human rights and international law. In Osotraco v. The Attorney General of Uganda, he rejected an age-old barrier to remedies against government based on the new constitutional dispensation. In Fredrick Kato v Ann Njoki, he invalidated a discriminatory colonial-era statutory provision which barred Africans from accessing the High Court in divorce matters. In Salvatori Abuki and Another v Attorney General, he explained that the right to life under the Constitution included a right to a livelihood. In Major General David Tinyefuza Munungu v. The Attorney General of Uganda, he highlighted the importance of the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as a guide to the contextual interpretation of the Constitution. Furthermore, in Re: Nicholas Mwanja, he called for the reform of the systems of adoption and guardianship which eventually found their way into the Children’s Act of 2016, and in Attorney General v Susan Kigula and 417 Others he charted a pragmatic path towards the use of international legal norms in the construction of the national legal framework.
Throughout the breadth and depth of his jurisprudence, a consistent thread is to be found: an expression of views without fear or favour; unquestionable belief in the independence of the judiciary, coupled with a commitment to increasing access to justice for common people.
At the international level, he has distinguished himself as not only an international judge of repute but also a development practitioner who turns dysfunctional judicial institutions to productive and efficient systems. To this end, he has contributed to the administrative growth of different judiciaries around the world.
In Seychelles, where he served as Chief Justice (2009-2014), he started a judicial program for judges and other judicial officers and introduced digital recording technology in the judiciary which together with his strong and efficient oversight, turned around the productivity of judicial officers in the country. He also pioneered the establishment of the Seychelles Legal Information Institute.
In East Timor, he was appointed Judge of the Court of Appeal (2000-2001) at a time the province had just broken away from Indonesia. He was involved in the setting up of an independent judiciary.
As an International Judge in Kosovo, he made great contribution in the fight against serious crimes including war crimes, genocide, and terrorism. He also played a critical role in strengthening the Kosovo judiciary and establishing the rule of law that country.
As an international civil servant, Justice Egonda-Ntende has been true to the highest creeds of humanity – integrity, excellence, discipline, passion and, above all, service above self. His record of international service paved way for many Ugandan judicial officers to be sought after in many countries.
He has carried out his task as a judge and justice with humility, utmost incorruptibility and unwavering fealty to the cause of justice and equality embedded in the judicial oath.
For his professional achievements and significant contribution, Makerere University is proud and honored to confer upon Justice Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa of Makerere University and all the rights, duties and privileges pertaining thereto.
Orator: Dr. Josephine Ndagire, School of Law
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.
The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.
Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.
“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.
Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.
The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
“Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.
Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.
“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.
Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.
“Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.
She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.
Ruhweeza at glance
Born on 19th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.
The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.
He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.
Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions
Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.
He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.
He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.
Legacy
Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.
His life reflected the transformative power of education, servant leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.
May Sylas’s soul rest in eternal peace.
General
Makerere University Pushes for Stronger Support for Research Ethics Committees amid Growing Research Demands
By Moses Lutaaya
Makerere University has intensified efforts to strengthen research governance and ethical oversight, with university leaders calling for greater institutional support for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), whose role has become increasingly central to the institution’s research-led agenda.
The call was made during a high-level meeting between University Management and Chairpersons of Research Ethics Committees held at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom at the Makerere University Main Building on May 25, 2026.
Opening the meeting, the Director of Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala, highlighted a number of operational and administrative challenges affecting the effectiveness of RECs at Makerere University.
Prof. Wamala observed that RECs continue to operate with gaps in institutional framework outlining their position within the university governance structure, a gap he said has affected institutional support and long-term sustainability.
According to Prof. Wamala, inadequate facilitation continues to affect the operations of several committees, especially in areas of staffing, administrative coordination, and remuneration for REC administrators.
He also pointed to challenges arising from new regulatory requirements governing the appointment of REC members, particularly the need for appointment letters to be authorized or signed by the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Wamala further raised concern over the high cost of mandatory accreditation and training processes required by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), especially the Good Research Regulatory Practice (GRRP) training undertaken every three years. “Payment for training is too high for individual RECs to cover,” he noted, adding that many committees are struggling to independently raise the money to undertake the training for all their members.
He also emphasized the need for stronger institutional monitoring systems to support timely submission of accreditation renewal applications, oversight of approved research activities, and coordination of REC operations across the university.
In her remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the growing contribution of RECs in advancing Makerere University’s research agenda and acknowledged the concerns raised by Prof. Wamala and committee members.
“There were not very many RECs,” Prof. Ssali said. “So now that we are 10, it is really impressive because it speaks to our cause for a research-led university.” She admitted that despite their importance, many RECs still operate outside the formal university establishment, making staffing and operational support difficult.
“The only challenge that I see is that they are not fully institutionalized. So it is upon units to start them or not to start them,” she explained. Prof. Ssali added that because RECs are not fully integrated into the public service structure of the university, recruiting and remunerating staff through conventional university systems remains complicated. “Hiring for them staff will be a little bit cumbersome because the university will say they are not part of our structure,” she said.
She nevertheless emphasized that university management recognizes the strategic importance of RECs in strengthening ethical research oversight and supporting Makerere’s position as a research-led institution. “RECs are doing a great job of furthering our strategic agenda of being a research-led university,” she noted.
Prof. Ssali explained that the growing reliance on institutional RECs by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology demonstrates the trust placed in Makerere University’s ethical review systems.
Addressing concerns about the cost and frequency of mandatory training, Prof. Ssali acknowledged the financial burden on RECs but explained that many of the requirements are set by national regulators. “Many of the things you have raised are with National Council, they are not with us,” she said. “We can only pledge to lobby.”
To address logistical challenges associated with training senior academics, she proposed more flexible scheduling arrangements. “For a professor to give you a whole day is going to be a challenge,” she said. “Maybe you can do half days throughout the week.”
Prof. Ssali also encouraged colleges and schools to allocate part of their enhanced research budgets toward supporting REC activities, including staffing, training, and operational facilitation.
She suggested that colleges and schools hosting RECs should directly take responsibility for sustaining them. “For me, that’s the way out — to ensure that the colleges and schools that have RECs take them as their responsibility,” she noted.
The DVC-AA also addressed concerns related to intellectual property rights, Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), and the need for researchers to formally communicate scientific discoveries and innovations to the university to ensure institutional protection and benefit-sharing. “All you are saying is true, but it depends on you as researchers informing the institution that we have made this discovery,” she said.
Prof. Ssali reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to strengthening research governance systems and pledged continued engagement with both university management and national regulatory bodies to address the concerns raised by REC members. “Where they are, they enable research, publication and growth,” she said of the RECs. “Most importantly, they enable us to be ethical with the way we do our things.”
The meeting was attended by chairpersons of the various Research Ethics Committees across Makerere University and affiliated institutions. These included Dr. Ponsiano Ochama from the School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (SOM-REC), Dr. Moses Ocan from the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBS-REC), Dr. Paul Kutyabami from the School of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, Dr. David Kyaddondo from the Uganda Cancer Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Stella Neema from the School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MAKSS-REC), Dr. Joseph Kagayi from the School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Joseph Kateete from the Infectious Diseases Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Fred Okuku from the Uganda Heart Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Kassim Sadik from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Research Ethics Committee, and Dr. Eddy Walakira from the College of Business and Management Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
The discussions reflected Makerere University’s broader ambition to consolidate its position as a leading research-intensive institution while ensuring that ethical standards, accountability, and innovation protection remain central to its academic mission.
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