General
H.E. Xavier Sticker Visits Mak, Discusses Collaborative Initiatives
By Betty Nabisubi
The Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E. Xavier Sticker on Friday 19th January 2024 visited Makerere University to familiarize himself with the French Corner, the French Section of the Department of European and Oriental Languages and institution’s Internationalisation function. He was officially received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda as well as various leaders.
Welcoming the H.E. Sticker, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe emphasised that Internationalisation is prominent on the University’s strategic agenda, and the International Office is in the process of being strengthened so as to better support this function, and ensure an environment conducive to the welfare of international students.
“Therefore, any support rendered to this office in terms of language and feedback will be helpful so as to better serve our international stakeholders. Although we are currently hosts to students from over 40 nationalities, we could have more, because Africa alone has over 50 countries” said Prof. Alinaitwe.
The University Secretary in his remarks reiterated that the International Office is at the heart of coordinating visits by international delegations and supporting the teaching and learning function by providing efficient services to international students and visiting academics.
“The target is to facilitate them through the entire chain from admission to registration to processing entry visas, study permits and making sure that when the international students are here, they are home” remarked Mr. Kiranda.
Additionally, Mr. Moses Rutahumbya, one of two Administrative Assistants at the International Office, the other being Ms. Betty Nabisubi, noted that the unit also facilitates mobility programmes for Makerere University Students visiting partner institutions.
H.E. Xavier Sticker in his remarks noted that his visit was aimed at acquainting himself with the premises and operations of the Campus France Office at Makerere and how it facilitates access by students to French Universities.
“I can say that we are happy with the number of Ugandan students who have gone to study in France and returned. The number of 60 students currently studying in France could be better” remarked the French Ambassador.
H.E. Sticker emphasized the need to enhance the infrastructure and visibility of the International Office. He underscored the importance of effective promotion, particularly among students interested in studying in France, to bolster the office’s standing.
Additionally, the Ambassador noted that it was important to ensure that students who return from French Universities form an association through which experiences can be shared.
The visit not only strengthened ties between Makerere University and the French Embassy but also provided a platform for discussing pivotal strategies to enhance the International Office’s efficacy. The collaborative efforts discussed during the visit are poised to elevate the office’s visibility and infrastructure, contributing to a more enriching experience for students both from France and around the globe.
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.
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/
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.
“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.
“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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