General
Mak Hosts Commonwealth Delegates Attending 27th CSPOC
On Friday 5th January 2024, Makerere University was privileged to host delegates of the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) hosted by the Parliament of Uganda from 3rd to 6th January 2024. A biannual event, the 28th Edition of CSPOC will be hosted by India in 2026. The delegation was led by the Member of Parliament for Bugabula South Hon. Maurice Kibalya, who also served as Makerere Guild President from 2005 to 2006.
The delegates were received at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management. Welcoming the visitors, the Vice Chancellor said that Makerere as the region’s premier Higher Education Institution recognizes the need to conduct research that addresses issues such as climate change, food security, emerging diseases, natural disasters, fast population growth and conflicts that affect the community, country and continent.
“We do this mainly through 36 research centres. We also have centres of excellence such as the Africa Regional Centre of Excellence for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) because food is going to be the most important thing to solve with the growing population. And we also have the Africa Centre of Excellence in Material Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO), which is using the highest technology to come up with innovations in medicine and other engineering fields” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor informed delegates that Makerere, through dedicated funding for research and innovations from Government is modernizing her research infrastructure. “Our promise is that we are all set for the next century of service to humanity. I thank you for honouring us with your visit and I hope that you enjoy the rest of your stay in Uganda.”
In his remarks, the Head of Delegation thanked the University Leadership for preparing to host the delegation at short notice, and apologized on behalf of the Parliament of Uganda and the CSPOC Organising Committee for the absence of the Speakers and Presiding Officers who were visiting Quality Chemicals Limited the same day. He nevertheless informed the Leadership that the Parliament of Uganda is set to host the Pan-African Parliament in May 2024, and is scheduled to host the African Parliamentary Union in 2024, during which events visits to Makerere University will be arranged.
Commending the strides made by the University in research and innovations and acknowledging the need for more support to consolidate these efforts, Hon. Kibalya reassured, “We are proud of Makerere University… Vice Chancellor, you have the best will at the current Parliament.”
Following the briefing, the delegates toured the Makerere University Innovation Hub as well as a showcase of projects funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
Please see the table below for the list of Mak-RIF projects exhibited.
| No. | Project Title | College | PI’s Name |
| 1 | Development and promotion of solar powered energy-saving smart electric cook stoves to reduce the cooking carbon footprint in households, institutions and industries: (SE-Cookers) | CAES | Dr. Peter Tumutegyereize |
| 2 | Developing and Testing Digital Games for Teenage Reproductive and Mental Health Education | MUBS | Dr. Joseph Kizito Bada |
| 3 | Ajon (local brew in Eastern Uganda) Gold: Mechanizing processing and improving shelf life | MUBS | Dr. Bosco Amerit |
| 4 | Increasing Aquaculture production in Uganda through low-cost monitoring systems | MUBS | Dr. Charles Olupot |
| 5 | Developing a community-based model for integrating bioenergy and poultry production using rice agro-waste (Integrated bioenergy agriculture model) | CoVAB | Dr. Gabriel Tumwine |
| 6 | Risk assessment of heavy metals in vegetables consumed in Kampala Uganda | CoVAB | Dr. Tamale Andrew |
| 7 | Vitex Medical Tool: An Artificial Intelligence Hospital device that disinfects surfaces and supports Health care workers in Infection control | CoVAB | Dr. Edward Ssebuufu |
| 8 | Redvers e-mobility bike: An electric powered motorcycle | CEDAT | Dr. Hillary Kasedde |
| 9 | Nylon Based Litter Management Trap for Drainage Systems | CEDAT | Dr. Andrew Ayor |
| 10 | E-health system-Mobile data collector | CoCIS | Dr. Nakibuule Rose |
| 11 | Improving Livelihoods of Small-Scale Producers in Uganda through Digital Advisory Services | CoCIS | Dr. Richard Edema |
| 12 | An automated feedback module for smallholder farmers in crowdsourcing at scale for real-time crop health surveillance | CoCIS | Dr. Florence Nameere Kivunike |
| 13 | Crane Cloud: An open-source multi-cloud service layer for highly available cloud-based services in Africa | CoCIS | Dr. Bainomugisha Engineer |
| 14 | The Enhanced Product Development and Pilot Testing of a Smart Postpartum haemorrhage Volumetric Drape for Early detection of postpartum haemorrhage during child birth | CHS | Dr. Sam Ononge |
| 15 | A Whole University Approach: Kicking Sexual Harassment Out of Higher Education Institutions in Uganda (KISH) | Gender Mainstreaming | Prof. Grace Bantebya |
| 16 | Labour Externalization Pathways to The Gulf Cooperating Countries (GCCs) and Development Implications for Uganda | Gender Mainstreaming | Dr. Richard Asaba Bagonza |
| 17 | Practicals for the Home for the Rural Student | CoNAS | Dr. Taddeo Ssenyonga |
| 18 | Development of Value-added Phytogenic Feed Additives to Replace Conventional Antibiotics in Chicken Feeds | CoNAS | Dr. Alice Nabatanzi |
| 19 | Enhancing The Grain Amaranth Value Chain for Improved Nutrition, Livelihoods and Enterprises Development in Uganda | CAES | Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe |
| 20 | Manufacturing, Clinical Testing and Commercialization of a Rapid Diagnostic Test for COVID-19 | CHS | Prof. Misaki Wayengera |
| 21 | Epi Tent | ||
| 22 | Development of Freza a nanotechnology-based preservation solution for shelf-life extension of fruits and vegetables for the local farmer, retailer and vendor in Uganda | MUBS | Dr. Mutumba Abbey |
| 23 | Enhancing Value Addition on Potato-Sorghum enterprises for Improved Livelihoods in Uganda (EVaPoSIL) | CAES | Prof. Johnny Mugisha |
| 24 | The Low-Cost (Bulamu) Medical Ventilator | CoVAB | Prof. Frank Mwine |
| 25 | Improving Point-of-Care Learning for Prostate and Breast Cancer using Machine Learning | CoCIS | Dr. Peter Nabende |
| Additional Projects Exhibited (Not funded by Mak-RIF) | |||
| 26 | Automating Mobile Microscopy: Diagnostics for Malaria | CoCIS | Dr. Rose Nakasi |
Makerere University staff have been urged to embrace servant leadership, integrity and compassion as they prepare to welcome students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
The call was made during the Makerere University Staff Prayer Breakfast held on 31st July 2026 at St. Francis Students Centre Upper Hall under the theme “Faithful Stewards: A Servant Heart with Integrity and Wisdom,” drawn from Colossians 3:23–24 and Mark 10:35–45.
The prayer breakfast brought together members of Council, University Management, academic, and administrative staff to dedicate the new academic year to God while reflecting on their responsibility of serving students with excellence, humility and integrity.
A Call to Seek God’s Wisdom
Host Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa reminded staff that no amount of professional experience or academic expertise can replace God’s guidance.
She noted that the University’s mission can only be fulfilled when staff continually seek God’s wisdom in serving students and one another.
“There is no amount of experience or expertise that can replace God’s wisdom.”
Rev. Dr. Kitayimbwa observed that students remain the reason universities exist and challenged staff to approach their work as a calling rather than merely employment.
“Without students, there is no university,” she said, encouraging members of staff to remain united, avoid unhealthy competition and trust God as they begin another academic year.
She further urged staff to become faithful stewards who work together in harmony, which she summed up as, “United we stand; divided we fall.”
A Community, Not Just a Centre of Research
In her remarks, Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli welcomed the Council Chairperson, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Members of Management to the breakfast, and reminded staff that a university’s value cannot be measured by research and innovation alone.
She described Makerere as a community held together by the spiritual as well as academic wellbeing of its people, and called on staff to renew their commitment to one another as much as to the institution they serve.
Draw Inspiration From Stewardship
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Sarah Ssali told staff that this year’s breakfast carried special significance.
“This is the first prayer breakfast we are having ever since we launched our strategic plan,” she said, referring to the University’s new Strategic Plan, launched on 2nd July 2026.
She encouraged staff to hold on to the morning’s reflections as a guide for implementing the plan over the next five years, describing Makerere as an institution many families choose above all others for the vision and training it offers their children. She urged staff to see themselves as stewards of that trust rather than simply employees carrying out a job.
Compassion and Discipline Must Go Together
Delivering her remarks, Makerere University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara challenged staff to strike a balance between compassion and discipline when dealing with students.
She observed that many students face different personal and academic challenges, making encouragement and timely support essential throughout their university journey.
“A word of encouragement can restore hope and prevent costly mistakes,” she noted.
Dr. Lorna encouraged lecturers and administrators to respond promptly to students’ concerns, explaining that delays, insensitive decisions and abuse of authority can discourage students and negatively affect their academic experience.
She reminded staff that students often remember how they were treated long after they have forgotten what was taught in class.
“Students may eventually forget what we teach them, but they will always remember how we treated them.”
She added that education goes beyond transferring knowledge.
“Education is more than knowledge. We communicate life, character and values.”
Quoting Mark 10, Dr. Lorna called upon staff to embrace servant leadership by exercising authority with humility, integrity and accountability.
She encouraged members of staff to ask themselves whether they would treat every student the same way ashey would treat their own child.
“We may not always have all the answers,” she said, “but we can communicate honestly, take responsibility and treat every student with dignity.”
She concluded by urging different colleges and administrative units to work together instead of operating in isolation, noting that unity strengthens the University community.
Referring to Galatians 6:2, she reminded staff to carry one another’s burdens and remain faithful stewards of the responsibility entrusted to them.
Servant Leadership Begins with Faithfulness
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. James Magara, husband to Dr. Lorna Magara, called on members of staff to embrace servant leadership grounded in humility, faithfulness and service to others.
Drawing from Mark 10:35–45, Dr. Magara reflected on the account in which James and John asked Jesus for positions of honour in His kingdom, prompting discontent among the other disciples. He observed that despite walking closely with Christ, the disciples continued to struggle with the desire for status and recognition. He noted that such competition remained evident even during the Last Supper, where concerns over positions and prominence persisted.
Dr. Magara said that Jesus responded to these human tendencies by redefining leadership through service rather than authority. He described Christ’s act of washing the disciples’ feet as the ultimate demonstration of servant leadership, explaining that genuine leaders are willing to undertake even the humblest responsibilities in service of others.
Referencing Philippians 2, he urged staff to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness, contrasting it with the pride and self-exaltation illustrated in Isaiah 14. He emphasised that lasting influence and greatness are not measured by titles, positions or recognition, but by one’s willingness to serve faithfully and put the needs of others before personal ambition.
Drawing on his own leadership journey spanning several decades, Dr. Magara challenged leaders across the University to cultivate humility, integrity and a servant heart in the execution of their responsibilities. He cautioned that leadership driven by pride and personal ambition undermines both individual effectiveness and institutional progress, whereas servant leadership strengthens organisations and fosters lasting impact.
The prayer breakfast concluded with a call for unity and collective commitment as Makerere University prepares to begin a new academic year. Organisers noted that the reflections on stewardship, integrity and servant leadership would provide a strong foundation for the University community as it advances the implementation of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
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