Prof. Ezra Suruma who first joined Makerere University as a Lecturer in 1973 recently completed two four-year terms as Chancellor (2016-2023). He spoke to Mak News Magazine about his tenure.
Congratulations upon successfully completing your two terms as Chancellor. What would you say has been your most memorable experience?
Thank you. I’d say the graduation ceremonies of course. That is where I take charge as Chancellor. It is one of my main functions, the other main function is appointment of Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors and Principals. As Chancellor, I’m a titular head; it’s like the title of a book, so I am most visible during the graduation, which is a celebratory occasion, people are happy because they have completed their work and as I usually say in my speeches, when they finish their course they bring glory to themselves, their families and to God. And it is good to be on that occasion because people are enjoying and celebrating the glory of completing their task or their purpose.
But also the fact that we had a very peaceful period. During my time, I don’t remember having any strike or anything. The University has been very peaceful and I am very happy about that. That is important.
Kindly share with us what you set out to achieve when you took office as Chancellor.
That’s a good question. I did not apply for the job. So when I was appointed, I was happy to come back to be associated with the University and I hoped that the University would contribute increasingly to the economic development of Uganda, which I have been committed to all my working life. And I would like to think that indeed the University has.
The problem of course we have is that of employment. That, we need to solve; we have graduates but are they working? Do they have the opportunity to work? That problem is not yet resolved. So I see that it is an outstanding problem and I think Makerere needs to make a contribution towards that problem.
What would you say were the surprises during your term of office?
Well, of course no one anticipated Covid-19; that was a shock for everybody and we confronted it. I think Makerere did very well in confronting it.
There has been significant increase in Government funding for research. I salute Government for that. That is very very important.
But of course there is a dramatic increase in the number of Universities in Uganda. Makerere has to continue to lead the way and show direction because most of them will be looking to Makerere for direction and the right things to do. Makerere remains a leader and it is important that they lead in the right direction.
What can Makerere do to continue leading in the right direction?
We are entering a very uncertain global economic and political period. So Makerere will have to really do work especially at the postgraduate level in terms of research in order to guide and influence the picture. It is very complex and we need insights to help us to retain our independence, because we can lose our independence. So it is extremely important that our best brains are doing the necessary research. The priorities are very very important. It is important that our brains are focused on the right priorities in order to ensure a peaceful future of our country.
I think that it is important to resist the temptation to micromanage; to be too involved in the day-to-day affairs of the University. The Chancellor is a titular head, not the manager. Sometimes Chancellors are tempted to get involved in management. I was lucky that I was already engaged in Government in the President’s Office and the Prime Minister’s Office, I didn’t have time to meddle. But someone else may be tempted if they are not as occupied as I was, and that may increase the prospect of conflict with Management.
What advice would you give to the staff, students and alumni of Makerere University?
Overall, I would appeal to everyone at the end of the day to remember that we are all brothers and sisters in one country and that we are at our best when we are living peacefully with one another. And so there is need to give and take, to make allowance for each other’s faults, so that we can maintain peace and minimise conflict. It is very easy to conflict. It takes an extra grace to be able to say, ‘wait a minute, can I restrain my anger and see what the problem is and how it can be resolved peacefully?’ Even brothers fight but you try not to kill one another as members of one family. So that sense of responsibility is very very important. And we need it as a country because we can very easily break out on racial, religious and tribal lines, and before you know it we are at each other’s neck and blood is flowing through the streets.
We have to always remember, we want to build a peaceful country, it is in everybody’s interest. So how can we enhance justice? How can we increase mutual understanding without fighting? Even people who are of a different tribe are your neighbours. God put them here; they may be a different tribe but they are your neighbours. You have to live with them. They are not enemies.
Any final remark you would wish to share?
Just to request all members of Makerere Community to forgive me where I have not fulfilled their expectations, to try and carry on from where I have left off peacefully and to be patriotic in building our country.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
Good morning colleagues, members of the press,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.
The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.
The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.
We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.
Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:
Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.
These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.
The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.
CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.
The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.
In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”
Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.
“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”
He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”
The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.
During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”
Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.
Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”
He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”
For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.
Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”
He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.
“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.
Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”
Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.