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 Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the Disability Scheme for 2025/2026 academic year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Two (2) in the Telepresence Centre.
Note: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level and at least five (5) Passes at O’ Level or the equivalent will be interviewed.
Only candidates candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible for admission.
The exercise will be conducted on 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th May, 2025 respectively from 9.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m. each day.
Important:
a)If you fail to appear on any of the given days above, there will be no other chance for you.
b) Applicants who are beneficiaries of other Government Scholarships are not eligible for admission through the Disability Scheme.
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi addresses new staff during the induction.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni (2nd Right) responds to a question as Left to Right: Mr. Amon Muteganda, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike listen.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
Mr. Amon Muteganda congratulated the new staff upon their respective appointments.
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda made a presentation on University Governance and Key Offices.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.
Those who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.
The list includes the different categories of applicants namely: A-level, Diploma Holders, Degree Holders and Mature-Age: