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Prof. Suruma on 50 years at Mak, 8 years as Chancellor

Published

3 years ago

January 25, 2024

Mark Wamai

Prof. Ezra Suruma, Chancellor Makerere University (2016-2023) smiles for the camera after his interview with Mak News Magazine on 20th December 2023.

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.

What advice would you give to the next Chancellor of Makerere University?

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.

Related Topics:Chancellor Interview Magazine Mak News

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RENU Communications Department Graduate Trainee Program: Two (2) Vacancies

Published

5 hours ago

November 11, 2026

Mak Editor

Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) Graduate Trainee Program in Communications: Two (2) Vacancies. Deadline: 16th November 2026.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) Graduate Trainee Program in Communications offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in content development, digital marketing, public relations and multimedia production.

Trainees will work alongside experienced professionals to develop engaging content, support communication campaigns and contribute to initiatives that showcase the impact of research and education in Uganda.

Application Deadline: Monday 16^th November 2026 at 5:00 PM Uganda time.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Submit application to: https://jobs.renu.ac.ug

Note: Females are strongly encouraged to apply.

RENU-GTP-Communications Download

Engineering, Art & Tech

International Water Association Eyes Makerere-Kampala for Regional Office

Published

20 hours ago

November 10, 2026

Elvis Lubanga

(R-L) Dr Philip Nyenje, Mr. Satkunam Murugathas, Prof. Edward Bbaale (tan-suit), Mr. Keith Robertson, Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Dr Seith Mugume, Mr. Varghese Babu, and Mr. Moses Kasujja after the meeting between Makerere University and IWA on November 10 2026.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Makerere University, on November 10 2026 welcomed a delegation from the International Water Association (IWA), led by Mr. Keith Robertson, the Learning and Events Director at International Water Association (IWA). Mr. Robertson, in his remarks, highlighted their visit to Makerere University as a fact-finding mission regarding the potential establishment of a new regional IWA office in Africa to support the continent in solving challenges relating to water.

The International Water Association is a leading global nonprofit organisation and knowledge hub for the water and sanitation sector. Connecting more than 10,000 individual members and 500 corporate entities across 140 plus countries, the association bridges the gap between scientific research and practical engineering to solve global water crises, improve sanitation, and secure clean water systems. Currently, IWA is evaluating potential host cities in Africa; Makerere University in Kampala is the first they have visited out of their three countries and venues earmarked.

This meeting held at Makerere Main Administrative Building, was attended by university leadership, faculty from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and representatives from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Discussions explored possibilities of the yet to be established office bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the water sector not only in Uganda but also on the continent.

On behalf of University Management, Prof. Edward Bbaale underscored this engagement that focused on possible Water and Sanitation advancement partnership as one that aligns well with the strategic direction of the University.

Projected Impact of a Kampala-Based IWA Office

Dr Philip Nyenje, Head of Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering (DCEE), expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “this is a very good opportunity for us to grow our interest in the sector of water and sanitation.”

In addition, Dr Seith Mugume, a Senior Lecturer at DCEE, noted that the regional office would unlock research and innovation opportunities in the real world for our students and also provide incentives for them to pursue projects within local research and innovation angles.

Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Acting Senior Manager at NWSC framed Kampala as a very unique venue for the centre and highlighted Makerere as one of the core academic partners for the regional Eastern and Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School. Eng. Mpakiraba further endorsed Makerere, saying that, as a top-notch university in Uganda and in the region, when it leads on any aspect, it is able to pull most of the other universities.

Eng. Zainab-Mpakiraba and Dr Seith Mugum — *Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba and Dr Seith Mugum*e

Makerere’s Strategic Initiatives and Activities so far in the Area of Water

Dr Nyenje noted that his Department has a very strong base in water and sanitation, covering disciplines like water resources, environmental, structural, and highway engineering. Dr. Mugume added that they are conducting research on “modeling of water resource systems, hydrological and hydraulic modeling,” “water quality management,” and “fecal sludge management, sanitation in low-income and peri-urban areas.”

The two also mentioned that the department has introduced a “master’s in sanitation, and also a postgraduate program… a diploma in sanitation” to address growing interest in the sector.

All these strategies have been made possible through good will and funding from the Government of Uganda, strategic partnerships, and International Collaborations that have positioned Makerere as a key player in the region.

Concluding the session, Prof. Edward Bbaale reaffirmed Makerere’s ability to run this Office when established as the University has human resources in multidisciplinary research, global credibility and working relationships with many organisations and institutions on the continent and far.

General

NOTICE: Online Applications for Government Sponsorship for Programmes Offered at Public Universities & Other Tertiary Institutions 2027/2028 AY

Published

21 hours ago

November 10, 2026

Mak Editor

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University informs all Head Teachers of Advanced Level (UACE) Schools with UNEB centre Numbers that applications for admission to Public Universities and other Tertiary Institutions for 2027/2028 Academic Year for government sponsorship will be done electronically/online using the Academic Management Information System from 9^th November, 2026 to 31^st December, 2026. The Public Universities include:

(a) Makerere University
(b) Makerere University Business School

Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Kyambogo University
Gulu University
Busitema University
Muni University
Kabale University
Lira University
Soroti University
Mountains of the Moon University
Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education

NB: The list of Other Tertiary Institutions is provided on the online application portal.

The online application system will allow A ‘Level Schools/UNEB Centre Administrators to input the applicants’ required information using one of the two formats provided:

The Online Application Portal

This is where the applicants’ information is captured directly into the system using the internet (https://pujab.mak.ac.ug) The portal contains pre-populated information to help you select the correct details as you fill the form.

The Offline Excel Sheet

This will be downloaded from the online application portal (https://pujab.mak.ac.ug) filled offline and uploaded into the system via the internet. The excel sheet also contains pre-populated information to help you select the correct details as you fill the form.

The information to be captured include among others:

Applicants’ Bio-data
Father’s information
Mother’s information
Applicants’ home district
Information about Disabilities
O’ Level index number and year of sitting
A’ Level index number and year of sitting
National merit choices (6)
District Quota Choices (4)
Tertiary Institutions choices (4)

However, before the commencement of the application exercise, New School Administrators with A level UNEB Centre numbers will be required to fill theaccess form to allow them use the online Application Portal. The form can be accessed from the Makerere University application portal (https://pujab.mak.ac.ug) filled, stamped, scanned and submitted to this email address: pujab.support@mak.ac.ug or office 302 ,Level three (3), Senate Building for account creation. On creation of the account, a message containing the account details will be sent to the school administrator’s email address and phone number.

A non-refundable application fee of UGX. 57,000/= (Fifty-seven thousand shillings only) per applicant will be paid using a Payment Reference Number (PRN) generated from the system in any bank used by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) before loading the application data.

NB: (i) A user guide is accessible from the online application portal and University website (www.mak.ac.ug).

(ii) Information on Public Universities Admissions for 2027/2028 Academic Year is accessible from the Makerere University application portal and website: www.mak.ac.ug

(iii) The JAB information Booklet for other tertiary institutions for 2027/2028 Academic year is accessible from the online application portal and Makerere University website (www.mak.ac.ug).

Submission Confirmation

Upon successful submission, you will receive a confirmation message indicating that your application(s) have/ has been received.

Acknowledgment Form

Once submission is done, an acknowledgment form must be downloaded and printed from the system, signed and stamped by the Head Teacher and forward to: pujab.support@mak.ac.ug or office 302 Senate Building Makerere University.

The closing date for submitting the application data in the system and acknowledgement form will be 31^st December 2026.

There will be no hard copy/manual application forms given to applicants.

Re-applicants who did their Advanced Level in 2025 or 2024 can apply through their Schools or can use the System directly.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

NOTICE-Apllication-Government-Sponsorship-2027-2028 Download