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 applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.
Each applicant should:
Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025.
A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
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The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.