General
Vincent Lubega Nsamba sworn in as Makerere University’s 90th Guild President
By Ritah Namisango
His Excellency Vincent Lubega Nsamba is the 90th Guild President of Makerere University. This follows a swearing-in-ceremony held on Monday 18th March, 2024 at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
According to the Chairperson of Makerere University Students Electoral Commission, Mr. Ramadhan Kirunda, the 90th Guild race attracted 16 contestants. On 7 th March 2024, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences, emerged the best with 2,540 votes out of the 11,500 cast.
During the swearing-in ceremony, the newly elected members of the Guild Representative Council (GRC) also took oath, including the first batch of six (6) cabinet members. They comprised: Joy Eve Sserunjogi (Vice Guild President), Adroni Rodney Adroni (Prime Minister), Shri Nakaziba (Deputy Prime Minister), Mutumba Robert (Minister for Culture, Mobilization and Social Affairs), Abuk Mary Garang (Minister for International Students’ Affairs), Godfrey Abura (Minister for Security), and Emojung Herman Kasaija (Minister for Student Affairs). The other categories of students’ leaders sworn-in included: leaders representing students with disabilities, Hall Chairpersons, the Games Union, to mention, but a few.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the Guild President and his entire leadership upon winning the trust of the students’ community. Represented by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), the Vice Chancellor urged the 90th Students’ Guild to always work closely with the University Management to resolve issues.
“When you are facing challenges as students, discuss those issues with the University Management so that together, we can find solutions. The University Management values dialogue. I assure you of the University Management’s support,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor urged the student leaders to always remember their primary goal, which is academic excellence. He re-echoed the guidelines that stipulate that no student with a retake should contest for leadership. He therefore advised the freshly sworn-in student leaders to always balance academics and leadership.
In the same vein, Prof. Alinaitwe commended the Students and the Electoral Commission on the smooth transition of leadership from the 89th to the 90th Students’ Guild. He congratulated the 89 th Guild Government led by H.E. Robert Maseruka and H.E. Mariat Namiiro upon a successful tenure, characterised by dialogue and negotiations with the University Management.
Noting that the Guild President and Vice Guild President become Members of Council, the policy making organ of Makerere University, Prof. Alinaitwe advised the 90th Students’ Guild to uphold decisions of the University Council and ensure that the students’ body understands and appreciates the said decisions.
“If you take part in a meeting where a decision is made, remain consistent and true. Do not turn around when you meet fellow students, and deny that you were not part of the process leading to that decision. The University Council is the supreme governing body of the university. So, when decisions are made by the University Council, always guide your fellow students properly by ensuring that they understand and appreciate the decisions that are passed,” he guided.
In his maiden speech, H.E. Lubega Nsamba exalted God for enabling him to secure the guild presidency and equally thanked everyone who supported him throughout the campaign.
“I can profoundly say that Makerere University Guild Presidents are chosen by God. There have been so many challenges, but it has been God. I thank all of you that have supported me morally, financially, and spiritually throughout this uncertain journey,” he said.
Lubega Nsamba urged his fellow leaders to protect the rights and interests of the students that have entrusted them with the mandate to serve. Acknowledging the good work done by the outgoing 89th Guild Government, Lubega Nsamba pledged to carry on from where they stopped. He pledged to follow up the ongoing renovation of university infrastructure such as Halls of Residence, prioritizing the needs for students with disabilities, as well as creating employment opportunities for students to gain some income and be in position to clear tuition and functional fees on time. He underscored the need to use dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve issues pertaining to students and the University in general.
The Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli acknowledged the outgoing Guild President Robert Maseruka for advocating for the revival of social events especially the freshers’ ball and bazaar. She advised the 90th Students’ Guild to always listen to the voices of fellow students, uphold the values of inclusivity and strive for the betterment of the university.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kabumbuli appreciated Ms. Ruth Eteu Eyoku from the Department of the Academic Registrar, the Directorate of ICT Support Services (DICTS) and Mak Public Relations Office for working with the Dean of Students Department and the Students’ Electoral Commission during the election process.
In his remarks, the 90th Guild President, H.E Robert Maseruka rallied the incoming leadership to serve the students body with all their might. He noted that Makerere University is a breeding ground for national leaders, and the leadership journey that they have embarked on prepares them for so many opportunities.
The Guild Information Minister of the 90th Students’ Guild Government, Hon. Kevin Mugabi who is credited for ensuring a vibrant online presence of the students’ guild on X (@MakGuild) informed the 90th Students’ Guild that there was a lot of work to be done with respect to their service to students.
“Serve the students’ body so that what you leave behind is your legacy.”
Some of the dignitaries who graced the swearing-in-ceremony included: Hon. Frank Kabuye-Member of Parliament for Kassanda South, Dr. Ivan Ssempijja-Guild President Emeritus, Hon. Julius Kateregga- Guild President Emeritus and Member of Makerere University Council, Makerere University Imaam, Dr. Sowed Juma Mayanja who led the opening prayer and Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa, and Chaplain-St. Francis Chapel who led the closing prayer.
The occasion was also witnessed by the mother of the Guild President and his family members, Mr. Peter Rivan Muhereza (Principal Warden), Mr. Brian Nsubuga Miiro (Principal Sports Tutor), Ms. Norah Nalubowa (Warden-Mary Stuart Hall), Ms. Ritah Namisango (Principal PRO), Ms. Donah Keirungi (Warden-Complex Hall), Mr. Peter Mwanja (Warden-Warden, University Hall), Mr. Bruce Byamukama (Warden-Livingstone Hall), Mr. Rodney Rugyema (Warden-Nkrumah Hall), students, the media as well as Ms. Ruth Kitamirike, a former student leader who moderated the event.
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
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