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.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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