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Lumumba Hall renovated to perfection

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On Friday 26th July 2024, the Contractor- National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) handed over the renovated Lumumba Hall of Residence to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Inspecting the renovated Lumumba Hall, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that NEC had performed as per the guidelines and quality standards provided hence fulfilling the expectations of Management, students, alumni, staff and stakeholders in general.

The UGX 9 billion renovation works, which commenced on 27th June 2023 involved undertaking an overhaul aimed at restoring Lumumba Hall to its original beauty. At the site handover in 2023, the Vice Chancellor stated that Lumumba Hall which was built in the 1960s and officially opened in 1971 was the biggest Hall of Residence, but there had been no major renovation since the time it was constructed.

Eng. Brian Buhanda speaking on behalf of the Contractor –National Enterprise Corporation (NEC).

After 12 months of renovation, the Vice Chancellor was delighted to receive the renovated Lumumba Hall from NEC.   â€śYou can think this Hall has just been built. It has been restored. This points to the wonderful quality works by NEC,” remarked Prof. Nawangwe. He thanked NEC for the quality work and high level of professionalism in the execution of the entire project.

The Vice Chancellor applauded the Government of Uganda for providing all the resources for the renovation of Lumumba Hall as well as Mary Stuart Hall of residence, whose renovation works commenced on Friday 31st May 2024.

On behalf of the students, the Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba acknowledged the Government of Uganda and the Makerere University Management for embarking on the renovation of Halls of Residence within the University.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe(4th Left) receiving architectural drawings from NEC’s Eng. Brian Buhanda.

“The resources have been put to good use leading to a beautiful and magnificent edifice of a new Lumumba Hall. The facility is user friendly for students living with disabilities, which clearly aligns to the broader commitment of inclusivity and diversity,” said Lubega Nsamba.

Commending the quality works, the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda pointed out that the engagement of local companies such as NEC not only contributes to national development, but also showcases the local expertise in the different sectors.

Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba (Left) speaking at the handover ceremony.

Eng. Brian Buhanda who represented the Managing Director of NEC-Lt. Gen. James Mugira appreciated Makerere University for providing NEC with an opportunity to showcase its potential in the construction sector. He indicated that NEC had gained valuable expertise from this project, which would enrich future ventures.

With the ongoing renovation of Mary Stuart Hall also undertaken by NEC, Lumumba Hall will be occupied by the residents of Mary Stuart Hall. In the University setting, Lumumba Hall and Mary Stuart Hall form the Lumbox solidarity.

A section of the renovated Lumumba Hall

Lumumba Hall was named after Patrice Lumumba, a freedom fighter and the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo (currently Democratic Republic of Congo). The hall has the capacity to accommodate approximately 752 students.

Ritah Namisango

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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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