General
Nkrumah’s Legacy, Influence on Future Generations Endures
By Ritah Namisango
On September 21, 2024, the walls of the Yusuf Lule Auditorium at Makerere University reverberated with tributes of the powerful legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, a titan of Pan-Africanism and a visionary leader whose influence continues to shape the aspirations of the African continent. As the university celebrates the 70th anniversary of Nkrumah Hall, tribute was paid to titan’s unwavering commitment to African unity, as students, scholars, and dignitaries gathered to reflect on the profound impact of his ideals.
This momentous occasion which featured a public lecture and celebrations at Nkrumah Hall grounds, was a resounding call to action for today’s students and young people to embody Nkrumah’s dream of a unified and independent Africa. With the weight of history on their shoulders, speakers such as Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda inspired the audience to envision a future where African nations stand together against the forces of division and exploitation.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister Emeritus and special envoy of His Excellency the President of Uganda, urged the younger generation to embrace the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah in the pursuit of a unified and independent African continent, calling for collective action in the face of adversity.
He highlighted Kwame Nkrumah as a prominent African leader and a pivotal figure in the quest for African unity. He emphasized that African continental agreements are a direct outcome of the philosophy of Pan-Africanism and African unity that Nkrumah championed during the challenging times when many African countries were still under colonial rule.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda noted that there is much to learn from Kwame Nkrumah, but what stands out most is his unwavering commitment to seeing Africa united, free, and independent—determining its own destiny, making its own decisions, and achieving enlightenment. He stressed that Nkrumah’s vision for a united Africa was rooted in the belief that political and economic cooperation among African nations is vital for achieving true independence and sustainable development. He argued that colonialism and imperialism can only be effectively confronted through unity and collective action.
“Upon Ghana’s independence in 1957, Kwame Nkrumah stated that the freedom of Ghana would be meaningless unless it was linked to the liberation of the entire continent. To this end, he ensured that Ghana served as a political and military base for training African freedom fighters to prepare for their respective nations’ liberation. This commitment inevitably created tension between Nkrumah and several oppressive colonial regimes across Africa, but he remained resolute in his mission. Ultimately, his efforts gained significant momentum,” Dr. Rugunda remarked.
Dr. Ruhakana further highlighted that Nkrumah, alongside his political party, the Convention People’s Party (CPP), collaborated with numerous freedom fighters and Pan-Africanists both from the diaspora and within the continent. He emphasized the mutual influence among these leaders, which propelled their shared causes forward. Dr. Ruhakana identified key allies such as Julius Nyerere (Tanzania), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), and Patrice Lumumba (Democratic Republic of the Congo), along with Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois from the diaspora. He noted that Dr. Du Bois, the first Black individual to earn a PhD from Harvard University, was dedicated to connecting the diaspora with the African continent. He was also a pivotal intellectual leader in the struggle for African American rights and equality.
He explained that Nkrumah recognized how colonial powers aimed to weaken and divide Africa in order to exploit its natural resources and people, leading to the enslavement of Africans while developing other parts of the world. This exploitation served the interests of others, rather than those of the African people. Consequently, Nkrumah understood that Africans needed protection.
“Nkrumah realized that without protection, Africans would continue to be exploited. He asserted that Africa must unite. He authored a classical text titled ‘Africa Must Unite,’ in which he passionately articulated the importance of trade and collaboration among African nations. Even 45 years ago, his insights into the dangers of colonialism and neo-colonialism, which he described as the final stage of independence, were profoundly relevant,” he stated.
“President SékouTouré of Guinea declared Kwame Nkrumah co-President of Guinea—an honor I have not heard being bestowed upon anyone else in the world. His special duty as co-president was to champion the cause of African liberation. He had previously done so in Ghana, and President Sékou believed he would do it again. A year later, in 1967, Nkrumah organized the All-African Peoples’ Conference in Accra, resolutely inspiring the struggle for independence and liberation across Africa,” Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda noted.
Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda shared that he joined the institution in 1969 as a medical student under the chancellorship of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, a distinguished alumnus of Makerere. At that time, the university was relatively small, and had only a few halls of residence. He was assigned to a hall known as New Hall, which was later renamed Nkrumah Hall in 1970.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda emphasized the significance of the renaming of the New Hall. He recounted that when he joined Makerere University, there was considerable student activism that mirrored the broader movements both in Uganda and across the African continent. The struggle against colonialism was intensifying, and Africa was on a path to liberation, with Kwame Nkrumah serving as an iconic figure in this quest. He was a leader who dedicated Ghana’s resources to the collective benefit of the continent.
“So, the students at New Hall convened in the Senior Common Room and passed a resolution to give New Hall a name that honored its significance. The name selected was Nkrumah. This resolution was passed overwhelmingly, and I am proud to have been part of that decision. The name Nkrumah was then forwarded to the warden and the university administration, who accepted it. That is how the name came about. I am also glad to see that there is an appropriate statue in front of the hall, commemorating an iconic figure in Africa’s history,” Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda remarked.
He urged the audience to continually add value to the teachings and philosophy of Kwame Nkrumah in order to support the independence, self-determination, and decision-making of the African people, as well as to promote their unity. He emphasized that unity is essential for harnessing Africa’s vast natural resources, which are often exploited by others. He commended Makerere University for hosting the event and suggested that it should become an annual celebration.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Makerere University and the leadership of Nkrumah Hall for organizing this event and fostering an environment conducive to symposia and discussions of this nature. I recommend that this become an annual event to ensure that more students and the general public are reminded of the vision, ideals, and significant contributions of the iconic Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah and what he advocated for,” he concluded.
Reflecting on the colonial powers’ efforts to weaken and divide Africa, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), remarked that Africa was treated like a cake, with its resources plundered and controlled. He noted that Nkrumah recognized that independence would be meaningless without addressing the distortions, particularly the issue of division.
“Nkrumah understood the four essential goals of independence, which can be summarized as five key objectives: First, ensuring that liberation is not exclusive to a select few. Second, that Africa must be free, as the struggle in many places was for immediate independence. Third, it is not enough for people to be free, they must also prosper. Nkrumah viewed the prosperity of the African people as a crucial aim of independence. Fourth, reassembly of Africa as one united entity. Lastly, the need to recover African dignity, heritage, culture, and identity. He fully grasped these five objectives and was especially passionate about the reintegration of Africa,” Maj. Gen. Masiko stated.
In his description of Africa, Maj. Gen. Masiko referred to it as the cradle of humankind, a continent rich in resources and the origin of civilization. He emphasized that Africa pioneered civilization, boasting of great empires like the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Timbuktu civilization. Despite this, he noted that over the last 600 years, Africa has found itself at the bottom of the global hierarchy, regarded as the most marginalized and despised continent. He pointed out that this represents a contradiction that intrigued heroes namely Kwame Nkrumah and his compatriots.
“Africa, glorious in many ways, is now seen as the last. They understood that this decline resulted from a combination of mistakes and natural challenges that led to disastrous outcomes. The first disaster was the enslavement of our people, forcibly shipped away and scattered across the globe. This was a degrading catastrophe, as many Africans were reduced to the status of slaves. Following the horrors of slavery came the further degradation through colonization, which devastated Africa,” Maj. Gen. Masiko lamented.
As a champion in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Maj. Gen. Masiko highlighted that Nkrumah’s dream during the founding meeting in Addis Ababa was to establish a United States of Africa (USA). According to Maj Gen. Masiko, Nkrumah urged all those gathered in Addis Ababa to leave their individual flags behind and raise the flag of a united Africa, advocating for one president, one army, and one government. He even expressed his willingness to step down as President of Ghana if other leaders would agree to form a unified African government in Addis Ababa. While he envisioned a cohesive and united Africa, today we still find ourselves categorized as the Fragmented States of Africa (FSA)! He reiterated that as we gather to commemorate Kwame Nkrumah, we must embrace his dream of unity.
“Kwame Nkrumah had a dream of reuniting Africa, and we must return to that vision. It remains relevant today. Nkrumah leaves us with the challenge he could not fulfill, but his spirit lives on. Imagine that reality of a unified Africa—why not? Perhaps in your lifetime, you could serve as a commander of the United Forces of Africa or serving in the federal government for the continent. That dream should not be regarded as in vain,” Maj. Gen. Masiko stated.
Reflecting on the Berlin Conference, which resolved to scramble and partition the continent, Maj. Gen. Masiko noted that European colonialists spent four months – from November to February devising ways to divide and share Africa among themselves, with no African representatives present at that meeting. He suggested starting a symbolic initiative by declaring these months as a “Months of Disaster” for Africa.
“The meeting in Berlin took place over November, December, January, and concluded in February. So why don’t we designate these four months as African Month of Remembrance for the disaster that occurred in Berlin? We could preach about and condemn the outcomes of the Berlin Conference while wearing black ribbons on our shoulders. I believe this could help awaken Africans to the reality of that disaster,” he proposed.
He revealed to the audience that there is still hope for Africa to reunite, citing a notable example: if Berlin, a city once divided to form East and West Germany, was reunited after the fall of the Berlin Wall, why can’t Africa, which only has imaginary borders, do the same? He thus urged the younger generation to carry forward the gospel of unity as Kwame Nkrumah did.
“The same Berlin was divided, not by rivers or natural boundaries like ours, but by a brick wall that separated Germany. I don’t know how many years they spent as East and West Germany, but they eventually woke up, broke down the wall, and reunited. For us Africans, since 1884, there have been no brick walls. So, young people, if we are unhappy with the divisions that exist, what should we do? I often hear phrases like ‘porous borders.’ Who told you there are porous borders? Porous implies there are holes, but these are merely artificial, imaginary colonial lines in your minds, and you call them porous borders,” he highlighted.
Discussing regional integration, particularly the East African Community (EAC), which currently comprises seven member states, including South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he shared his experience visiting refugee camps in Uganda. He noted that most of the refugees in these camps were from South Sudan and the DRC. He questioned the efficacy of the EAC by asking, “How can members of a community be refugees within their own community?”
In her speech, Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, emphasized that Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for a politically united and economically independent Africa is as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. As a champion of Pan-Africanism, Nkrumah advocated for a united front against colonialism and the self-determination of African nations. Mrs. Magara asserted that Nkrumah’s dream extended beyond Ghana; it encompassed the aspiration for the entire continent to unite as one.
“Kwame Nkrumah was a great and charismatic man who inspired the fight for independence for Africa. His vision for a politically united, economically independent, and socially equitable Africa is an ideal we must integrate into our educational culture, social, and political environments. Today, we learned of Kwame Nkrumah’s tremendous influence and how he inspired the change of name from New Hall to Nkrumah Hall. Listening to these stories reaffirms the importance of intergenerational conversations to inspire the young generation to live by conviction and for a greater cause,” she said.
She called for a renewed commitment to Nkrumah’s ideals, particularly among the youth, who represent the future of Africa with 73% of Uganda’s population under the age of 17. She said that it is crucial to inspire the next generation to embrace the values of unity and cooperation that Nkrumah championed. She encouraged young people to engage in conversations about their history and the legacies of those who fought for their freedom.
“There is a growing and urgent need to prioritize these conversations, where values and norms are communicated from one generation to another. The recent population census statistics recorded that 45,900,000 Ugandans, out of which 73% are under 17, and only 5% are above 60. With these statistics, there is an incredible opportunity and also a challenge to influence the most significant percentage of the population. The idea of passing on values and knowledge from the old to the young through conversations and storytelling, like we used to do in the past, is the heart of this effort. This is one of the reasons why this engagement of bringing our esteemed alumni to engage with current students is of great importance,” Mrs. Magara stated.
Mrs. Magara proposed the establishment of “Ekyooto,” a fireside discussion for young people to engage in discussions about Nkrumah’s vision and explore ways to actualize it in today’s context. She emphasized the importance of bridging the generational gap and empowering the youth to carry forward the torch of unity and purpose.
“We have begun having what we call “Ekyooto” where young people and university students, come around to discuss these matters. I have a proposal that from this discussion, we have a ‘kyooto’, to articulate together with our elders what we need to do, to actualize the ideals of Kwame Nkrumah and his colleagues.We have to bridge the gap. We talked about passing on the baton, and we heard that Kwame Nkrumah picked the baton from his elders,” she said.
In today’s digital age where social media significantly shapes the cultures and attitudes of the young generation, often to the detriment of their mental and social well-being, Mrs. Magara emphasized the importance of prioritizing mentorship and guiding students toward purposeful living. She expressed particular delight, acknowledging the efforts of students, especially the chairperson and her council, in initiating the vital dialogue. Mrs. Magara urged them to remain curious about the history and the narrative of the African continent as well as the legacies of the great leaders who fought for independence and shaped the society we have today.
Mrs. Magara expressed her gratitude to all participants for their dedication to preserving Nkrumah’s legacy. She said that their presence was a testament to their commitment to the shared cause of preserving and promoting Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy whose ideals are vital for shaping a future where Africa stands united and strong.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, reaffirmed that Kwame Nkrumah remains a symbol of African pride. His vision and hope for a united Africa continue to inspire leaders across the continent and instill pride in Africans regarding their heritage and identity. He commended the students and residents of Nkrumah Hall for organizing the event, with support from the Office of the Dean of Students.
“I am very much delighted to join you all in celebrating the legacy and the day of birth of our African icon, the late Kwame Nkrumah. It is an indication that his ideals and legacy continue to inspire these generations. And for this, we shall be grateful for his contributions and his works for eternity,” he remarked.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi credited the Guest of honor, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda for his contribution towards good leadership and revolutionary ideas. He also welcomed him and Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko back to Makerere University, their alma matter.
With profound pleasure, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, remarked that the name Kwame Nkrumah has stood the test of time, resonating like a beautiful horn across the African continent and beyond. She emphasized the importance of focusing on Nkrumah’s views on integration and Pan-Africanism that he championed and articulated to address the challenges of our time.
“Nkrumah saw all those things and realized that there was a need to have home-bred solutions to address the challenges of Africa in order to have a stable and strong nation. Therefore, this symposium aims to honor the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah as well as inspire a new generation of leaders to work towards a strong, prosperous, economically and politically strong African nation.
Kwame Rugunda, son of Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and named in honor of the great Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah, acknowledged the responsibility young people have to continue the work laid down by previous generations of Africans. He reiterated that while Kwame Nkrumah is celebrated as the father of Pan-Africanism, he also inherited the baton from earlier Africanists who championed the ideals of unity and cooperation across the continent.
“Kwame Nkrumah picked up the baton from a previous generation, leading Ghana to independence in 1957 and continuing the vital work of Pan-Africanism. As a remarkable champion for the continent, he eventually passed the baton to the next generation, including leaders like Dr. Rugunda and others. Our task as young people is to receive this baton and carry forward the significant mission of advancing the African cause,” Kwame Rugunda emphasized.
He called upon young Africans to contribute actively to the ongoing struggle for their destiny, unity, and Pan-Africanism. “If there is one lesson to take away from today, it is the importance of learning from those who came before us and playing our part in advancing the African continent. We must not look to the West or the East for our direction; we are the architects of our own destiny,” he concluded.
The celebration of Kwame Nkrumah at Makerere University serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of one of Africa’s greatest visionaries. His unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism and unity continues to inspire generations, urging us to confront the challenges of our time with a collective spirit. As leaders and students reflected on Nkrumah’s ideals, it became apparent that the path to a truly independent and prosperous Africa lies in our hands.
On Wednesday 16th July 2025, Makerere University lost one of its most cherished sons, Professor Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi. Described as a mathematician, academic leader, and humble servant, Professor Luboobi devoted more than five decades to the university, rising through the ranks to become Vice Chancellor, and leaving a legacy defined by simplicity, service, and scholarship.
Born to Lameka Serwadda and Sanyu Serwadda on 25th December 1944 in Mitondo, Kalisizo, Kyotera District, Professor Luboobi’s academic career begun as a third-year student at Makerere and continued with unwavering loyalty until his passing. His life’s work reflected not only a commitment to mathematics but also nurturing generations of scholars and leaders across Uganda and beyond.
A funeral service was held in his honour at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University on 18th July 2025. It was a moment of solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute. Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi delivered the sermon titled “Only God Knows,” reminding mourners of the mystery and grace of life’s journey. Rev. Canon Geoffrey Byarugaba represented the Kampala Diocese at the service, while former St. Francis Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Canon Johnson Ebong thanked Professor Luboobi for spearheading the Chapel’s expansion. Friends, colleagues, and family members filled the chapel, joined in mourning but also in gratitude for a life that had deeply touched theirs.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, spoke movingly about Professor Luboobi’s faithfulness, likening his life to the biblical call in Mark 10:43, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
In his condolence message, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, hailed Professor Luboobi as a visionary leader whose legacy is deeply woven into Makerere’s identity as a research-led institution. He credited Professor Luboobi with laying the groundwork for a culture of inquiry—championing graduate programmes, encouraging doctoral training, and fostering international collaborations that strengthened the university’s research profile. “He believed in building systems, not just structures,” noting that many of Makerere’s current research policies stem from his leadership. Even in retirement, Professor Luboobi remained a source of wisdom and guidance, quietly shaping the future of the university he so deeply loved.
Speaker after speaker painted a portrait of a man who led not by pomp, but by quiet strength and deep conviction. The Principal, Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, speaking on behalf of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), described Professor Luboobi as a foundational figure whose influence is deeply etched in the structures and spirit of the college. He spoke with emotion about Luboobi’s unwavering commitment to academic integrity and his belief in the power of mentorship.
“He was not just a mathematician,” Professor Ireeta said, “he was a visionary who understood the soul of the university. Even in retirement, he remained an advisor, a guide, and a quiet force of wisdom.” He concluded by saying that the college would continue to draw from his example as it navigates the future of science and innovation in Uganda.
Professor Luboobi’s illustrious career at Makerere University included serving as Head, Department of Mathematics from 1990 to 1991. The current Head of Department, Dr. Ismail Mirumbe remembered him as a pillar in the teaching and development of mathematics in Uganda
Professor John Mango, who served as Head, Department of Mathematics during Professor Luboobi’s term as Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2009 described him as a towering figure of integrity and principle, someone who not only upheld the highest standards of academic conduct but insisted that others around him do the same. “He was a pillar in the department,” Prof. Mango remarked, “and his moral compass was unwavering.”
He recalled instances where Professor Luboobi made firm decisions, including terminating contracts when integrity was compromised, setting a tone that shaped the department’s reputation for honesty and excellence. Even as Vice Chancellor, he remained deeply involved in the department’s affairs, teaching, supervising students, all the while handling top administrative duties punctually. Prof. Mango spoke with great admiration of a man who led by example, mentored many, and whose contributions to mathematics education, research, and policy-making continue to shape the future of the discipline in Uganda and beyond.
According to an article from 1990 written by Dr. Vincent Ssembatya and Andrew Vince at the University of Florida, the Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS), which was formally established on 25th November, 1972 has since inception enjoyed major support from Makerere University and Kyambogo University in terms of infrastructure and leadership. Professor Paul Mugambi, who was also present at Professor Luboobi’s funeral service was elected first president of the UMS. Dr. Saul Nsubuga from the Department of Mathematics represented UMS at the service, honouring Professor Luboobi’s pioneering role in the discipline.
The service also featured tributes from close friends and family. Loved ones shared stories of a man who remained grounded no matter how high he rose, a man who valued relationships and walked closely with his faith. His children and grandchildren remembered him as a father who was ever-present, a listener, and a source of steady guidance.
Professor Daniel Kibuule, son of the late Professor Luboobi and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences at Busitema University, delivered a deeply personal tribute that painted a full portrait of his father’s life, values, and final days. He expressed gratitude to the University leadership, family, friends, and medical professionals who stood with them during a challenging period. He particularly thanked his siblings, Dr. David Kimera and Dr. Irene Nakiyimba for their unwavering role in caring for Professor Luboobi through illness.
He spoke of a man who, despite great academic accolades, remained deeply humble and committed to discipline, simplicity, and faith. From instilling punctuality and responsibility to ensuring his children charted their own paths, none bearing his surname “Luboobi”, Prof. Luboobi was intentional in every lesson he passed on. Kibuule recalled his father’s insistence on being at home even in his final moments, his strong connection to Christ, and his quiet strength despite his failing health.
Former students and mentees echoed the same sentiments, of a teacher who was generous with his time and invested deeply in others’ growth. The community that gathered was not only there to grieve but to celebrate the quiet legacy of a man whose example continues to live on.
Among the mourners were public figures and leaders, including Hon. Abed Bwanika, Member of Parliament for Kimanya-Kabonera, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director Uganda Communications Commission, and Hon. Dr. Ham-Mukasa Mulira, former Minister of ICT, among others.
In his passing, Makerere University has lost a pillar, but his life reminds us that greatness lies in consistency, in humility, and in service to others. Professor Luboobi’s memory will continue to live on in the minds he shaped, the systems he built, and the values he embodied. He ran his race with grace.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Please click the embedded video below to view the service livestream
General
Prof. Nawangwe launches MakGAP initiative to strengthen research: Rallies universities and researchers to liberate Africa
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has stressed the importance of research in national development, and the necessity to manage research grants efficiently and effectively.
Prof. Nawangwe challenged universities and research managers to liberate Africa from poverty through research. “Without research and innovations, we are not going to move our people, out of poverty,” he said during the Launch of the Makerere University Grant Administration Professionals (MakGAP) initiative held on 17th July 2025.
MakGAP will be a platform to advance the performance and recognition of research administrators at Makerere and other partner institutions of learning and research in Uganda.
The launch of MakGAP initiative was part of the four-day Expanded Strengthening of Makerere University’s Research Administration Capacity (E-SMAC) G11 Grants Administration & Management Workshop held from 14th to 17th July 2025. He applauded the Principal Investigator-Mordecai Tayebwa for winning the grant funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Encouraging national governments to invest heavily in research at universities, the Vice Chancellor highlighted that USA has developed and continued to be a dominant determinant in world affairs because of its strong universities and research centres.
“The USA is the most important country in the world because of its immense support to its universities’ research activities. Should they cease funding their universities handsomely, they will lose. And they know it. When you fail in your research, the U. S. government does not demonise or starve you; rather, it encourages you to try again,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor decried the low research output from Africa. “Africa’s contribution to global research output is only three percent. We have now decided to change that, but government funding to universities is still a big challenge. The research budget at Harvard University is bigger than Uganda’s national budget!”
Pleased to note that over 150 participants from different universities and research entities had convened at Makerere University to attend the E-SMAC G11 Grants Administration and management workshop, Prof. Nawangwe urged universities in Uganda to work together by implementing research and projects, emphasizing that only by working together, can serious impact be made. “We are strong together,” he stressed.
He disclosed that in three months (April to June) this year, he signed 300 research grant memoranda of understanding, pointing out that Makerere University is recognized as the most collaborative university in the world in terms of joint projects, collaborative research and joint publication. “With 100 new grants registered every month, Makerere University needs to have a critical mass of grants administration professionals to manage this huge research grants portfolio,” he argued.
The Vice Chancellor credited researchers and staff at Makerere University for ensuring that the number of publications rated by SCOPUS has increased from 700 in the Year 2017 to over 1,900 to date. He was optimistic that with the ongoing activities of the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU) such as training of researchers and staff in general, as well as supporting of researchers during grant application processes, the number of research publications will double.
He explained that GAMSU was established in 2020 at Makerere University, to assist and support researchers to attract and win grants.
Taking into consideration that grants are most often taxpayers’ money in donor countries, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the need for researchers to account for funds and report on the activities of grants efficiently. “We should ensure that all our research and grant systems are working, and research funds are properly accounted for,” he advised.
He pointed out that grants are most often taxpayers’ money in donor countries. “If we do things well, we will continue to get grants from anywhere in the world, hence the need to account properly and to watch out so that a few individuals who fail to account for the funds, don’t spoil the opportunities or the reputation of an entire university.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that the workshop and the grant administration professionals initiative were a result of the decade-long strong partnership between Makerere University and Northwestern University (USA) that involves collaborative research, academic exchange and capacity building. In particular, the two academic institutions have deepened their collaboration in research administration under the University Administration Support (UAS) fellowship through which systems and best practices of research management are imparted.
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS AND TOPICS
The workshop, organized by Makerere University and Northwestern University, was attended by over 150 people comprising research administration teams from universities, and research centres.
The universities represented in the training were Makerere University, Kyambogo University, University of Kisubi, Gulu University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Brac University, Kabale University, Muni University, Uganda Christian University Mukono, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, Soroti University, Clarke International University, Busitema University and King Ceasor University.
Targeting faculty, research administrators (RAs) and finance and central office staff of universities and research institutions, the workshop aimed to: promote mentorship and peer-to-peer learning; build the capacity of RAs and faculty in grant writing and administration; foster cross-functional collaboration across disciplines and departments; enhance ongoing and future support; and raise the understanding of budget creation and funder systems. Corollary, there were presentations and demonstrations about how to tailor grant proposal writing appropriately; budget development and justification; compliance; subcontract management, sub-recipient monitoring and memoranda of understanding; the role of grants offices; kick-off meetings with project teams; and financial management, internal controls and reporting.
Other topics taught and discussed included peer-review processes; regional and international professional recognition of research managers and administrators; understanding funding opportunity announcements; project closeout and post-award processes; benefits of and professional growth through the MakGAP, Certified Research Administrator (CRA) examination and global research administration networks such as National Council of Research Administrators (NCURA), Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) and Research and Innovation Management Associations (RIMAs).
The workshop also helped in drafting and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for operationalizing and enhancing Makerere’s grants management policy.
FACILITATORS
The workshop had six key facilitators; namely Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Mordecai Tayebwa and Harriet Nambooze, all from Makerere University, and Kate Klein, Bethany Ekesa and Elizabeth Nicole Christian, all from Northwestern University. Tayebwa is the Program Director and Principal Investigator of the E-SMAC program which is being implemented from July 2024 to December 2025.
Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza hailed Northwestern University’s collaborative contributions to Makerere, emphasizing that when she was appointed to head GAMSU in 2020, Northwestern University gave her comprehensive training in the field of research management, and five more Makerere University staff have attained similar training at Northwestern.
Prof. Nawangwe closed the workshop after officially launching MakGAP and awarding certificates to trainers and participants. He also accepted a request from Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza to become the patron of MakGAP.
The workshop was financially sponsored by the Robert J. Harvey, MD Institute of Global Health of the Northwestern University, the U. S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). It was facilitated by Makerere University Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).
Legal and accounting officers from public universities across Uganda have convened, for a high-level training workshop organized by Makerere University. The three-day training, taking place from July 16th to 18th, 2025, is aimed at strengthening legal frameworks, improving institutional governance, and ensuring compliance with public finance and procurement laws within higher education institutions.
Ms. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council and Guest of Honour at the opening session, commended the initiative as timely and necessary. She addressed the growing backlog of court cases affecting Makerere and other public universities and outlined measures already taken to mitigate legal risks. These include the establishment of a Legal Rules and Privileges Committee and the Directorate of Legal Affairs, part of a broader strategy to improve legal compliance and foster good governance.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps – Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), described the training as both strategic and practical. “It is imperative that we learn from each other, especially in how we handle employee litigation and institutional legal risks,” he remarked. He added that the program is designed to promote experience-sharing across universities and enhance collective institutional growth.
In his address, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, emphasized the urgent need for robust legal oversight and more effective case management mechanisms within public universities.
The training featured a keynote address by the Attorney General of Uganda, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who provided critical insights into legal expectations for public institutions. He warned that failure to heed legal advice could result in personal liability for accounting officers, citing a precedent involving the Uganda Cancer Institute. “Universities must consult the Attorney General’s chambers before entering into major contractual obligations,” he advised, urging legal officers to document decisions meticulously as proper record-keeping forms the first line of defense in legal disputes.
Hon. Kiwanuka further discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to recentralize legal services to ensure alignment with the Attorney General’s office. He cautioned in-house counsel against becoming overly entangled in decision-making processes, stressing the need for objectivity. Other key issues he addressed included contract approvals, misuse of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and lapses in procurement processes, particularly at the close of financial years.
Participants also benefited from insights by Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana of the Court of Appeal, who offered an in-depth analysis of judicial review and its significance in promoting lawful, transparent university governance. He called on university legal officers to act with clarity, timeliness, and accountability.
Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, Judge of the High Court, delivered a comprehensive presentation on dispute and claim management involving public universities. She addressed emerging trends in civil litigation, emphasizing the importance of due process, transparency, and clear communication in resolving employment, student, and contractual disputes. Drawing on real case examples, she urged institutions to strengthen internal systems, embrace participatory governance, and adopt regional best practices to minimize litigation and protect institutional reputation.
The training reflects a shared commitment among public universities to build a more accountable, legally sound, and strategically aligned higher education system in Uganda. Through peer learning and collaboration, participating institutions aim to reduce litigation, enhance institutional autonomy, and uphold the rule of law.
Participating universities include Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Busitema University, Mountains of the Moon University, and Lira University.
The training concludes on July 18th 2025, with sessions focusing on employment dispute management in public universities and the implications of recent PPDA Appeals Tribunal decisions on procurement and disposal practices within public entities.
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