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.
At a time when Africa stands at the intersection of demographic opportunity and governance uncertainty, a powerful question is emerging across the continent: what kind of leadership will define Africa’s future?
This question took centre stage at the 2026 Julius Nyerere Leadership Lecture and Youth Conversations, held on April 13, 2026, at Makerere University. Convened by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre in partnership with the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), the event brought together policymakers, scholars, diplomats, and youth leaders from across East Africa under the theme: “Africa’s Next Generation: Youth Agency and the Leadership Africa Needs.”
Held on the birth anniversary of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the gathering was not merely commemorative. It was deliberately forward-looking—an effort to reinterpret Nyerere’s legacy in light of contemporary realities and to position young people as central actors in shaping Africa’s political, economic, and social trajectory.
A Defining Moment for Leadership in Africa
Opening the event, Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, framed the conversation within a broader continental context marked by a rapidly expanding youth population, rising political awareness, and increasing demand for accountability.
“Africa is not short of potential,” she noted. “What is at stake is whether that potential is matched by the kind of leadership required to transform it into sustainable development and inclusive progress.”
Her remarks underscored a critical shift: young Africans are no longer passive participants in governance processes. Across communities, institutions, and political spaces, they are organizing, contesting, innovating, and demanding accountability. The challenge, she argued, is to ensure that this energy is channelled into ethical, competent, and service-oriented leadership capable of transforming institutions and delivering long-term change.
Reclaiming Unity as a Strategic Imperative
The importance of unity—long championed by Mwalimu Nyerere—featured prominently throughout the discussions. Representing Tanzania, Major General Paul Kisesa Simuli emphasized that Pan-Africanism must evolve from a historical ideal into a practical framework for cooperation and development.
“Africa’s unity is not optional,” he observed. “It is a necessity for survival in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.”
He pointed to education, language, and shared values as critical foundations for building a cohesive regional identity, highlighting the need for deliberate investment in systems that strengthen cross-border collaboration. His intervention reinforced a central theme of the lecture: that regional integration and collective action are indispensable to Africa’s long-term stability and prosperity.
Leadership in Transition: From Authority to Influence
The keynote address by Israel Laryea provided a compelling reflection on how leadership itself is evolving. Drawing from Africa’s political history, he argued that the continent has moved through distinct phases—from liberation-era “builders,” to “controllers,” and now to a generation navigating democratic transitions that remain incomplete.
Yet, despite these transitions, a fundamental gap persists.
“Africa has never lacked leaders,” he remarked. “The real question is the kind of leadership each generation chooses to tolerate.”
In today’s context, he argued, leadership is increasingly shaped not only by formal authority but by influence, credibility, and the ability to mobilize and organize. Digital platforms have expanded access to information and participation, but they have also introduced new complexities—where visibility does not necessarily translate into power.
For young Africans, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While they are more connected and engaged than ever before, their influence in formal decision-making spaces remains limited. Bridging this gap requires a shift from digital engagement to structured political and institutional participation.
The Knowledge Question: Leadership and Intellectual Responsibility
A recurring theme across the lecture was the centrality of knowledge in shaping effective leadership. Scholars warned against the risks of historical distortion, shallow engagement with complex issues, and leadership divorced from intellectual grounding.
Discussions emphasized that Africa’s development challenges are not simply technical—they are deeply political and ideological. Addressing them requires leaders who are not only well-intentioned but also analytically grounded, historically informed, and ethically driven.
The idea that “ignorance remains one of the greatest obstacles to progress” resonated strongly, reinforcing the need for continuous learning, humility, and critical reflection as essential components of leadership.
Youth Leadership in Practice: From Ideas to Implementation
Beyond theory, the lecture provided a platform for young leaders to demonstrate how leadership is already being exercised in practical and impactful ways.
Across panel discussions, participants shared experiences in governance, entrepreneurship, and community development. These contributions highlighted a growing shift toward solution-oriented leadership, where young people are not waiting for opportunities but actively creating them.
Key insights emerging from these engagements included:
- The importance of policy reforms that enable youth participation, particularly in economic and governance spaces
- The role of innovation and technology in addressing local challenges and expanding opportunities
- The need for community-centred approaches that prioritize inclusion and social impact
What became evident is that Africa’s youth are not merely a demographic category—they are an active force shaping new pathways for development and leadership.
Intergenerational Dialogue: Bridging Legacy and Aspiration
The Ekyooto fireside conversations provided one of the most reflective moments of the event, bringing together seasoned leaders and emerging voices in an open and candid dialogue.
These conversations explored the deeper questions of identity, purpose, and responsibility. Participants emphasized that the future of Africa will depend on a generation that understands not only the challenges it faces but also the values and principles required to address them.
Lena Nyerere, representing the Nyerere family, highlighted the enduring relevance of Pan-Africanism as a vision rooted in unity, dignity, and collective progress. Her presence served as a symbolic bridge between legacy and the future—reminding participants that leadership is both inherited and redefined across generations.
From Reflection to Action
As the day concluded, a clear consensus emerged: Africa’s transformation will depend on the ability of its young people to move beyond participation toward active leadership and institutional influence.
This transition requires:
- Strengthening leadership development pathways
- Investing in education and critical thinking
- Expanding opportunities for meaningful participation in governance and policy processes
- Building a shared sense of Pan-African identity and purpose
Equally important is the need to move beyond episodic conversations toward sustained programmes, structured mentorship, and institutional support systems that enable young leaders to grow, collaborate, and lead effectively.
Looking Ahead: Reimagining Leadership for Africa’s Future
The 2026 Julius Nyerere Leadership Lecture and Youth Conversations ultimately served as more than a platform for dialogue—it was a strategic intervention in shaping Africa’s leadership trajectory.
As the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre continues to expand its work in youth leadership training, regional engagement, and policy dialogue, the challenge ahead is clear: to translate ideas into action, and action into lasting institutional change.
Africa’s future will not be determined by its challenges alone, but by the quality of leadership that emerges to confront them. In this regard, the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere is not a static memory—it is a living framework for leadership grounded in service, unity, and responsibility. The task for this generation is to reimagine that legacy in practical terms, and to carry it forward with clarity, courage, and purpose.
The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has honored Ms. Gladys Khamili for her 12 years of service as Registrar, as she transitions to a senior role in the Senate Division of Makerere University.
During the School’s 239th Management Meeting, colleagues recognized her contribution to academic administration and formally handed over the office.
Ms. Khamili assumes the role of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, where she will oversee academic standards, policy, and governance at the University. She replaces Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, who officially retires after 26 years of dedicated service.
At the ceremony, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean, together with members of MakSPH management, presented Ms. Khamili with a plaque in recognition of her service, noting that she “served the School of Public Health with distinction, demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence,” and that her contribution strengthened academic administration at the School.
Dr. Wanyenze described Ms. Khamili as a steady and dependable presence. “She’s been with us and supported us in many ways. We thought we should meet here together to see her off. And I wish her the very best… we shall continue to work with her. She will continue to serve us in a different capacity,” she said.
Ms. Khamili joined the School of Public Health on March 15, 2012, from the College of Computing and Information Sciences, where she served as an Assistant Registrar.
Over the years, she has been central to the School’s academic operations—coordinating student admissions, managing records, overseeing examinations, and serving as secretariat to key governance structures, including the Academic Board, Examinations and Results Committee, and Appointments and Promotions Committee. Her role also involved handling student matters and ensuring compliance with University policies and Senate decisions.
Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Khamili pointed to improvements in registration systems, records management, and examination processes. “In my tenure, I have had some achievements that have improved efficiency in the students’ registration processes and strengthened records management and data accuracy… and coordinated successful university graduation ceremonies,” she said.
She also highlighted areas for further strengthening, including improving documentation and follow-up of pending tasks, enhancing coordination across departments, and decentralising selected services, including transcript issuance.
The handover process was overseen by Internal Auditor Amos Dembe, who emphasized the importance of continuity in such a critical office. “The office of the registrar is very sensitive… It is at the core of what we do and what we stand for as a school. It calls for integrity and professionalism,” he said, adding that Ms. Khamili’s handover report provides “a strong body of knowledge for Ms. Annet Khabuya to build on and to hit the ground running.”
Mr. Dembe also commended Ms. Khamili’s professional and ethical record. “We have not had student issues of marks, money, or related concerns as a School… Thank you for making my work easier. That is not always the case. Some people make it hard for us, but this has not been the case here,” he noted.
Colleagues described her as thorough and dependable in a role that often operates behind the scenes. Dr. Joan Mutyoba, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, said the incoming Registrar would be stepping into a demanding position. “The shoes you are stepping into are really big. I have seen her work… She is extremely professional, one of the most professional people I have worked with. She takes her work very seriously and goes beyond the line,” she said.
In her farewell remarks, Ms. Khamili spoke candidly about her experience at the School. “My work has been with everybody… everything here is different—the people, the work culture—it has been very, very worthwhile,” she said, thanking colleagues for their support.
“If I had a choice, I would stay… but I don’t have that choice. Thank you so much for the support and for the love,” she added, acknowledging the demands of her role. “In my line of work, like in any space where you work with people, you certainly step on some toes… I ask that you find it in your heart to forgive and forget where necessary.”
The meeting also marked the official handover to Ms. Annet Khabuya, who takes over as Registrar. She commended the School’s approach to transition and organization.
“I have seen the systems, I have seen the organization, and I can confidently say there is continuity. I look forward to building on this work and working with all of you,” she said.
Ms. Khabuya joins MakSPH from the Examinations and Transcripts Division of the Senate and brings experience from the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Statistics and Planning.
Ms. Khamili’s transition marks a shift from School-level administration to University-wide academic governance, extending her impact beyond MakSPH to the broader Makerere system.
General
Makerere’s CHUSS Embraces Digital Future as RIMS Training Sparks Push for Faster Graduate Completion
By Moses Lutaaya
KAMPALA, April 17, 2026 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University has taken a decisive step toward strengthening graduate training and accountability following a comprehensive hands-on Research Information Management System (RIMS) training by a team from the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) held yesterday, April 16, in the CHUSS Smart Room.
Opening the session, the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, underscored CHUSS’s central role in producing graduate students and contributing to Uganda’s development agenda. He cautioned that the college’s leading position could easily be overtaken if vigilance wanes.
“I’m glad we are back here to focus on something that can propel CHUSS to its rightful position,” Prof. Kikooma said. “Your contribution to graduate student production is highly envied across the university, but if you sleep even briefly, that position can be taken.”
He emphasized that beyond competition, the real goal is national transformation. According to Prof. Kikooma, increased graduate output directly supports Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which prioritizes building relevant human capital.
“More than ever before, the country needs human resources from the humanities and social sciences,” he noted.
Prof. Kikooma explained that the RIMS platform builds on CHUSS’ pioneering cohort-based PhD model by introducing a digital solution to track student progress, enhance supervision, and improve completion rates. The system, developed in collaboration with the Directorate for ICT Support, allows both supervisors and students to log and monitor academic activities in real time.
“This is not optional,” he stressed. “By the end of this month, we must report on who is using the system. It is a strategic priority of the University Council.”
Welcoming participants, the Deputy Principal of CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, described the training as timely and necessary in a rapidly digitizing academic environment.
“Makerere today is very different from the Makerere of 15 or 20 years ago,” he said. “We are moving from an analogue past to a digital future.”
He noted that while the college has improved its graduate output in recent years, gaps in tracking student progress remain a concern.
“We celebrate the numbers we graduate, but we may still have many students in the pipeline whom we cannot fully account for,” he said. “This system will help us track supervision and improve accountability.”
The training drew participation from the CHUSS Principal and Deputy Principal, senior lecturers, lecturers, and registrars from the School of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, and the School of Languages, Literature and Communication.
In an interview after the session, Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo offered a more reflective perspective, welcoming RIMS as a timely innovation while highlighting key realities in graduate training.
“I think RIMS is a good idea with strong potential,” he said, noting that the system could help address long-standing supervision gaps by ensuring that interactions between students and supervisors are tracked and visible.
However, he pointed out that delays in graduate completion are not solely the fault of supervisors. According to him, student-related factors—particularly lack of consistency and self-discipline during the research phase—play a significant role.
“At the coursework level, students are guided by timetables and structured assessments, which keeps them active,” he explained. “But once they transition to research, much depends on their own discipline. Some students simply become unresponsive.”
Dr. Ssentongo observed that RIMS could help counter this by introducing a level of accountability on both sides. If properly used, the platform would enable students to track feedback from supervisors while also making it clear when they themselves have delayed progress.
He also noted that the system’s monitoring aspect could encourage improved completion rates, as both supervisors and students become more conscious of timelines and expectations.
At the same time, he cautioned that implementation would be key. He explained that while systems that enhance accountability are beneficial, they must be introduced in a way that supports rather than intimidates users.
“There is an element of monitoring, which is good,” he said, “but it should be balanced so that it does not create an environment where people feel over-policed.”
Dr. Ssentongo further emphasized that RIMS should be seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen research culture at the university. Beyond improving completion rates, he said, there is need to encourage publication, collaboration between students and supervisors, and greater visibility of research outputs.
“If it is implemented well and supported by other initiatives, it can contribute not just to completion, but also to improving research productivity and impact,” he added.
The RIMS training marks a significant step in Makerere University’s efforts to modernize graduate education, improve accountability, and align academic output with national development priorities.
-
Law1 week agoPre-Entry Examination for Admission to the Bachelor of Laws for 2026/2027 AY
-
Health6 days agoCourse Announcement: Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) – 2026
-
General3 days agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General1 week agoCall for Participants: 2026 Hainan International Youth Cultural Exchange Program
-
General4 days agoA Graceful Exit: Makerere Celebrates Patience Mushengyezi’s 26 Years of Service