General
Chancellor Shares Vision for Makerere University during His First Graduation Ceremony
Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor of Makerere University, has laid out his vision for the institution during the 75th graduation ceremony.
Installed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chancellor of Makerere University on 2nd October 2024, the 75th occasion marks his maiden graduation ceremony as the titular head of this great institution.
A total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas during the 75th graduation ceremony (13th to 17th January 2025).
On the first day of the 75th Graduation ceremony, the following colleges presented students for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas: College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security and the School of Law.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet. K. Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports represented by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education congratulated the congregation upon attaining this major milestone.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I am grateful to the University Council, Senate, Management and all staff for their unwavering commitment towards preparing our students who have duly completed the requirements leading to the award of the academic qualifications they are receiving today” she said.
The Minister equally congratulated the University Management for ensuring that transcripts for all students graduating are ready for collection from their respective colleges, and urged the graduands to embrace the spirit of hard work and the desire to make the world a better place.
“I have no doubt that you will face the future with courage, creativity and conviction. There are plenty of opportunities out there, take advantage of the many opportunities to create jobs,” encouraged the First Lady and Honourable Minister of Education and Sports.
Furthermore, she commended the Students Guild for cultivating a cordial working relationship with the University Management and ensuring that matters affecting to students welfare in the University are handled amicably.
In his address, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga outlined several key areas that he aims to focus on as he steers the university forward. A proud alumnus of Makerere, Dr. Kiyonga reflected on the transformative power of education, emphasizing that Makerere’s role in national progress must extend beyond teaching to include research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.
Dr. Kiyonga revealed that enhancing the university’s research capacity is one of his primary goals. He praised the government’s allocation of UGX 30 billion to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), recognizing the importance of research in driving Uganda’s socio-economic growth.
“Makerere University is the oldest university in the country. Over the years the institution has built a strong stock of high quality human resources. The University is doing significant amount of research,” he said.
He noted that there is need for further support, saying, “More work is required to mobilize for an increment of funds in order to further support research work.”
He also emphasized that Makerere should play a leading role in generating knowledge to address pressing national challenges. “Research plays a very vital role in the development of any community,” he said, underscoring the importance of transforming research into actionable solutions.
In addition to research, Dr. Kiyonga highlighted the need forMakerere University to build stronger connections with both national and international industries. “We are generating innovations that should eventually be taken to the commercialization level,” he remarked. He proposed the creation of agro-industrial parks on land allocated by President Museveni, which would provide both practical training for students and contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
“At this stage, more resources and infrastructure are needed to support our innovations,” he added, calling for formal partnerships with the investment community to scale up these efforts.
Addressing the issue of unemployment, Dr. Kiyonga urged graduates to leverage their education to create opportunities for themselves and others. “What is critical is sustaining the thinking that you can indeed apply your knowledge to create work in areas with demand within the population,” he said.
He also encouraged graduates to work together to innovate and start businesses, stating, “Partner with some of your friends to form teams, come up with an idea, and you could turn that idea into an innovation, business enterprise or product.” He emphasized that graduates should not limit themselves to seeking employment, but should embrace entrepreneurship as a means of solving societal problems.
Dr. Kiyonga proposed expanding Makerere’s community outreach efforts, particularly in the agricultural sector. “I propose formalized relationships with some medium to large scale farmers across the country,” he said, suggesting that students in the agriculture department could benefit from hands-on internships with these farmers. In return, students would assist with extension services, boosting productivity in smaller farms and contributing to food security.
“There are also gaps in some of the training of Ugandans abroad,” Dr. Kiyonga added, noting that Makerere University could collaborate with foreign universities to provide practical training for Ugandan students, especially in fields such as human medicine.
In line with President Museveni’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga also highlighted the importance of incorporating political economy into all university courses. “It is critical that we deeply appreciate socio-economic forces that determine forward movement or lack of it,” he said, explaining that understanding these forces is essential for preparing graduates to lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.
Prof. Nawangwe Highlights Achievements and Growth
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe celebrated Makerere’s progress, particularly in its transformation into a research-led institution. He detailed various innovative projects across the university’s colleges, including the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as the AI Health Lab’s malaria diagnostic tools, and initiatives such as the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod), which has incubated dozens of innovations.
“We are making steady progress on our strategic journey of a research-led university,” Prof. Nawangwe stated, revealing that Makerere has supported the commercialization of 15 projects, with a total of 157 projects now ready for integration into Uganda’s national economy.
Prof. Nawangwe also reflected on the institution’s ongoing infrastructure development, including the restoration of the iconic Main Administration Building and the opening of a new state-of-the-art Law School building. These developments, alongside initiatives such as the establishment of a Disability Support Centre, further underline Makerere’s commitment to improving both student and staff welfare.
Among the key statistics of the graduation ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted that 53% of the 13,658 graduands were female, and 491 graduated with first-class honors. He also spotlighted the achievements of specific colleges, including the College of Education’s initiatives to tackle youth unemployment through entrepreneurial training and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s efforts to develop vaccines and diagnostics for key diseases.
Further illustrating the university’s global reach, Prof. Nawangwe noted Makerere‘s collaboration with international partners such as Google and the European Commission, which has provided substantial funding for health and climate change-related projects. “The Government of Uganda provides Makerere University with a Research and Innovation Fund to support cutting-edge solutions,” he added.
In a powerful and inspiring commencement address, Professor LenkaBula Puleng, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), urged the graduates—especially women—to tap into their resilience, embrace their generational mission, and redefine their worth in shaping Africa’s future.
Reflecting on Makerere’s distinguished legacy, Professor LenkaBula praised the university as a beacon of academic excellence, whose contributions have been instrumental in Africa’s intellectual and social development. She highlighted its pivotal role as a cornerstone for both anti-colonial and post-colonial scholarship, underscoring the profound impact it has had on shaping the continent’s intellectual landscape.
“Makerere University, along with its sister institution-the University of South Africa, has been pivotal in the African struggle for freedom and unity,” said Professor LenkaBula. “It stands as a symbol of Africa’s intellectual resilience, a place where the seeds of transformation were planted during the colonial era and continue to grow today.”
Addressing the congregation gathered at Makerere’s historic Freedom Square, the Vice-Chancellor recognized the remarkable scholars who have shaped the African academic landscape through their work at Makerere, referencing figures such as Professor Dani Wadida Nabudere, Issa Shivji, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Mahmood Mamdani, and many others. These scholars, she said, were instrumental in cultivating a new generation of thought leaders who continue to challenge the status quo and lead Africa toward progress.
Highlighting the role of African women in these transformative processes, Professor LenkaBula reminded graduates of resilient women who have played key roles in Africa’s history, such as Queen Amina of Nigeria, Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana, and Wangari Maathai of Kenya. These women, she noted, not only fought against colonial forces, but have continued to shape the post-colonial era through their activism, leadership, and vision.
Professor LenkaBula’s address focused on the significance of women in reclaiming their generational mission. She emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and transformation, especially for young women.
“Education is not an elite indulgence; it is a public good,” she said, citing the words of feminist scholar Amina Mama. She urged the graduates, particularly the women, to remember their history and their mission in the ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and peace.
Her call to action was clear: graduates must not be prisoners of the past, but leaders who redefine the future. She challenged the new generation to take their place in fields such as medicine, agriculture, science, and technology, which are essential to Africa’s development. She encouraged them to forge a future of peace, sustainability, and inclusivity, underscoring the importance of creating a world that reflects their values and dreams.
Professor LenkaBula spoke to the youth about their responsibility to overcome the legacies of patriarchy and oppression, both within African societies and globally. She acknowledged that women, despite their significant contributions, continue to face disproportionate challenges, but she expressed confidence that this new generation of graduates—especially women—has the strength and determination to break these barriers.
“As graduates, you carry the mettle and the light to create more opportunities—for yourselves and others—to reclaim your mission and redefine your worth,” she said. “Africa is waiting for you, and you must rise to the occasion with the strength, courage, and vision to lead us into the future.”
In conclusion, Professor LenkaBula reminded the graduates that they are part of a legacy of change-makers and intellectual trailblazers, encouraging them to embrace their roles as the next generation of leaders who will drive the African Renaissance. She left them with an empowering message: “Reclaim your Generational Mission and Redefine your Worth as the new generation that Africa is waiting for!”
The 75th Graduation Ceremony at Makerere University marked not only the academic achievements of the graduates, but also a celebration of the university’s long-standing contribution to the African intellectual tradition and its continued role in shaping a better future for the continent. As the graduates left the Freedom Square, the call to action was clear: the future of Africa rests in their hands.
The Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Prof. Moses Muhwezi, has called upon Ugandans to emulate the life of the late Frank Kalimuzo.
Today, (Friday, June 13, 2025), Makerere University hosted the 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, an event that brought together distinguished public servants, University leaders and stakeholders to honor the legacy of the late Frank Kalimuzo, Makerere University‘s first Ugandan Vice Chancellor.
The event held under the theme ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ highlighted lessons from Frank Kalimuzo’s leadership and provided an opportunity to examine how institutions of higher learning can cultivate these same qualities of service in an era where universities are increasingly called upon to be engines of innovation, drivers of economic development and guardians of knowledge.
In his welcome speech, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, noted that the Frank Kalimuzo Annual Public Lecture serves not only as a commemorative event but as a platform for critical reflection on the principles and values that should guide our institutions in an ever-evolving world.
“The late Frank Kalimuzo remains an exemplar of dedicated public service and transformational leadership. As Makerere University‘s first Ugandan Vice Chancellor, he navigated the institution through a critical period of transition with wisdom, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy extends far beyond his tenure at this university, as the first Head of Public Service, first Ugandan Secretary to Cabinet, and first Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, he helped lay the foundation for Uganda’s administrative structures,” Prof. Ireeta, noted.
Prof. Ireeta explained that what distinguished Frank Kalimuzo, was not merely his succession of firsts, but his approach to leadership, characterized by humility, service, and an unyielding dedication to the common good.
“As we continue to build on the strong foundation laid by pioneers like Frank Kalimuzo, we must ask ourselves: How do we nurture leaders who serve with integrity? How do we create institutional cultures that prioritize the common good? How do we ensure that our graduates carry forward the values of service and excellence that have defined this university for over a century,” Prof. Ireeta, pondered?
Presenting a paper titled ‘Building a culture of service in Public Institutions’ Prof. Muhwezi, noted that Mr. Kalimuzo was not merely an academic administrator but more importantly, a servant-leader whose life exemplified the highest ideals of public service.
“Mr. Frank Kalimuzo’s life teaches us that public service is not a career choice but a calling, a commitment to using one’s talents, position, and influence to advance the common good. His example shows us that it is possible to maintain integrity, drive innovation, and achieve excellence even within imperfect systems,” Prof. Muhwezi, said.
In his keynote address, Prof. Muhwezi, explained that Mr. Kalimuzo consistently demonstrated that effective public service requires placing institutional objectives above personal ambitions. He added that when faced with unprecedented resistance from various quarters, like academics who questioned his credentials to those who opposed political appointees in university leadership, Mr. Kalimuzo responded not with defensiveness but with dedication to proving himself through service.
To deal with challenges of the 21st century, Prof. Muhwezi, pointed out that the Country needs public institutions that are fit for purpose and leaders who understand that their primary responsibility is to serve, not to be served.
“We need to leave some legacy when we are out of our institutions. We should be brave. As public servants, we learn that Mr. Kalimuzo kept brave even after disappearance of other prominent personalities. As a leader, you should not be the first person to panic,” Prof. Muhwezi, said.
Prof. Muhwezi reminded leaders that they do not need many years to create impact. He explained that although Mr Kalimuzo’s tenure as Vice Chancellor was short-lived, his impact, like a writing on the wall, remains for all to see.
“When given an opportunity to serve, don’t be distracted. Offer skilled leadership execution even in the middle of the storm. As we play around with politics, we should promote peace. As an educated class, we should be good examples. We should appreciate the freedom of speech we enjoy at the moment,” Prof. Muhwezi, noted.
On 23rd June 2022, the University Leadership dedicated the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility in his honor, that stands as a physical reminder of his contributions. But more importantly, it symbolizes the University’s commitment to ensuring that his values and principles continue to shape generations of students who will go forth to serve Uganda and the world.
During the event, Mr. Kalimuzo’s family expressed gratitude to the University Leadership for always honouring a man who served the University, nation, and its people with distinction.
Addressing guests, Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo, the widow of the late Frank Kalimuzo, noted that although to-date the family has no grave, no explanation and no closure, his silence has not been wasted. On the contrary, it has become a witness, and his disappearance has become a declaration that Uganda has known men who refused to bow.
“After Frank was taken, I was left with our children young, tender, full of questions I could not answer. They were raised with memory instead of presence, with principle instead of protection. And yet, through all the hardship, uncertainty, and pain they endured. They overcame. Today, our children stand tall. They are proud citizens of Uganda, and residents in nations far beyond. They have carried their father’s spirit into classrooms, workplaces, and communities across the world. They embody the values they barely had time to hear him speak, values they absorbed through the echo of his life and the strength of his memory,” orated Mrs Kalimuzo to an audience that listened silently in great admiration.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, noted that Makerere’s strategic plan echoes Mr. Kalimuzo’s spirit of innovation and visionary leadership.
“The insights shared today provide a valuable framework for addressing current leadership challenges within African institutions. Makerere University Council is already advancing key recommendations through our Strategic Plan (2020/21–2024/25), with an emphasis on building a responsive and research-driven institution,” Mrs Magara, said.
Mrs. Magara also pointed out that Mr. Kalimuzo’s values deserve continued critical reflections and practical application in leadership development, noting that they remain relevant not just for Makerere’s transformation, but for the renewal of public institutions across the continent.
“As the late Prof. Asavia Wandira reminded us during Makerere’s 90th Anniversary, our historic mission is “to be the Golden Apex of the Education System, consistent with National Development.” This mission remains unfinished. Rising societal challenges from youth unemployment to public health demand the very kind of ethical, visionary leadership Mr. Kalimuzo embodied,” Mrs. Magara concluded.
During the interactive discussions chaired by Mrs. Allen Kagina, the Chairperson of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, Mrs Kalimuzo shared with the guests that when her husband went missing, she did all kinds of odd jobs to see her children through School and put food on the table. Hard work and the grace of God, she said, were the hallmarks of how she managed to raise her young family.
Organized in partnership with Makerere University Business School, the 2025 lecture was crowned with a surprise 90th Birthday celebration for Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo. It was all tears of joy as she cut cake with her grandchildren surrounded by family and friends.
Frank Kalimuzo at glance
Born on 24th September 1925, the late Kalimuzo was the first Vice-Chancellor of the newly formed Makerere University away from the colonial and white man’s control. He was appointed on 1st July 1970 by the then President H.E. Apollo Milton Obote. Frank Kalimuzo transformed the institution from a colonial-era university into a truly national institution serving Ugandan society. His brief but impactful tenure established principles of service-oriented leadership that continue to influence public institutional management across East Africa
He held an Overseas Course B from Wadham College in Oxford, UK (1956), an Honors Degree (Economics Major) from the University College of Aberystwyth in Wales (1955), and a BA in Education from Makerere University (1946).
In his brief tenure, courses like Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Forestry, Bachelor of Laws, and Bachelor of Technology were added to the University’s Curriculum. Veterinary Medicine, which was being offered at the University of Nairobi, was also introduced at Makerere University, while Music, Dance, and Drama became diploma subjects. The Main Library and Albert Cook Medical Library were extended in 1972. Later that year, during former President Idi Amin’s rule, Mr. Kalimuzo was picked up by security personnel and was never seen alive again.
By: Moses Lutaaya
The Directorate of Graduate Training is rolling out the Research Management Information systems (RIMS) to efficiently and effectively monitor the academic progress of all graduate students.
“RIMS will be used to track efficiently every stage of activity of graduate studies from course works, research concept to thesis completion.” The Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma said.
He added, “The RIMS team is here to share developments on the system that are designed to support the agenda of Makerere university. When graduate students enter a given chapter of their research works, their supervisors will automatically receive mail prompts to swiftly handle, give comments and guide the students on the way forward.”
During the roll out training recently at the College of Health Sciences in Mulago, Prof. Kikooma said, “The Directorate of Graduate Training is working in collaboration with Directorate of Innovation, Research and Partnerships (DIRP) and the Directorate of Information Communication and Technology Support (DICTS) to ensure a smooth training to all the schools and colleges. Digitalising the graduate management process is anticipated to increase the number of graduate admissions and completion in the long run.”
“As the three directorates, we sat and reviewed the university graduate strategy and policies around it. We got reviewed policies and procedures approved by the University Senate last year. We no longer have provisional admission letter requirement for our PhD students. It is now full admission straight away and we follow a cohort system of admission for the PhD by research students.” He added.
RIMS is a version of how the Directorate of Graduate Training aims to handle the process of systematic tracking of every point of progress in the entire academic journey of graduate students.
The Directorate of Graduate Training has so far conducted the RIMS training at three Colleges namely; College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS) and College of Natural Sciences (CONAS).
The critical stakeholders on the RIMS value chain include Heads of Departments, College Principals and Deputy Principals, Directors, School Deans, Supervisors as well as Graduate coordinators. “All the above are key actors and must be able to use RIMS in the graduate process, capturing all profiles of students and supervisors and should be able to use it appropriately.” He emphasized.
He said that RIMS will bring all stakeholders on the same page and will be able to adequately troubleshoot any hinderance to progress when course works are done, to dissertation and thesis completion. Makerere university target is to increase its graduate students’ enrollment from 19% to at least 30% in the next five years.
Prof. Bruce James Kirenga, Principal College of Health Sciences welcomed RIMS training saying that this kind of E- learning and supervision tracking is the way to handle graduate studies as it seems to reduce the turn around time for student- supervisor responses.
“Every activity in the graduate students learning journey is monitored swiftly. Whatever the students upload on to the system, supervisors get message pop-ups on their mails, review the works immediately and attach comments for the students to appreciate and manage appropriately.” He said.
Prof. Kirenga added that the audit trail created under RIMS will provide good progressive academic reports and improve the journey to Doctoral studies.
“Heads of Departments are able to see all students in the department, any pending system approvals, observe completion rates and total progressive over view of each student and that the total overview of department performance will be clearly seen under RIMS.” He added.
Dr. Robert Kalyesubula – the Chair. Dept of Physiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences said RIMS will improve the efficiency of supervisors while handling the graduate students.
“RIMS views all documents and proposals of students. We will be able to observe which supervisor takes long to respond, the number of days they have taken to respond and how long an issue has pended undone at a certain level.”
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