General
Ssentamu Churchill Sworn-in as 91st Makerere Guild President
On March 21, the Makerere University community welcomed a new era of student leadership as Ssentamu Churchill James was inaugurated as the 91st Guild President. The ceremony gathered students, faculty, parents, and dignitaries, marking a significant moment in the university’s history.
In his inaugural address, Ssentamu expressed gratitude, stating, “It’s been God’s grace all through.” He acknowledged the vital support of his family and mentors, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in leadership. “We have been entrusted with the responsibility to bring political, social, and academic salvation,” he declared, emphasizing his commitment to restoring Makerere’s status as Africa’s premier higher education institution.
Reflecting on his campaign, Churchill credited his team, stating, “I am no one without my team,” and dedicated his victory to every student aspiring for a better Makerere. He underscored that students are the foundation of his cabinet, stating, “Those students are our bosses,” and called for unity and resilience among fellow leaders as they prepare to tackle challenges ahead.
The ceremony also included the swearing-in of Guild Representative Councilors from various colleges and Halls of Residence, culminating in the inauguration of Ssentamu and the Vice Guild President.
The outgoing Guild President, H.E. Lubega Vincent Nsamba, shared insights from his tenure, highlighting the importance of building harmonious relationships and the value of collaboration in solving challenges. He quoted theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the dangers of ignorance and urged new leaders to actively engage with the university’s governance structures.
Nsamba linked his faith to leadership, encouraging his successors to seek divine guidance and reflecting on his administration’s efforts to foster a good working relationship with university management. He congratulated Churchill and wished him success in his term.
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, expressed joy in welcoming the new leadership and emphasized that this was the time to chart a new leadership journey. He acknowledged all election participants and praised the peaceful transition of leadership, encouraging the new guild members to embrace dedication, humility, and adherence to university regulations.
“As students of Makerere University first and foremost, aim for academic excellence,” Mukadasi advised, highlighting the importance of dialogue with university management. He officially commissioned the new government, expressing optimism for their future contributions and collaboration. He called on them to embrace dialogue with the university administration.
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Dean of Students acknowledged the departing President, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, for his efforts in enhancing student life and congratulated Churchill on his election, encouraging him to uphold values of inclusivity and diversity.
“As we celebrate this transition, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a supportive campus environment,” Kabumbuli urged, emphasizing the need for collaboration in creating a conducive learning atmosphere.
As the inauguration drew to a close, the Makerere University community looked forward to a promising future under President Ssentamu’s leadership.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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