General
Warm Reflections as VC Hosts Dinner for Muslim Fraternity
It was a warm and cordial evening on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hosted the Makerere University Community Muslim Fraternity to dinner in commemoration of their completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Held at the Okot P’Bitek Lounge in the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Gardens, the event was graced by Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) – Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta who represented the Vice Chancellor, University Secretary – Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, University Librarian – Dr. Ruth Nalumaga, Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja, Chairman University Mosque – Dr. Hussein Oria, and Director MISR – Dr. Lyn Ossome represented by Dr. Joseph Kasule among other officials.
The Vice Chancellor in his remarks noted that the self-discipline, generosity and devotion to faith exhibited by Muslim Fraternity during Ramadan was not only commendable but also a source of inspiration to the rest of the Makerere Community regardless of faith.
“At Makerere University, we pride ourselves in fostering an environment of inclusivity, diversity and mutual respect. Our strength as an institution comes from our ability to embrace and celebrate different faiths, cultures and perspectives” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
He added that this diversity not only enriches academic scholarship but also prepares students to become global citizens, embodying tolerance, respect and integrity. “As we gather here tonight, let us reflect on the lessons learnt during this sacred period and carry them forward in our daily lives; let us continue to extend kindness to one another, work towards a more harmonious society and remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity and service” Prof. Nawangwe’s remarks further encouraged.
The Vice Chancellor further lauded the Muslim community for their great show of philanthropy by raising tuition for students who couldn’t afford to on their own, undertaking various works on the University Mosque and conducting community outreaches. He urged students present to take advantage of opportunities presented by the Student Work Scheme to both raise funds for their tuition and upkeep, as well as gaining work experience.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda in his remarks appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the tradition of hosting dinners in the fraternity’s honour, which he added made the Muslims feel proud as members of the larger Makerere University Community.
“We notice that our contribution to the University in various ways is not only recognized but is also celebrated” said the University Secretary, who also added “I hope that one day Management takes interest to visit the Mosque. The Mosque has transformed significantly and the changes that have occurred there are initiatives that have been taken by the Muslim Community of this University.”
Elaborating on the changes, the Chairman noted that the Muslim community has contributed to; roofing the University Mosque, installing CCTV cameras, renovating toilets. Dr. Oria added that the next projects the Muslim Community seeks to undertake are; expanding the Mosque to cater for the growing numbers and beautifying the grounds.
The Chairman University Mosque Board introduced other members present as; Vice Chairperson-Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Treasurer-Dr. Joweria Teera, Secretary-Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja, Vice Secretary-Deputy Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Musungule, and Patron Makerere University Muslim Students’ Association (MUMSA)-Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke.
Other Board Members introduced were; Representative of Female Alumni and former Vice Chair MUMSA-Hajat Shamim Namuddu, Representative of Male Alumni-Al-Hajji Abdul Ssekandi, Representative of Male Administrative Staff-Juma Katongole, Representative of Female Administrative Staff-Mariam Kasemiire, Chair MUMSA-Fahad Mukalazi, Chairlady MUMSA-Hanan Kuddiza, Minute Secretary-Advocate Sekalala and Chair Makerere Muslim Staff Association-Prof. Abasi Kiyimba.
Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja led prayers at the dinner, which was ably moderated by Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke.
On 30th September 2025, DFCU Bank Uganda Ltd made a generous donation of twenty million shillings (20,000,000 UGX) to support the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University in their upcoming give-back project at Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Western Uganda. Over the years, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars have engaged in various community give-back projects, significantly transforming the lives of many young people. Their initiatives have included building classroom blocks in Karamoja and Agago districts, constructing boreholes in Bulamwiki, Iganga District, and planting trees. These efforts have had a positive impact on the communities they serve.
While speaking at the handing-over ceremony of the dummy cheque, Ms Maryann Wanjiku Michuki, the Chief Business Solutions & Marketing Officer, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, expressed gratitude for the partnership between the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University , which has lasted over 10 years.
“We are very proud of our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University that has lasted over 10 years. We commend the efforts to renovate the classroom blocks and build a modern pit latrine. We commend the Scholars for taking on such impactful causes for the community.” Ms Wanjiku remarked.
On her part, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University , expressed gratitude to the generous donation towards the Scholars giveback efforts.
“We are very grateful for this generous gesture by DFCU Bank towards the Scholars’ Give Back efforts. We are more than partners in this journey; we plan to allocate this donation into a general project fund, have an independent project undertaken by DFCU, and invite you to launch it.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa highlighted that giving back is a central focus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University . It aims to cultivate a service-oriented culture among scholars and alumni of the Program, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment.
“As part of the Scholars Journey at Makerere University , the Scholars are made aware of the Philosophy and practice of giveback, and then encouraged to empower communities through sharing and action voluntarily.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have, over the years, made significant contributions to communities. Initially, these contributions were solely by the Scholars. From 2020 on wards, resource mobilisation expanded beyond the Scholars to include the Program Implementation Team, Scholar alumni, and the Program partners.
The selected Scholars Giveback Project for 2025
For the year 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University designated Bwera Primary School in Kabale district as the giveback project. Bwera Primary School was established in 1983 as a community-based institution and later became a government-aided school. It educates 268 pupils in the rural Kabale District. Despite its vital role in the community, the school faces many challenges, including:
- Dilapidated classrooms
- A shared mud and wattle pit latrine shared by students and staff
- Lack of clean water
- Lack of electricity
- Insufficient staff housing
Proposed Interventions and Support
There are four proposed support areas which shall be prioritised or ranked based on the projected resource mobilisation.
- Renovation of two classroom blocks, including plastering the walls and working on the floors.
- Construction of a 4–5 stance modern pit latrine to enhance sanitation, health, and dignity for learners and staff.
- Provision of 50 bench desks for the candidate class.
- Installation of a water harvesting system to guarantee access to clean water for drinking and handwashing.
Call to Action:
We call upon all people of goodwill to contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and motivating learning environment at Bwera Primary School, Kabale district, through the following avenues;
- Contribute financially (any amount makes a difference).
- Mobilise others within your networks.
- Contribute physical building materials, i.e. Cement, Iron bars, Bricks, etc.
All school-going children deserve a safe place to learn, access to clean water, and the hope of a brighter future. Your support is not just transforming Bwera Primary School — it is changing lives. Together, we build for the future. Together, we shape tomorrow.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
Makerere University on Monday the 29th of September installed Prof. Sarah Ssali as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVC AA), making her only the second female to hold this prestigious position in the university’s history.
The installation ceremony, held at the Main Building, brought together top management, and close family members of Prof. Ssali to celebrate this milestone. The event marked a moment of continuity and transformation in the university’s academic leadership.
Vice Chancellor Congratulates Prof. Ssali
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, congratulated Prof. Ssali upon her appointment, describing her as a dedicated academic whose commitment to teaching, research, and innovation has left an indelible mark on Makerere.
“Your docket is handling two vital components of what we do—teaching and learning, and more importantly, research and innovation. I have no doubt that you will carry on the great work and move Makerere forward,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
He emphasized the need for universities to demonstrate accountability for the significant investment made by Ugandan taxpayers, urging the new DVC to steer efforts that help “bring our people out of poverty” through impactful research and quality education.
Prof. Ssali’s Vision
In her inaugural speech, Prof. Ssali expressed deep gratitude to God, her family, and colleagues for the support that made her academic journey possible. The installation also served as a moment of personal celebration, with Prof. Ssali introducing her family members, including Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire. She paid special tribute to her husband, Dr. Francis Ssali, for his unwavering support since their marriage in 1993, noting that “marriage is a good thing—it adds value to a person.”
She acknowledged the collective effort behind her successful bid for the role and emphasized that her leadership will be one of service and teamwork. “I see this role as a joint mandate rather than a personal one. The office of the DVC AA is an enabler—supporting management, faculty, and students to thrive. Collaboration, networking, and evidence-based decision making will be central to my approach,” she said.
Prof. Ssali pledged to prioritize quality assurance, improved instructional facilities, stronger academic–industry linkages, and the use of data-driven systems to guide decision-making. She also committed to ensuring that Makerere’s research outputs are taken up by government, industry, and communities to drive national transformation.
Prof. Buyinza Hands Over Office
Outgoing Acting DVC (AA), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who has served since July 2024, officially handed over the office to Prof. Ssali. In his farewell remarks, he expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and highlighted the reforms and achievements during his tenure, including improved accreditation processes, strengthened quality assurance systems, and the advancement of digital academic management platforms.
Prof. Buyinza also paid tribute to his team and appealed for continued support towards Prof. Ssali. “I request that you accord the same support you have given me to my sister, Prof. Ssali. We share a character of bonding easily with people, and I am confident she will thrive in this office,” he noted.
A Historic Appointment
Prof. Ssali’s installation marks a historic milestone for Makerere University, being the second female to serve as the First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) since the position was established. With her extensive background in gender studies, governance, and mentorship, she is widely expected to bring a unique perspective to academic leadership.
In her closing remarks, she anchored her commitment in faith and service: “I take on this role trusting in the Lord with all my heart, and not leaning on my own understanding, as we build for the future—for God and my country.”
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