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.
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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