General
Mr. Besweri Wandera: A Devoted Teacher, Scholar & Researcher Gone too suddenly
By Eve Nakyanzi and Ritah Namisango
Makerere University with deep sorrow received the news of the passing of one of its staff members, Mr. Besweri Wandera, on 19th July 2025. At the time of his death, Mr. Wandera was serving as an Assistant Lecturer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS). Affectionately known as “Bessy” by many of his colleagues, he was a devoted teacher, scholar, and researcher. He was pursuing his PhD at Kenyatta University.
In his condolence message, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, relatives, and friends. He noted that Mr. Besweri was one of the most senior members of staff in the Department of Sports Science. “A pioneer in the Bachelor of Sports Science at Makerere University, who began his academic journey as a Teaching Assistant in 2006,” he said. Prof. Nawangwe commended him for the selfless life he led, highlighting the nature of his passing. “His passing while serving as a Master of Ceremonies at a colleague’s funeral is a poignant reflection of the selfless life he led, one rooted in service to others,” he remarked. He encouraged mourners to draw strength from the words of Isaiah 41:10, which speaks of God’s presence and assurance in times of fear and trouble
The Principal CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, who also spoke on behalf of the Makerere Multipurpose Cooperative Society where Mr. Wandera held member number 035, described his passing as a loss of a historic member of the society.
Prof. Ireeta conveyed his heartfelt condolences in a message read by the Deputy Principal CoNAS, Prof. Juma Kasozi. He praised Mr. Besweri as a dedicated academician who committed his time to teaching and research at Makerere University. “He was an active player in curriculum review and development in the department,” the Principal noted, adding that “he has been one of the most senior and core members of staff at the department.”
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), where Mr. Besweri served as Head of Physical Education, also expressed his sympathies to the bereaved family. At CEES, Mr. Besweri was teaching over 450 students. “Death is so painful,” he shared, reflecting on the loss of his own father and encouraging the children of the deceased to continue trusting in God, just as their father had. He further urged attendees to prioritize regular health check-ups, revealing that Mr. Besweri succumbed to high blood pressure.
Dr. Sandra Kasoma, Acting Head of the Department of Sports Science, recalled how privileged the department felt to have welcomed Mr. Wandera back as a member of the teaching staff, describing him as both hardworking and intelligent. “Bessy allowed his students to refer to him as ‘bouncer’ as a way of creating a close relationship of love and not fear. He was not only a teacher but also a father and a counsellor to his students and he always counselled those who were going astray,” she said. Referring to 2nd Timothy 4:7, she added that “Bessy has fought a good fight, and completed his race.”
In a condolence message from Kenyatta University, Dr. Francis M. Mwangi, Mr. Wandera’s thesis supervisor, described him as “a dedicated teacher, a scholar and researcher.” Dr. Mwangi added, “he was an amiable and generous individual whose presence enriched the academic community.”
His children paid tribute to him as a generous, loving, and hardworking father. “Dad has been a perfect dad; he has loved us and provided for us. He has been a true dad,” one of his sons said. They thanked him for raising them in the fear of God and pledged to uphold his values. Mr. Wandera is survived by eight biological children.
“I thank God that I was married to Mr. Besweri Wandera. He has been a very good husband,” said his widow, Everlyn Hayoko Nanyanga. She expressed gratitude to all mourners for their support during this difficult time.
The funeral service, held on 21st July 2025 at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, was led by Rev. Musa Baluku Syamutsangira. His central message emphasized faith in Jesus Christ who triumphed over death. “Though Besweri is gone, he believed in God and His son, Jesus Christ,” Rev. Baluku preached, adding, “We are comforted that Besweri will resurrect.”
Among the mourners were members of the University Management, including the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta; the Dean of the School of Biosciences at CoNAS, Assoc. Prof. Arthur K. Tugume; the Head of the Department of Biochemistry at CoNAS, Dr. Agnes Nandutu; and Dr. Douglas Bamweyana.
Representatives from the British Council were also present to pay their last respects.
The Department of Sports Science was represented by Dr. Bernadette Nakabazzi, and Dr. Sarah Kasoma.
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
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