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.
On 20th August 2026, Makerere University welcomed another cohort of 258 recipients of the prestigious Mastercard Foundation scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year with pomp and fanfare. The colourful Scholarship Award Ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who was represented by Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, the Dean of the School of Economics and the Chairperson of the Scholars Selection sub-committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
While addressing the gathering, Prof. Nawangwe reminded the Scholars that the scholarship was both an honour and a responsibility, and that they ought to make the most of it to improve their lives and communities.
“Now that you have stepped through the gates of Makerere University, remember that a scholarship is both an award and a responsibility. You have been chosen because we believe in your potential to lead, innovate, and serve. Makerere University offers you world-class academic resources, mentorship, and networks—but the impact you make with these resources will depend on your discipline, integrity, and vision,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
A Call for Responsible Living
The Vice Chancellor further urged the new recruits to embrace university life responsibly and form lasting bonds that will support future networks.
“I encourage you to engage fully and responsibly in University life, build lasting bonds with your peers, and, equally important, keep your home communities close to your heart. Let the knowledge and skills you gain here become the seed for innovative solutions to the challenges facing your communities, our country, Uganda, and the African continent.” Prof Nawangwe emphasised.
Prof. Nawangwe further expressed his gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for recognising Makerere University as a worthy partner and pledged to continue supporting all the Mastercard Foundation’s initiatives at Makerere University.
Leadership starts with self
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Senior Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program globally and the Country Director for Uganda, urged Scholars to embrace leadership, particularly through self-leadership. He emphasised that the Scholars Program is fundamentally a leadership development program.
“The Scholars Program offers more than just a scholarship; it is a leadership development Program. I encourage you, Scholars, to embrace leadership, and leadership starts with leading yourself, then your community, your country and the continent,” Mr. Bukenya emphasised.
Mr. Bukenya expressed his gratitude to the Management of Makerere University for partnering with the Mastercard Foundation on various initiatives. He emphasised that the Foundation is committed to continuing this partnership to educate young people and nurture the next generation of leaders on the African continent.
Selection Process Highlights
On his part, the Chairperson of the Scholars Selection Committee, represented by Mr Charles Ssentongo, the Deputy Academic Registrar responsible for Undergraduate admissions, congratulated all the Scholars who had made it through a very competitive and watertight selection process. To illustrate how tight the selection process had been, he shared compelling statistics that clearly demonstrated its competitiveness.
“We received 3,664 Applications for the Scholarship; 2,904 Undergraduates and 760 master’s students. Of these scholarship applicants, 1,440 Undergraduates and 280 Master’s students were admitted to Makerere University on private sponsorship, and they were all eligible for the Scholarship,” Mr Ssentongo pointed out.
Mr Ssentongo informed the attentive audience that one of the biggest challenges the Committee faced was the very high number of applicants, while the number of scholarships available was always very small. Mr Ssentongo then highlighted further statistics that characterised the tedious selection process.
“For the Undergraduates, 650 applicants were shortlisted for interviews, while 58 Master’s applicants were also shortlisted. Of these, 245 undergraduates and 13 Master’s students were selected for the final award,” Mr Ssentongo highlighted.
Celebrating A Diverse Cohort
The Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, used the occasion to highlight achievements made in the years gone by.
“Today, we are overjoyed to have successfully recruited 258 Cohort 9 Scholars—bringing us to the mark of 546 Scholars, 54.6% of the target recruitment of 1,000 Scholars under Phase II of the Program. To date, a total of 1,596 Scholars have been recruited since 2013, when the Scholars Program started at Makerere University,” Prof. Namaalwa announced.
Prof. Namaalwa showcased the diversity created by the Scholars Program, highlighting the arrival of international students from across the African continent at Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
“For Cohort 9 Scholars, it’s time to celebrate our diversity in the Program. Let me call out the nationalities represented in the room: Lesotho (1 Scholar), Malawi (1 Scholar), Ghana (1 Scholar), D.R. Congo (13 Scholars), Cameroon (7 Scholars), Burundi (3 Scholars), Rwanda (10 Scholars), South Sudan (40 Scholars) and Tanzania (1 Scholar).” Prof. Namaalwa revealed.
Scholars Speak Out
Nathan Tamba, an international student from Cameroon, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the opportunities afforded by the scholarship, particularly the prospect of pursuing his studies at Makerere University, recognised as one of the leading institutions on the continent.
“On behalf of my fellow scholars, I would like to express our gratitude to Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation for awarding us this scholarship. It has given me the opportunity to study at this prestigious university and to experience Uganda for the first time.” Tamba remarked.
Tamba, clearly delighted like his fellow scholars, committed to using the scholarship opportunity to gain knowledge and skills he will use to benefit himself and his community.
The function was punctuated by entertainment from the Makerere University Choir, networking, and plenty of joyous celebration.
Bernard Buteera is Principal Communications Officer for the Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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