General
Tribute to Prof. Livingstone S. Luboobi: Servant leader, Mentor, Father Figure and Role Model
Professor Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi, on 16th July 2025, you have completed your earthly journey, and you are returning to the Almighty God, your creator. It is very painful to lose you, my mentor and role model. I will find solace in your impactful legacy. I am comforted that you will live on, through the countless lives that you touched, inspired and mentored at the national and international levels.
To God be the glory, for a life well lived (25th December 1944 to 16th July 2025). A genuine human being with a pure heart. A life of good works to humanity filled with simplicity, empathy, love, respect, generosity, wise counsel and guidance, and compassion. You have been a true embodiment of the scripture in Matthew 22:39, love your neighbor as yourself.
Professor Luboobi, you were one of a kind. You have been God’s perfect gift to humanity. A very intelligent and distinguished mathematician who served as the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University from 2004 to 2009. You believed that every individual had a contribution to make in the transformation of Makerere University. I am grateful to God that I met you in the course of my academic journey, a blessing that presented me with a rich and rewarding experience that solidified my career path.
Meeting Greatness
Reflecting on my career and life journey (2004 to date), I was blessed to work with Professor Luboobi during his tenure as Vice Chancellor. I met Professor Luboobi in 2004, when I was a student pursuing a Bachelor of Mass Communication degree at Makerere University. It was in the morning hours, as he headed to the Office of the Vice Chancellor, walking along that path of the then Faculty of Arts to the Main Building. I was coming out of a lecture at the Faculty of Arts, and rushing to catch another lecture at the Faculty of Social Sciences.
A few months earlier, I had read about him as the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University in one of the newspapers. When I glanced at him walking along the same path, he stopped, and greeted me with a smile. I responded to the greeting. After the greeting, I became speechless. He volunteered to continue the conversation, with a question, “Which course are studying at the University?” I responded-Bachelor of Mass communication. And in a minute, he passed on a word of counsel, enjoy your studies and remember to read and excel. I was meeting him for the first time, but he used that minute to pass on words of wisdom. I was filled with joy that I had met and greeted the Vice Chancellor, and little did I know, that I one day, I would work directly under him.
As luck would determine, the then Public Relations Officer of Makerere University, Ms. Helen Nanteza Kawesa joined the Department of Mass Communication to teach one of the course units. Ms. Nanteza Kawesa assigned us work, and I scored 29 out of 30 in the coursework. After the lecture, she requested to meet that particular student who had scored that mark. I interacted with her, and later, I was presented with an opportunity to join Makerere University Public Relations Office for internship.
When I reached the Public Relations Office, I was introduced to the staff in the Office of the Vice Chancellor. Ms. Nanteza Kawesa also introduced me to the Vice Chancellor as a student intern who was joining the Public Relations Office. He was seated in his Chair, but he stood up, shook my hand, and with a smile, welcomed me to the Office of the Vice Chancellor. He said: “You are going to add value to the Office of the Vice Chancellor.” I felt so nice and empowered.
The following morning, Professor Luboobi presented to me a note in his very nice hand-writing: “I am certain that you are that little girl, I once met and interacted with briefly at the Faculty of Arts as I headed to my office. I did not know that a year later, you would join the Office of the Vice Chancellor, I am extremely pleased that you have joined the Public Relations Office for internship. Feel free through your immediate supervisor to participate in every activity or program undertaken by the Office.”
I read that note a number of times, and I would recall, the phrase from the Vice Chancellor, assuring me that I was going to add value to the Office. He was a source of inspiration.
During my internship, I observed that Professor Luboobi was very intelligent, but down to earth. He embodied the true qualities of a servant leader. He was people-centred and inclusive. In the staff meetings, Professor Luboobi was always calm. He accorded his staff and the student intern, an opportunity to contribute ideas on the different topics or issues that were being discussed. He was a principled and exemplary leader. He was honest and a person with the highest degree of integrity and morality. He was a team player, and he exercised an open door policy. In his presence, we felt safe, valued and respected. He believed in the team that he led, and presented each member of staff with an opportunity to shine.
Professor Luboobi appreciated the contribution of his staff. There was cohesion and we felt a great sense of belonging. As I completed my internship, I was strongly convinced that in Professor Luboobi, I had met a father figure and role model. He closely monitored my academic performance, and I knew that I had no room not to excel.
On completion of my studies, I felt that I should return to the Public Relations Office to volunteer as I applied for jobs in other organisations. When the PRO presented my request, Professor Luboobi was very receptive. When I graduated, he presented me with a card, in his neat hand-writing, congratulating me upon my academic achievement. He gifted me with a simple, but classic present that I hold dear up to this day. He also contributed a generous package towards my graduation party.
During his tenure as Vice Chancellor, I was in position to serve as a student intern, volunteer, and Administrative Assistant.
He enhanced my leadership abilities. In one of the interactions, he disclosed to me that over time, he had observed that I was gifted with leadership abilities. I informed him that I had been a leader from nursery, primary and throughout my secondary school level education. He looked at me with a smile, and then said, “you are now going to be a leader guiding the Vice Chancellor, and your ideas will matter.” I looked at him, trying to understand what he exactly meant.
He assigned me tasks that enabled me to understand and appreciate the role of a Vice Chancellor. He said: “I am going to present you with an assignment.” If you became the Vice Chancellor today, what issues would you focus on? What issues or current practices would you wish to change? He requested that I should return with the written report the next morning. I have vivid memories of this assignment, I spent long hours at night, to ensure that I do not disappoint. In the morning, I walked into his office. He listened to my ideas as he took notes. After my presentation, he thanked me for contributing such wonderful ideas, and he gave me some chocolates. A week after, he convened a meeting for the staff in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, he shared those ideas with them. He then requested each member to provide his or her input. Thereafter, he organized a retreat off campus, for members of staff in his office, to provide more ideas on building strong systems within the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
He presented me with opportunities that grounded me in my career path: In office, he would ensure that the mandated office executes its work. He respected systems and worked within the hierarchy.
However, outside of the office, when his personal friends reached out to him to identify a person excellent in public relations and communications, he would strongly recommend me.
He nurtured my strategic planning potential: After some months, he assigned me another task. “I am working on the Strategic Plan for the University. It is going to be a consultative and participatory process. However, a leader does not go to a strategic meeting without any sense of direction. I have my ideas of what should be in the strategic plan, and I would like you to provide your ideas as a recent graduate of Makerere University, who has served as a student intern and volunteer in the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
“You are the first person that I am presenting this task with. After your submission, I will engage the members of staff in the Office the Vice Chancellor, Deans and Directors, and other stakeholders.”
I felt exceedingly humbled and challenged at the same time. To be sincere, at that time, I had never come across any strategic planning document. Sensing that I was overwhelmed, he said, let me simplify the task in form of a question. “What would you like Makerere University to be in the next five years? or What would be your vision for Makerere University in the next five years?”
When I went to his office the next day, he presented me with his strategic plan working document. He told me to read and critique it. I will never forget this experience!
I did not feel bold and grounded enough. In a very calm tone, he looked at me straight in the eye, and requested me to give it a try and critique it. Since he would listen to our opinions or ideas, I suggested to him that I felt that fellow Professors or Senior academics would critique his work. He welcomed the idea and he requested me to provide the names of the Professors or Senior academics that I thought would critique his work. I provided five (5) names and he wrote them down. Professor Luboobi said, you have presented me with a team of experts and I will involve them at the next stage.
However, I have a team leader in front of me, gifted with the knowledge of identifying a team of experts, I would like such a person to critique my work. I must acknowledge that this was not a simple task, but I read his document and I provided my input.
He also requested for my written report about my vision of Makerere University. After reading it, he informed me that he had selected some ideas that would enrich his working draft. He convened a meeting involving the Professors or Senior academics that I had proposed as his team of experts and all the staff in the Office of the Vice Chancellor to enrich the strategic plan working document. Thereafter, he requested the Planning and Development Department to organize a retreat bringing onboard leaders of the different academic, administrative and research units to contribute ideas to the strategic plan of the University.
At the level of Administrative Assistant, Professor Luboobi mentored me, to understand and appreciate the roles of a Vice Chancellor, he involved me in key critical decision making processes, he nurtured my strategic planning potential; he linked me with experts in the different disciplines for mentorship; he entrusted me with managing team-building engagements in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, to mention, but a few.
Over the years, I have served as Communication Officer, Senior Public Relations Officer, and Principal Public Relations Officer of Makerere University.
The team in the Public Relations Office, will forever hold dear Professor Luboobi’s visionary leadership that streamlined the public relations function within the University. During his tenure as Vice Chancellor, Professor Luboobi championed the recruitment of more staff in the Public Relations Office, bringing on board Corporate Affairs, Web management, Branding and Marketing experts. By providing this strategic direction, he significantly contributed to the visibility of Makerere University at the national and global arena.
He was truly called to the teaching profession. He loved his work and served people with distinction and humility. He was selfless, dedicated and committed to duty throughout his life. He generously shared his vast knowledge and skills with humanity.
He was humane. He espoused the most important ethos of a true human being. He lived the ‘Obuntu’ style. In Luganda, ‘abadde musajja omuntumulamu, omwetowaze era ow’empisa.’
Professor Luboobi, I will forever remain eternally grateful to God that I crossed your path. You will always remain my mentor and role model. Thank you for impacting my life positively. Fare-thee-well.
Ritah Namisango is the Principal Public Relations and Communication Specialist at Makerere University.
General
Unlocking Global Opportunities: Makerere University Career Fair – Day Two Connects Students to Scholarships and Fellowships
By Christopher Kaahwa
After an engaging opening day that explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work, the second day of Makerere University Careers Fair – 2026 focused on scholarship and fellowship opportunities for students and graduates.
Day one of the Careers Fair highlighted how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are transforming industries and the skills that young professionals need to remain competitive in the evolving global job market. Building on these conversations, Day Two of the Careers Fair, held on Thursday, 12th March 2026, provided participants with practical guidance on accessing funding opportunities for further study, research, and professional development, both locally and internationally.
The day featured a series of presentations, information sessions, and interactive engagements delivered through a panel discussion. This approach was designed to help participants better understand the wide range of scholarship and fellowship opportunities available to support their academic and professional journeys. Participants interacted directly with program representatives and alumni who have previously benefited from international scholarships and fellowships.
Throughout the discussions, speakers encouraged students to prioritize early preparations for such opportunities by identifying programs that align with their academic interests, leadership aspirations, and long-term career goals. They emphasized that while academic excellence is important, most of the scholarship and fellowship programs also look out for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, community engagement, and a clear commitment to addressing societal challenges.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Makerere University
Speaking during the session, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, highlighted the scholarship opportunities available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Prof. Namaalwa stated that the Mastercard Foundation extends scholarships across the entire University, and this year, the Program would soon advertise 260 scholarships, with 70 per cent reserved for female students and 30 per cent for male students.
Prof. Namaalwa highlighted the Program’s dedication to inclusion, referencing the Mastercard Foundation initiatives that aim to serve all categories of prospective applicants in the quest to promote gender equity in higher education. “Beyond the gender percentages, we are very keen on inclusion,” she stated, noting that 25 per cent of the scholarships are allocated to refugees and internally displaced persons, while 10 per cent are reserved for young people with disabilities.
She explained that the Mastercard Foundation initiatives prioritize students from economically dis-advantaged and hard-to-reach regions such as Karamoja, Teso, Busoga, and West Nile, with 20 per cent of the scholarships designated for applicants from such areas. An additional 20 per cent are for students from refugee-hosting communities, 10 per cent allocated to international students, and the remaining opportunities remain open to other Ugandan applicants.
In addition, Prof. Namaalwa announced graduate scholarships under the Africa Climate Collaborative, which will provide 50 scholarships for master’s students and 12 scholarships for PhD students across the university. She revealed that the scholarships offer comprehensive support, including full tuition and functional fees, and urged prospective applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
She encouraged participants to carry on the mantle of sharing the information widely within their communities, particularly with bright learners who may lack the financial means to pursue university education. “So, I call upon every one of you present today to extend a hand of charity by sharing this information,” she urged.
U.S. Exchange and Fellowship Opportunities
Representatives from the United States Exchange Program shared a wide range of scholarship, fellowship, and leadership opportunities available to students and young professionals who aspire to study or undertake any programme in the United States.
Ms. Blessing Owomugisha Immaculate, President of the U.S. Exchange Program Alumni Network in Uganda, explained that Uganda currently has a vibrant Alumni Network of more than 6,000 members comprising individuals who have previously participated in Exchange Programs in the United States and returned to contribute to community development and mentorship.
She stated that there are several United States-sponsored exchange programs available for students, graduates, and professionals, primarily focusing on leadership, academic research, and professional development. The key programs include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (master’s/research), Mandela Washington Fellowship (young leaders), Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program, Academy for Women Entrepreneur Program, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship,EducationUSA Scholars Program, and many more tailored to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of Ugandan youth.
EducationUSA Scholars Program
In the same session, participants received valuable guidance on pursuing higher education in the United States during a presentation by Mr. Ezra On’rel Nuwenyine, an EducationUSA Adviser in Kampala. Mr. Nuwenyine mentioned that EducationUSA is a global network of over 430 advising centres in more than 175 countries, including Uganda, providing accurate and comprehensive information for international students aspiring to study in the U.S.
He presented the benefits of studying in the United States and guided the participants through the five key steps to consider for their studies abroad. The steps included researching suitable academic institutions that match one’s interests, financial support for their studies, completing application forms with the necessary supporting documents, applying for a student visa, and preparing for their departure to the U.S for their academic journey. He highlighted important resources such as educationusa.state.gov, collegeboard.org, and finaid.org, which can be visited for accurate and credible information.
“Make sure to always check the eligibility criteria before applying to any university and focus on finding institutions that match your academic, financial and personal goals,” he advised, while encouraging participants to carefully plan their academic journey.
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
Sharing his personal experience, Mr. Joseph Luswabi, a veterinary medicine student at Makerere University, shared about his remarkable participation in the Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI). He explained that the program provides leadership and professional development opportunities to young people across Africa.
Mr. Luswabi informed students that his selection to participate in the YALI program required persistence, revealing that he applied four times before being selected in 2024. He shared that his experience, which included intensive training on leadership and networking with fellows across the continent, has broadened his perspective beyond his academic discipline.
“Before you leave the University, make sure you apply and gain an opportunity to participate in any fellowship program,” he said. He encouraged students to take advantage of fellowship opportunities while still at the university, emphasizing that such experiences provide exposure, leadership training, and access to influential professional networks that can significantly shape their career path.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Another speaker, Mr. James Katumba, President – Hubert Humphrey Fellowship alumni association in Uganda, shared insights about the prestigious fellowship designed for mid-career professionals. The program, named after former U.S. Vice President Hubert Humphrey, focuses on leadership, public service, and professional development.
Mr. Katumba elaborated that the fellowship takes professionals to the United States for a 10-month non-degree academic study, during which fellows are placed at different universities where they can attend courses, engage with faculty members, and undertake professional placements aligned with their career goals.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Katumba encouraged students not to be discouraged by rejection during competitive applications, and emphasized that persistence often pays off, sharing that many successful fellows apply multiple times before being selected.
The second day of the Fair also featured presentations from several partner universities – Ashesi University, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and industry players – Tamani Solutions and AniScholar, who presented study and employment opportunities available to students and graduates. These equipped participants with the knowledge and resources needed to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys. Ms. Ritah Namisango, a Public Relations and Communication Specialist at Makerere University moderated the proceedings of the Career Fair.
Writer: Christopher Kaahwa is an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Program at Makerere University
In a landmark event symbolizing Uganda’s stride towards sustainable transportation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, commissioned the first Electric Fast-Charging Station at Makerere University on Friday 13th March 2026. The ceremony, held at the Senate Building Parking Lot, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s e-mobility journey, blending academic innovation with industrial application and governmental support.
The station, a DC Fast Charger C6-180 installed in collaboration with Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), is designed to power electric vehicles efficiently, supporting Uganda’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This setup ensures high-power DC charging ideal for fleet operations.
Hon. Dr. Musenero, in her keynote remarks, highlighted the profound significance of the occasion, tracing its roots back to 2011 when Makerere unveiled the Kiira EV – Uganda’s first electric vehicle prototype. “This infrastructure is the physical manifestation of a journey that began on this very hill nearly two decades ago,” she stated, emphasizing how the university’s initial proof-of-concept challenged skepticism about Africa’s role in automotive technology.
The event, she noted, completes a narrative full circle, with the birthplace of the Kiira EV now hosting the infrastructure to sustain a modern electric fleet. The commissioning aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s National E-Mobility Strategy, which aims to localize 65% of the e-mobility value chain by 2040 and create over 500,000 high-quality green jobs.
Hon. Dr. Musenero underscored the strategy’s focus on reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels while enhancing environmental well-being. “We are transforming Uganda into a net source of e-mobility solutions,” she declared, pointing to the potential for Ugandan intellect to produce vehicle parts and charging systems domestically.
In his remarks at the event, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described the launch as a “multi-faceted achievement,” not only advancing the institution’s inclusive agenda but also setting an example for public institutions in adopting e-mobility. In so doing, Makerere University has positioned itself at the forefront of this transition.
On September 26, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja and handed over three Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) buses to Makerere University to enhance staff and student mobility. The fleet included two diesel-powered Kayoola Coaches and one electric Kayoola EVS 8.5m bus donated by KMC specifically to aid the movement of differently-abled staff and students. This move demonstrates academia’s capacity to integrate home-grown solutions into daily operations, impacting the economy through practical science.
The commissioning of the fast-charging station is rooted in a long history of collaboration. The Kiira Electric Vehicle Project, hatched in the former Faculty of Technology, has evolved into a national movement for automotive manufacturing. Hon. Dr. Musenero praised this progression: “We have moved beyond proving that an electric vehicle can be built in Uganda. We are now ensuring our electric vehicles are deployed across the continent, solving Africa’s mobility problems.”
Academia’s role remains central, as Hon. Dr. Musenero elaborated. While government provides policy frameworks and the private sector offers capital, universities supply the essential knowledge. The E-Mobility Skilling Programme at Makerere University‘s Innovation Pod (Mak-UniPod) is training the next generation of electric vehicle engineers, who are tackling “moonshot projects” to redefine urban transport. Research into optimizing local resources, such as Uganda’s lithium and cobalt deposits for battery production, is also underway.
A key environmental highlight of this development is Uganda’s renewable energy advantage. With over 95% of the national grid powered by hydroelectric dams, every charge at this station utilizes clean energy. “We are using our own water to power our own vehicles, keeping our wealth within our economy rather than exporting it to purchase foreign oil,” Hon. Dr. Musenero remarked, framing the launch as Uganda plugging into the global renewable shift. She pledged the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat’s continued collaboration with Makerere University, KMC, and partners to proliferate such stations across Kampala and beyond.
Addressing Makerere students, Hon. Dr. Musenero issued a challenge: “See this charging station as a symbol of your own potential. The engineers who built the first Kiira EV were once sitting exactly where you are. They did not wait for permission to be great.” She urged them to leverage available resources to innovate, building on a legacy that has shifted national conversations.
The event drew distinguished guests, including Members of Management, Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi, KMC’s CEO and his management team, private sector partners, development agencies, and university faculty.
Looking ahead, this launch propels Uganda towards a “Qualitative Leap” in its economy, as Hon. Dr. Musenero described. By fostering innovation and investing in young minds, the nation aims to lead in technological advancement. The station not only powers vehicles but ignites progress, ensuring Uganda remains at the forefront of Africa’s e-mobility revolution.
As the ceremony which was intermittently “blessed” by drizzles drew to a close, the feeling of hope for a cleaner, self-reliant future – one charged by Ugandan ingenuity, was unmistakable.
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