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Guild Mama: The Woman Behind the Students

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H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James assisted by Ms. Norah Nalubowa takes oath as 91st Guild President of Makerere University. Ssentamu Churchill James and Kadondi Gracious inaugurated as the 91st Guild President and Vice President, 21st March 2025, Main Hall, Main Administration Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James assisted by Ms. Norah Nalubowa takes oath as 91st Guild President of Makerere University.

Long before the title “Guild Administrator” became synonymous with her name, Norah Nalubowa was simply a young administrator finding her footing at the university. It was 2006 when she joined the Dean of Students’ Department, unaware that she was beginning a journey that would see her become one of the most beloved figures on campus.

Today, many students do not know her by her official title. To them, she is simply “Guild Mama.”

“I learned very early,” she says, “that when dealing with students, you must listen more and speak less. These students need to be loved.” That philosophy would come to define her work, and her identity.

From ‘Head Girl’ to ‘Mama’

In her early days, students fondly referred to her as “Head Girl,” a nod to her youthful presence and approachable demeanor. As the years passed, the names evolved—“Kazende,” a term of respect, then “Mama,” and eventually “Guild Mama.”

Each name told a story. Each reflected a deepening relationship.

“I decided to befriend them,” she recalls. And for nearly two decades, she has lived up to that role, often going far beyond the call of duty.

A Job That Never Ends at 5:00 PM

For Norah, student affairs do not end when the workday does. Some of the most critical moments unfold after hours, late into the night. She remembers one such moment vividly.

At 3:30 a.m., she received information about a planned student strike. Without hesitation, she picked up her phone and called the student leader.

“We had already agreed during the day that issues should be resolved through dialogue,” she says. “So I reminded him.”

What followed was a long, patient conversation, one that ultimately diffused the situation before it escalated. “I thank God he listened,” she adds quietly.

It is in these unseen moments, phone calls in the middle of the night, quiet interventions, careful listening, that her impact is most deeply felt.

Carrying More Than a Job Title

Beyond administration, Norah has become counselor, mediator, and, in many cases, a lifeline.

Students come to her with everything, from leadership disputes to deeply personal struggles.

Some come with nothing at all. “There are students who lack basic things,” she explains. “Soap, sanitary towels… sometimes even food.” In such moments, policy gives way to compassion.

“You may have little,” she says, “but you share what you have.”

Her guiding principle is simple yet profound: “If a student comes to my office crying, they should leave with a smile.”

Inside the World of Guild Politics

Having overseen Guild elections for over a decade, Norah has witnessed the highs, the tensions, and the transformation of student politics.

She recalls one particularly intense election season when eight strong candidates competed fiercely, each backed by large crowds and vibrant campaigns.

But it was not strategy or strength that ultimately shifted the race—it was a rumor or what students popularly refer to as ‘chemical’. The candidate that had been favored to win, lost the election.

“By morning, everything had changed,” she says. “That is the power of perception.”

Moments like these have shaped her approach, grounding it firmly in fairness, guidance, and adherence to policy.

Over time, the elections themselves have changed. Once marked by physical campaigns and, at times, violence, they have since transitioned to virtual platforms following tragic incidents.

“It was a necessary shift,” she reflects. “Safety had to come first.”

One campaign moment still makes Norah smile. She recalls a candidate whose slogan stood out for its simplicity and rhythm: “Allow me, to allow you to sing a song, Dangote.”

“It was catchy,” she says, laughing softly. “Students connected with it immediately.”

The slogan quickly gained traction across campus, echoing through campaign trails and student gatherings. More than just words, it created a sense of participation and excitement among the electorate. “That message helped him win,” Norah notes.

Years later, she still remembers it, not just as a slogan, but as a reminder of how creativity, timing, and connection with students can define a campaign.

Lessons in Leadership and Life

After years of working closely with students, Norah has come to believe that leadership is both innate and cultivated. “Some are natural leaders,” she says. “But others grow into it.”

Her advice to aspiring Guild Presidents is practical: stay academically grounded, understand student needs, and work within university policies. But beyond that, her deeper lesson is one of humanity, of empathy, patience, and presence.

A Legacy Written in Lives Touched

Ask Norah about her proudest moments, and she does not mention titles or milestones.

Instead, she speaks of the students. The messages she receives. The quiet “thank yous.” The moments when a student says her guidance changed their path.

One memory stands out—when students with disabilities chose to recognize her among all administrators, presenting her with an accolade. “That meant the world to me,” she says.

More Than a Mother at Work

Outside the university, Norah finds joy in farming; growing coffee, cocoa, bananas, maize, and beans. It is a practice she describes with the same care and intentionality she brings to her work.

“Even one acre,” she says, “can be productive if you plan well.”

At home, she is a mother to one biological child, but in her heart, she carries many more. “I have six children at home and many more on campus” she says with a smile. And perhaps that is the simplest way to understand her story.

In lecture halls, in offices, in late-night phone calls and quiet acts of kindness, Norah has built something far greater than a career. She has built a family.

Grounded in Gratitude

As our conversation comes to a close, Norah pauses, not to speak about herself, but to give thanks.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my story,” she says. “But more importantly, I thank the University management. It is not easy to sit in meetings and constantly think about the welfare of students and the institution. Their work should never be taken for granted.”

She is equally quick to acknowledge those who have guided her journey. “I have served under several Deans of Students, and each one has mentored me in a special way. Whenever I face a challenge, I still reach out to them for guidance.” Her appreciation extends to her colleagues—the wardens and staff in the Dean of Students’ Department, whom she credits for their teamwork and vigilance.

And finally, she turns to the students themselves, the very reason her journey began. “I thank all the student leaders, past and present. Many of them call to say thank you, and to tell me that something they learned from me has helped them. That feedback means everything.”

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Undergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027

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3 days ago

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July 3, 2026

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Students in discussion groups at Freedom Square.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.

Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.

The cut-off points points can be accessed by following the link: https://mak.ac.ug/study-mak/cut-points

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

Update 3rd July 2026

International & East African Applicants

Mop-up Lists

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Makerere Launches Strategic Plan 2030, Aligns with Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Agenda

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4 days ago

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July 2, 2026

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Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities.

The launch brought together senior government officials, university leadership, and development planners, including the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, and a representative from the National Planning Authority (NPA), alongside the University Vice Chancellor.

Hon. Henry Musasizi unveils the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030). Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Henry Musasizi unveils the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030).

A Vision Anchored in National Transformation

Speaking at the launch, the Vice Chancellor underscored the University’s ambition to significantly expand graduate training and strengthen its contribution to national development. He noted that the institution is targeting a return to pre-COVID enrolment levels and a substantial increase in postgraduate numbers by 2030, with a focus on producing highly skilled graduates, innovators, and researchers.

He emphasized that the Strategic Plan positions the University as a key driver of Uganda’s transformation through knowledge generation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aligned with national priorities.

“The staffing distribution is shown here. Under the approved establishment, we intended to have 419 Professors, but we currently have only 75. We planned for 473 Associate Professors, but currently have only 144. This clearly demonstrates that we still have considerable room for growth in strengthening our academic staff profile,” the VC said.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

The VC appreciated researchers and research centres, that continue to attract substantial research funding. He highlighted the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the Makerere University Walter Reed Project which attracted approximately US$70 million in international research funding into Uganda.

“When you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” he said.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional roadmap, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”

She noted that the Plan marks “the launch of Makerere University’s next chapter,” adding that decisions taken over the next five years will shape not only the future of the institution, but also Uganda’s development trajectory through graduates, research, innovations, and leadership.

Dr. Lorna Magara. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Lorna Magara.

Dr. Magara emphasized Makerere’s unique national role as Uganda’s premier public university, entrusted with public resources and public confidence.

“Every investment made in Makerere must produce measurable value for the people of Uganda,” she said, underscoring the need for accountability, integrity, and impact.

Ambitious Targets for Transformation

The Council Chairperson and the Vice chancellor outlined bold performance targets under the Strategic Plan, including doubling postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM enrolment from 30% to 55%, improving PhD completion rates from 10% to 35%, and more than doubling peer-reviewed research output, alongside a significant rise in patents and innovations.

Dr. Magara stressed that these targets are not aspirations alone but binding commitments against which institutional performance will be measured.

Hon. Henry Musasizi (3rd R) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2rd L) display an autographed dummy of the signed Strategic Plan as L-R: Hon. Kadondi Gracious, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Dr. Lorna Magara, H.E. Mubiru John Bosco and Prof. Sarah Ssali witness. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Henry Musasizi (3rd R) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2rd L) display an autographed dummy of the signed Strategic Plan as L-R: Hon. Kadondi Gracious, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Dr. Lorna Magara, H.E. Mubiru John Bosco and Prof. Sarah Ssali witness.

“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.

Call for Stronger Governance and Legal Reform

Dr. Magara also highlighted the need for reform of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap. 262, noting that the current legal framework has not kept pace with the evolving realities of university governance and innovation.

She called on Government and Parliament to support a timely review of the Act to enable universities to better optimise knowledge systems, productive assets, and innovation capacity in support of national development.

Government Endorsement and Strategic Alignment

Hon. Henry Musasizi commended the University for developing a forward-looking Strategic Plan aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which serves as the foundation for the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

He explained that Uganda’s ambition to grow its economy from about USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion requires accelerated growth driven by productivity gains, innovation, and strong human capital development.

Hon. Henry Musasizi. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Henry Musasizi.

“Universities are central actors in national transformation. They are engines of knowledge creation, innovation, and human capital development,” he said.

The Minister stressed that government priorities include strengthening research, promoting industrialization, and ensuring that knowledge generated in universities is translated into practical solutions that support economic growth. He further highlighted the importance of accountability, efficiency, and value for money in public investments in higher education.

Universities as Drivers of the Tenfold Growth Strategy

In his presentation, the Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, Samuel Kasule, emphasized that the Strategic Plan is firmly anchored in Uganda’s comprehensive development framework under Vision 2040 and NDP IV.

He noted that the Tenfold Growth Strategy seeks to accelerate Uganda’s economic growth into double-digit territory, enabling the country to achieve structural transformation and reach upper middle-income status.

Mr. Samuel Kasule. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Samuel Kasule.

Kasule underscored that universities play a critical role in this transformation through labour productivity, research, and innovation. He pointed out that priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, and ICT depend heavily on skilled graduates and strong research ecosystems.

He also highlighted the importance of competency-based education, alignment of academic programmes with national human resource needs, and strengthening postgraduate training and research outputs.

A Shared Commitment to Transformation

Across all speeches, a strong message emerged: universities are central to Uganda’s development agenda and must evolve into research-intensive institutions that directly contribute to economic transformation.

The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 was widely commended for its focus on innovation, industry collaboration, digital transformation, and the commercialization of research outputs.

Government leaders reaffirmed continued support for higher education institutions through research funding, innovation ecosystems, and strengthened university–industry partnerships.

Conclusion

The launch of the Strategic Plan 2030 signals a renewed commitment to positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development journey. With strong alignment to national priorities, the Plan is expected to accelerate research, innovation, and skills development necessary for achieving Uganda’s long-term economic ambitions. The Strategic Plan may be accessed at: https://mak.ac.ug/about/strategic-plan

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Press Statement: Makerere University Launches Ambitious Strategic Plan 2026–2030

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July 2, 2026

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Launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030), 2nd July 2026. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Visionary Blueprint to Drive Excellence, Innovation, and National Development.

Kampala, Uganda – July 2, 2026. — Makerere University today officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining a bold roadmap for academic excellence, research innovation, and transformative impact on Uganda and the region. The high-profile launch event, held at Makerere University Main Campus, brought together government leaders, university stakeholders, development partners, and academia.

The Chief Guest, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presided over the official launch. In his presentation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas highlighted the University’s past achievements and the new Plan’s strategic vision. “This Strategic Plan builds on our rich legacy while positioning Makerere University as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges through cutting-edge research, quality education, and innovation,” he stated.

The Plan was developed through an inclusive process led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, with input from across the University community. It aligns closely with national development priorities, as affirmed by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority.

University Council Chairperson Dr Lorna Magara emphasised the Council’s oversight role and commitment: “The University Council is fully committed to providing the strategic leadership and oversight necessary for the successful implementation of this Plan. It will strengthen Makerere’s role as a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensure we remain a beacon of excellence in higher education across Africa.”

Development partners, Vice Chancellors from other public universities, college principals, deans, professors, and student representatives attended the event, underscoring broad stakeholder support.

Key Pillars of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 include enhancing excellence in teaching and learning, advancing research and innovation, strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and deepening engagement with industry and government. Following the formal proceedings, guests participated in a networking breakfast and media engagement session.

Additional Quotes:

“Makerere University remains Uganda’s flagship institution. This Strategic Plan will further harness our intellectual capital to contribute meaningfully to the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.” — Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

“We are excited to embark on this new strategic journey. With the support of our dedicated staff, students, alumni, and partners, we will achieve even greater heights in the next five years.” — Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University

About Makerere University

Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1922. It is a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and cross-disciplinary innovation. With over 35,000 students and a strong alumni network, Makerere continues to shape leaders and solutions for Africa and beyond.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Deputy Chief, Public Relations

Makerere University

Email: inquiries@mak.ac.ug | Tel: +256-414-531202

Website: www.mak.ac.ug

The full Strategic Plan document may be accessed at the link below.
https://mak.ac.ug/about/strategic-plan

END

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