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An Enchanting evening in celebration of 200yrs of Chopin Music

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As the evening breeze gently swayed the ribbons and other decorations, he walked in with a sense of purpose, and paused briefly to take in the surrounding. His sweeping gaze observed the walls draped in the traditional Makerere red, black and green; the audience murmuring softly;

As the evening breeze gently swayed the ribbons and other decorations, he walked in with a sense of purpose, and paused briefly to take in the surrounding. His sweeping gaze observed the walls draped in the traditional Makerere red, black and green; the audience murmuring softly;

the piano, set and ready to go; and finally the dignitaries conferring quietly at the high table. With a satisfied grin, he took a few steps and assumed his position at an imaginary podium. Back straight and respectfully clutching the programme of the day with both hands in front of him, he cleared his voice and made his remarks.

“It is my honor, to invite you today, to a concert where we are celebrating 200years since the birth of Francois Fryderyk Chopin,” remarked Prof. Justinian Tamusuza, Department of Music, Dance and Drama and emcee of the evening, as he welcomed the audience. The Chopin Music Concert was jointly organized by the Quality Assurance Directorate and The Department of Music, Dance and Drama, and featured eight of the over 230 pieces of Chopin’s surviving work.

Francois Fryderyk Chopin (1 March 1810 – 17 October 1849) was a Polish Composer, Virtuoso Pianist, and music teacher of French-Polish parentage. He was one of the great masters of Romantic music, and his music is penetrated by a poetic feeling that has an almost universal appeal. On the evening of Friday November 26, 2010, Makerere University’s Senior Common Room played host to the first ever Chopin project in East and Central Africa, and four of Uganda’s distinguished pianists; Fredrick Kiggundu Musoke, Wilson Tamale, Job Ivan Tezigattwa and John Baptist Walugembe had been lined up to enchant the audience.

The evening’s able emcee was however not yet done with his audience. Before he could invite the Vice Chancellor to address his guests, he ordered everyone in the room to switch off their phones and strictly not to applaud, until the pianists had finished their pieces, as signaled by a polite bow. “I am a dictator and I hope we will all adhere to this,” he added to the amusement of the now anxious audience.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba in his speech read by Dr Tickodri-Togboa, commended the Quality Assurance Directorate and the Department of Music, Dance and Drama for embracing the University’s strategic vision. “As an institution that is increasingly becoming conscious of the importance of integrating internationalization in her core functions, we are truly proud to be the pioneers not only in Uganda, but in the East African region to participate in this project,” remarked Dr Togboa. Without further ado, Prof. Baryamureeba then wished everyone a great evening.

Wilson Tamale holds an Associated Board of Music (ABRSM) diploma in piano playing and has until recently, been living in Iowa State, USA. He kicked off the evening’s performances with an Etude in C Major. Op. 10 No.1, and the audience were immediately captivated. The audience watched with almost bated breath as this up-tempo piece, which required swift movements of the fingers as well as accuracy was played. However, the towering Wilson Tamale seemed to breeze through the piece and the resounding applause as he bowed at its end was well earned. His performance had indeed set the pace for this “vehicle artistic expression”, The Chopin project.

The bespectacled John Baptist Walugembe was soon to follow with another Etude in F Minor. Op. 25 No.2 and the first Nocturne of the evening in A flat Major. Op. 32 No. 2. Whereas Etudes as piano pieces focus on stretching the fingers, Nocturnes on the other hand are shorter pieces with a song-like melody. Walugembe an Engineer by training who currently works as a management consultant showed his expertise in not only playing the more dazzling Etude but also seamlessly switching to the more melodious Nocturne. A respectful bow after playing both pieces and the applause that followed confirmed the audience’s appreciation of Eng. Walugembe’s piano mastery.

The youthful Job Ivan Tezigattwa then played two Nocturnes in E Minor. Op 72 and E flat Major. Op. 9 No. 2. Tezigattwa a Bachelor of Music Student at Makerere University sought to explain that Nocturnes were best suited for playing in the evening; a time most relied upon by lovers to woo their partners. Starting off with the Op. 72 composed by Chopin in 1827, Tezigattwa then switched to the popular Op. 9 No. 2. A glance at the audience at this point revealed faces unmistakably lost in reflection. The evening of musical enchantment had indeed claimed its victims. Their reverie was soon abruptly brought to an end as the piece turned more passionate as it wound up.

Next up was the most traveled of the evening’s pianists. A Civil Engineering graduate from Makerere University, Fredrick Kiggundu Musoke holds the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) in piano performance and the Associated Board of Music (ABRSM) Diploma in piano teaching and flute performance. He has performed at the National Theatre, in Amsterdam with the Nairobi Ochestra, at the Edinburgh Festival, and at a luncheon held in honor of Her Majesty the Queen of England when she visited Uganda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2007.

Before his performance, Musoke dedicated the Ballade in F Minor Op. 38 to his late Engineer Father, who admittedly spent 60% of his time playing the piano. The ballade which opens very softly progresses into an almost violent tempo before halting suddenly then resuming with calmer tempo till its end.

Eng. Walugembe then returned to perform the Waltz Grand ValseBrillante in A Flat Major Op. 34 No. 1, and thereafter Musoke returned to play the evening’s last piece, A Scherzo in C# Minor. Op.39.

Reacting to the evening’s performances, Mr Carr, husband to Mrs. Fiona Carr who taught piano at Makerere University in the early seventies commended the artists for a job well done. He praised the organizers for a putting together a state-of-the-art show, which brought back memories from their times at Makerere where students of the Department of Music, Dance and Drama congregated in the Senior Common Room to listen to similar performances.

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The Vice Chancellor's speech – MS Word Version, PDF Version, Postscript Version

 

 

 

mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Makerere University Inaugurates 2nd Health User Committee

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) with L-R: Ms. Kevin Nabiryo, Mr. Godfrey Othieno, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa and Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha after the inauguration on 20th April 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.

Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.

Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.

The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.

The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.

Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.

Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/

Mak Editor

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Makerere University Employment Opportunities: Academic, Administrative and Support Staff

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Participants pose for a group photo on Day Two of the staff induction ceremony for new recruits on 16th May 2025. Makerere University day two of induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, 16th May 2025, School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for various academic, administrative, and support staff positions.

Detailed job profiles and the application link can be found at:
http://ehrms.mak.ac.ug/recruitment/jobs.

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human
Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to
provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:

  1. An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
  2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of
    at least three referees.
  3. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
  4. A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.

The application should be addressed to:

The Chief Human Resource Officer
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala

Closing Date: 04th May 2026, 17:00HRS E.A.T

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End of a Distinguished Era as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi Hands-Over Senate Division Office

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The Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (R) witnesses as Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi (L) officially hands over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili on 20th April 2026. Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Gerald Ochwo

On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.

In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.

While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.

“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.

In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Gladys Khamili.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the Academic Registrar’s Senior Management Team witness the handover.

I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.

Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.

In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.

She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.

Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) witness the official handover of office of Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, from Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity, 20th April 2026, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms Khamili paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service.

“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.

The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

Mak Editor

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