Makerere University will host the 3rd Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro Memorial Lecture on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium, Kampala, Uganda.
This year’s distinguished speaker is Ms. Allen Kagina, a pioneering leader whose career embodies institutional transformation.
The lecture honours the enduring legacy of Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro, Uganda’s first female university graduate, whose groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations of women in higher education and leadership.
A Tradition of Celebrating Women Trailblazers
The inaugural lecture, held in December 2022, featured the late Hon. Joyce Mpanga, an advocate for women’s rights, who delivered a thought-provoking address on the need for institutional support to sustain bold ideas.
The second edition in August 2023 welcomed Her Royal Highness, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, Queen of Buganda, who spoke on the theme “Catalysing Change: Women as Pillars of Society”.
Pioneering Change and Transforming Institutions
This year’s lecture will focus on the theme “Pioneering Change and Transforming Institutions,” reflecting Ntiro’s legacy as a trailblazer who broke institutional barriers and reshaped Uganda’s educational landscape.
Sarah Ntiro’s impact extended beyond personal achievement; she was a tireless advocate for girls’ education and an architect of institutional transformation. Her work as an educator and public servant exemplifies how individuals can drive lasting change in systems that shape society.
Allen Kagina: A Leader in Institutional Transformation
This year’s keynote speaker, Ms. Allen Kagina, is a distinguished Makerere alumna and a pioneer in Uganda’s public sector.
She made history as the first female Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and later as the first female Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).
Reflecting on the theme, Ms. Kagina remarked: “Transforming institutions isn’t just about being the first woman in the room—it’s about ensuring you’re not the last. Like Sarah Ntiro, who understood that true leadership means creating pathways for others, I have learned that our greatest legacy lies not in the barriers we break, but in the sustainable systems we build. When women lead with both courage and vision, we don’t just change organizations—we redefine leadership itself.”
Panel Discussion and Expert Insights
The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Professor Sarah Ssali, Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies, with contributions from experts on Ntiro’s philosophy of education and public service.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, emphasised the importance of this year’s lecture, stating:
“We are privileged to welcome back one of our most accomplished alumnae. Allen Kagina’s career exemplifies the institutional impact Sarah Ntiro envisioned. Her work at URA and UNRA embodies this year’s theme—pioneering change that outlasts individual tenure.”
The 3rd Sarah Ntiro Memorial Lecture will provide a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and the public to engage in meaningful discussions on gender equality and institutional transformation.