Makerere University through the Makerere University Council Leadership, has honored and appreciated all its former leaders at a commemoratory event dubbed “A legacy of leadership” as part of its activities to commemorate 100 years of Excellent Service to Humanity.
Those awarded are; Former Chancellors, Former Chairpersons of Council, Former Vice Chairpersons of Council, Former Vice Chancellors, FORMER DVC (AA) and Former DVC (F&A).
Speaking at the ceremony, University Council Chairperson, Lorna Magara, said since its humble beginnings in 1922, Makerere University has been able to transform communities and societies through its wealth of human capital, numerous research outcomes and Technological Innovations that have served Africa and the world in general.
“The Makerere we know today, is attributed to its honourable leadership. As one would argue, behind every great institution, is great leadership,” she said.
She said for its journey of 100 years, Makerere University has over the years, had a stalwart leadership through its former Chancellors, former Vice Chancellors and their deputies, former Council Chairpersons and their deputies.
She noted that these men and women have stewarded Makerere University through a journey of leveraging 100 years of excellence in building a transformed society.
She said the celebrations are meant to bring to remembrance the contributions of those who selflessly served Makerere but have since completed this earthly race.
“It is our humble gesture as the current leadership of this great institution to demonstrate that we remember and sincerely appreciate their respective contributions and influence long after their departure,” she said.
Magara said following the recently concluded year-long centennial celebrations that were full of commemorations of exemplary service, they were challenged by the selflessness, some even to the point of death, with which the past leaders served Makerere.
“As we embark on our second century at Makerere University, our ambitions, and plans for this institution must continue to reflect the selflessness and diligent service that characterized its founding. As rightly stated by our strategic plan for 2020 – 2030, our efforts should be aimed at consolidating Makerere’s position as the global knowledge hub at the heart of Africa,” she said.
The University Vice Chancellor, Barnabas Nawangwe, said throughout the 100 years history of Makerere University, enormous sacrifices have been made by many people including the sacrifice of life as in the case of Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa who was assassinated in 1945, Vice Chancellor Frank Kalimuzo who was murdered in 1972 and Warden of Africa Hall Theresa Nanziri Bukenya who was also murdered in 1976.
He noted that these sacrifices illustrate the hard times through which Makerere University has had to go through the years. But despite the challenges that faced the university, there are many people who soldiered on and made Makerere the great university she is.
“Makerere has been a part of Uganda’s rough history, in fact, she has been the face of that history in many ways. If we are proud of Makerere as one of the best universities not only in Africa but in the entire world, if Makerere is considered the top black university on earth, there are people who have played a role in making this history. Today we are honouring the men and women who have led this great institution to greatness. We are honouring the chancellors, chairpersons of Council, vice-chairpersons of Council, vice-chancellors and their deputies, who have led Makerere since she became an independent national university in 1970, some of them post-humously. We bow our heads in respect of the great sacrifices you have made for our Country and for our University,” Nawangwe said.
Delivering a key note speech, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire, said as the world celebrates Makerere’s 100 years, “it is incumbent on us to reflect on how far its leadership has evolved.”
He said Makerere as the oldest institution of higher learning has the responsibility to be a key institution in the process of social reconstruction.
“27 years from today, Africa will have an 11-fold population growth rate covering 25% of the world’s estimated 10 billion people. As Africa, we must look to integrating our countries to be able to strategically position ourselves,” he said adding, “Therefore, I propose that Makerere as the oldest institution of higher learning should spearhead research by creating an institution leading research in population demographics, and economic development for Africa’s future.”
Below are the leaders honored.
FORMER CHANCELLORS
HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera.
FORMER CHAIRPERSONS OF COUNCIL
Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, Hon. Dr. D.avid Byatike Matovu, Gabriel Opio, Hon. M. Mathias Ngobi, Canon John Bikangaga, Dr I.K Majigo.
FORMER VICE CHAIRPERSONS OF COUNCIL
Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida, Dr. Katherine D Namuddu, Mrs Christine R.M Kiganda, Mrs Mary I Maitum.
Former Vice Chancellors
Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, Prof Livingstone Luboobi
Serwadda, Prof. John Pancras Mukasa Lubowa Ssebuwufu, Prof. George Barnabas Kirya, Prof. William Senteza Kajubi, Prof. Joseph Sekyala Winter Lutwama, Prof. Asavia Wandira, Mr. Frank Kalimuzo.
FORMER DVC (AA)
LadyJustice Prof.Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, Dr.Ernest Okello Ogwang,
Former DVC (F&A)
Prof William Bazeyo, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof Sandy Stephens Tickodri-Tagboa, Prof. David Justin Bakibinga, Prof. Justin Epelu Opio, Prof A.J. Lutalo-Bosa, Prof Fredrick Kayanja.