Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, has said that the University Council commenced the search for a new Chancellor.
This follows the expiry of the tenure of Prof. Ezra Suruma, the outgoing Chancellor of Makerere University.
“That process is still ongoing. At this graduation ceremony, therefore, I will execute the role of Chancellor as provided for in the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act,” he said while presiding over the 74th Graduation Ceremony on Monday.
Prof. Suruma has had a long and illustrious career at Makerere University, having joined Makerere University service as a lecturer in 1973, and then moving on to serve the Government of Uganda in various capacities including Minister of Finance, before returning to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University in 2016.
His service has been exemplary and he has challenged each and every one of us to lead by conviction.
“I congratulate Prof. Suruma upon his distinguished service to Makerere University and wish him success in his continued service to our dear nation,” added Prof Nawangwe.
He congratulated the Members of staff of Makerere University who are graduating.
“In addition, to your service to Makerere University, thank you for taking the right step to attain additional academic qualifications. In the same vein, I congratulate members of staff whose spouses and children are graduating during the 74th graduation ceremony.”
Prof Nawangwe commended the graduands who have served as student leaders under Makerere University Students’ Guild, at the College and School levels, Class Representatives for balancing leadership with studies.
Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards 2023
He also announced the inaugural Makerere University Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards, in recognition of outstanding performers in research and publication.
“I am happy to report that as a result of the various partnerships forged over time, our research output in terms of innovations and publications is on the increase.”
Based on the highest number of publications between the years 2017 and 2023 according to the Scorpus database, Professor Moses Robert Kamya and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze are the Best Overall Male and Female Researchers, respectively.
Prof. Moses Robert Kamya has 271 publications and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze has 153 publications in the aforementioned period.
“I equally congratulate the five researchers from each of the ten (10) colleges and Makerere University Library, who have been recognized as the best researchers. The detailed list of the best researchers has been published in the Graduation Booklet and the Mak News Magazine.”
Launch of the Makerere University @100 book
He said the university launched the book titled Makerere’s Century of Service to East Africa and Beyond: 1922-2022 which tells the unique story of a university serving Uganda, East Africa and the world.
“As we consolidate our place on the knowledge generation stage, we are proud to share this publication with you. I am delighted to report that this book has been published by our very own Makerere University Press.”
Copies of the book are available for purchase at the University’s Souvenir Shop in The Frank Kalimuzo Building.
