Makerere to have fireplace sessions with its past leaders 

Makerere University plans to organize fireplace sessions whereby its past leaders can interact with and guide the present leaders and the young generation of students.

This was stated by Lorna Magara, the chairperson of the 24-member University Council, at an appreciation breakfast to honour 31 persons that led the university in the past. Organised by the University Council, the function took place at Serena hotel Kampala on March 17, 2023, under the theme, ‘A legacy of leadership’. It was part of the celebrations to commemorate ‘100 years of excellent service to humanity’.

“We want to harness your wisdom and experience. So, we will organize what resembles our traditional African fireplace; we will invite you to sessions where you will mix with us and young ones, so that we may learn more from you,” she said.

IMPACTFUL FOOTPRINTS

Magara thanked the persons being honoured and said the impactful footprints of their lives and experiences will live on at Makerere and beyond.

“Today, we are celebrating your leadership and its influence on our generations. Thank you for your impact on Makerere then and now! Today’s function also honours even those who are no longer alive.”

Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe said some persons died in the course of service to and defence of Makerere such as Buganda Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa (1945), Vice Chancellor Frank Kalimuzo (1972) and warden of Africa hall Theresa Nanziri Bukenya (1976).

Matthew Rukikaire, a former University Council chairperson, gave a keynote speech centering on Makerere’s historical role in
the endeavours to achieve political integration of East Africa. He said that past failures at integration notwithstanding, Makerere, as the oldest and most respectable institution of learning in the region, still bears the highest responsibility to spearhead the region’s political integration efforts.

31 PERSONS HONOURED

Two former chancellors were honoured: Prof Apolo Nsibambi (2003-2007) and Prof George Mondo Kagonyera (2007-2015). The chancellors who were heads of state – Dr Milton Obote (1970 – 1972 & 1981 – 1985), Gen Idi Amin (1972-1979) and Gen Yoweri Museveni (1986-2002) – were left out.

Seven former council chairpersons were honoured; namely, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, Matthew Rukikaire, Dr. David Byatike Matovu, Gabriel Opio, Mathias M. Ngobi, Canon John Bikangaga and Dr. I. K. Majugo. Former vice chairpersons of council were four: Irene Ovonji Odida, Dr Katherine D. Namuddu, Christine R. M. Kiganda and Mary I. Maitum.

Former vice chancellors were nine: namely, Prof John Ddumba-Ssentamu (Aug 2012 – Aug 2017), Prof Venansius Baryamureeba (Nov 2009 – Aug 2012), Prof Livingstone Serwadda Luboobi (2004 – Nov 2009), Prof John P. M. Ssebuwufu (1993 – 2004), Prof George Barnabas Kirya (Apr 1986 – Nov 1990), Prof Senteza Kajubi (1977 – 1979 & 1990 – 1993), Prof Joseph S. W. Lutwama (Jan 1975 – Sept 1977), Prof Asavia Wandira (1973 – 1975 & 1979 – 1986) and Frank Kalimuzo (Jul 1970 – Oct 1972).

Also awarded were two deputy vice chancellors, Academic Affairs: Prof Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza and Dr Ernest Okello Ogwang. The deputy vice chancellors, Finance and Administration were seven: Prof William Bazeyo, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof Sandy S. Tickodri- Togboa, Prof David J. Bakibinga, Prof Justin Epelu Opio, Prof A. J. Lutalo- Bbosa and Prof Frederick Kayanja.

Prof Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza was recognized in a special way for having been the first female deputy vice chancellor, the first female (acting) vice chancellor (Apr 2009 – Oct 2009) and first lady justice of the Supreme court (2015 to date).