Makerere University names top academics

By Innocent Anguyo

MAKERERE University has recognized its leading lecturers in terms of publication.

Speaking at the 65th graduation ceremony of Makerere University on Wednesday, January 21, the institution's Vice Chancellor Prof John Ddumba Ssentamu said all the top publishers for the period 2008-2014 were at the College of Health Sciences.

He identified Makerere's top publishers as; Prof David Sserwadda (199 publications), Prof Nelson Ssewankambo (141 publications), Prof Fred Wabwire-Mangheni (117 publications) and Prof Harriet Mayanja-Kizza (104 publications).

Ddumba said it is such publications that ensure that Makerere is ranked among the top five universities in Africa, in terms of research output and publication.

"We congratulate and sincerely thank these scholars for making Makerere University more visible on the international scene," said Ddumba.

Ddumba lauded the College of Health Sciences for engaging in ground breaking research on priority health challenges including development of Ebola diagnostics and vaccines.           

Makerere University Chancellor Prof Mondo Kagonyera applauded the staff and students of the institution for continuing to come up with cutting-edge research and innovations for transformation of communities.

Kagonyera thanked the government for accepting to take over the entire wage bill of the university effective next financial year, saying the move will help the institution to better manage its finances.

Makerere this year graduates 13,776 students. Of these, 66 students receive Doctorates. The best student in the science disciplines is Rodney Adriko of Bachelor of Information Technology who attained a CGPA of 4.88 out of a maximum 5.0. Luke Sewante of Bachelor of Leadership and Governance, having garnered a CGPA of 4.81 is the best student in humanities.

Yesterday, students from six colleges were awarded diplomas, degrees and PhDs. These included- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; College of Health Sciences; Colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity; College of Natural Sciences and College of Engineering,  Design, Art and Technology .

At Wednesday's graduation ceremony, there was shortage of seats for the parents of graudands, forcing several of the former to sit on the ground.