Published by Musinguzi Harriet.
The College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, closed the year with a special celebration honoring retiring staff members. The event recognized academic, administrative, and support staff for their contributions to the College and University’s mission.
College Principal Prof. Moses Musinguzi explained that while end-of-year parties and Christmas hampers had been the norm, the College now combines hampers with retirement recognition. “Many people work long here and go away feeling unappreciated, which is morally not good,” he said. “In African culture, it is important to appreciate people. Let’s always come together to say goodbye to colleagues and recognize their service.” He emphasized that proper farewells for both staff and students strengthen alumni relations and praised support staff for their unseen but vital contributions.
College Principal Prof. Moses Musinguzi explained that while end-of-year parties and Christmas hampers had been the norm, the College now combines hampers with retirement recognition. “Many people work long here and go away feeling unappreciated, which is morally not good,” he said. “In African culture, it is important to appreciate people. Let’s always come together to say goodbye to colleagues and recognize their service.” He emphasized that proper farewells for both staff and students strengthen alumni relations and praised support staff for their unseen but vital contributions
Human Resources Perspective
Representing the Chief Human Resource Officer, Ms. Janet Nabukeera commended the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) for valuing HR’s role. She highlighted the importance of biometric systems, which she said now underpin promotions, leave, and contract renewals, and encouraged staff to seek support when challenges arise.
Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal of CEDAT, commended all staff for their dedication and resilience throughout the year. In his remarks, he highlighted the College’s achievements in teaching, research, and community engagement, and expressed gratitude to both academic and support staff for their contributions. He said the Christmas hampers presented to staff by CEDAT management was a token of appreciation to staff, symbolizing the College’s recognition of their efforts and wishing them joy and prosperity in the festive season.
Voices of the Retirees
Prof. Okidi Lating: Retirement with Continued Service
During the farewell ceremony, Prof. Lating reflected on his career and his ongoing commitment to engineering education: “I’m retiring, but still around in the engineering files. I am still around in supporting engineering education, and as a member of the Engineers Registration Council,” he said. Prof. Lating expressed gratitude for leaving without enemies and assured colleagues that he would continue to offer his expertise whenever needed by the department. He emphasized that recognizing retirees is a meaningful gesture that should become an annual tradition at CEDAT.
Assoc. Prof. George Kyeyune: A Mixture of Joy and Sadness
After 34 years of dedicated service at Makerere University, Assoc. Prof. George Kyeyune described his retirement as both joyful and bittersweet. “Retirement is a mixture of joy and sadness at the same time,” he said. He reflected on Makerere as his home, cherishing the friendships and opportunities it provided, including travel and academic growth. Prof. Kyeyune pledged to continue supervising students and affirmed his availability to support the College whenever needed.
Prof. Francis Xavier Ife: A Teacher Who Inspired Excellence
For Prof. Francis Xavier Ife, the farewell was both proud and bittersweet. “It is a great but also sad day,” he shared. “I started teaching in 1988, and during my PGDE, Prof. Sekamwa advised that your student should be one better than you as a teacher. He said that as a teacher, he made every effort to have better students. He described himself as a no-nonsense teacher, a style he believes helped his students succeed and even surpass him. His career, spanning nearly four decades, reflects a commitment to discipline, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence
Mr. Lubowa Paul: A Career of Service and Creativity
At the farewell ceremony, Mr. Lubowa Paul expressed deep gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. He thanked God, Makerere University, and the Government of Uganda for enabling his journey, from sponsoring his education to providing opportunities for research, travel, and professional growth. Mr. Lubowa highlighted his contributions to major milestones, including the Makerere at 100 celebrations monument and the design of the University’s regalia. He also acknowledged the Vice Chancellors and principals he worked under, as well as colleagues and students who shaped his experience.
Mr. Akaali Sowedi, who served the College as a Technician, described the day as a joyful milestone, marking 60 years of age and 30 years of service toMakerere University. He thanked God for enabling his journey, recalling how he joined with a diploma and later upgraded his qualifications. Mr. Sowedi expressed gratitude to the heads of departments he worked with and acknowledged the support of fellow technicians such as Andrew Wabwire, BasalirwaCharles, Mubangizi Moses, and many others who made the journey possible. He appreciated the University for providing opportunities for growth and advancement.
Honoring Absent Colleagues
In addition to those present at the farewell ceremony, the College also took time to recognize Prof. Rose Kirunira, Mr. Muhwezi Drake, and Ms. Nakyanzi Margaret in absentia. Their contributions to Makerere University and to the College community were warmly acknowledged, with gratitude expressed for the dedication and service they offered throughout their careers.
Honoring Retiring Staff: A Celebration of Service and Mentorship
At the farewell ceremony, Mr. Michael Kikwaya, head cleaner at CEDAT, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the nonacademic staff who retired. He emphasized the strong bond between teaching and non-teaching staff, noting that Makerere University has truly cared for its workers, providing timely salaries and fostering a sense of family. He also commended colleagues for their dedication, particularly in the risky work of climbing ladders, which is essential yet often overlooked.
Dr. Venny Nakazibwe expressed her gratitude to staff retiring from academia, thanking College management for creating the opportunity to come together and recognize those who continue to serve in different ways. She saluted the retirees for mentoring others and highlighted that colleagues learn from one another not only academically but also through soft and life skills, since the workplace is where much of life is shared.
Posted by Isemaghendera Alex