Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, has been honoured with two prestigious awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to education.
He received the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Person of the Year Award 2024 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives. The ALM award was presented at a grand ceremony at the Marriott Casablanca Hotel in Morocco by H.E. Dr Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the ALM Board. The event’s guest of honour was H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Nawangwe expressed his gratitude for the recognition, crediting the collaborative efforts of the Makerere University community. He thanked the ALM and the South Carolina House of Representatives, acknowledging the voters across Africa and the dedicated staff and students of Makerere University whose hard work made this achievement possible.
“I thank the ALM and the South Carolina House of Representatives for these prestigious awards. I am deeply grateful to the voters across Africa who recognized my efforts, as well as the dedicated staff and students of Makerere University, whose hard work and commitment have made this achievement possible.” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Born on January 17, 1956, in Busia District, Uganda, Prof. Nawangwe’s academic journey began at Busoga College Mwiri, where he completed his O-Level and A-Level education. His passion for design and construction took him to the Kyiv Institute of Building Technology, now known as the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, in Ukraine. There, he earned a Master of Science degree in architecture and later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Over the years, he has supplemented his technical expertise with management certifications, strengthening his ability to lead complex institutions.
Prof. Nawangwe’s career at Makerere University spans several decades and transformative leadership roles. He began as a lecturer and became the founding Head of the Department of Architecture in 1987, a position he held until 2002. During this time, he laid the foundation for one of Africa’s leading architecture schools. From 2003 to 2010, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Technology, where he introduced new degree programs like Quantity Surveying, Land Economics, Construction Management, and Telecommunications Engineering.
Between 2011 and 2013, Prof. Nawangwe was the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology. He later served as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration from 2013 to 2017, playing a key role in strategic planning, budgeting, and innovation. In September 2017, he was appointed Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. Under his leadership, the university has strengthened its research output, modernized its infrastructure, and forged numerous international partnerships.
Notably, his efforts helped establish Kiira Motors Corporation, Africa’s first electric vehicle manufacturing company, in which Makerere University holds a 4% stake.
Prof. Nawangwe’s impact on higher education extends beyond Uganda. In addition to his roles at Makerere, he serves on several international academic boards, including as Chair of the Alliance for African Partnerships, Vice Chair of the Australia Africa Universities Network, and a Council Member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Through these positions, he continues to shape the future of African academia and foster global collaboration.
The Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes his remarkable contributions to education and leadership across Africa. Introduced by Representative Henderson-Myers and supported by the House members, the award celebrates his efforts in transforming Makerere University into a research-intensive, globally competitive institution. According to the House Resolution, his tenure has driven policy reforms, strengthened global partnerships, and promoted research and infrastructure development.
The African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award celebrates individuals whose contributions have positively impacted Africa’s growth and development. By receiving both awards, Prof. Nawangwe’s influence on the continent’s educational landscape has been firmly acknowledged. These honours also reinforce Makerere University’s global standing as a hub for academic excellence and innovation.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe’s career exemplifies dedication, vision, and transformative leadership. His contributions to education, innovation, and policy reform have left a lasting legacy, not only at Makerere University but across Africa. As one of the continent’s foremost education reformers, his efforts continue to inspire and shape the future of higher education and development.