Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has said that Prof. Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi, one of his predecessors, was a great mentor, crediting him for significantly shaping his approach to university leadership.
Speaking at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere, during the funeral service of the former vice chancellor, who passed away recently at Mulago Hospital, Nawangwe shared his deep admiration for Luboobi. He served as vice chancellor from 2004 to 2009.
“As we mourn a great man, an exceptional mathematician, an outstanding academic, and a remarkable leader of this great university, I must say that I learned immensely from Professor Luboobi. He was my mentor and someone I deeply admired,” Nawangwe said.
Flanked by fellow academicians at Uganda’s largest public university, Nawangwe recalled how Professor Luboobi’s work ethic profoundly influenced him. He praised Luboobi’s humility, time management, dedication, thoughtful decision-making, and hard work, qualities that continue to guide Nawangwe in his role as vice chancellor.
“There were times when we had heated meetings, yet I saw Prof Luboobi remain calmer than one would expect,” he recalled.
Nawangwe commended Luboobi for transforming Makerere University from a teaching-focused institution into a research-driven one. He noted that within just two months, he had signed over 300 research grants, a testament to Luboobi’s vision for the university and his understanding of Africa’s developmental needs.
Nawangwe urged the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) to honour Luboobi’s legacy by avoiding negative publicity that could tarnish the university’s image.
Makerere University council chairperson Lorna Magara and former ICT State Minister Dr. Ham Mukasa Mulira also paid tribute to Luboobi, lauding him for elevating the university’s reputation through local and international collaborations.
Mulira called on the government to sustain Luboobi’s legacy by supporting research initiatives he pioneered, such as collaborations with the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the East African Mathematics Collaboration, among others.
Prof Luboobi, born on December 25, 1944, succumbed to lymphatic cancer on July 16, 2025, at Mulago Hospital. He is survived by seven biological children, several adopted children, and grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest today, (July 19) in Mitondo, Kalisizo, Kyotera.
