The first session of the 72nd Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University, May 2022 was filled with excitement as the institution’s supreme governing body, the Makerere University Council specially recognized Prof. William Bazeyo, the Chief of Party and Lab Director of the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) for his exceptional service to humanity. This was upon Prof. Bazeyo’s retirement from service at the University. He is the outgoing Deputy Vice-Chancellor In-Charge of Finance and Administration and former Dean, School of Public Health.
Prof. William Bazeyo flanked by the Makerere University Council Chairperson and the Vice-Chancellor after receipt of the certificate of recognition.
Professor Bazeyo has served Makerere University for over three decades as a physician, public health specialist, academic, researcher, innovator, and academic administrator. On Friday, December 31st, 2021, Prof Bazeyo sought early retirement from university service after having a good transformative period as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor In -Charge of Finance and Administration.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, Makerere University Council Chairperson while recognizing Prof. Bazeyo said; “Council applauds Prof. Bazeyo’s efforts and honors him with this Certificate of Exceptional service. Thank you very very much Professor William Bazeyo”. She added that the recognition was a consideration to be awarded in appreciation of the services of men and women who have gone through the call of duty in service to Makerere University.
Mrs. Magara also noted that “Professor Bazeyo is very passionate about national transformation, especially through research and innovation. While at Makerere University, he was key in successfully championing the transformation of the research agenda especially through engaging the government of the Republic of Uganda to fund Makerere University’s efforts through the Research and Innovations Fund. Prof. Bazeyo also championed several other partnerships for the benefit and growth and development of the University”.
Prof. Bazeyo is currently still serving humanity through different avenues including his role as the Chief of Party and Lab Director for the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN), a USAID-funded research and innovation initiative in 26 African universities in 16 countries. Prof. Bazeyo is also the Chief Executive Officer of the African One Health University Network (AFROHUN), an international network of institutions of higher learning, working to transform the training environment and approaches to develop a One Health workforce. Dr. William Bazeyo has continued to remain very instrumental in resource mobilization, grants acquisition and execution, in addition to shaping the training and research in public health-related issues in Uganda.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University’s Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the entire University conveyed special thanks to Prof. William Bazeyo for his exemplary service as Deputy Vice-Chancellor In – Charge of Finance and Administration. “Prof. Bazeyo played a big role in soliciting funding for the University, leading to a reduction of the University debt from UGX 120 billion in 2017 to less than UGX 10 billion currently. Thank you very much Prof. Bazeyo for your diligent and dedicated service to Makerere and Uganda,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Bazeyo (far right-hand side) with Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, Principal Makerere University College of Health Sciences, and Prof. Norbert Mwiine, Principal Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB).
Other noble members who have diligently served Makerere University and humanity at large who had retired and were recognized include d; Prof. Elly Sabiiti, Prof. David Serwadda, Assoc. Prof. Alex Okot, and Prof. Sylvia Tamale among others.
The ceremony was graced by the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa and the First Lady and Hon. Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet K. Museveni.
A few days post this recognition, on June 7th, 2022, Prof. William Bazeyo was recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services by the Lions Club International Foundation.
Congratulations Prof. Bazeyo!