Makerere University on Friday, June 13, 2025, hosted the 2nd Frank Kalimuzo Memorial Lecture, honoring the life and legacy of Uganda’s first indigenous Vice Chancellor. The lecture, themed “Building a Culture of Service in Public Institutions,” drew university leaders, public servants, and the family of the late Kalimuzo to reflect on servant leadership and institutional integrity.
Speaking at the event, Makerere University Business School Principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi called on Ugandans to emulate the humility, courage, and dedication of the late Kalimuzo. “Public service is not just a career—it’s a calling,” Prof. Muhwezi said. “Kalimuzo led with integrity even in times of resistance, proving that true leadership is about service to others.”
Prof. Muhwezi challenged current leaders to prioritize legacy over position, adding, “You don’t need many years to make an impact. Kalimuzo’s tenure was short, but his values are etched in the foundation of this institution.”
Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta described Kalimuzo as a pioneer who guided Makerere through a critical transition with dignity and foresight. “He laid the foundation for Uganda’s administrative structures, not just in academia but across public service,” said Prof. Ireeta. “We must now ask: How do we nurture leaders with the same dedication to the common good?”
Kalimuzo served as Makerere’s first Ugandan Vice Chancellor from 1970, also holding roles as the first Head of Public Service, Secretary to Cabinet, and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister. His disappearance in 1972 during Idi Amin’s regime remains unresolved.
His widow, Mrs. Esther Kalimuzo, delivered a moving tribute, recounting the hardship of raising her children in his absence. “Though we had no grave and no answers, his silence became a witness. Our children grew with memory instead of presence, but they carry his values into the world,” she said.
Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, said Kalimuzo’s legacy aligns with the university’s current strategic plan, which seeks to build a research-driven institution rooted in ethical leadership. “His values must remain central not only to Makerere’s future but also to the reform of public institutions across Africa,” she noted.
Dr. Grace Baguma, Director of the National Curriculum Development Centre, and Dr. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of Makerere College of Health Sciences, echoed calls for education reforms that blend knowledge with character development.
Mrs. Allen Kagina, Chairperson of the TVET Council, moderated the discussions and shared stories of resilience from Mrs. Kalimuzo, who revealed she took on multiple odd jobs to raise her family after her husband’s disappearance.
The memorial lecture ended with a surprise 90th birthday celebration for Mrs. Kalimuzo, who was joined by grandchildren and friends in a tearful moment of joy.
A decade after Makerere named its Central Teaching Facility in Kalimuzo’s honor, the event reinforced the enduring relevance of his values: servant leadership, courage, and commitment to excellence.
