BY OUR REPORTER
Convocation leadership is often judged by what it leaves behind. By that measure, the team of Chairperson George Turyamureeba Mugabi and Vice Chairperson Grace Cherotich Ruto has given Makerere’s alumni and staff a lot to point to.
A Home for the Convocation
The most visible achievement is physical. The Chairperson has reported that the Convocation Executive expanded and beautified the Convocation’s permanent home during his tenure. Convocation House on Edge Road has become the venue for graduation-week luncheons, award ceremonies and summits. By the February 2026 luncheon, the Convocation building was reported to be 92 per cent complete. Alumni and staff now have a real address. [mak](https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/02/76th-graduation-ceremony-cobams-staff-and-graduates-win-excellence-awards/) [softpower](https://softpower.ug/makerere-convocation-awards-top-science-graduate-shs1m-unveils-innovation-awards/)
Rewarding Excellence and Walking with Graduates
The team introduced an annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents. At these events, the Chairperson has described the Convocation as a partner for graduates as they begin their careers, and has urged them to uphold integrity at work. The Convocation has also awarded a top science graduate Shs1m and unveiled innovation awards. [mak](https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/09/transform-ivory-tower-into-impact-tower-first-ever-ceos-summit/) [softpower](https://softpower.ug/makerere-convocation-awards-top-science-graduate-shs1m-unveils-innovation-awards/)
Connecting Alumni to Opportunity
In September 2025, the team hosted the Convocation’s first CEOs and Investors’ Round Table Summit at Convocation House. Ms. Ruto was pictured with the Chairperson and members of the team at the summit. It brought alumni who lead businesses together with the university community, an effort to turn the “ivory tower” into an “impact tower.” [mak](https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/09/transform-ivory-tower-into-impact-tower-first-ever-ceos-summit/)
Mentorship and Financial Empowerment
Ongoing work includes strengthening alumni engagement and a cross-generational mentorship programme. It also includes the Convocation SACCO, which aims to provide affordable loans and could eventually lead to a bank. These initiatives give members practical benefits beyond ceremonies. [mak](https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/02/76th-graduation-ceremony-cobams-staff-and-graduates-win-excellence-awards/)
A Voice at the Table
The Chairperson was sworn in as the Convocation representative on the Makerere University Council in May 2023. The Convocation therefore has a seat where major university decisions are made. He brings finance and legal expertise, with an MBA, CPA, BCom, LLB and CTA. [mak](https://news.mak.ac.ug/2023/05/mak-council-fully-constituted-as-four-representatives-swear-in/) [mak](https://convocation.mak.ac.ug/executive/)
Why Continuity Matters
The building is nearly complete, the SACCO is taking shape, and the mentorship and investor networks have only just started. Changing leadership now risks slowing work that is close to paying off. Another term for Mr. Mugabi and Ms. Ruto would let them finish what they started and deepen the partnership between Makerere and its alumni.
Makerere Kwanza. Vote Team George.