Rt. Hon. Apolo Robin Nsibambi
Right Honourable Apolo Robin Nsibambi

Right Honourable Apolo Robin Nsibambi was the first non-Head-of-State Chancellor of Makerere University, a position he served from his appointment in October 2003 to October 2007. Prof. Nsibambi also served as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda from 5th April 1999 to 24th May 2011.

He taught at Makerere University during the 1960s and thereafter served as the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences from 1978 until 1983 and from 1985 until 1987. He was appointed Head of the Department of Political Science at Makerere University in 1987, a position he held until 1990. He was Director of the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) from 1994 to 1996.

Between 1996 and 1998, he served as Minister of Public Service in the Uganda Cabinet. In 1998 he was appointed Minister of Education and Sports, serving in that capacity until 1999 when he was appointed Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business.

On 11th August 2009 while serving as Prime Minister, Prof. Nsibambi together with other dignitaries graced celebrations organised by Makerere University in honour of Prof. Ali Mazrui. On that occasion, Prof. Nsibambi in his distinct style described his alma mater as an intellectual cradle for Ali.A. Mazrui.

On 30th May 2014, Prof. Nsibambi delivered the Keynote Address at the Bernard Onyango Inaugural Public Lecture and outlined eight universal characteristics of integrity that he proposed should be emulated. These are:

1.    Know that it is the little things which count (attention to detail);
2.    If you mess up, confess the mistake and correct it (accountability);
3.    Keep your word (trust);
4.    Care about the greater good, i.e. the good of the institution and not the good of the individual;
5.    Be honest and modest;
6.    Act like you are always being watched by others;
7.    Bring close to you those of similar virtues and talents, and
8.    Do not be detracted provided you know you are on the right path.

Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi passed away on Tuesday, 28th May 2019 at his home in Bulange, Mengo, Kampala. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi was a stickler for time, excellence, integrity and a host of other admirable characteristics. We thank God for his life and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

Please see the links below for more on the life of Prof. Nsibambi at Makerere University: