Muni University, a beacon of higher education in Arua, Uganda, recently hosted the 3rd annual memorial lecture in honor of its founding Vice Chancellor, the late Prof. Christine Dranzoa. The lecture, a solemn occasion, paid tribute to her pioneering role in the establishment of the university and her profound influence on education in the West Nile region. Held under the theme "Improving the Educational Performance of West Nile," the event celebrated Prof. Dranzoa's unyielding commitment to transforming the lives of students and empowering communities through education.
Honoring a Trailblazer: Prof. Christine Dranzoa's Legacy
Prof. Dranzoa’s untimely passing left a void, but her legacy as a visionary leader continues to inspire. The day's proceedings began with a heartfelt memorial march through the streets of Arua, with hundreds of staff, students, and community members paying tribute to her. Led by a brass band and escorted by Uganda Police, the procession culminated at Muni University, where a memorial lecture and liturgical service were held in her honor.
A Call to Transformation: The Memorial Lecture
The event was marked by a moving liturgical service presided over by Rev. Fr. Pius Kafeero, who reminded the attendees of the importance of personal transformation as a precursor to societal change. He emphasized the significance of Prof. Dranzoa's legacy, urging the congregation to reflect on their actions and the broader impact they have on their communities. The service set the stage for a series of tributes from distinguished speakers, all of whom highlighted Prof. Dranzoa's enduring influence on education, gender equality, and community development.
Prof. Dranzoa: A Champion for Education and Gender Equality
Among the speakers, Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, the current Vice Chancellor of Muni University, shared personal reflections of his time working with Prof. Dranzoa. He recalled how she dedicated herself tirelessly to the advancement of the university, with a particular focus on empowering women and girls in the community. Prof. Katrini praised Prof. Dranzoa's commitment to gender equality, noting that she advocated strongly for the role of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and other initiatives aimed at elevating the status of women in the region.
Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini also announced a significant initiative in honor of Prof. Dranzoa—a trust fund aimed at supporting the education of the girl child. By 2026, the fund will offer its first scholarship to a deserving girl, ensuring that Prof. Dranzoa's vision of empowering women continues to thrive. Additionally, a prominent building on the Muni University campus bears her name—the Prof. Christine Dranzoa Building—serving as a lasting tribute to her monumental contributions.
Reflections from Prof. Robert Kajobe, the Acting University Secretary
Prof. Robert Kajobe, the University Secretary, took a moment to reflect on his personal connection with Prof. Dranzoa, acknowledging the extraordinary leadership she demonstrated in the establishment of Muni University. “Prof. Dranzoa was not just a leader but a mother figure for this university,” he said. “Her determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education were the cornerstones upon which Muni University was built.”
Prof. Kajobe went on to emphasize the importance of continuing her work in improving education, especially for girls and marginalized communities. “We are here today not just to remember Prof. Dranzoa, but to honor her vision by committing ourselves to the task of improving education in this region,” he said. “Her legacy is not just in the buildings or degrees but in the lives she touched, the opportunities she created, and the future she shaped for so many students.”
Strengthening Education in West Nile: A Regional Commitment
The need for educational improvement in West Nile was a recurring theme throughout the event. Eng. Joel Aita, the Chairman of the University Council, pointed to the alarming rate of school dropouts in the region, where many children are forced to abandon their education due to poverty and social pressures. He called on regional leaders and the community at large to unite in their efforts to combat these challenges and provide greater educational opportunities for all.
Dr. Martha Muhwezi, CEO of FAWE Africa and the chief guest of the memorial lecture, reflected on Prof. Dranzoa's personal philosophy of truth and integrity. She recalled how Prof. Dranzoa inspired her own career path, encouraging her to apply for the position of FAWE's Executive Director. Dr. Muhwezi emphasized that Prof. Dranzoa’s rise from humble beginnings to become a respected academic and leader was proof that any girl, regardless of her background, could achieve greatness. She also addressed the issue of teen pregnancies, urging collective action to ensure the welfare of vulnerable children and orphans in the region
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The Role of WENDA in Honoring Prof. Dranzoa
Another poignant tribute came from Mr. Moses Akuma Odims, the Executive Director of the West Nile Development Association (WENDA), who spoke about Prof. Dranzoa’s lasting impact on the community. Mr. Akuma Odims described her as a "pillar of community transformation" through her dedication to education and research. "Prof. Dranzoa was not just a leader at Muni University, but a role model for all of us in the West Nile region," he said. “Her commitment to education, particularly for the girl child, was unparalleled, and she demonstrated that through hard work, vision, and determination, we can uplift entire communities.”
Mr. Akuma Odims pledged WENDA’s continued support for initiatives that promote education and gender equality, ensuring that Prof. Dranzoa's vision would live on in the work of the association. "As community leaders, we will continue to champion the cause of girl child education, just as Prof. Dranzoa did," he affirmed.
Muni University's Role in Advancing Education and Research
The event was not merely a commemoration of Prof. Dranzoa’s life but a call to action for the future of education in West Nile. Dr. Muhwezi urged Muni University to become a leader in research and innovation, forging stronger partnerships with the government and civil society to address the pressing educational challenges facing the region. Her message underscored the importance of supporting quality teaching as a key component of achieving educational excellence.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Empowerment
Several tributes came from those who had been directly impacted by Prof. Dranzoa’s mentorship. Dr. Maguil Richard, a senior lecturer in the Department of Nursing at Muni University, spoke on behalf of the teaching staff, recalling how Prof. Dranzoa had personally encouraged him to pursue higher education and rise above his circumstances. “Prof. Dranzoa was more than a leader—she was a guide, a mentor, and a true inspiration,” Dr. Richard said, adding that her legacy was reflected in the success of many individuals who had benefited from her guidance.
The memorial lecture concluded with a strong call to continue Prof. Dranzoa's work. Dr. Muhwezi emphasized that the event must not simply remain a remembrance of the past but evolve into a movement that advances the causes that Prof. Dranzoa championed—education, gender equality, and community empowerment.
Muni University: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation
The 3rd Prof. Christine Dranzoa Memorial Lecture demonstrated Muni University’s deep commitment to honoring its founding Vice Chancellor while pushing forward an ambitious agenda for the future of education in West Nile. The event reaffirmed Muni University’s position as a transformative force in the region, proving that education is a powerful tool for societal change.
As Muni University continues to build on the foundation laid by Prof. Dranzoa, it remains a beacon of hope for underserved communities, a place where the transformative power of education is not only taught but lived.
