UPS Annual General Meeting 2025 Highlights
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Uganda Physics Society (UPS) held its first-ever annual general meeting (AGM) at the Physics Main Lecture Theater at Makerere University, with members also joining online. The meeting, which was organized by the interim committee, aimed to establish the society’s executive committee, develop an annual work plan, and create fundraising strategies to support its activities.
Dr. Denis Okello, Head of the Physics Department at Makerere University, welcomed attendees and encouraged the UPS to grow and become a prominent organization like the Uganda Mathematics Society. Dr. Lugolole Robert, the President General of the interim committee, thanked both the in-person and online attendees for their presence at the inaugural AGM. He noted that the UPS had been in existence since its constitution was written in 2021, but this was its first annual meeting. The meeting’s goals were to fill executive committee positions, create an annual work plan, and devise a strategic plan for fundraising to help the society achieve its objectives, such as uniting physics practitioners.
New Leadership Elected
A key part of the AGM was the election of the executive committee members. The president of the interim committee, Mr. Nsubuga Joseph, outlined the roles and responsibilities for each position. According to the society’s constitution, the President General serves a four-year term, the President serves for three years, and all other members serve for two years. The President General can only be nominated by executive committee members.
The following members were nominated by the cabinet and approved by the members present at the AGM:
- President: Mr. Nsubuga Joseph
- Vice President: Prof. Taddeo Senyonga
- Speaker: Mr. Nahabwe Emmanuel
- Deputy Speaker: Ms. Nassuuna Nalwoga Grace
- Minister for Finance: Ms. Nantongo Joanita
- Secretary General: Dr. Daniel Mukiibi
- Secretary: Ms. Nansamba Pauline
- Director in Charge of Communication: Dr. Ochen William
- Prime Minister (Mobilisation and Coordination Minister): Dr. Ndugu Nelson
- Minister for Welfare: Dr. Habumugisha Isaac
The meeting also saw the appointment of several regional and departmental representatives, as well as representatives for various non-teaching and learning departments. They all took an oath and swore in immediately after being approved.
Plans for the Future
Dr. Daniel Mukiibi, the new Secretary General, led the discussion on the annual work plan and fundraising strategies. He suggested creating a database for all committee members to help with the society’s guidance and marketing. He also proposed that the executive members begin mobilizing and sensitizing people about the society and its benefits. The annual work plan, he added, should include activities like conferences and other national events that address community needs.
To increase the society’s visibility, Mr. Odell Samuel suggested community outreach programs. Dr. Denis Okello, of Makerere University, also proposed that the committee members engage in outreach to schools and involve them in quizzes, similar to other societies. He also promised full support from the Makerere University Physics Department.
Additionally, members suggested that the society establish professional platforms on social media, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, to enhance its visibility and attract more members globally. The idea of benchmarking other societies, like the Uganda Mathematics Society, was also put forth to learn from their operational models.
Conclusion
The meeting, which began at 10:30 a.m. with an opening prayer , concluded at 12:50 p.m. with a closing prayer led by Ms. Nantongo Joanita. Following the meeting, the physical attendees gathered for a group photo and were invited to lunch. The minutes of the meeting were signed by the Secretary General, Dr. Daniel Mukiibi, on August 12, 2025.
This inaugural AGM marks a significant milestone for the Uganda Physics Society, setting the stage for its future growth and impact in the community.
