End of an era! Makerere staff, students lead tributes as Journalism Don Adolf Mbaine retires – The Kampala Report

Government officials, including State Minister for ICT and National Guidance Godfrey Kabbyanga, joined staff and students of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Makerere University to pay tribute to Dr Adolf Mbaine who is retiring after 28 years of service.

Dr Mbaine was honoured on Tuesday at the Annual Media Convention organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Makerere University presided over by Minister Kabbyanga.

“I am very grateful to Makerere for allowing me to teach for this long @JocomMakerere. My last wish is that the department be granted school status,” he said in his remarks.

Several staff and former students paid tribute to Dr Mbaine for his service in mentoring them.

Davidson Ndyabahika, a communication specialist at Makerere University School of Public Health, said: “Dr. Mbaine leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, a network of devoted protégés, a @JocomMakerere that will never be quite the same without his clever banter and hilarious impressions. Sitting in Mbaine’s class, you get to appreciate the blend of intellectualism and humour.”

Ivan Rugambwa added: “Mbaine! One of the Department of Journalism’s most enduring hands. Walked into that legendary Lecture Room 4 every year for the last 3 decades, churning out legions of students, some of whom returned to be his colleagues on the same mission. Happy retirement to the Old Geezer!”

“Listening to Dr. Mbaine, one notable thing you will quickly observe will be his witty wordsmith that has been a guiding light for generations of students, mentoring them with humour, humility, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Am proud to say he has mentored me!” he added.

Dr Mbaine holds a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, a Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of Rhodes University in South Africa and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Makerere University.

At university, he specialised in teaching media law and media regulation policy.

He is also a senior communications expert who has advised both government and the private sector on the design and implementation of various communication strategy.