General
The Chancellor’s speech on the 59th Graduation Ceremony
It is with great pleasure that I once again stand before you to preside over the 59th graduation ceremony as I celebrate one year as Chancellor of this great University. Let me take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous 2009. This is a time when a lot of us make resolutions on what we would love to achieve and as a University we should resolve to do things that should take us to greater heights.
It is with great pleasure that I once again stand before you to preside over the 59th graduation ceremony as I celebrate one year as Chancellor of this great University. Let me take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous 2009. This is a time when a lot of us make resolutions on what we would love to achieve and as a University we should resolve to do things that should take us to greater heights.
We must also take stock of our shortcomings in the past academic year and find solutions to the same.
At this point I would like to thank the University Council, the Vice Chancellor and his management team, members of staff, students’ government as well as our development partners and other stakeholders for the achievements over the last one year and for the immense support you have shown in my role as Chancellor. It is worth mentioning that the last academic year was characterized by relative tranquillity on campus. Therefore less was spent on conflict resolution and much time lent to productive activities.
The Graduands
To the graduands who have brought us here today, please accept my hearty congratulations on your achievements. Graduation day is a major milestone in the academic life of an individual. It is the culmination of many years of dedication to the search for knowledge and skills that prepare you for the long and hard struggles of your adult life. That is why you must be reminded that graduation is not an end itself but a springboard.
The benefits are many if you position yourself right to take advantage of life’s many opportunities. May each of you go on to achieve more in the life ahead as you leave the gates of Makerere University into the world out there.
A substantial number of students have performed very well and obtained first class honours degrees in various disciplines. This reflects positively on the teaching standards and I applaud the staff and students for the hard work. I cannot emphasize enough that we need to work extra hard and as coherently over the next year as any good team should to improve the standards at Makerere. That should be our single most important resolution for 2009.
In this connection I’m constrained to mention that I have received a lot of complaints about unduly delayed results. Consequently for no fault of theirs, there are students who will not graduate now. It is imperative that work by both students and staff is streamlined so that every event takes place predictably when it is due. Availability of transcripts is another issue that must be addressed. The rampant forging of transcripts must be stopped.
The parents
In the same breath, I thank the parents, guardians and sponsors for all the support they provided to the graduands throughout their studies at the university. Indeed for many parents raising the money to pay your children’s fees has been a nightmare. Your sacrifice to afford your children’s education cannot be over emphasized. The journey has not been smooth, with many obstacles and hardships along the way and we empathize with you. That is why we celebrate with you when we arrive at this milestone – the graduation of our children, spouses, brothers, and sisters among others.
Yes it is a great thing to see the fruit of your struggle since your children were conceived by their mothers. But I would like to share with you what I consider a significant omission on your part. I can compare you children’s education at Makerere University and other Institutions to a garden. When you plant seeds you have to make sure they grow well through weeding, may be application of fertilizers and other chemicals leading to good yield. I have noticed over the past that you parents pay little or no attention to what sort of product (education) your children get at Makerere University. First there is the academic achievement. But equally if not more important is the type of character these graduands develop while here. A banana plantation that is not attended to will give a very poor yield. So will other crops.
I would like to appeal to you to be more actively involved in the activities of this University. The law should provide for you to be members of Convocation, or any other organization through which you can influence policy and other aspects of a University.
………
At this juncture allow me to single out the one great achievement by our students. This concerns a group in the Faculty of Technology who under the leadership of Dr. Tagboa and a student named Ntambi. These students competed with and defeated the whole of Africa to participate in the development of a new modern car. Their contribution is in the design of the electrical system. As you all know the world is concerned about environmental destruction. This care will be fuel efficient (80km/liter) and therefore significantly reduce pollution. Aren’t you happy that some of your children are known all over the world working in collaboration with institutions like MIT, Harvard University and General Motors to mention but a few.
I want this team to stand up for recognition.
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General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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