General
Rwot Ananiya Akera’s walk down memory lane
It is just a few days shy of September 22nd, the date Rwot Ananiya Akera, a prominent farmer of Lakwatomer Farm, Gulu and 1943 graduate of Makerere University will celebrate his 96th birthday.
It is just a few days shy of September 22nd, the date Rwot Ananiya Akera, a prominent farmer of Lakwatomer Farm, Gulu and 1943 graduate of Makerere University will celebrate his 96th birthday.
On 11th August 2009, Mzee Akera paid a courtesy call on his former institution after a period of more than 60 years. Key on his to-do list was to visit a cubicle he once shared with the late Tanzanian President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, a prominent African freedom fighter with whom they shared principals of Education. The former Nsubuga Hall currently houses the Department of Distance Education in the Institute of Adult and Continuing Education (IACE).
At 95 years old, the towering and slightly hunched Rwot Akera is one of the oldest living alumni of Makerere University, a major reason he was invited to attend the Makerere-Mazruiana project launch, aimed at recogninising and paying tribute to Makerere’s illustrious alumni, former professors, deans, friends and exceptional supporters. In an interview with the Rwot, he wondered where the government is taking all the money. “We are decaying if an institution like Makerere is not given funding”, he said.
Not like many graduates who opt to work in prestigious offices, education for self reliance is what drove Rwot Akera into farming. He opted to drop teaching, a profession he had acquired from Makerere and in 1948, two years after graduation, he was awarded a trophy as The Top Commonwealth tobacco farmer in Uganda and since then he never looked back. In 1949, he was producing 30% of the country’s Tobacco and employing over 700 workers on his Farm.
By practically engaging in farming, Rwot Akera discovered that this was the best way to influence others to actively take up the trade. Using his skills as a teacher, he spurred his peers on to earn a living quoting a famous Irish saying “Where there’s muck, there’s money”. Asked about the famine that has killed over 30 people in the Eastern part of the country in relation to his quote, he retorted “Uganda is rich with fertile soils. A country is not worth it if it cannot sustain its own people”.
Rwot Akera proudly spoke of the then politics free Makerere College which followed the British College curriculum and was affiliated to Oxford University. His well-spoken English is one of the reasons that his former student and President of Uganda, Apollo Milton Obote (RIP) joined Busoga College Mwiri, a school Rwot Akera attended before joining Makerere College. At 96, Rwot Akera managed to stand firm for over 10 minutes to deliver a speech, with clear eyesight and an unwavering voice. He attributed his good health to his hard work that kept him physically active. He further intimated that he doesn’t suffer from mental fatigue, which he considers a key ingredient of poor health because he doesn’t have to worry about money, food and clothes.
“We must change our attitude in Education, sink our differences and put our heads together so that this sorry problem is put down”, this was his advice to the friends, alumni and well-wishers of Makerere University, as a solution to solve the current problems with the education system. He finally requested the Makerere University Management to consider renaming CCE Hall to Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Hall in honor of his late roommate and former Tanzanian President.
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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