General
Sharing Water: Another collaborative effort from Makerere & Bergen
The Makerere University Guest house compound played host to yet another book launch on Tuesday 17th November 2009. The newly published book is titled Sharing Water: Problems, Conflicts and Possible Solutions – The case of Kampala (2009) and authored by P. Larsson , E. Kirumira , A. Steigen & A. Miyingo-Kezimbira.
The Makerere University Guest house compound played host to yet another book launch on Tuesday 17th November 2009. The newly published book is titled Sharing Water: Problems, Conflicts and Possible Solutions – The case of Kampala (2009) and authored by P. Larsson , E. Kirumira , A. Steigen & A. Miyingo-Kezimbira.
In his remarks, Prof. E. Kirumira welcomed the gathering to the book launch and thanked all the contributing authors for their input into this book, which discusses how nature, people and society in Kampala handle water issues. This book is a result of a multidisciplinary research project on the theme Nature, Society and Water funded under the Norwegian Research councils’s programme “Development Paths in the South”.
Prof. Petter Larsson, Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Norway and co-author of the book emphasized the importance of packaging such information into books that can be used as a Future reference.
In giving an overview of the book Andreas L. Steigen, Associate Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Norway thanked all the contributing authors for their efforts in making this book a diverse resource covering a wide range of societal issues from planning, conflict management to Ecology. He however challenged them to advance from contributing chapters to books to writing entire books that can be published.
Dr. Robert Kabumbuli , Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Social Sciences Makerere University remarked the challenges in Planning, conflicts and management as covered by the book. Citing the fluctuating population of Kampala, which more than doubles during the day, he noted that the unplanned nature of the city inevitably puts a strain on available resources like piped water. Some of the residents have to make do with protected springs, where conflicts are unavoidable due to growing numbers competing for the scarce resource. He concluded by challenging all stakeholders involved to use concept papers and research findings published in books such as these to manage conflicts that are bound to arise.
Prof. Kirumira then invited Dr. Luyiga Susan from the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science Makerere University to remark on the Ecosystem challenges as covered by the book. Focusing on the Nakivubo Channel, Dr. Luyiga revealed how city planning had led to the eventual widening, deepening and cementing of the channel, which though aimed at preventing floods in the city, led to the deposition of silt and sediment in wetlands downstream. This eventually leads to increase in suspended solids in the Murchison Bay, where NWSC collects water for treatment.
Odong Robinson reviewed the Health Challenges addressed by the book noting that although colonial plans of the city had designated the hills for settlement and the wetlands uninhabitable, population growths had led to the eventual reclamation of wetlands for settlement. This inevitably increased the likelihood of human to vector interaction and easier spread of diseases like Malaria and Bilharzia.
The Guest of Honor and Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba thanked the University of Bergen representatives and Makerere University Staff for their collaborative efforts, which led to the publishing of a rich and diverse book covering pertinent issues like water. He then challenged the team to tackle other contentious issues like Land.
Furthermore, he thanked the media for covering the event and publicizing the launch of such books, which can act as guides for policy makers. He then challenged the Academic staff of Makerere to not only carry out research and write books but also launch them so as to disseminate information to the public. He then officially launched the book and received a copy signed by all the authors.
General
Makerere University commemorates 13 transformative years of partnership with Mastercard Foundation
On Friday, 27th February 2026, Makerere University proudly celebrated 13 years of a significant partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, a prestigious independent organisation headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Since its inception in 2013 with the launch of the Scholars Program, this collaboration has grown significantly, expanding to include two additional initiatives: The E-learning Initiative and the Africa Climate Collaborative. This long-term partnership underscores the shared commitment to fostering education, innovation, and sustainability in Uganda and across Africa.
The colourful event coincided with the 76th Graduation Ceremony, during which Makerere University honoured Ms. Reeta Roy, the Founding President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, with an honorary Doctor of Laws.
In her commencement speech, Ms. Roy thanked Makerere University for considering a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and for conferring upon her a prestigious honorary award.
“Mastercard Foundation is honoured to collaborate with this esteemed university, and I appreciate the recognition through this award. I am excited to be associated with Makerere University and look forward to actively embodying its values. Joining the broader community of alumni from this distinguished institution is a privilege, and I am eager to contribute to its legacy,” stated Ms. Roy.
During the reception in honour of Ms. Roy, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, acknowledged the invaluable support from the Mastercard Foundation. She emphasised the profound impact of the Foundation’s various initiatives, particularly the scholarships for disadvantaged youth, which enable them to access higher education and opportunities that might have otherwise been beyond their reach.
“On behalf of the Makerere University Council and the broader University community, I extend our sincere gratitude to Mastercard Foundation for its commitment to collaborating with Makerere University in various endeavours, especially for providing scholarships to our underprivileged young people who would never have stepped inside a lecture room at the University.” Dr. Magara stated.
Dr. Magara, in a special way, thanked Ms. Roy for her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting young people in Africa, citing her efforts to ensure young people get their voices heard.
“As a university, our business is with young people. We are therefore committed to providing the environment and education that deliver meaningful pathways. We will provide an environment that ensures young people have a voice and agency to create meaningful change in society.” Dr. Magara pledged.
Dr. Magara further congratulated Ms. Roy on her honorary Doctor of Laws from Makerere University, noting that it is the university’s highest honour for individuals who have excelled in their careers.
“On behalf of the Makerere University community, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your honorary Doctor of Laws. This esteemed recognition represents the highest honour our institution can bestow on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and excellence across various facets of their career.” Dr. Magara remarked.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Coordinator for all Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her appreciation for the thirteen-year collaboration between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. She highlighted that the partnership had yielded significant, impactful results.
“In 2013, Makerere University partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to educate the next generation of transformative African leaders who can positively impact their lives, their communities, and the economies of Africa. The partnership has had a significant impact. I thank the University Management and the Foundation team for this visionary collaboration,” remarked Prof. Namaalwa.
Prof. Namaalwa articulated that the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is primarily focused on empowering young people as agents of change for transformational leadership in Africa. She presented compelling statistics demonstrating the positive impact of the scholars’ program, highlighting the success of individuals who have completed their education and their subsequent professional experiences after university graduation.
“This partnership focuses on young people, aiming to create positive change in their lives. To date, the Scholars Program has graduated 974 alumni, with 48% securing formal employment, 18% starting their own businesses, 8% participating in internships, and 5% pursuing further education. Overall, 72% of Scholar alumni are actively engaged in employment or entrepreneurship,” Prof. Namaalwa stated.
The colourful event showcased a dynamic array of activities that highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of Scholars and alumni from the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University. Attendees enjoyed a mini-exhibition featuring innovative products from these ventures.
A video documentary illustrated the positive impact of the three Mastercard Foundation initiatives. The event also featured inspiring poetry recitations by Scholars and a lively atmosphere of music and dance, creating an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.
The high-level event was attended by senior University officials, led by the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Lorna Magara; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe; the Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy, and the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. Mr Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary; and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar, among many other university officials graced the function.
The event was also graced by a high-level delegation from the Mastercard Foundation, led by Ms. Reeta Roy, the Founding President of the Foundation, and included the Mastercard Foundation Teams from the Country offices in Kigali, Nairobi, and Kampala; the Program partners; the Mentors, Scholars and alumni; as well as the Program staff of the three Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University.
At the end of the event, Makerere University honoured Ms. Reeta Roy with University memorabilia, including a pencil-drawn portrait, a pencil-drawn photo of the Ivory Tower, and other Ugandan crafts. Ms. Roy cut a graduation cake together with the 10 graduates of the 76th graduation ceremony from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF), Dr. Margaret Blick Kigozi, has urged graduands in Health and Life Sciences to uphold professional ethics and serve humanity with diligence and compassion.
Her appeal came during the passing out of graduates from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the School of Public Health (SPH) on Day Two of the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University.
“Class of 2026, you are now part of the Makerere legacy. Wherever you go clinics, laboratories, farms, boardrooms, or classrooms, you carry this institution with you. Serve your patients with skill and compassion. Care for animals and communities responsibly. Question boldly and keep learning,” Dr Kigozi, said.
Delivering the commencement address, Dr. Kigozi lauded the graduates for their dedication to careers that directly impact lives and communities. She encouraged them to use their knowledge generously and exercise their power gently.
“Your education has trained you to ask better questions. Your humanity must guide the answers. Never forget that behind every chart, every case, every animal, every experiment, there is life. And life deserves care, patience, and dignity. Give every person you come in contact with care, patience and dignity,” Dr Kigozi, noted.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, Dr. Kigozi emphasized the importance of cultivating basic business acumen and financial literacy to ensure sustainability in their work.
“You do not need to become accountants but you must be able to read the essentials: understand simple financial statements, budgets and key metrics so you can judge whether a clinic, lab, or program is sustainable. You are encouraged to start your business. There are numerous investment opportunities in your areas of training. You can provide services to our people and create jobs,” Dr Kigozi, said.
She shared candidly how, when she first stepped into leadership, she realised she did not understand balance sheets or budgets well enough. So, she returned to Makerere for short courses to strengthen herself.
“A well-run Hospital, clinic or lab delivers better outcomes, attracts staff, and secures funding. Business savvy is not only about profit, it’s about sustainability and the freedom to serve ethically and effectively. Carry clinical skill with business sense so your work endures and grows,” Dr. Kigozi, noted.
Quoting renowned writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, who once reflected that succeeding in one area of life can sometimes mean falling short in another, Dr. Kigozi encouraged women graduates to intentionally balance professional ambition with family responsibilities.
“When one area thrives, another is often under strain. When Navio was graduating from school I had to manage the Presidential Investor Round Table on the same day as Executive Director Uganda Investment Authority. I chose my job and delegated his siblings to attend Navios graduation. I learnt from this. I choose family always after that thing you achieve once and keep forever,” Dr Kigozi, said.
In his speech, the Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, informed the congregation that Makerere’s ranking on all university ranking platforms has remained stable, placing Makerere among the top 10 African universities and within the top 4.5% globally.
“In the Times Higher Education global ranking, Makerere University made a formidable jump from the 1200-1500 bracket to the 800-1000 bracket. This was no mean achievement and I congratulate all members of the Makerere Community on this stellar performance,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
-
Humanities & Social Sciences1 week agoMeet Najjuka Whitney, The Girl Who Missed Law and Found Her Voice
-
General7 days ago76th Graduation Highlights
-
Health2 weeks agoUganda has until 2030 to end Open Defecation as Ntaro’s PhD Examines Kabale’s Progress
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoUganda Martyrs Namugongo Students Turn Organic Waste into Soap in an Innovative School Project on Sustainable Waste Management
-
General2 weeks agoMastercard Foundation Scholars embrace and honour their rich cultural diversity