General
Pharmacy has a new home in Makerere
The proposed new building for the School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences was yesterday 7th January 2010 officially handed over by the contractor M/S Arab Contractors at a ceremony presided over by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba.
The proposed new building for the School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences was yesterday 7th January 2010 officially handed over by the contractor M/S Arab Contractors at a ceremony presided over by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba.
An inspection of the building was led by Project Manager from M/S COWI Uganda Eng. Peter Lohmann Otteskov, which saw the delegation tour the new facility complete with access ramps for people with disabilities, a 200-seater lecture theatre, laboratories, lecture rooms, staff offices, an indoor canteen and a high pressure hazard shower area, in the event of accidental chemical spills onto end-users.
The delegation then proceeded to the lecture theatre, where the Lead Consultant Eng. Otteskov thanked both parties from Makerere and the Contractors for their efforts, which culminated in the completion of the 4-year project.
Eng. Arfat Abdel Wahed, General Manager, M/S Arab Contractors Uganda on behalf of his company expressed his pleasure in handing over yet another building in Makerere University to its end-users. He then pledged the Contractor’s commitment to provide technical support and training to the users of the facility especially members of the Estates and Works Department, who will be in charge of the maintenance of the facility. He finally thanked the Management of Makerere University for awarding his company the contract and guaranteed their availability in future construction projects at the university.
Representing the Principal, College of Health Sciences, The Dean, School of Medicine Dr. Stephen Kijjambu, thanked the Architects, Contractors and Consultants for a job well done. He appreciated the loads of new space provided by the building, especially provisions for the persons with disabilities, which showed Makerere’s commitment to cater all categories of future students. He appreciated the timely completion of the building, which will enable the University to train more students so as to improve on the ratio of Pharmacists to the population. He paid tribute to the Pharmacists, who regularly and consistently gave back to their Department and hoped that with the new building, this lead to the eventual launching of a School of Pharmacy.
In his remarks, the University Secretary Mr. Kahundha Muhwezi thanked the team from the College of Health Sciences who diligently worked with the contractor throughout the project. He thanked the DANIDA for the great honor accorded to Makerere through the College of Health Science in helping reduce the disease burden by facilitating the training of more Pharmacists to meet the National demand for these critical professionals. He hoped that the completion of such projects would foster Inter-University collaboration between Danish and Ugandan universities, especially regarding the student exchange programmes.
On behalf of Makerere University, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Baryamureeba expressed his heartfelt appreciation to DANIDA for the grant of Danish Kroner (DKK) 15million approx. $2.5million (UGX 5billion) to establish a new School of Pharmacy under the College of Health Sciences. He admitted that through increased enrolment, Makerere should be able to train more Pharmacists so as to improve on the current unfavorable ratio of Pharmacists per population of 1:100,000.
He then expressed his gratitude to the Royal Danish Government, The Royal Danish Embassy in Uganda and the Danish people for their continued support to the Country and to Makerere University in particular. Furthermore, he prayed that such collaborations would extend to other sectors of Medicine so as to yield more facilities and output other Medical professionals, who also have an equally appalling ratio per population.
Eng. Arfat then officially handed over the keys to the Vice-Chancellor, who then handed over to Mr. Muhwezi the University Secretary. The University Secretary then handed over to Mr. Masanso, Acting Manager, Estates and Works Department, who proceeded to hand over to the Representative of the Principal and Head, School of Medicine Dr. Kijjambu, who finally handed over to Prof. Richard Odoi Adome, Dean, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Science.
In concluding remarks, Prof. Adome thanked DANIDA ; represented by Mr. Frans Bosman, Pharmaceutical Sector Advisor and Mr. Claes Blooms for the timely grant, which fulfilled the urgent need to expand Departmental space of 350 square meters, housing 120 students over the four-year programme. He thanked the Management of the University for helping secure the land, despite its geographical site outside the current College of Health Sciences location in Mulago. He pledged that with the new facility now in place, the Department’s dream of achieving School status had been greatly enhanced.
M/S Arab Contractors has previously carried out construction projects in Makerere, like the recently opened Faculty of Technology Extension building . The newly handed-over facility will host 325 students and 50 members of staff. The grant used to establish the new School of Pharmacy building is part of the Royal Danish Government assistance to Uganda’s Health Sector Support Phase III through DANIDA.
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
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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