General
Vet to improve National Diagnostic Capacity for Animal Disease Control
The Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) , and the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and Makerere University, have agreed to implement a national project in animal diseases control with Makerere University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (MAK-FVM) as a key government authority and central service provider.
The Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) , and the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) and Makerere University, have agreed to implement a national project in animal diseases control with Makerere University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (MAK-FVM) as a key government authority and central service provider.
In a brief background to the project, The Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. John David Kabasa appreciated the support previously provided by JICA that witnessed the re-stocking of Buyana Stock Farm, eventually making it the largest producer of Boer goats in Uganda. He noted that during this second phase of support, a node will be established at the Faculty of Veterinary medicine as a secondary node to the one at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. He pledged that with this support, Makerere would use its students and staff to build capacity in Animal Disease control, specialized human resource and Laboratory facilities. Prof. Kabasa then thanked MAAIF and JICA for recognizing Makerere as a reputable choice, for developing this National Diagnostic Center.
Dr. Kauta Nicholas, Commissioner for Livestock Health and Entomology, MAAIF noted that as the National Veterinary Service is broken down into sections like Training Institutes and Researchers, the output of Makerere is unavoidably linked to the growth of Veterinary services in the country. Therefore, anybody who cared about the welfare of the service would ensure that the entry level component to this service (training) was superb, especially with improved laboratory capacity. As a representative of MAAIF, he recognized that this was very good area of engagement, because if Makerere was strengthened, her output was also automatically strengthened. He thanked the JICA representatives for their Government’s support and stressed MAAIF’s willingness to continue collaborating with institutions such as Makerere to get all the necessary support so as to ensure that the country moves ahead.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba assured the officials of Makerere’s commitment towards this project and support for all University-Government partnerships, noting that the University plans to have every unit partnered with a respective Government body by the end of May 2010. He foresaw that through such partnerships, the University would gain a lot from Government while contributing towards the Country’s socio-economic development. He thanked the Japanese government for this support and called on more Japanese Universities to partner with Ugandan Universities, as Nihon University; the largest private university in Japan, had already done with Makerere University.
The Chief Representative of the JICA Uganda Office, Mr. SEKI Tetsuo , expressed his most sincere and heartfelt gratitude in signing this Memorandum of Understanding at Makerere, a regional Center of Excellence. Phase one of JICA’s support started in 2007 and concluded in 2008 at a cost of USD $1million. Phase two will consist of JICA’s support to this comprehensive collaboration between Makerere and the Uganda Government through MAAIF, to a tune of USD $4.5million over a period of 3 years towards the establishment of A National Animal Disease Diagnostic Centre.
The parties then proceeded to sign and exchange copies of the Memorandum of Understanding at a ceremony held on 25th January 2010.
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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