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Al Hajji Kagimu to help Mak produce Uganda’s first electric car

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Makerere University Faculty of Technology is conducting extensive research aimed at producing Uganda’s first electric car. The Student team leader, Mr. Richard Madanda explained that the Vehicle Design Project is an innovative research project aimed at developing a cost effective and environmentally friendly car.

Makerere University Faculty of Technology is conducting extensive research aimed at producing Uganda’s first electric car. The Student team leader, Mr. Richard Madanda explained that the Vehicle Design Project is an innovative research project aimed at developing a cost effective and environmentally friendly car.

Mr. Madanda added that this two-seater electric car will have electrical, mechanical and communication systems, each with their own team of student developers.

This was disclosed on Monday 15th November 2010 when a prominent business man, Habib Kagimu visited the Faculty of Technology at Makerere University on a familiarization tour.

L-R Al Hajji Habib Kagimu, Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe & Dr. Tickodri-Togboa listen as Richard Madanda (R) make shis presentation

In his speech, the Dean, Faculty of Technology, Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe happily noted that the research and innovations in the Faculty of Technology were in line with the Makerere University Strategic Plan, which prioritizes the transformation of Makerere into a research led university.

The team led by Dr. Tickodri proceeds to the Faculty of TechnologyDr. Nawangwe said that when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni visited Makerere University in December 2009, the Faculty of Technology presented a case for support, which resulted into the Government’s support towards ten (10) research projects in the Faculty of Technology.

The Vehicle Design Project is one of the research projects funded by the Government of Uganda. Some of the other projects include the iLabs@MAK project, Innovation Systems and Clusters Program Uganda and the Technology Development and Transfer Center.

Dr. S.S. Tickodri-Togboa, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and the Principal Investigator of this project said that the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni named this research project, the Kiira Electric Vehicle.

Al Hajji Habib Kagimu pledged to use his contacts with the private sector to help the Faculty of Technology to turn the theory of the Kiira Electric Vehicle into practice. Whereas most of the Electric, Mechanical and Communications components have been covered under procurement, the project is appealing for support in procuring/fabricating the lightweight Carbon Polymer body.

Al Hajji Habib Kagimu at the Faculty of TechnologyAl Hajji Kagimu stressed the importance of research and development. “If we want to be like developed countries, we should focus on research and development. The University should focus on teaching students how to think as researchers.”

Al Hajji Kagimu cited Malaysia and Thailand as countries which had less robust economies than Uganda when she gained independence in 1962. However, the above countries have managed to develop at a faster rate because they focused on research and development.

In his conclusion, Al Hajji Kagimu challenged the Government of Uganda and Makerere University to re-visit the budget figures allocated to research and development, so as to nurture a strong generation of researchers and developers.

The Team's group photo with students after the meeting

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Richard Madanda: Kiira Electric Vehicle Concept presentation

Vehicle Design Project History MS Word version , PDF version 

 

 

 

 

mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office

Denis Wamala

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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