General
The dawn of a new era of Pharmacy training at Makerere
Magnificently perched on Cassia Hill Road, Makerere University, it catches your eye instantly with its 21st century modern architectural look.
Magnificently perched on Cassia Hill Road, Makerere University, it catches your eye instantly with its 21st century modern architectural look.
Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy Nathalia Feinberg on Tuesday 23rd November 2010 handed over this new Pharmacy Building to Makerere University. This additional infrastructure will enable Makerere increase the number of pharmacy graduates to 320, a dream come true for the department that has only been able to house 10 students annually.
This state of the art structure is also living evidence of the strong relationship between the Government of Uganda and the Government of Denmark and the great support the Government of Denmark has shared with the Uganda and Makerere University, contributing to the development in the Health Education Sector of this country.
In 2005, the Government of Uganda obtained funding from DANIDA – Government of Denmark, under the funding framework of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Uganda Health Sector Programme Support Phase III. Part of the support, valued at DKK 15million (approx. 2.8million USD) was earmarked to support the Pharmaceutical Human Resource Management for the Health Sector. It is this support that has brought the Pharmacy building to life, as a foundation for improvement of the capacity to train pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the country.
After a worthwhile tour of the breathtaking building, the founder and father of the Pharmacy Department, Head Prof. Richard Adome Odoi highlighted that this was a great accomplishment of what started as far back as 1988.
“Makerere University started the Pharmacy Department in 1988 after realizing that the Health cadres in pharmacy were very deficient in the country,” said Prof. Odoi.
In this country, there are currently 390 registered pharmacists and the ratio to population is 1: 82000. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a ratio of 1:2000. Prof. Odoi, in his remarks confidently highlighted that this building will go a long way in training more pharmacists so as to bring the current ratio closer to WHO standards. 
Prof. Nelson Sewankambo, the Principal, College of Health Sciences noted with enthusiasm that this was a stepping stone for the department of Pharmacy to grow into a school of its own. He further challenged the department to not only work closely with other academic programmes but also to extend its collaboration to the lower cadres of training so as to reach the farthest places of this country.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza not only thanked the Danish Ambassador for the Danish Government’s generous support. She assured Her Excellency that the infrastructure would boost the Department of Pharmacy further in increasing the 
supply of pharmaceutical Human Resource so as to support other universities such as Mbarara University and Kampala International University in Bushenyi, which have set up pharmacy departments, and Gulu University which is yet to set up a pharmacy department.
What is important and significant to note is that the pharmaceutical sector takes up over 45% of the Health Budget annually in Uganda. It is therefore not surprising at all that the Government of Uganda pays significant attention to these health cadres who are necessary to effectively manage the pharmaceutical sector.
Representing the Minister of Health, Mrs. Oteba Neville confessed that Uganda faces a very low supply of the Human Resource in this sector. “With the establishment of this building, it is my hope that there will be an increase in the number of pharmacists trained in the country, which will play a significant role in increasing the established positions in government pharmaceutical health units by the Government of Uganda.” Mrs. Oteba said.
In a calm and sophisticated manner, the Danish Ambassador Nathalia Feinberg remarked that in as much as Uganda has made a great progress towards fulfilling most of the Millennium Development goals, there is still a challenge in maternal and infant mortality rates and many others.
“Human resource development has been one of the core components of Denmark’s support to the health sector in Uganda for over two decades with the hope that this will go a long way in fulfilling the millennium development goals and the health sector,” highlighted the Ambassador H.E. Feinberg further noted that as long as there was a lack of pharmacists and technicians, the health sector goal of ensuring the availability of adequate essential medicines and health supplies required for delivery of national minimum health care package would not be met.
The Ambassador concluded by confessing that the Danish Government has been working hard to ensure that there are quality and affordable medicines in the Ugandan health sector. This has been done through strengthening the Uganda National Medical Stores’ capacity to procure, store and distribute medicines, alongside initiatives like the construction of the Pharmacy building, to ensure that there is more appropriate manpower to support these efforts.
“I hope we are going to see more pharmacists being trained now that this structure is in place.” Ambassador Feinberg remarked.
Downloads
Ambassador Nathalia Feinberg's speech MS Word Version, PDF Version, Postscript Version
Minister of Health Remarks at Handover Ceremony MS Word Version, PDF Version, Postscript Version
VC Remarks at Handover ceremony MS Word Version, PDF Version, Postscript Version
mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office
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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