General
January 2011 events
Published
14 years agoon
January 2011
31st January – 1st February 2011: AET2011
The Faculty of Technology organized the Second International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology (AET2011). The conference attracted researchers, industry practitioners and policy makers in engineering and technology from the region and beyond under the theme “Contribution of Scientific Research in Development”.
27th – 29th January 2011: Makerere University Council Induction Workshop
The two-day workshop was organized by the Council Secretariat to induct the new members into the handling of Council business. The Vice Chancellor presented a performance report of the previous Council (Dec 2006 – Dec 2010), and a status report of the University.
21st January 2011: Acer for Education Program launch
The Acer for Education program aims at introducing schools to a new kind of interaction between teachers and students through the use of notebooks. When implemented, the facilities will allow teachers and schools to develop more efficient and stimulating teaching methods. The Vice Chancellor was the Guest of Honour at the launch.
17th January 2011: 61st National BPO Training Launch
Makerere University hosted the launch of the National Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) training launch. The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of ICT, National Information Technology Authority, Uganda [NITA-U] partner with Makerere University Faculty of Computing and IT to conduct the 8-week fulltime training. When launched, the BPO Center will employ Ugandans in the two BPO categories of back office outsourcing and front office outsourcing. The event was presided over by Hon. Eriya Kategaya who represented the Prime Minister, Hon. Aggrey Awori, Minister of ICT and Hon. Syda Bbumba, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, among other dignitaries.
17th – 21st January 2011: 61st Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University
Makerere University hosted her 61st Graduation Ceremony from Monday, 17th – Friday, 21st January, 2011. The ceremony witnessed 13,296 candidates (6,495-48.8% Female & 6,801-51.2% Male) receive their diplomas and degree awards. Of these, 46 candidates (11 Female & 35 Male) graduated with PhDs. 236 students obtained first class degrees with Ms. Barbara Nansamba (CGPA 4.9 – B.Sc. Computer Science) being the best overall and best Sciences student, and Mr. Boniface Abima (CGPA 4.82 – Bachelor of Business Computing) topping the Humanities and Business field. A blind student Mr. Boaz Muhumuza topped the Bachelor of Laws class with a CGPA of 4.21.
14th January 2011: African Gifted Foundation awards ceremony
Department of Mathematics through its outreach programme together with the African Gifted Foundation, trained 25 exceptionally gifted young African students from across the continent in a 10day course on Space Science and Satellites at the Faculty of Computing & IT. The Project, which targets students aged 14-16, is aimed at building a mass of space scientists for Africa in the next ten (10) years. The Vice Chancellor was represented at the ceremony by Prof. Livingstone Luboobi.
13th January 2011: Launch of PGD in Gender and Local Economic Development
The Postgraduate Diploma in Gender and Local Economic Development was launched during the 7th Joint Annual Review on Decentralization (JARD) held at Imperial Royale Hotel. The course is one of the initiatives funded by the District Development Programme III (DDP III). DDP III is mainly funded by the Government of Uganda through the Local Government Sector Investment Plan basket (LGSIP) with support from UNCDF and UNDP. It is implemented in 15 districts. The Vice Chancellor was represented at the launch by Dr. Charles Bwana, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences
11th January 2011: The Makerere University Council Handover Dinner
The University bid farewell to outgoing members and welcomed new members of the Makerere Council (Dec 2010 – Dec 2014), at a dinner held at the Serena Conference Center. The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi was the Guest of Honour at the function attended by the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Members of Management, The Governor Bank of Uganda, The Southern Sudan Ambassador to Uganda, among other dignitaries.
3rd January 2011: 13th Vice Chancellors Media briefing
The 13th monthly media briefing and the first of the year 2011 featured the Department of Women and Gender Studies and the Gender Mainstreaming Division. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the autonomous status of MUBS, statistics of the 61st Graduation and the new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of council i.e. Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem and Dr. Katherine D. Namuddu respectively.
January 2011
31st January – 1st February 2011: AET2011
The Faculty of Technology organized the Second International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology (AET2011). The conference attracted researchers, industry practitioners and policy makers in engineering and technology from the region and beyond under the theme “Contribution of Scientific Research in Development”.
27th – 29th January 2011: Makerere University Council Induction Workshop
The two-day workshop was organized by the Council Secretariat to induct the new members into the handling of Council business. The Vice Chancellor presented a performance report of the previous Council (Dec 2006 – Dec 2010), and a status report of the University.
21st January 2011: Acer for Education Program launch
The Acer for Education program aims at introducing schools to a new kind of interaction between teachers and students through the use of notebooks. When implemented, the facilities will allow teachers and schools to develop more efficient and stimulating teaching methods. The Vice Chancellor was the Guest of Honour at the launch.
17th January 2011: 61st National BPO Training Launch
Makerere University hosted the launch of the National Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) training launch. The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of ICT, National Information Technology Authority, Uganda [NITA-U] partner with Makerere University Faculty of Computing and IT to conduct the 8-week fulltime training. When launched, the BPO Center will employ Ugandans in the two BPO categories of back office outsourcing and front office outsourcing. The event was presided over by Hon. Eriya Kategaya who represented the Prime Minister, Hon. Aggrey Awori, Minister of ICT and Hon. Syda Bbumba, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, among other dignitaries.
17th – 21st January 2011: 61st Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University
Makerere University hosted her 61st Graduation Ceremony from Monday, 17th – Friday, 21st January, 2011. The ceremony witnessed 13,296 candidates (6,495-48.8% Female & 6,801-51.2% Male) receive their diplomas and degree awards. Of these, 46 candidates (11 Female & 35 Male) graduated with PhDs. 236 students obtained first class degrees with Ms. Barbara Nansamba (CGPA 4.9 – B.Sc. Computer Science) being the best overall and best Sciences student, and Mr. Boniface Abima (CGPA 4.82 – Bachelor of Business Computing) topping the Humanities and Business field. A blind student Mr. Boaz Muhumuza topped the Bachelor of Laws class with a CGPA of 4.21.
14th January 2011: African Gifted Foundation awards ceremony
Department of Mathematics through its outreach programme together with the African Gifted Foundation, trained 25 exceptionally gifted young African students from across the continent in a 10day course on Space Science and Satellites at the Faculty of Computing & IT. The Project, which targets students aged 14-16, is aimed at building a mass of space scientists for Africa in the next ten (10) years. The Vice Chancellor was represented at the ceremony by Prof. Livingstone Luboobi.
13th January 2011: Launch of PGD in Gender and Local Economic Development
The Postgraduate Diploma in Gender and Local Economic Development was launched during the 7th Joint Annual Review on Decentralization (JARD) held at Imperial Royale Hotel. The course is one of the initiatives funded by the District Development Programme III (DDP III). DDP III is mainly funded by the Government of Uganda through the Local Government Sector Investment Plan basket (LGSIP) with support from UNCDF and UNDP. It is implemented in 15 districts. The Vice Chancellor was represented at the launch by Dr. Charles Bwana, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences
11th January 2011: The Makerere University Council Handover Dinner
The University bid farewell to outgoing members and welcomed new members of the Makerere Council (Dec 2010 – Dec 2014), at a dinner held at the Serena Conference Center. The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi was the Guest of Honour at the function attended by the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Members of Management, The Governor Bank of Uganda, The Southern Sudan Ambassador to Uganda, among other dignitaries.
3rd January 2011: 13th Vice Chancellors Media briefing
The 13th monthly media briefing and the first of the year 2011 featured the Department of Women and Gender Studies and the Gender Mainstreaming Division. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the autonomous status of MUBS, statistics of the 61st Graduation and the new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of council i.e. Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem and Dr. Katherine D. Namuddu respectively.
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General
Mastercard Foundation Board pays its inaugural visit to Makerere University
Published
2 hours agoon
June 23, 2025
On Tuesday, 17th June 2025, a distinguished delegation from the Mastercard Foundation Board visited Makerere University for the first time since the establishment of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the university. The visit underscored the progress achieved through the partnership and its positive impact on the university community, Uganda and the African continent over the past decade. The delegation was welcomed to Makerere by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, accompanied by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director for Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University.
The high-profile delegation was led by Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia and the first woman to hold the presidential office on the African continent. She serves on the Board alongside other members such as Mr. Zein M. Abdalla, the Board Chairperson; Ms. Jennifer Fonsted; Mr. Jim Leech; Mr. Stephen Toope; Ms. Sewit Ahderom; Ms. Baroness Valerie; Hon. Louise Arbour; Ms. Tsega Gebreyes; Mr. Jay Ireland; Mr. Michael Sabia; Ms. Carole Wamayu; Ms. Robin Washington; and Ms. Reeta Roy, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mastercard Foundation. Additionally, the Board members were accompanied by the leadership team of the Mastercard Foundation, including Mr. Doug Kasambala, Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Ivy Mwai, Education and Skills Lead; Mr. Adrian Bukenya, Country Director for Mastercard Foundation-Uganda Programs; and Ms. Rachel Nandelenga, Head of Country Program Communications.

The Mastercard Foundation Board conducted a series of meetings with various stakeholders at Makerere University. The meetings begun with the University Leadership, which featured key figures such as Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, the Deputy Chairperson of the University Council and Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Advisory Board at Makerere; Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program; and Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary.
While addressing the delegation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude for the partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University. He highlighted the Foundation’s impact on Africa’s higher education sector and the livelihoods of young people across the continent.

“We are privileged to host Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, along with other Members of the Board of Mastercard Foundation and the Foundation’s President and CEO, Ms. Reeta Roy, for the first time at Makerere University. The Mastercard Foundation has significantly impacted Uganda and Africa’s higher education sector and the livelihoods of young people, for which we are very grateful,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe also expressed appreciation to the Mastercard Foundation for its partnerships with Makerere University, which began with the Scholars Program and now encompasses additional initiatives such as the E-learning Initiative and, most recently, the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative project.
During the meeting with the Scholars Program staff, the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, had the opportunity to outline the achievements of the first 10 years (First phase) of the Scholars Program at Makerere University and shed light on the future of the second phase of the Program at Makerere University.

Among the achievements highlighted by Prof. Namaalwa during the first phase were the following:
- The Program supported 1,032 young people, of whom 76% were females and 24% were males.
- As of January 2025, 965 Scholars had graduated, achieving an exceptional completion rate of 94%.
- Scholar Alumni have moved on to various pursuits, including formal employment (34%), entrepreneurship (11%), and further education (3%).
- Strengthening the Student Mentorship Engagements through capacity-building sessions for 97 university staff across the colleges, which benefits both the Scholars and other students.
- Drafting the Makerere University Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy to streamline mentorship engagements across the university. The Policy is currently under review by the University Council.
- As of 2024, the Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund has created 86 jobs across various communities.
- The Scholars made a positive impact on communities through their Annual Day of Service, supporting twelve communities by constructing boreholes for clean water access in two communities and building and equipping classrooms in three communities.

Prof. Namaalwa also elaborated on the accomplishments thus far in the second phase of the Scholars Program by highlighting the following;
- 101 Scholars recruited into the Program across different categories.
- Prioritizing the safety of students and staff, emphasized by the well-articulated Makerere University Safeguarding Policy and its implementation activities.
- A fully operational Disability Inclusion Support Centre.

On the other day’s activities, the Board also had the chance to view a mini-exhibition showcasing projects implemented by the alumni scholars. Furthermore, they engaged in a focus group discussion with both the Scholars and alumni.
On their part, the Board members expressed gratitude to Makerere University Management, led by Prof. Nawangwe, for the tremendous achievements the university had attained through the implementation of the Scholars Program and other initiatives aimed at uplifting underprivileged young people in Uganda and Africa. The Board members also expressed their appreciation to Prof. Namaalwa and the Scholars Program for the excellent job done in implementing the Scholars Program and for the continuous support provided to the Scholars and Scholar-alumni.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, concluded the day by presenting each visitor with an unforgettable souvenir of Makerere, which included exquisite Makerere University coffee mugs and executive pens.

Mr. Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communication and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
More photos from the visit




General
Meet Safali Libia, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumnus who rebuilt his life as a refugee in Uganda
Published
3 days agoon
June 20, 2025By
Mak Editor
In recognition of International World Refugee Day this year, themed “solidarity with refugees,” the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University proudly highlights the remarkable achievements of our Scholars and alumni with refugee backgrounds. These individuals have shown incredible resilience and determination, making a profound impact in their communities. Today, we are excited to share the inspiring story of Safali Libia, a Scholar-alumnus who, despite facing numerous challenges, successfully joined Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, graduated, and actively contributes to his community at Kyangwali Refugee Settlement. He launched a transformative social venture project, A Hand for a Refugee, aimed at advancing the agriculture sector and enhancing livelihoods.
I was born in 1997 in Bunagana, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2013, I fled to Uganda due to the armed conflict in my home country. My life was rebuilt in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, where I found a new beginning.
Despite the challenges, I worked hard through school and was eventually admitted to Makerere University. There, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics as a proud Mastercard Foundation Scholar. Accessing education in a peaceful environment changed the trajectory of my life. While at university, I decided to change the narrative about refugees. Too often, we are viewed through a lens of pity rather than potential. In my second year at Makerere, I allocated part of my scholarship stipends to support my family and also fund youth activities in the settlement. I mentored younger students, encouraged girls to stay in school, and advocated for inclusive development policies that recognise refugees as contributors, not burdens.

I also noticed how refugees have limited access to resources and opportunities. Many can only engage in small-scale agriculture or petty trade, yet they have dreams and abilities far beyond that. This realisation led me to co-found ‘A Hand for a Refugee’, a youth-led social enterprise driven by a profound understanding of the urgent need to strengthen the socio-economic well-being of refugee communities. We envision a future where refugees are not solely reliant on aid but are empowered towards self-reliance and can sustainably meet their diverse household needs, including ensuring access to education for their children, providing sufficient and nutritious food, securing safe drinking water, and fostering improved living conditions.
We focus on practical and sustainable solutions, providing comprehensive skilling and training in the two thematic areas of climate-smart agriculture livelihood for refugees and youth/women economic empowerment. Recognising the diverse experiences of refugee farmers, we provide support through comprehensive extension services and market linkage initiatives. These efforts are designed to enhance agricultural productivity, foster economic self-reliance, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

So far, we have trained fellow refugees in modern, climate-smart farming techniques and supported them in growing high-value crops like passion fruits, tomatoes, onions, and cabbages, which could thrive on small plots of land. Through these efforts, we strengthened food security and restored dignity. Our initiative has trained over 50 farmers, empowered women and youth, and demonstrated that refugee-led solutions are practical and sustainable. The Anzisha Prize and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program have recognised my work as a shining example of refugee-led innovation and a testament to whatrefugees can achieve when given the opportunity.
Today, I serve as the General Secretary of the Kyangwali Refugee-Led Organisations Umbrella. I encourage fellow refugee youth to take up leadership roles. We are not helpless; we are resourceful, determined, and resilient. All we need is trust, tools, and opportunity.

On this World Refugee Day, I call upon refugee youth not to wait for change but to be the change. We carry the solutions to our own problems. With education, courage, and unity, we can build more than survival; we can build thriving futures.
Let my journey remind the young people in different settlements that leadership, resilience, and hope can grow even in difficult conditions. I represent a new generation of refugees who do not see themselves as victims of circumstance but as architects of change, ready to rebuild their communities from the ground up. As we commemorate this day, let us celebrate young visionaries for surviving, thriving, and illuminating the way forward for millions of others displaced by conflict and crisis. In this struggle, I have planted seeds of hope, demonstrating that from within the refugee settlements of Africa can emerge the leaders of tomorrow. If I can do it, you can too.
General
Call For Expression of Interest: MURBS MIS Requirements Gathering
Published
4 days agoon
June 19, 2025By
Mak Editor
1.0 Background
Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) is a Mandatory Employer-Based Scheme established under irrevocable trusts to provide retirement benefits to employees of Makerere University and operates in accordance with its Trust Deed and Scheme Rules, as amended on 30 May 2023.
MURBS is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. MURBS has grown over the years and is looking to develop a system that offers comprehensive information systems integration and reporting capabilities to support effective management.
MURBS invites qualified and experienced consulting firms/consultants to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) for the requirements gathering necessary to develop and implement a comprehensive Management Information System (MIS). The purpose of this initiative is to gather detailed user needs and technical specifications to ensure the successful design, development, and deployment of the Management Information System (MIS).
2.0 Objectives of the Requirements Collection
The consultant/firm shall be responsible for achieving the objectives, which include:
- To understand and document the detailed functional and non-functional requirements of the MURBS MIS.
- To identify user needs across various departments and levels of management.
- To establish technical specifications and data architecture needs.
- To ensure alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards.
- To provide a foundation for the subsequent design, development, and implementation phases.
3.0 Scope of Work
The selected consultant/firm will be responsible for:
- Conducting stakeholder interviews and workshops across departments.
- Reviewing existing systems (if any), workflows, and data sources.
- Documenting current processes and identifying gaps.
- Collecting and prioritizing user requirements.
- Developing a comprehensive requirements specification document.
- Validating requirements with stakeholders.
- Providing recommendations for system features, integrations, and technical architecture.
4.0 Eligibility Criteria – Qualification and Experience
The Firm/Consultant must submit a detailed written statement to confirm the following minimum requirements:
- Proven experience in requirements gathering for MIS or similar systems.
- A strong understanding of data management, reporting, and analytics; and Public Financial Management (PFM) knowledge.
- Experience working in the IT industry; at least 10 years in the software and system development industry.
- Adequate technical and functional expertise. The Firm/Consultant should be familiar with the various stages of system development, from design to implementation and testing; and should be familiar with different requirements gathering methodologies.
- Successful track record of similar projects undertaken, including different requirements gathering methodologies.
5.0 Responding to this Call
- Interested parties should submit their EOIs, including:
- i) Cover letter expressing interest.
- ii) Company/consultant profile with relevant experience.
- iii) Methodology/approach to requirements collection.
- iv) List of key personnel involved.
- v) Examples of similar projects undertaken.
- vi) Tax clearance system.
- vii) Proof of membership to a professional body in Uganda or internationally.
- viii) Any other relevant information.
- The EOI should be addressed to;
The Principal Pension Officer
Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme
P.O. Box 7827, Kampala
Lincoln Flats – B4, Makerere University
Tel: +256 (414) 531472
Email: info@murbs.mak.ac.ug
- A completed and sealed EOI should be hand-delivered and submitted at the Scheme Office, and an electronic copy of the EOI should be sent to info@murbs.mak.ac.ug.
Disclaimer: This EOI is not a procurement contract and does not commit MURBS to select any respondent. It is an invitation for expressions of interest to facilitate the subsequent formal procurement process.
Deadline for Submission: 2 July 2025 (3:00 p.m.)
Licensed by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (RBS.0005)
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