_{By Marion Apio}

On March 21, 2026, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with a close colleague and passionate leader, Owekitinisa Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki. We had not spoken since I moved to the United States to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist. The following day, I learned that he had been quietly undergoing treatment in and out of the hospital. True to his character, he had chosen to keep his condition private. I was shocked and saddened, wishing I had known earlier so I could offer support.

At first, reports from family and friends were encouraging. He had been diagnosed with malaria and low blood platelet counts and was receiving treatment. Respecting his wish for confidentiality, members of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community at Makerere University rallied discreetly around him.

However, on April 29, his condition worsened. He was transferred between medical facilities and underwent extensive tests, including a biopsy, as doctors searched for answers. Sadly, on May 29, Sylas passed away.

His death sparked an extraordinary outpouring of love and solidarity. Friends, colleagues, and former scholars mobilised to support his family, settle medical expenses, organise virtual vigils, and plan a dignified farewell. Hundreds gathered at St. Augustine Chapel to pay their respects. Within three days, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community raised approximately UGX 11 million, a testament to Sylas’ impact on countless lives.

In the days that followed, I found myself wrestling with difficult questions. In a world where we spend so much time following people online, are we paying enough attention to those quietly transforming lives around us? Why do we invest so much emotional energy in distant personalities while overlooking the people God has placed right in front of us?

Sylas lived with humility and served with grace. His death left more than 1,500 Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni grieving, alongside many others around the world who knew him. Yet his passing also exposed a contradiction in modern life.

We live in an age of unprecedented connectivity. Uganda has millions of internet users and WhatsApp subscribers, while globally, people spend hours each day on social media. We have more tools than ever to stay connected, yet many of us are becoming increasingly disconnected from the people who matter most.

Sylas resisted this trend. Through mentorship, service, and community-building, he remained deeply present in others’ lives. While many people retreat into individual pursuits, he consistently chose connection.

This challenge is especially relevant for Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni. Every year, young Africans leave home to pursue education and professional opportunities abroad. Distance, time zones, visa restrictions, and rising travel costs make it difficult to maintain relationships and remain actively involved in the communities that helped shape us.

For Sylas, the answer was simple: show up. Celebrate others. Offer support. Stay connected.

He never allowed geographical or personal barriers to become excuses for disengagement. Even while facing his own struggles, he invested in others. He embodied the values the Mastercard Foundation seeks to cultivate—ethical leadership, service, and community empowerment.

Sylas did not wait for a perfect platform to create change. He simply served where he was. He helped build bridges between education, culture, and professional development while remaining grounded in his values. He dreamed of creating a stronger alumni ecosystem and brought both passion and compassion to every initiative he touched.

Since his passing, social media has been filled with memories of his infectious smile and unwavering commitment to others. Those tributes reveal an important truth: people gave generously because Sylas had first given himself generously to them. People from different backgrounds, generations, and communities showed up because he had spent his life showing up for them. His legacy now challenges all of us.

The greatest tribute we can offer is not simply to mourn his loss but to continue his work. That means supporting the causes he cared about, helping the children whose education he championed, strengthening alumni networks, and pursuing the dreams we discussed with him.

The tragedy of modern life is not that we follow people online. It is that too often our attention to distant lives comes at the expense of meaningful relationships nearby. Yet strong relationships are as essential to our well-being as physical health.

As Ugandans, we take pride in our faith, culture, and sense of community. We contribute to fundraisers, attend ceremonies, and support family members in times of need. But increasingly, genuine connection is being replaced by passive digital interaction. Families and communities cannot thrive on likes, retweets, and emojis alone.

They require presence—phone calls, visits, conversations, and the willingness to notice when someone is struggling.

Before spending another hour immersed in the lives of strangers online, look around. Call the friend you have not spoken to in years. Check on a family member. Reach out to a colleague who seems withdrawn. Communities are not built by algorithms or celebrities. They are built by ordinary people who choose, day after day, to care for those within their reach.

Uganda needs more people like Sylas. At just 32 years old, he achieved what many spend a lifetime striving for. He served as Minister of Information in the Toro Kingdom and as President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Association in Uganda. More importantly, he dedicated himself to serving others.

While his death is deeply painful, his life remains a powerful example of how we should live. My prayers and condolences go to his family, friends, and the entire Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community.

Rest in perfect peace, Owek. Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki.

The author is a Mastercard Foundation Alumna from Makerere University and the University of California, Berkeley. She is a journalist based in Southern California and the CEO of the Debunk Media Initiative.

It brings me great joy to welcome you to Makerere University.

First Year students (Freshers) are by tradition given an “acclimatization” period of
one week which is referred to as the “Orientation Week”. The Freshers report on
Campus one week earlier than the Continuing students and during this week they
are introduced to the key facilities as well as other important aspects of life at the
University.
Schedule of Semesters for 2026/2027 Academic Year
Semester One
Saturday 8th August, 2026 to Saturday 5th December, 2026 (17 Weeks)
Semester Two
Saturday 16th January, 2027 to Saturday 15th May, 2027 (17 Weeks)
Orientation Week
Saturday 1st August, 2026 – Friday 7th August, 2026
During the Orientation week, arrangements are made to enable the Freshers meet
and be addressed by Key Officers, Wardens and Student Leaders who welcome the
students.

Arrangements are also made to enable the Freshers acquaint themselves with such
key facilities at the University like the Library, University Hospital, Games and
Recreation Facilities.etc.

Freshers are expected to take advantage of the week to survey and acquaint
themselves with the general Campus lay out. Another major activity during the
Orientation Week is Registration.

All Freshers must ensure that they are registered with their respective Colleges/Schools/ Departments/Halls/University Hospital.

Saturday 1st August, 2026
Resident Freshers report to their respective halls of residence or private hostels by
5.00 p.m. It is the responsibility of each student to make his/her own travel
arrangements to the University or private hostel.

Monday 3rd August, 2026
All freshers shall report to the Freedom Square for a meeting (Central orientation
program) with the University officials at 9:00am.

College Orientation
Tuesday 4th – Friday 7th August, 2026 College orientation programs will follow
during the orientation week. College Principals and Registrars will issue the
orientation programs for their colleges.
Lectures will begin on Monday 10^th August, 2026.

Registration
For a candidate to be considered a bonafide student of the University, he/she must
be registered. Registration is a mandatory requirement of the University which
must be done within the first two (2) weeks from the beginning of the semester by
every student. Privately sponsored students will pick their original admission
letters after payment of 60% tuition and all functional fees from their respective
colleges.
Registration will commence on Monday 10^th August, 2026 starting at 9.00 a.m.
each day at the respective Schools.
Ensure that you complete all the required registration formalities within the
prescribed time in order to avoid disappointments later. College/School Registrars
will provide registration programs.

Registration Requirements
Admission to Makerere University is a provisional offer made on the basis of the
statement of your qualifications as presented on your application form. The offer is
subject to verification of your academic documents and payment of university fees.
For registration purposes, all first-year students MUST produce their original
documents for verification.

Government sponsored students shall pay shs.155,404/= functional fees to
Makerere University.

Privately sponsored students shall pay 834,505/= and 1,489,785/= for Ugandans
and International candidates respectively for semester one and 132,250/= for
semester two of year 1.

Full admission letters for Government sponsored students should be picked from
the respective Colleges/Schools beginning Monday 6th July 2026.
The fees structure for privately sponsored students is attached to their provisional
admission letters that should be down loaded from their ACMIS portal.
Students in the affiliated Institutions should pay fees indicated by their respective
Institutions.
Fresher’s joining instructions concerning reporting, fees payment, academic
policies and any important information from the different university units can be
viewed from the Academic Registrar’s Department notice boards and University
websites www.mak.ac.ug
All freshers MUST have laptop computers as one of the essential tools for study
purposes for their programmes.

Other Fees
a) National Council for Higher Education fee (Per Year)-Shs.20,000/=
(Payable to the National Council for Higher Education Account in Stanbic Bank).

b) UNSA Subscription fee (per year) – Shs. 2,000/= (payable to Stanbic Bank,
City Branch, A/C 0140007248501).

Change of Programmes/Subjects
(a) Change of Programmes
Since selection for specific programmes was made according to each candidate’s
performance and order of programme choices, taking into account the available
subject combinations and time-table limitations, there is normally little need to
change the programme or subjects. However, some places become vacant when
some of the students admitted do not take up the offers. Such places are filled
through the change of programmes/subjects.

Students who wish to change programmes first of all register according to the
registration time-table for the programmes and subjects (where applicable) to
which originally have been admitted. Each student who may wish to change
his/her programme/ subject combination is required to pay an application fee of
Shs.6,000/= plus the service fee and bank charges to banks used by Uganda
Revenue Authority.

(b) Change of Subjects
Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural
Sciences or the College of Education and Extemal Studies may wish to change their
subjects.

Students should be aware that changing one subject may result in a change of
College. Before students apply to change their programmes, Colleges and Subjects,
they are encouraged to seek advice on the cut-off point(s) for programmes,
requirements for specific subjects and possible subject combinations.

Change of programme/Subjects will be done online on payment of an application
fee of Shs. Six thousand (6000/=) plus the service fee and bank charges to banks
used by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Students are notified and warned that change of programme or transferring to
another subject combination or College without proper authority will be liable to
discontinuation from the University.

A student who has been permitted to change his/her programme or subject(s) will
be issued with a letter stating so, and on receipt of such a letter that student should
complete the ACCEPTANCE part and return a copy of each to the Undergraduate
Admissions and Records Office, the former College j School and the new
College/School.

The change of programme /subjects will be done online from Monday 3rd August,
2026 to Friday 14th August, 2026.

N.B: It is advisable that only those students who meet the cut-off points for the
desired programme/subjects may apply.

Buyinza Mukadasi
Academic Registrar

Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.

The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.

Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.

“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.

Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.

The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.

 “Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.

Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.

“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.

Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.

 “Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.

She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.

Ruhweeza at glance

Born on 19^th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.

The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.

He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.

At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.

Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions

Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.

He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.

He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.

He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.

At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.

Legacy

Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.

His life reflected the transformative power of education, servant leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.

May Sylas’s soul rest in eternal peace.