General
Crane Bank launches Makerere University Branch
On Wednesday 12th September 2012, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu officiated at the opening of a new branch for Crane Bank at Makerere University, Senate Building.
The opening of the Crane Bank branch presents an opportunity to staff and students to access banking services at extended working hours, a forex bureau, an exclusive counter for members of staff and two Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, the Managing Director of Crane Bank Ltd, Mr. A.R. Kalan congratulated Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu upon his appointment as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and informed the audience that Crane Bank will provide innovative products and timely services at affordable rates to the University community and the surrounding population.
“From Monday to Friday, the branch will provide banking services from 8:30am to 6:00pm. On Saturday, the branch will open at 9:00am and close at 3:00pm. The bank will also offer scholarship to students along with other innovative programmes,” said Mr. Kalan.
The University Secretary, Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi commended Crane Bank Ltd for coming up with a schedule that will enable the students who study on the evening programme to access banking services after 5:00pm.
Officiating at the Launch, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu appealed to Crane Bank to examine the needs of the University community and come up with a sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility programme to benefit students, staff and the wider University community. Professor Ddumba Ssentamu also extended an invitation to Crane Bank and other banks to take part in the activities lined up in the year-long celebrations to mark 90 years of Makerere University‘s existence.
He advised the Crane Bank team to design marketing and promotional campaigns which do not disrupt the academic operations of the university as well as the need to follow the prescribed standards and authorization when using the Makerere University name and logo.
After his speech, the Guest of Honour, Professor John Ddumba Ssentamu together with the Managing Director, Mr. A.R. Kalan, Branch Manager, Mr. Avdesh and Deputy Branch Manager, Ms Merab Kansiime proceeded to the entrance of the bank premises where he cut the ribbon and declared the Makerere University Crane Bank Branch officially open.
The Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and Students present then received a guided tour of the Makerere University Crane Bank Branch premises from the Bank staff.
Story by: Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer, Makerere University
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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