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MURBS declares 12.6percent interest rate at Third AGM

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All the financial figures and projections provided at the 3rd Annual General Meeting indicate a great improvement in the finances of the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS).

Addressing the members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday 7th November 2013, in Lab 2 at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), the Chairperson Board of Trustees, Hajjati Fatumah Nakatudde said:  “We are happy to report that for the financial year ended 30th June 2013, the MURBS made a Gross income of UGX 8.6billion and Net income of UGX 5.4billion. The total Fund Value as of June 2013 stood at UGX 78.8billion. It is also important to note that it is during the same financial year that the NIC/DAP monies amounting to over UGX 20billion were paid out in benefits.”

Dr. Saul Nsubuga a Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) MURBS contributes to the discussion at the 3rd AGm, 7th Nov 2013, CoCIS, Makerere University Kampala UgandaThe Board Secretary, Dr. John Kitayimbwa pointed out that the Board of Trustees (BoT) takes responsibility of the interest declared at 12.6% and applauded the fund managers for performing over and above BoT’s expectations.

“Our rate of return this year was 15.4%. Our declared interest for the year is 12.6% because we must have a reserve to absorb shocks and changes in the market. Compared with institutions/bodies that provide similar services in our current market, an interest ate of 12.6% is very good,” reechoed Dr. Kitayimbwa.
 

Also commenting on the declared interest rate of 12.6%, Dr. Saul Nsubuga, Member of the BoT said: “It is better to accrue a fair interest rate, within a regulated framework, but ensure that this money is available on retirement.”

Mr. Goddy Muhumuza, Senior Legal Officer, Makerere University (L) and other Members contribute to the discussion durint the 3rd MURBS AGM, 7th Nov 2013, CoCIS, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaThe well attended 3rd Annual General meeting (AGM) was characterized by precise questions and comments directed at the BoT, indicative of a strong desire for information sharing and exchange of ideas, appreciation for the work done, optimism and goodwill. The same scene played out as highlights of the Financial and External Auditor’s Reports for the Year ended June 2013 were presented.

 

The Emcee Mr. Louis Kakinda (with mic) moderated the well attended 3rd Annual AGM, 7th Nov 2013, CoCIS, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaThe day’s emcee Mr. Louis Kakinda provided a brief reflection on the 2nd AGM held on 25th October 2012; presented the agenda of the 3rd AGM and also introduced the current BoT comprising;  Hajjati Fatumah Nakatudde (Chairperson), Dr. John Kitayimbwa (Secretary), Ms. Edna Rugumayo, Dr. Saul Nsubuga, Mr. Dyson W. Maswere, Prof. Julius Zake, Mr. Bruce Twesigye and Ms Miriam Magala.

 

With regard to general composition, all permanent employees of the university under the age of 50 are eligible to join the MURBS as contributing members. During the AGM, the BoT made reference to the Trustee Some of the Members of Staff who attended the 3rd MURBS AGM, 7th Nov 2013, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaDeed signed between Makerere University and the MURBS, which stipulates that all permanent members of staff are eligible to join the Fund and therefore advised members to fill in the registration forms to enable BoT track all the finances due to them.

Another key message shared by the BoT assured the members that unlike past experiences with other pension/retirement schemes where members of staff retired without payment due to them, MURBS is committed to ensuring that the money is timely given to the concerned member upon retirement.

In the same spirit, members were advised that in addition to the designated 5% deducted from their salaries, Dr. John Kitayimbwa, Secretary BoT-MURBS addresses Members at the 3rd AGM, CoCiS, Makerere University, Kampala Ugandathey could liaise with the MURBS Secretariat and fill out forms to voluntarily increase their monthly contribution, which will inevitably increase on the savings they will access on retirement.

The Board Secretary, Dr. John Kitayimbwa thanked the members for supporting the current Board of Trustees since they assumed office on 1st April 2013.  “The term of office for the previous Board of Trustees chaired by Dr. Augustus Nuwagaba ended on 31st March 2013. A new BoT chaired by Hajjati Fatumah Nakatudde was constituted following the provisions in the Trustee Deed. We thank the previous BoT for laying a firm foundation. We also thank you members for supporting the new BoT to seamlessly transition into service,” remarked Dr. Kitayimbwa.

In agreement, one member, Ms Grace Christine Bazaya applauded the old and current BoT and the Executives of Staff Associations for working tirelessly to deliver the NIC/DAP funds to members at the time they needed it most.  Commenting on the future of MURBS, Ms Bazaya proposed a mechanism of checks and balances to ensure accountability and transparency at all levels.

Hajjati Fatumah Nakatudde, Chairperson BoT-MURBS answers Members' queries at the 3rd AGM, CoCIS, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaRegarding the members’ contributions which are yet to be remitted by Makerere University to MURBS, Hajjati Fatumah Nakatudde reported that BoT had sued the University, but were advised to settle the matter out of court and since then several negotiation meetings have been held between BoT and the University Management. However, since the Makerere University Council is the employer, a joint committee comprising membership from BoT and University Management is scheduled to present to the University Council on whether to pay interest on the contributions from the members who benefited from the previous In-house Retirement Scheme. She added that BoT is committed to the welfare of her members and they were optimistic that the negotiations at the different levels would all yield positive results.

Mr. Michael Kimoni, Partner, Ernst & Young, Auditors, MURBS at the 3rd AGM, 7th Nov 2013, CoCIS, Makerere University, Kampala UgandaAccording to the External Auditors Report to the members of MURBS by Ernst & Young-Certified Public Accountants, the financial statements presented fairly, in all material respects, the statement of net assets available for benefits of MURBS as at 30 June 2013. Ernst & Young further assented, that the reports represented changes in the net assets available for benefits and cash flows for the year then ended, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and the Requirements of the Trust Deed.

The Fund Managers, Pine Bridge Investments (E.A.) Limited (PINE) and STANLIB in their report informed the AGM that they prepared the financials and shared the information with the Auditors.

Dr. George L. Openjuru, CEES, makes his contribution to the discussion, 3rd Annual AGM, 7thNov2013, CoCIS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda“The Year closed with UGX 78.8billion. There was a reduction in the fund by UGX 5.7billion because of the NIC/ DAP funds which were paid out to the members during the year. The assets as of June 2013 added up to UGX. 78.8billion. If the MURBS was to be wound up today, we would sell our assets worth UGX 78.8billion and pay our liability,” highlighted the statement from PINE and STANLIB.

Responding to the Fund Managers’ report, the Board Secretary, Dr. John Kitayimbwa had this to say
“The Fund Managers work on behalf of the BoT, which takes full responsibility of the interest declared. The two fund managers (PINE and STANLIB) performed over and above our expectations. The Board of Trustees will consider giving them a bonus,’’ commended Dr. Kitayimbwa.

The BoT, MURBS, during the 3rd Annual AGM, 7th Nov 2013, CoCIS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

To toast to this historic achievement, the BoT hosted a cocktail for its Members at the Makerere University Guest House.

 

Story by:   Ritah Namisango and Mark Wamai, Public Relations Office
Photos by:  Henry Mukasa, Service Provider

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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