General
MURBS Seminar provokes Staff Entrepreneurial Spirit
“Retirement goes beyond simply choosing a date to retire” were some of the words of wisdom that echoed across the Makerere University Main Hall during the second retirement planning sensitization seminar. As part of its Member Education series, the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) held the seminar on Tuesday 18th March 2014, organized as a way of helping members devise the best plan for their retirement. The MURBS Board of Trustees (BoT) lined up a panel of speakers namely; Mr. Fulgence Mungereza, Mrs. Edna Rugumayo and Mr. Kaka Sudesh, with the promise to tickle, excite and educate.
Welcoming scheme and BoT Members present to the seminar, the Secretary BoT, MURBS, Dr. John Kitayimbwa emphasized the need to have a panel representative of at least three age groups so as to best cater for all Members, the target range being 20 to 70 years. In her opening remarks, the Chairperson, BoT, MURBS Hajjati Fatumah Nakatudde encouraged the audience to always reflect on retirement as a time enjoy the benefits of their hard work and hence prepare adequately for it.
“I encourage each and every one of us here to always seriously; assess your readiness to retire, identify actions to improve your readiness to retire, acquire adequate financial planning knowledge and most importantly develop a saving culture for your retirement,” counseled Hajjati Fatumah Nakatudde.
The first panelist at the seminar Mr. Fulgence Mungereza, a partner with Mungereza and Kariisa, a certified public accounts firm, thanked Members for taking time to attend the event, noting that eminent people especially those employed by Makerere ought to start preparing for retirement as early as the first day at work. “Planning and saving starts now,” emphasized Mr. Mungereza, further noting that “Few retirees live comfortably afterwards, with some being entirely devastated as retirement seems to catch them by surprise!”
He noted the dangers of overdependence on salaries and encouraged the audience to always devise means of securing a side income. Mr. Mungereza who delivered his presentation in a matter-of-factly way then challenged the members especially Men to always consider their partners when making investment decisions. “Working secretly is dangerous! The first partner is your wife,” he wisely counseled.
Mr. Mungereza encouraged the audience to adopt a saving culture, noting that it is not about the amount but the habit “wealth is a function of savings not earnings,” he elaborated. He cautioned members to always review the status of their assets so as to ascertain what to do with them. “Get out of bad debt. Do not borrow a “Cheap debt”; for the sake of servicing expenses.” He instead advised that members should adopt measures like mortgaging their property for the sake of garnering investment capital. Mr. Mungereza concluded by urging all members to write their wills so as to keep their hard-earned money within the family. He commended the audience for investing in quality education for their children but warned against depending on them for their retirement. “Children are a good investment but they may ignore you in your latter years,” he said.
Mrs. Edna Rugumayo, also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the ICPAU-nominated MURBS BoT Member then gave her contribution on preparing for retirement as the second panelist of the day. An alumna from the School of Statistics and Applied Economics, Makerere University, Mrs. Rugumayo advised the audience against regarding retirement from Makerere as the complete cessation of active employment. Using her own example as a recent retiree, she noted that we were enjoying a higher standard of living than our forefathers and hence living longer, a factor that necessitated us to carefully plan for retirement. “Planning for retirement is planning for life,” she aptly stated.
Regarding the need to ensure that members lived a well-balanced life, Mrs. Rugumayo offered a few words of wisdom to the younger crop of MURBS members, who unfortunately were sparsely represented in the audience. “Do not wait to marry late, for in so doing, all your problems will be delayed.” She encouraged all present to keep on improving their qualifications so as to avoid going into obsolescence. Recognizing the need to set goals in all aspects of life including one’s income and expenses, Mrs. Rugumayo advised that every goal should be accompanied by a plan or else it would simply remain a wish. “Set long-term goals for your life and then set short-term goals on how to get there [incrementally]. Do not be disappointed when you fall short of your goals but instead have a personal change management plan to help you adjust accordingly,” counseled Mrs. Edna Rugumayo.
She also observed that personal financial planning is an aspect that is closely linked with our lifestyles. In this regard, Mrs. Rugumayo recommended that saving ought to be thought of before spending, noting that saving can only work as a culture. “Draw up a personal saving plan and stick to it. Mandatory saving is good but insufficient because the benefits are received only at the end and will not save you in the event of an emergency,” she advised.
On the subject of where we ought to keep our savings, Mrs. Rugumayo summarily but with the wisdom of one very knowledgeable on the subject said, “At worst, save in the bank. Savings dwindle with time and in the long run, you are enriching the bank,” she pointedly noted. She instead advised members to consider tried and tested avenues like land banking which has been discovered to be lucrative saving vehicle in Uganda. She also advised members to consider investing in Government securities like bonds and treasury bills. And whereas the small business sector is regarded as the least capital intensive, the former Assistant Commissioner Finance at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) advised that Members should first seek to acquire specialized knowledge on the intricacies of their operations prior to investing in them.
In concluding her presentation, Mrs. Rugumayo noted that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for investment. She also advised that annuity; a fixed sum of money paid out by the Government to retirees each year, is not very well developed in Uganda and advised against totally relying on it.
The third and final panelist of the day and arguably the most energetic then took to the stage and encouraged members to get up and stretch before he could start his presentation. The 31 year old Business Coach and Keynote speaker who retired at only 24 then dared anyone to doze off during his presentation, as he walked to and fro the aisle in the Main Hall. The CEO at Sudesh International Consult Ltd and Graduate of Makerere University then launched into his presentation by defining that a business should be commercial, profitable and above all able to work without your presence.
As one who started doing business at only 10 years of age thanks to a well-established culture of business-minded parents and grandparents, Mr. Sudesh shared that he had lost it all so many times before but most importantly, had learned valuable lessons that continue shaping his business engagements to date. “The most important thing is to get and keep customers,” he shared as one of the lessons learned. He further noted that the principles of good business ought to come first and once mastered, can be applied across varying scenarios for they are more or less the same.
Mr. Sudesh by virtue of his profession meets a lot of business owners and practitioners. He noted that during one such engagement, he more than ever before learnt to respect the distinction between the two-sided nature of business; technical and managerial. He advised business owners and those intending to start to always identify their strength as either technical or managerial and then proceed to employ someone else to handle the side that they were less skilled at. In so doing, they would then be able to avoid stifling the business’ growth, “You cannot do it all. You need partners to carry your business beyond your own dreams,” he advised.
The best timing of when to go into business is a decision that beleaguers one too many. To this end, Mr. Sudesh advised members to always take the initiative to start now, as the conditions will never be 100% perfect. He however advised that once up and running, one ought to treasure their employees, “People matter the most. How you treat your team is the key to your success or failure.” In concluding his presentation Mr. Sudesh asked the audience to always ponder on the three questions; Are you [as a business owner/manager] seeing what is or what you hope for? Are you [as a business/product] remarkable or invisible? Are you [as a business/product] growing or dying?
At the conclusion of the presentations, the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions, which ranged from why one who has worked very hard all their lives should not just simply enjoy their savings, to how to purchase Government securities. In their responses the panelists and BoT Members advised the audience to always look at work as pleasure and even after retirement, to go into those business ventures that are fulfilling. MURBS Members also received advice from Prof. James Ntozi, Chair, Makerere University Pensioners Association (MUPA) to always be united in their demand for good retirement packages from both Makerere University and the Government.
At the conclusion of the seminar the Chairperson, BoT, MURBS Hajjati Fatumah Nakatudde thanked the panelists for their respective great deliveries and members for turning up to receive sound investment advice. She further encouraged members to increase their monthly savings to MURBS. “Mandatory savings currently being deducted are very small. Let us each try to make additional voluntary savings,” she said. The Secretary BoT, MURBS, Dr. John Kitayimbwa reiterated Hajjati Nakatudde’s appeal by sharing that “Last year, MURBS paid out 12.6% interest to members, which was above inflation and 1% more than what NSSF paid to its members.”
The next seminar in the series will feature the MURBS fund managers, who have expressed willingness to come and educate members on how to invest in equities and Government securities. Members are advised to come and attend these trainings to improve their knowledge on sound Financial investment.
Article and Pictures by Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University Writing Centre trains first cohort of staff on professional minute writing
By Christopher Kaahwa and Ritah Namisango
On 6th November 2025, the Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC) held a training workshop aimed at enhancing professional writing skills among University staff.
Focusing on official documentation and record keeping, the training, hosted at the School of Business Conference Hall, attracted participants from different University units, including Assistant Administrative Officers and Assistant Academic Registrars. This marked the first cohort of trainees to benefit from the program, which covered topics such as the fundamentals and responsibilities of a minute taker, writing techniques, policy and legal considerations, e-meeting platforms, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, the Deputy Academic Registrar, who represented the Academic Registrar, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, commended the Writing Centre for championing the growth of writing skills across the University. “I want to thank the team from the Writing Centre for considering the Academic Registrar’s Department. Writing is central to everything that we do – from keeping accurate minutes to communicating decisions. This training will greatly improve our writing skills,” she said.
Mrs. Mushengyezi emphasized that official records, especially minutes, must be accurate, ethical, and well-structured. She reminded participants that minutes are not mere summaries, but legal and public documents that can serve as evidence in administrative or legal matters. “When we write minutes, we must remember they represent official proceedings and can be used in courts of law. This calls for professionalism, clarity, and ethical responsibility in your daily work,” she stated.
Speaking during the workshop, Professor Fredrick Jones Muyodi, the Team Leader, Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC), explained that the Centre is pivoted to support the University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution by 2030. Established and institutionalized in 2025 by the University Senate and Council, the Centre operates under the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP).
Professor Muyodi shared that the Centre has developed a comprehensive training and mentorship program to build writing skills across the University and beyond. The program will involve experts and mentors experienced in writing, collaborative research, and publication. It will use a hybrid approach, combining traditional teaching with online learning, case studies, and hands-on practice.
He also revealed that the Centre will offer short courses, lasting up to two weeks, in key areas such as academic, technical and scientific writing, editing and proofreading, policy brief and report writing, writing for community engagement, professional writing for administrators, and publishing. “These courses will strengthen the writing capacity of both staff and students while promoting research translation and effective communication,” he said.
On behalf of the Writing Center, Professor Ronald Bisaso commended the support from the Directorate of Human Resource and the Academic Registrar’ department for the identification of capacity development gaps, that provided the basis for the choice of topics and training facilitators.
During her presentation on the Fundamentals and Roles of a Minute Taker, Mrs. Mushengyezi underscored the importance of understanding institutional structures and governing frameworks before taking on the role of writing minutes. She explained that Makerere University’s governance system – from the University Council and Senate down to College Boards and departmental committees, operates under clear mandates, which minute writers must understand to accurately record proceedings.
She noted that effective minute writing begins with proper preparation, which includes knowing the committee composition, consulting the Chairperson about meeting details, and ensuring members receive timely notices and agendas. She advised participants to differentiate between regular, special, and emergency meetings, as each requires a unique approach to documentation. Drawing from experience, she encouraged participants to arrive early for meetings, verify meeting logistics, and carry official record books to ensure accuracy. “A well-prepared minute writer, not only captures discussions accurately, but also upholds the credibility of the meeting,” she remarked.
Mrs. Proscovia Nakayiki, Acting Deputy Academic Registrar (Examinations and Transcripts), led a session on Writing Techniques. During the session, she emphasized that minutes are vital for accountability, serve as a record for future reference, and inform those who missed meetings. “Well-written minutes should tell a clear, flowing story that remains meaningful even years later,” she said.
Ms. Nakayiki stressed that minute writing requires preparation and structure. She advised secretaries to be familiar with the meeting type and agenda, list all attendees and absentees, clearly summarize discussions, and outline action points. She also encouraged the use of templates, testing of recording devices beforehand, and remaining attentive during meetings to capture key decisions accurately.
Presenting on Policy and Legal Frameworks for Minute Writing, Ms. Esther Kabinga, Principal Legal Officer discussed the laws and policies that govern record keeping in Uganda. She noted that minutes are crucial for transparency and accountability, citing laws such as the Companies Act (2012), Public Finance Management Act (2015), and Access to Information Act. She also referenced some of Makerere University policies, including the Record Keeping Policy, Academic Records Management Policy (2022), and Communications Policy (2013). “Proper documentation protects both the institution and the individuals involved in decision-making,” she emphasized.
Discussing the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning, noted that AI has become part of everyday life. He commended Makerere University for adopting an official AI policy that promotes its ethical, inclusive, and responsible use in teaching, research, administration, and innovation. He urged participants to use AI as a supportive tool, combining it with human judgment and creativity while writing.
Building on to the aforementioned presentation, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, the Head, Department of Distance Learning and Deputy Director at the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning, highlighted the role of digital platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and WebEx in improving meeting efficiency and documentation. He pointed out that these platforms provide useful features like recording, transcription, and chat functions that make meetings more interactive and inclusive. “Familiarity with these tools enhances accountability and ensures that discussions are well-documented and easy to retrieve,” he advised.
Writers: Ritah Namisango is a Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University. Christopher Kaahwa contributed to this article as a Volunteer. Christopher Kaahwa is a Graduate of Makerere University-Bachelor of Journalism and Communication.
General
Meet Sedrick Nuwagaba, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni Contributing to Uganda’s Oil & Gas Industry
Sedrick Nuwagaba, a 35-year-old petroleum engineer, is actively contributing his expertise to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, which regulates the oil and gas sector. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production from Makerere University in 2021, an opportunity he accessed through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Sedrick’s educational qualifications and professional responsibilities exemplify his commitment to advancing Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
Who is Sedrick Nuwagaba?
Sedrick was born on February 1, 1990, in Kashari, located within the Mbarara district of Western Uganda. He spent his early childhood in a large family, where he faced many challenges that shaped his resilient character. By the age of 14, Sedrick had become the primary breadwinner for his immediate family, comprising his mother and two sisters. His unwavering commitment to their well-being remains evident to this day.
To support his family during these formative years, Sedrick took on a variety of jobs in his community. These early experiences cultivated in him resilience and tenacity, qualities that have significantly contributed to his success as a petroleum engineer.
Following these family challenges, Sedrick and his immediate family relocated from Kashari to a new area in what is now Lyantonde district, where they continue to reside. His journey not only reflects personal growth but also underscores a steadfast commitment to uplifting those around him.
Early Education
The implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda in 1997 was a pivotal development for Sedrick, facilitating his enrollment at St. Martin Lyantonde Primary School at the age of seven, which was conveniently located near his residence. Sedrick expresses deep appreciation for this initiative, commenting, “Without UPE, I might not have had the opportunity to pursue my education. It truly opened the door for me to attend school and engage in learning.” Despite confronting considerable challenges, including a lack of necessities such as food, Sedrick distinguished himself academically. He achieved top candidate status among UPE schools in his district, earning an impressive seven aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations—a remarkable accomplishment given the adversities he faced.
Pursuing Secondary Education
Sedrick faced significant challenges after earning 7 points in the Primary Leaving Examinations, as he was unable to secure a bursary. At that time, alternative arrangements for Universal Secondary Education were limited, which made it difficult for him to continue his education. However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, Sedrick sought work at 14 to fund his secondary education. Through his determination and resourcefulness, he enrolled at Victoria Western College, a small private school in his area, where he attended for three years, reaching Form 3.
Although financial barriers hindered his progress to Form 4, Sedrick’s journey shows his dedication to education and his ability to overcome adversity. Fortunately, his elder half-brother, a businessman in the neighbouring town of Mbarara, reached out and helped him enrol in Form 4 at Kashari Secondary School in Mbarara in 2007.
Embarking on a Journey to Iraq in Search of Opportunity
In 2008, facing difficulties in pursuing his education, Sedrick made the brave decision to take up a security job during the conflict in Iraq between 2003 and 2011. At that time, many young Ugandans were recruited to provide buffer security support to the U.S. military in Iraq. During his time in Iraq, Sedrick not only earned a stable income to support his family but also cared for his mother and funded his two sisters’ education, ultimately improving their lives. Unfortunately, his contract ended in 2010, and he had to return to Uganda to write the next chapter of his life.
Joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
Upon returning to Uganda after his experience in the Iraq War, Sedrick recognised that education was the key to transforming his life. With a determined mindset, he committed himself to his studies, understanding the long-lasting impact they could have on his future. Thanks to his perseverance and the relationships he had built, Sedrick obtained a bursary from a religious organisation, enabling him to resume his high school education six years after his last time in school.
In 2015, he completed his high school education at Namirembe Hillside, where he studied Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. With 15 points in his final exams, he was admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
“Participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University significantly changed my life. For the first time, I was free from the constant worries about necessities like food and shelter. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provided me with a supportive environment that allowed me to focus on my education and personal growth,” Sedrick shared.
Life After Makerere University
In 2020, after graduating, Sedrick had the opportunity to intern at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) in the Reservoir Engineering section. During his internship, he demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in the oil and gas sector. His performance led to his promotion to a Graduate Trainee, which provided him with valuable experiential learning and expanded his exposure within the industry. This experience ultimately paved the way for his recruitment as a Petroleum Engineer at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, where he now contributes to the regulation of petroleum exploration activities in the country.
Impact on the Community
Upon graduating from university, Sedrick took a proactive approach that set him apart from his peers. He launched Kleanerman, a social venture project designed to have a positive impact on his community. This initiative provides valuable short-term, on-demand domestic services—such as home cleaning, laundry, and babysitting—catering to the needs of busy city residents. Through Kleanerman, Sedrick has successfully created employment opportunities for several young men and women in his community of Kanyanya, fostering both economic growth and personal development.
Due to his own challenges during his educational journey, he has developed a deep commitment to helping other young people facing difficulties with school expenses. To date, he has successfully supported seven young individuals in his Lyantonde community, guiding them from primary through secondary education. His long-term goal is to establish a charitable organisation dedicated to providing young people facing barriers to education with the resources they need to access quality education.
Looking into the Future
Sedrick is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. He, along with his colleagues, is focused on ensuring that Uganda achieves its inaugural oil production by 2026.
“Each day, our collective efforts are directed toward successfully introducing Uganda’s first oil into the market by the end of 2026, and expanding the country’s petroleum resource base by discovering more oil reserves,” Sedrick states with evident pride. He is also committed to advancing his career in the oil and gas industry. From his earnings, he has enrolled for a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geosciences at Makerere University to deepen his skills and expertise in the sector.
Message to his fellow young people
Sedrick urges the current Mastercard Foundation Scholars enrolled in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, as well as those at other universities, to make the most of the support provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He emphasises the importance of engaging in capacity-building sessions, skill development programs, mentorship opportunities, and psychosocial support. Sedrick asserts that this comprehensive support framework has been instrumental in transforming his life and shaping who he is today.
He references a quotation that has become a guiding principle in his life: “Until death, all defeat is psychological.” Through this quotation, he seeks to inspire his peers to persevere, emphasising the notion that individuals can always recover and succeed despite the myriad challenges they may encounter in their initial endeavours.
Words of Gratitude
“The impact of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program on my life is profound and transformative. I am sincerely grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and to the Mastercard Foundation as a whole. It is my hope and prayer that the Foundation continues to make a positive difference in the lives of numerous young individuals, particularly within the African continent.” Sedrick emphasises.
His supervisor speaks out
Sedrick’s immediate supervisor, Mr Derrick Katusiime, the Senior Petroleum Engineer in the Directorate of Exploration at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, was full of praise for him both at work and outside.
“Sedrick is very sociable and gets along well with everyone here at work, and his technical skills in just two years are impressive,” Mr. Katusiime pointed out.
Mr Katusiime further revealed that Sedrick champions values of integrity, active listening, and being an excellent team player. He goes the extra mile to complete tasks, takes on multiple responsibilities, and demonstrates humility and eagerness to learn.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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