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Mak and Bunyoro-Kitara MoU signed amidst Royalty

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The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru The 1st amidst a mammoth crowd that welcomed him and the Queen of Bunyoro at Main Hall, Makerere UnversityIt was a moment of joy and pomp as the Royal Entourage of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom entered the Main Hall at Makerere University, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. The loyal subjects to Omukama (King) of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Rukirabasaija Agutamba Solomon Gafabusa Iguru 1, prostrated before him as he made his way in traditional wear, side by side with his Queen, and the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, who was also clad in traditional wear.

Amidst jubilation and dancing the royal graceful dance to the tunes of Amakondere played by the Department of Performing Arts and Film, the Omukama proceeded to sign the MoU on behalf of Bunyoro Transformation Initiative (BTI), where he is the Patron. This was at an event in the University Main hall on 15th May 2014. The King was continuously hailed by his loyal subjects in the befitting Runyoro phrase ‘Hangiriza Agutamba! Hangiriza Mwebingwa!’

BTI is an umbrella organization of religious and development oriented organizations in Bunyoro-Kitara whose aim is to spearhead socio-economic transformation in Bunyoro-Kitara. It comprises Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Church of Uganda, L-R The Vice Chancellor Prof. J Ddumba-Ssentamu, The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru The 1st and the Queen of Bunyoro-Kitara make their entry into the Main Hall, Makerere University, 15th May 2014the Roman Catholic Church and the National Fellowship of born-again Pentecostal Churches of Uganda.

The Memorandum of Understanding is geared towards social transformation of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. BTI will partner with Makerere University to enhance each others’ areas of interests and development in order to stimulate growth of each party and contribute to societal transformation and national development. Makerere University shall execute this partnership through the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA), – an Academic-Community-Private-Public Partnership (ACPPP) engagement platform at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).

The event was graced by a number of dignitaries including the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda Hon. Henry Kajura, Members of Parliament, the Clergy, Members of Staff and Students of Makerere University. A powerful prayer said by Rt. Rev. Nathan Kyamanywa of Bunyoro Diocese, called upon the Almighty God to see the successful implementation of the collaboration.

Officials from BTI and Makerere University witness the signing of the MoU by the Vice Chancellor, Prof J. Ddumba-Ssentamu and The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru The 1st “Bunyoro is richly endowed with natural resources but people are very poor due to ignorance. People do not have skills to use the rich natural resources God gave us. I have spent many years searching for a remedy to address this gap. This Institute is now an answer. I am confident this institute will train my people in skills to use their hands in agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, commerce and other activities that will bring about development,” said His Majesty, the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu observed that, “We are optimistic that this partnership is going to be one of the most successful ventures Makerere University has entered with Communities in Uganda, more so because of the unique blessing of Your Majesty. We hope that this is just the beginning and that many more sub-regions in Uganda will come on board so that we can all work together to promote the socio-economic development of our country.”

In explaining the nature of the partnership, the University Legal Officer, Goddy Muhumuza said that both parties will be engaged in fundraising for the initiative and the intellectual rights will be equally shared. In addition, he explained that the laws of Uganda will be used in the implementation of the initiative.

The Principal of CoVAB, Prof. John David Kabasa, explained that the AFRISA model “works in an organised framework to transform the youth and other groups by giving them skills in production. We address the stigma that production is for people who are not intelligent.”The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara's royalty and subjects alike could not hide their joy

The Royal Entourage then proceeded to CoVAB where the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara planted a tree in memory of his visit to Makerere University. Flanked by the Vice Chancellor, the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara and the Omugo (Queen) then toured an exhibition of products from the innovative programs under the Skills for Production, Employment, Development and Academic Growth and Academic growth (SPEDA) project. These innovative programs started by CoVAB through AFRISA have taken the university to the communities through coordinated efforts of the public and private sectors, with Makerere taking lead as an institution of higher learning. It is through these programs that the transformation of Bunyoro-Kitara will be implemented.

“We gathered to pray, study the word of God, repent and seek the face of God as we committed Bunyoro-Kitara in the hands of God on the 23rd of May 2013 at St. Peter’s Cathedral. This is therefore a historic function because we have witnessed the signing of the MoU with Makerere, to transform our region economically,” the Bishop of Bunyoro Diocese Rt. Rev. Nathan Kyamanywa said.

The Omukama was grateful to CoVAB for spearheading the initiative that will take Makerere University to the communities in Bunyoro-Kitara. “It is good news for us that Bunyoro-Kitara has started working with Makerere University and there is therefore reason for us to believe that a University will be built in Bunyoro soon,” he emphasized.

The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara, His Majesty Solomon Gafabusa Iguru The 1st tours an exhibition setup by AFRISA, CoVAB, Makerere UniversityProf. John Ddumba-Ssentamu thanked all the stakeholders who have seen the successful initiation of the partnership, stressing that Makerere University is committed to supporting this partnership and similar ones in Uganda.

Both the Vice Chancellor and Prof. John David Kabasa presented gifts to the Omukama and his dear Queen, on behalf of the University and CoVAB, in appreciation of their visit to Makerere University.

By Marion Alina and Jovia Musubika

 

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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