General
Mak-SHARP launch So-Lite Solar Street Lighting Project
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, who also doubles as the Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, launched a solar street lighting project at a highly colorful ceremony in Makerere University on 27th June, 2014. The over 3 billion shillings project, code named So-Lite, Eco-Friendly Lighting is a result of a partnership between Makerere University and SHARP- Electronics. The project was launched at Makerere University Main Building amidst hundreds of witnesses.
The Police Spokesperson appreciated the partnership and described it as a much needed step towards addressing security and beauty needs on the Main Campus. “Makerere is one of the vulnerable institutions that we monitor every day due to the increased threats from terrorists. We are happy with this initiative because it is going to help us in monitoring dark spots,” he said.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, emphasized that the project was timely in addressing incidences of insecurity. “The project aims at providing reliable and environmentally friendly street lighting to the main campus so as to reduce on energy expenses and incidents of insecurity at night,” he said.
“We applaud for your patience throughout the period of our deliberations and we look forward to embracing renewable energy to help us light up the Main campus as 120 solar powered street lights go live as per the contract,” he added.
Looking at the increased demand and use of solar technology which has led to global attention to invest in the renewable energy projects, Mr. Katto, the Managing Director of SHARP Electronics Technology Limited, explained that the solar lights were procured from one of the best companies in the business- Solar Outdoor Lighting (SOL), based in the United States of America.
“The willingness of Makerere University to embrace Public-Private Partnerships is what prompted us to suggest this collaboration. The University administration willingly permitted us to put up a sample light about two years ago. This was the birth of the So-Lite project we are launching today,” he said amidst applause.
According to the manufacturer and founder of SOL, Alan Hurst, the solar lights are durable and have a 20 year life span. “These lights do not need wiring in between lamp posts, secondly lighting will change people’s lives and reduce energy costs,” he said. Mr. Hurst assured the audience that the project’s launch at Makerere University marked the beginning of solar street lighting extension to other institutions and Uganda at large.
Mr. Bruce Kabaasa, the Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, represented the Chairperson of Council– Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem, and gave the assurance of Council’s support for similar projects.
The Guild President, H.E. Ivan Bwowe called upon the fellow students to protect the solar lights because they are intended to benefit all. “As students we endorse this initiative because it is not only going to benefit us, but many generations to come as We build for the Future,” he asserted.
This project will see 120 solar street lights installed across the University, with 10 outdoor LED screens to ease communication between Makerere University Administration and the wider community.
The function was attended by a number of people including the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the University Secretary Mr. David Kahundha-Muhwezi, the Senior Legal Officer and Head Legal Unit Mr. Goddy Muhumuza, the Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association, Dr. Kiggundu Musoke, the Chairperson of Makerere University Administrative Staff Association, Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde, Members of Staff Associations and Students.
By Prossy Nabatte, Public Relations Office
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Click here for the Solar Streetlights Installation Gallery
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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