General
Makerere inaugurates Endowment Fund Board of Trustees
The Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera inaugurated the first Board of Trustees in charge of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) at a ceremony held on Thursday, 17th July 2014 in the Senior Common Room, Main Administration Building. The inauguration ceremony involved the Chancellor adorning each Board Member with a lapel pin engraved with the wording ‘Makerere University Endowment Fund Board of Trustees.’
“This Endowment Fund is a great step forward. I am glad that Makerere University is increasingly getting innovative on how to raise money because the Government subvention and students’ tuition is insufficient. Taking the example of Harvard University with an Endowment Fund worth US$ 32billion, Makerere University is on the right path to financial sustainability,” said the Chancellor Prof. Kagonyera.
The Board whose main objective will be to mobilize resources from Makerere University Alumni and well wishers, is comprised of 7 members headed by Dr. Martin Jerome Okec Aliker. The others are: the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu; Ambassador Edith Sempala; Mr. Barnabas R. Tumusingize; Mr. Grace Isabirye; Mr. Martin Owiny; and Hon. Gerald Karuhanga.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Aliker promised to serve diligently. “I wrote to the Vice Chancellor 15 years ago suggesting that Makerere University need not to be poor if it uses its own initiative to raise funds. As a Board, we think we know what we want to do and we ask for your support in fulfilling our mandate. We shall deliver,” he emphasized amidst applause.
The Board of Trustees inauguration comes at a time Makerere University is financially constrained. “Makerere University is taking a bold step to walk the talk. We are embarking on a strategic journey focused on delivering 
a financially stable Makerere University. Since a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step, today’s inauguration is an indicator that we have started on the long term plan of exploring several strategies, all aimed at making Makerere University financially stable. The Makerere University Endowment fund therefore provides Makerere University and her Alunmni the perfect opportunity to build a firm foundation for future generations,” explained Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu.
In his remarks, the Chairperson, Makerere University Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem urged the audience recognise the value that the Board of Trustees is bringing to Makerere University. “These people are not coming here to look for allowances or to make a name for themselves. They already have these. They are coming here to help Makerere University raise money. We have now opened a new chapter. The Board of trustees that we are inaugurating today will receive and or 
mobilize funds for the benefit of University operations,” asserted the Chairperson, Makerere University Council.
The Chairperson further explained that the Fund’s long term goal is to fund scholarships, research, infrastructure, high quality teaching and learning services as well as all other activities aligned to the realisation of the University’s vision to be the leading institution for academic excellence and innovations in Africa.
After the inauguration, the Board of Trustees held its first meeting in the Council Room to agree on how best to advance this long-awaited initiative. The Board will serve for a four year term with members eligible for re-appointment for one more term only.
Note:
All alumni, staff, students and well wishers are welcome to contribute to the Endowment Fund. Details on how to contribute may be obtained from the Planning and Development Department (PDD) at the address below.
Planning and Development Department (PDD)
Block C – Lincoln Flats
Makerere University
P. O. Box 7062
Kampala – Uganda
E-mail: info@pdd.mak.ac.ug
By Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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