General
Mak Opens Korea Corner to Enhance Multilingualism
At a highly colorful ceremony, the Ambassador of Korea to Uganda H.E Park Jong Dae launched the Korea Corner at Makerere University Main Library on 6th August 2014. The launch was as a result of long term relationship between Makerere University and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda, to enhance the learning and teaching of Korean language in the institution.
According to the University Librarian Prof. Maria Musoke, the corner was set up to promote cultural and academic exchanges between Makerere University and South Korea. To achieve this, Prof. Musoke said, the corner will be stocked with reading materials computer facilities to help the students to acquire knowledge and skills on Korean language and culture.
“I thank the members of the Korean Embassy and the School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) for coming up with such a fruitful initiative of setting up a Korea corner in the Main Library. I do believe that this corner will be instrumental in enhancing the students’ skills in the language. Makerere University started teaching Korean language in 2012 and I am grateful that the corner will be a source of information and data to our students” Prof. Musoke remarked.
The University Librarian emphasised that the Library Management was not privatizing portions of the library by setting up the Korea Corner, but instead noted that, “This is going to help in renovation, expansion and development of Library,” she added.
Through his speech read by the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, said that the presence of the Korea Corner as the specialized section in the Main Library, will give Makerere an opportunity to establish strong ties with other academic institutions in Korea for purposes of capacity building.
“As the leading institution in the region, Makerere University is passionate about innovations through knowledge, transfer partnerships and networking. We are keen to use every opportunity available to us, to embrace new frontiers of innovation. Makerere University is set to host the First Foreign Languages Conference later this month and I am glad that this corner will be operational by then for the conference participants to see the depth we have gone in embracing multilingualism,” read the Vice Chancellor’s speech.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uganda H.E Park Jong Dae said that, opening up a corner in the Makerere University Main Library, is one of the activities lined up to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Uganda this year.
“We had this idea of introducing Korean language, culture and education in Uganda, as a way of strengthening the diplomatic ties between Uganda and South Korea. We had to look for a place where the public can better access the information and data on Korean culture. After several meetings with my colleagues we agreed that Makerere University Main Library was the best place because students here have free access to the library and I am very happy that the University has provided us with some space,” said the Ambassador.
Located on Level Two of the Makerere University Main Library, the Korea Corner will comprise of a well stocked Korean bookstore, wall hangings (Paintings/pictures), Korean cultural wear, movies, Korean educational information, computer facilities and class room for conducting lectures on Korean language. The corner will be manned by a Korean teacher (KOICA Volunteer) to teach the Korean language course as well as guide and assist all those who come to the corner.
By Prossy Nabatte, Intern, Public Relations Office
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
-
Education1 week agoAdmission List to Bachelor of Education External (BED) 2025/26 -Private Sponsorship
-
General2 weeks agoUndergraduate Admission List Self Sponsorship Scheme 2025/2026
-
General6 days agoRe-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026
-
General2 weeks agoAdmission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma/Degree Holders Scheme – Self Sponsorship Admission Lists 2025/26