General
Mak holds Dua for Prof. Ali Mazrui
The Makerere University Community held a Dua in commemoration of renown Scholar, Prof. Ali Mazrui at the main campus. The event, which took place at the University Mosque on 17th October 2014, was a collection of powerful and moving tributes from all who stood to speak about the Prof. Mazrui.
Former Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), Prof. Abdu Kasozi, commended Prof. Mazrui for his humility and commitment to the search for knowledge. “He was interested in the search for knowledge and was not compromised by the search for money throughout his academia life. He pursued his life as a debater and refined ideas through debate. His integrity is comparable to that of Socrates,” said Prof. Kasozi. He further appealed to the Makerere University community to honour and push forward Prof. Mazrui’s legacy.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu was represented by the Principal of
the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Edward Kirumira, who described Prof. Mazrui as a person of great humility. “Prof. Mazrui demonstrated to the academia that one can be scholarly acclaimed but still lead a simple life on the streets. Greatness lies in simplicity,” he advised. Prof. Kirumira further challenged Makerere University staff to be judged by their contributions to community, as opposed to their numerous publications. He confessed that his “little” contribution to Makerere University and to the community was because he looked up to a great person like Prof. Mazrui. He pledged that Makerere University would carry on Prof. Mazrui’s legacy through the Mazruiana projects comprised of the Ali Mazrui Chair and Endowment Fund. A memorial lecture will be held in the Main Hall to eulogize Prof. Mazrui.
This Dua attracted a number of dignitaries, Makerere University community and the general public. Former Nkumba University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Mugambi, pointed out that Prof. Mazrui championed the movement against discrimination of the African race. Former Makerere University Guild President, currently JEEMA Party President Asuman Basalirwa referred to the deceased as an exceptional academic. “He was not intellectually dishonest and that distinguished him from many other scholars. He was not an academic entrepreneur,” he said. Basalirwa praised him for being a true Pan-Africanist who was proud of his origin. “Prof. Mazrui is the only Muslim who came up to say Islam was not about terrorism and the West believed. He lived his life with dignity and distinction.”
The Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga, said Prof. Mazrui was an Afrocentric Pan-Africanist who promoted African scholarship internationally. “He travelled across Africa to intensify the idea of intellectualism. His works are still informative to a new generation of African scholars and our students in Political Science. He put Makerere University and the Department of Political Science and Public Administration on the international scene. We pledge to carry on his legacy.”
The Imam of the Makerere University mosque, Sheikh Ahmed Ssentongo, spoke of Prof. Mazrui as a person who fulfilled one of the fundamental duties of Islam; of seeking knowledge. “In Islam seeking, applying and spreading knowledge is a duty upon everyone and it is a lifetime obligation. It is a sign of mischief to hide knowledge. Knowledge generated should be applied in practical life and this is what Prof. Mazrui did.” He praised him for his social and moral integrity and condemned those who sell knowledge for cheap gains; noting that it is punishable to do so.
Makerere University Muslim Students Association Patron Hajji Abdu Katende said the Muslim community looked
up to Prof. Mazrui as their role model because he lived a perfect life as a Muslim and academician. The Deputy Principal of CHUSS, Prof. Abasi Kiyimba, who was in charge of the day’s proceedings, observed that Prof. Mazrui put Islam at a coveted pedestal. “He used all the accumulated political and academic capital to promote Islam and for this, the Muslim community will continue to benefit from his legacy.”
Prof. Mazrui was pronounced dead on Monday 13th October, 2014 in Binghamton, New York, in the United States. He will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Mombasa, Kenya on Sunday, 19th October, 2014.
Prof. Mazrui was a leading Pan-Africanist whose academic research focused on African politics, North-South relations and political Islam. He authored numerous books, including The Africans: A Triple Heritage and Christianity and Islam in Africa’s Political Experience: Piety, Passion and Power.
Article by Hasifah Kabejja (CHUSS) and Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
Related articles:
http://news.mak.ac.ug/2014/10/makerere-staff-pay-tribute-prof-ali-mazrui
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
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