L-R: Mr. Yoshiie Sakurai-Ashinaga ED, VC-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Mr. Yoshiomi Tamai and Prof. Peter K. Baguma-Dean, School of Psychology, CHUSS at the Courtesy Call, 12th Dec 2014, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Throughout the courtesy call held in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, President Yoshiomi Tamai-the Founder and President of Ashinaga-Japan spoke with a lot of optimism about Africa. With his rich and generous heart, his love for Africa and the African people stands out. He would like to see a happy, free and empowered African people.
On Friday 12th December 2014, the 79 year old, President Yoshiomi Tamai who is credited with having supported over 800 orphans in Africa to access education, and engaging the youth to play their role in the realization of poverty eradication in Africa, shared Ashinaga’s 100 year plan for Africa with the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu.
To date, Ashinaga has provided $1 billion in educational aid to some 90,000 orphaned students in Japan, and its activities have extended to 21 countries and regions. Sharing the Ashinaga 100 year plan, President Yoshiomi Tamai informed the Vice Chancellor that the plan for Africa prioritizes access to education. It entails supporting orphans to access higher education in Africa and abroad. It is envisaged that with this support, poverty eradication and leadership development will be realized. Ashinaga is planning to support 49 students from sub-Saharan Africa to access higher education with Makerere University playing a central role.
“Mr. Vice Chancellor, I come to you with a proposal. Four days ago I met the Vice Chancellor of Oxford University in UK who has accepted to partner with Ashinaga. I propose that we collaborate with Oxford in UK, Ashinaga in Japan and Makerere University in Uganda and put our efforts together to enable orphans access education and contribute to poverty eradication in Africa. With Makerere University, we want the African people involved,” said the President Yoshiomi Tamai.
Reiterating the fact that education is the key to development, the Vice Chancellor- Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu welcomed the proposal with utmost humility.
“I have no objection. We thank you for developing Africa and for choosing Makerere University as a partner. Makerere recognizes partnership as a strategic goal and is ready to strengthen the partner with Ashinaga to contribute to the transformation of Africa and the realization of the Ashinaga 100 year plan for Africa,” remarked Professor Ddumba-Ssentamu.
Giving a highlight on the relationship between Makerere University School of Psychology and Ashinaga, Professor Peter K. Baguma reported that the collaboration, which started in 2010, has continued to grow and benefitted people in Uganda and beyond.
“Mr. Vice Chancellor, the staff in the School of Psychology continue to provide professional services to Ashinaga. The students from the School of Psychology have accessed internship placement in Ashinaga, which has been very crucial to their academic growth. Currently, 10 students from 10 sub-Saharan counties are being trained to ensure that they get the required grades to access the university education. In 2015, we hope to enroll these 10 students in the best universities worldwide,” said Professor Baguma, Dean-School of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University.
As a way of reaching out to the young people/future leaders, President Yoshiomi Tamai on Thursday 11th December 2014 delivered a public lecture titled: Poverty Eradication in Sub-Saharan Africa: Creating Global Leaders through Higher Education. With the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, H.E Junzo Fujita as Guest of Honour, President Yoshiomi Tamai shared the Ashinaga Perspective with over 270 students who convened in the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University. Professor Livingstone S. Luboobi, Former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University was the discussant at the Public Lecture.
Story by: Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
Photos by: Elias Tuhereze, Public Relations Office
Visionary Blueprint to Drive Excellence, Innovation, and National Development.
Kampala, Uganda – July 2, 2026. — Makerere University today officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining a bold roadmap for academic excellence, research innovation, and transformative impact on Uganda and the region. The high-profile launch event, held at Makerere University Main Campus, brought together government leaders, university stakeholders, development partners, and academia.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presided over the official launch. In his presentation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas highlighted the University’s past achievements and the new Plan’s strategic vision. “This Strategic Plan builds on our rich legacy while positioning Makerere University as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges through cutting-edge research, quality education, and innovation,” he stated.
The Plan was developed through an inclusive process led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, with input from across the University community. It aligns closely with national development priorities, as affirmed by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority.
University Council Chairperson Dr Lorna Magara emphasised the Council’s oversight role and commitment: “The University Council is fully committed to providing the strategic leadership and oversight necessary for the successful implementation of this Plan. It will strengthen Makerere’s role as a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensure we remain a beacon of excellence in higher education across Africa.”
Development partners, Vice Chancellors from other public universities, college principals, deans, professors, and student representatives attended the event, underscoring broad stakeholder support.
Key Pillars of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 include enhancing excellence in teaching and learning, advancing research and innovation, strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and deepening engagement with industry and government. Following the formal proceedings, guests participated in a networking breakfast and media engagement session.
Additional Quotes:
“Makerere University remains Uganda’s flagship institution. This Strategic Plan will further harness our intellectual capital to contribute meaningfully to the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.” — Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
“We are excited to embark on this new strategic journey. With the support of our dedicated staff, students, alumni, and partners, we will achieve even greater heights in the next five years.” — Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University
Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1922. It is a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and cross-disciplinary innovation. With over 35,000 students and a strong alumni network, Makerere continues to shape leaders and solutions for Africa and beyond.
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Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Deputy Chief, Public Relations
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere (R) leads the team on a guided tour of the site.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
L-R: Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inspect the top floor of CCE Hall.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
R-L: Eng. Ezra Sekadde, Eng. Brian Buhanda, Prof. Anthony Mugagga, Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere and other stakeholders at the site handover.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
Stakeholders pose for a group photo after the event.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.
Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.