General
MURBS declares Market-high Rate of Return for 2nd year running
At the Fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) held on 18th December 2014, the Secretary-Board of Trustees (BoT), Dr. John Kitayimbwa declared at 12% yet another market-high rate of return for the Staff Scheme as compared to similar schemes like NSSF which declared 11%. The rate of return is used by schemes and corporations to measure the profit on any investments they have made over a period of time; and in the case of MURBS, in respect of the year ended 30th June 2014.
In his introductory remarks given at the Fourth AGM held in the College of Engineering Design Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Dr. Kitayimbwa lauded the BoT, MURBS Administrator-Liaison Financial Services as well as Fund Managers PineBridge Investments and StanLib for a job well done. He thanked officials from the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) for taking time off to attend the AGM. URBRA is the regulatory authority in charge of managing the operations of retirement benefit schemes in Uganda and was represented at the 4th AGM by the CEO-Mr. Moses Bekabye, Legal Services Manager-Ms. Rita Nansasi and Ms. Janet Iremera.
In her report, the MURBS Chairperson Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde was happy to note that MURBS is a fully licensed retirement benefits scheme in accordance with URBRA with eight out of nine Trustees licensed by the regulator. She noted that the gains made by MURBS were buoyed by the favourable investment climate as Uganda registered a positive growth of 4.7% driven mainly by Government expenditure on infrastructure. As a result, MURBS made a gross income of UGX 6.7billion and a net income of UGX 4.5billion. She further reported that the scheme paid out over UGX 2.4billion in benefits.
The Chairperson however noted that the scheme continues to experience challenges in the form of unremitted contributions from the employer amounting to UGX 3.94billion for the period November 2013 to June 2014. “As such it has been impossible to award interest on contributions received during the course of the year on a time-weighted basis” said the Chairperson.
She further reported that the total fund value of MURBS stood at UGX 65.72billion as compared to UGX 78.85billion the previous year. The drop in fund value was as a result of an impairment loss on contributions receivable from the employer amounting to UGX 33.46billion. The Chairperson however reassured members that the trustees with the help of courts of law were pressing for the recovery of this debt as owed to the scheme by the University.
Hajati Nakatudde was also glad to inform members that the scheme with the help of the Administrator had developed an online platform to enable members to access their profiles instantly. “We have developed an online platform that will allow members to access their MURBS records and member statements in real-time as well as make changes to their member details and we thank our Administrator Liaison Financial Services for this milestone” said the Chairperson.
Presenting the Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June 2014, the Scheme’s Principal Pensions Officer Mr. Vitalis Omondi noted that the scheme still had a number of qualifying members with uncollected benefits. He reported that MURBS membership grew from 3,193 to 3,254 as at 30th June 2014 implying an increased number of employee contributions to the scheme. MURBS Investments grew from UGX 43.3billion in 2013 to UGX 52.7billion in 2014 thanks to the great work by Fund Managers PineBridge investments and Stanlib.
Supplementing the Administrator’s report, Dr. John Kitayimbwa noted that MURBS received an investment income of UGX 5.2billion in 2014 with the biggest gains received from treasury bonds interest. Growth in income was also experienced due to gains in share price for brands like Safaricom where the scheme owns shares. He further noted that the scheme had saved money by not incurring any legal costs in 2014. He however appealed to URBRA to help expedite cases of members with medical conditions seeking to access their funds to meet treatment costs. He noted that the current Uganda Medical Board (UMB) assessment procedures were too tedious and often left members frustrated as they failed to use their own savings to pay for treatment.
In his remarks, the URBRA CEO Mr. Moses Bekabye informed members that the Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) Act of 2011 has provisions mandating employers to contribute to their employees’ retirement benefits. He backed MURBS in recognizing the unremitted employer contributions as a debt in favour of scheme members but took a softer stance when he advised members to avoid litigation by settling any matters amicably. With regard to delays by UMB in assessing member requests to avail funds for treatment, Mr. Bekabye reassured the AGM that this matter was being addressed in the current submissions by URBRA in a bill before parliament. “Among the mandatory benefits that will make contributions to retirement benefits schemes will be i) Age Benefit ii) Survivor Benefit-in the event of employer death iii) Invalidity Benefit-in case one is sick or incapacitated and cannot work anymore and iv) Minimum Health Care Package. This will mean that employees who make mandatory contributions will be able to get medical treatment” said Mr. Bekabye.
In the reactions that followed from the audience, members urged the BoT to calculate how much the University owed MURBS such that stakeholders could be consulted on what action to take through their respective staff associations. Members also raised queries on who approves the expenditure by BoT, how much of beneficiaries’ contributions should be spent by the BoT as well as issues to do with impairment as shared in the Chairperson’s report to the AGM.
In response the BoT reassured members that Trustees are part of the URBRA Committee that checks expenditure ratios of Retirement Benefits Schemes in Uganda and so far, MURBS is one if the best performing schemes in the country with regard to compliance. Trustees further shared that the BoT budget is approved based on an annual work plan. and in compliance with URBRA regulations. With regard to the debt owed by the University which led to the impairment loss, the BoT advised that the best way of recovering this debt was through staff General Assembly action, which the association leaders present resolved to follow up.
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde thanked all present for contributing to the discussion at the 4th AGM. She further requested members present to remind all retirees to pick their benefits from the scheme, according to the lists of names published in the media.
The emcee of the day and Public Relations Officer for the Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Mr. Louis Kakinda thanked the BoT for their transparency which had led to a fruitful 4th AGM. He further urged members present to support the MUASA Executive and Management in the quest to get the Government to deliver on its promises. “Remember that our contributions are meager and we are pushing Government to give us the UGX 15million for a Professor pro rata, and so we urge you to keep supporting us,” he concluded.
Article by Public Relations Office
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.
The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.
“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.
In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.
“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”
Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.
“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.
The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.
“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.
The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.
“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.
Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.
In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.
“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.
The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.
Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
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