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
By Scholars Program Communication Team
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Little Angels Junior School, Mawotto Village, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District celebrated an inspiring, joy-filled event. These two schools were selected to receive the generosity of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service.
At St. Charles Rwahunga Nursery and Primary School, the Scholars donated various products, including Learning Materials, Geometry sets, Sanitary towels for the girls, sportswear for the boys’ football team, and other goodies.
The Community Nursery and Primary School serves 412 pupils with severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The buildings are dilapidated, there is a shortage of desks, and the classrooms are small and overcrowded. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a better student learning environment.
Mr. Alex Mugisha, the Headteacher of the School, expressed gratitude to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for the kind gesture they extended to his school.
“I am deeply grateful, along with the students and staff, for the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These materials will significantly enhance the learning environment for our pupils,” remarked Mr. Mugisha.
Mr. Nelson Ddumba, the Scholars Council Representative, encouraged the young learners at the event not to lose hope. He emphasized that regardless of their starting point, they can improve their circumstances by staying in school.
“Listen, my fellow students: do not give up. The only path to transforming your circumstances is through a steadfast commitment to your education and remaining in school. I have been in your shoes, but I pushed through and succeeded thanks to my mother’s unwavering support. Today, I proudly attend Makerere University, one of the leading institutions in Uganda. Embrace the challenge ahead and make your education your top priority!” Mr. Ddumba declared.
At Little Angels Junior School, pupils were excited to receive educational materials, reusable sanitary towels, mathematical sets, dictionaries, and textbooks for nursery to primary seven students.
Ms. Sarah Nturo, the headteacher, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University for the kind gesture.
She said the books will help the school improve its reading culture and performance.
“We are grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University; we believe these books will significantly contribute to improving our pupils’ performance,” Ms. Nturo said.
Nturo also pointed out that they have challenges with the facilities and water as a school.
“Ever since we started this School, the education has improved because, in the past, parents could not allow their children to come here; instead, they would send them to the lake for fishing. But now, the children come only because they do not have somewhere to sit. We have few desks,” Nturo said.
During the visit, the pupils mesmerised the scholars with rare dance moves. The excitement did not leave the Programme Implementation team and teachers in their seats, making it a fun-filled event. The audience was left yearning for more.
Addressing the school, Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, urged the pupils to use their school time to prepare for a bright future.
“Do not mind where you are coming from. We all started like this. Education is an equalizer. Now that you have an opportunity to study, focus on making the best out of it. Be disciplined pupils and listen to your teachers. The sky will be the limit,” Mr Osuna said.
During the event, Francis Kabuye Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) leadership, said that ever since the school started over 10 years back, they have never received guests who bring them gifts like how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars did.
“I think you have seen how excited the children were. We are all happy this has never happened to our school. Who are we to receive these gifts? We have challenges, but with friends like God on our side, we shall conquer,” Mr. Kabuye noted.
The Scholars’ Day of Community Service is an annual event where Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University engage in community service as a way of giving back. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals in the community and contribute positively to society.
By Mak Communication Team
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while speaking at the inaugural commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Makerere University has appealed to the Government to increase the number of students with disabilities on government sponsorship.
The event held on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 was organised by the Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students’ Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities and held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
The day’s theme was: “Empowering Inclusion: Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential”
“Students with disabilities should be the first to be admitted on Government sponsorship because there are not so many,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe called upon the government to devise a scheme and policy for integrating students with disabilities into the working environment after graduation.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that the University has established a Disability Support Centre, a one-stop facility to ensure equal access to education and life, promote inclusivity, and support students and staff with disabilities.
“Over the years, Makerere University has branded itself as a place that actively and loudly promotes increased awareness about the rights and needs of students and staff with disabilities.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the State minister for Disability Affairs, called upon Persons with Disabilities to always believe in themselves and be able to break the barriers of the inferiority complex.
“You have to show people that you have the potential, and when people get to know your potential, they will begin to include and engage you. But if you do not have your potential, nobody will include you. They will think you are just someone who is just there seated and begging,” Hon. Asamo noted.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, said that the University is making a deliberate effort to pay particular attention to the decisive implementation of inclusive Policies and Practices.
“This is where we want all people to thrive and grow. Therefore, we are proud to accept and celebrate our differences and uniqueness. We welcome you here to build a culture of active support for each other and to declare that by championing a conducive environment for students and staff with disability, we are part of the change-makers of today,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli also highlighted several policies the University has implemented, such as the Policy for Persons with Disabilities and safeguarding, Accommodation policy, University rules and regulations, the Human resource manual, and the student guild constitution that provides inclusive participation in student leadership and admission policies.
“These policies protect and enhance the rights of both staff and students with disabilities. For example, we have a student guild minister for persons with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.
Makerere has directed attention to ensuring accessible and comfortable accommodations for students with Disabilities by having designated accessible hostels and rooms. The University provides salaries, lodging, and meals for helpers who assist students with disabilities. A concentrated effort is also being made to build ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to facilitate navigation for students and staff.
According to Dr Kabumbuli, the University has embraced a drive to facilitate students’ access to assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, brailling machines, hearing aids, etc.
“As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the University has designated a specialized space within the library, equipped with assistive technologies and resources, specifically for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to knowledge and academic success for all. We have also put in place special arrangements, such as extra time during examinations to enable access to education,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Ministry of Gender, and the School of Law, which are committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and equity for People with Disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities worldwide.
The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.
The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.
‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output. He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs. ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’. The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work. While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible. ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match. He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.
Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning. He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.
Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.
The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies. He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.
Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.
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