“After ten years of MakLib leadership, I am leaving on a happy note that l am greatly inspired by what I have been able to accomplish, the people I have met, the support I got from some University Administrators, Library Staff, Members of Senate, Council and the entire University.”
These were the inspirational and heartfelt words from Prof. Maria G. N. Musoke at her handover ceremony on 20th January 2015 in the Makerere UniversityMain Library, presided over by the Manager and Head Pre Audit Section-Directorate of Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet. Prof. Maria Musoke handed over office to the Deputy University Librarian, Dr. Helen Byamugisha who will act as the University Librarian until a substantive head is appointed.
Prof. Maria Musoke expressed her gratitude to the Makerere University community for all the support and advice given to her during the ten years of service as University Librarian. She therefore promised to support her successor in any way possible for the betterment of the library and the university at large.
“I am really happy to say that the two terms I have been in office have played witness to great achievements in my life and the entire Makerere community. I am honored to announce that my contract for the second term in office ended on 13th December 2014 and today I am handing over office to Dr. Byamugisha with all the confidence that she will be able to run the library to the best of her ability. I wish her luck and I am looking forward to seeing more developments and achievements in this great institution,” she said.
Prof. Maria Musoke started off her career as an acting Librarian at Albert Cook Medical library. She then rose to the rank of Senior Librarian in charge of Acquisitions and processing of Medical literature, and then Deputy Librarian in-charge of the Medical Library. She was thereafter appointed Senior Librarian in charge of Albert Cook Medical Library, and later Documentalist /Senior Librarian Makerere University Library.
She was appointed to her first term of office; 2004-2009 and re-appointed in 2010 for her second successive term; 2010-2014. Prof. Maria Musoke will always be heralded the first Ugandan woman to head the Makerere University Library, her predecessors being five men and a British lady. These included; Mr. James Mugasha (1977-2004), Mr. Tucker Lwanga (1968-1977), Mr. Glenn L. Sitzman (1966-1967), Mr. Eric J. Belton (1961-1966), Mr. H. Holdswoth (1956-1061) and Ms. J.E Later (1948-1955).
Prof Musoke a lady of many achievements.
Prof. Maria Musoke will always be remembered as a lady of many achievements for the two terms she served as Makerere University Librarian. Some of these include;
In 2005 the library extension project was embarked on in a phased manner, the first half of the extension was completed in 2007 with fundraising from Makerere University’s internally generated funds and officially opened on 4th August 2012 by The President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The new library building extension and various fundraising services improved the quality of library services through increased space for discussions and research. More ICT facilities for different categories of users are now provided by Makerere University Main Library.
Development of modern toilet facilities to match the large student population and for the first time the library users with disabilities got toilet facilities built according to international standards.
An extension of a fully stocked IDA section with a digital music archive of Ugandan music was set up for the first time in 2006. The archive includes audio files photographs, over 1500 digital songs of 1940s and 1950s, digitalized cassettes of ethnomusicology and other digital recordings preserved in the music archive.
Construction of a mothers’ space on level three for the expectant library staff and users to take a break with comfortable sofas and with cool air to provide a favorable relaxing environment.
Dr. Helen Byamugisha acknowledged her predecessor, Prof. Maria Musoke who blazed a trail of achievements over her ten years of service, “I commend the outgoing librarian for the tremendous work she has done for Makerere University, Your achievement and developments will forever be remembered in Makerere’s history. I am really grateful for the support and efforts that have seen improved relations between library staff and management.”
Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:
Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.
THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;
Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
One Passport size photograph.
A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.
Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/
You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD
For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:
Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728 Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug
The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.
Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.
Courses by Level
Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Online
TOPIK
Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com
Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.
Registration:
To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704
Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester
For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)
See downloads for Class Timetable
The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.
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.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
“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.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.
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.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.
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.