General
Gov’t contributes $5m to Kibaki Presidential Library at Mak
Published
11 years agoon

The Government of Uganda will contribute US $5m towards the construction of the H.E Mwai Kibaki Presidential Library at Makerere University. This pledge was made public by H.E Hon. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, the Vice President of Uganda, who was representing His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, at a high profile launch of the aforementioned library on 13th February 2015.
The Vice President commended H.E Kibaki as a true Pan- Africanist who has made tremendous contributions not only in the East African Community but across the continent. Among his achievements, H.E Kibaki has a track record of streamlining Kenya’s finance Ministry and laying a firm foundation for skyrocketing her economy to a middle income country.
Makerere University chose to immortalise H.E Kibaki with a modern state-of-the art twin-tower library estimated to cost US $50m. One of the towers of this library will have 20 storeys and the other 15. In addition, the School of Economics has been renamed ‘H.E Mwai Kibaki School of Economics,’ in recognition of his achievements as the first African student to score a first class degree. At undergraduate level (1951-53), H.E Kibaki studies a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, History and Political Science of Makerere University, before proceeding to the London School of Economics (LSE), where he graduated with a BSc Public Finance with Distinction. He later returned to serve his alma mata as an Assistant lecturer in the Department of Economics between 1958-60.
The Presidential Library will host the Mwai Kibaki Endowed Chair in Economics, and the East African Mwai Kibaki Centre for Leadership, Public Finance and Policy. As part of the day’s proceedings, H.E Kibaki was installed on the symbolic Endowed Chair in Economics by the Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera. This was at a colourful ceremony in the historic University Main Hall, where H.E Kibaki clad in his doctoral gown, walked in to a thunderous applause from the congregation. He smiled in acknowledgement of the warm welcome.
According to the Chancellor, the H.E Mwai Kibaki Endowed Chair in Economics will fund and support an internationally credentialed Professor of Economics to teach, research and mentor undergraduate, graduate and post-doctorate students in this field. “The Centre for Leadership, Public Finance and Policy will provide unique opportunities for African Ministers of Finance, Permanent Secretaries and Secretaries to the Treasury to become Scholars-in-residence, research and meet to discourse on Africa’s development agenda,” he said. The Centre will also be a repository of H.E. Mwai Kibaki’s personal papers, authored policy monographs, books, memorabilia of H.E Mwai Kibaki’s 50+ years of public service.
Chancellor Kagonyera was grateful to the School of Economics under the leadership of Dr. Edward Bbaale (Dean) and the College of Business and Management Sciences led by Dr. Eria Hisali (Principal) for embracing the Presidential project.
Earlier in the day, H.E Kibaki unveiled a plate renaming the School of Economics to H.E Mwai Kibaki School of Economics, before proceeding to lay a foundation stone for the construction of the much anticipated Presidential Library at the current Department of Performing Arts and Film grounds.
In his inaugural speech titled ‘Unlocking East Africa’s Intellectual Capital,’ H.E Kibaki challenged the elite to use their intellectual capital to transform the East African Community by inspiring and offering practical guidance to society. He asserted that in this age of advanced communication technologies, intellectuals should aspire to be more practical and not wait for politicians to invite them to make their contribution. “It is important to acknowledge that intellectualism for its own sake is a luxury Africa cannot afford any longer. It is our business to determine our destiny as a bloc. Indeed, our shared circumstances and our common challenges call for a common approach that only a properly integrated East African Community can withstand. It is in this context that the proposed library and policy centre will become relevant to East Africa, Africa and the world,” he added. “That is why my appeal to our intellectuals is to help the society overcome numerous artificial barriers that slot individual East African states into stuffy pigeonholes. East Africa deserves fresh air!” he emphasised.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu expressed gratitude to H.E Kibaki for honouring the proposal to construct a Presidential Library in his name at Makerere University. “The Presidential Library will be an outstanding achievement not only for Makerere University but also the entire region and beyond. I thank the Government of Uganda and especially the President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting this initiative.” Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu also appreciated Her Excellency, Angellina Waphakabulo and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Maj. Geoffrey Okanga for their support towards the project.
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Eng. Dr. Wana Etyem pledged Council’s support to the successful completion of the project. “I would like to appreciate the contribution of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. George Jalobo Piwang for ensuring that this day comes to pass. The proposed establishment of this project could not have come at a more opportune moment to inspire and energise the first tracking of similar endowed Chairs across Makerere University.”
According to Dr. Edward Bbaale, “the London School of Economics has now moved to Makerere University. The Presidential Library project will go a long way in promoting research in economics.”
This function was graced by the Hon. Minister of Education and Sports Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who challenged all Makerere University alumni and well wishers to support this initiative. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include a high power delegation from Kenya, former Vice Chancellors of Mak, Representatives from the President’s Office, High Commissioners, Members of Staff and Students of Mak, and many other high ranking officials.
Article by Hasifah Kabejja and Marion Alina.
Related article:
All set for HE Mwai Kibaki Presidential Library Launch
You may like
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
Published
3 days agoon
September 10, 2025By
Mak Editor
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.
General
First-Year Student’s Joining Instructions 2025/26
Published
1 week agoon
September 4, 2025By
Mak Editor
Dear Students; Class of 2025/2026
I am very delighted to welcome you to Makerere University. You are joining a Premier University and I hope you all are excited to start your new academic journey. We would like to first congratulate all of you for successfully overcoming the many challenges you have all faced, from completing high school to choosing a university and a study program and the extensive delays in the admission process you experienced.
As you are about to begin one of the most exciting times in your life, you should acknowledge and appreciate your efforts and achievements so far. I am aware that as a fresher, you are filled with hope and ambition, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the road that has brought you here. I know that you have worked hard and overcome many obstacles
to reach this point. So, take a moment to savor this achievement and be proud of yourselves.
Now, as you step into the next phase of your lives, I want to remind you that this is a time of growth and exploration. You will face new challenges, make new friends, and gain experiences that will shape you into the person you will become. This is the time to embrace new opportunities, learn from your mistakes, and never stop growing.
I also want to emphasise the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. These are the qualities that will help you overcome any obstacle and succeed in your endeavors. Remember to keep your focus on your goals and work towards them with determination.
I encourage you to approach your studies with a growth mindset. This means that you believe that your abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow.
Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
Academic Registrar
General
Transform Ivory Tower into Impact Tower – First-ever CEOs’ Summit
Published
1 week agoon
September 2, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”

She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”

She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.

Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.

Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.

Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.

Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.

Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.

He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation

Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.

Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).

The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
Trending
-
General2 weeks ago
Admission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26
-
General2 weeks ago
Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026
-
General1 week ago
First-Year Student’s Joining Instructions 2025/26
-
General1 week ago
Transform Ivory Tower into Impact Tower – First-ever CEOs’ Summit
-
Innovation1 week ago
Mak-RIF Bi-Annual Bulletin Issue 4: Jan-Jun 2025