General
Mak- Afro-Stone 74M Fundraising Launched
Makerere University students have launched a fundraising drive to help renovate Africa Hall. The over UGX.74million project was launched by an Alumnus and Member of Parliament for Bujenje Constituency, Princess Labwoni Kabakumba Masiko at a highly colorful ceremony held at the Ladies’ Hall of Residence on Saturday, 25th April 2015.
In her speech, Hon. Kabakumba Masiko commended the students for coming up with such a brilliant idea that is going to cause change not only in Africa Hall but also in Makerere University as a whole. She added that this gesture not only portrayed the love they have for their mother Hall but also the true spirit of innovation and development at Makerere University.
“I thank the vision bearers for this vivid campaign we have launched today. At first it was targeting only the lawn tennis courts, but I am glad that the vision has expanded to incorporate renovation of the Hall,” Hon. Kabakumba Masiko remarked.
The MP promised to fully back the project and assured students that the first phase; renovation of the lawn tennis courts will have been completed by next semester.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, urged students to reach out to every alumni of Makerere University for financial support to revive the glory of the institution.
“Africa Hall was named after our continent and as such, this is not a simple name. We must put our efforts together to not only renovate the lawn tennis courts but also rebrand the Hall,” he emphasized.
Opened in 1971, Africa Hall has nurtured a great number of ladies who have gone on to excel at the national and continental level. The Hall is located next to Livingstone Hall – for gentlemen and together, the two form the strong Afro-Stone solidarity.
According to the Warden, Dr. Amero Stella Eduan, the fundraising drive will help to sensitise both current and former residents of the Hall on their role as alumni. Dr.Amero said fundraising for the renovations shall go a long way in defining the importance of university alumni and their role in institutional development.
“There are so many ways in which we benefit from the university but the question that remains is how do we give back to our alma mater? Africa Hall and Makerere University as a whole have definitely registered a big number of alumni and so we urge you all to come back home to renovate and restore Africa Hall’s glory,” she said.
The Deputy Dean of Students, Mr. Steven Kateega applauded the student’s efforts for the fundraising drive-a landmark event that depicts students’ ability and determination to leave behind a legacy at campus.
The Guild President H.E. David Bala, observed that the achievements registered by the Afro-Stone solidarity were commendable and therefore promised to work with the committee to mobilize the whole Makerere community to effect positive change at Makerere.
Article by Nabatte Prossy, Trainee, Public Relations Office
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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