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
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa
By the Program Communication Team
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.
“I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.
“Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.
While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.
Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.
The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative. They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.
On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over three (3) university buses to the respective leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
The new buses mark a significant improvement in mobility and learning for Makerere University students and staff, furthering the institution’s commitment to practical education and community service.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the University’s Freedom Square, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the significance of the new buses in enhancing teaching and learning. “These buses will play a crucial role in improving students’ practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Parliament and the Government of Uganda for providing the resources for the new buses, emphasizing their importance in replacing the old fleet, which frequently breaks down. The new 2023 model buses, with a 67-seater capacity, were secured at a cost of UGX 626million each and are expected to save the university significant maintenance costs and improve the learning experience for students.
Principals from the respective colleges expressed their appreciation for the new buses. Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, emphasized the importance of the buses for practical training at locations such as Lake Mburo National Park. Associate Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of CHS, highlighted the buses’ role in facilitating community engagement and outreach.
He explained that the decision to purchase Isuzu buses instead of those manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) a Makerere University partner, was based on prior engagement with the former, as well as the need to utilize the allocated funds promptly within the Financial Year, which couldn’t be accomplished at KMC due to their high demand.
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