General
Mak receives Computers from Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank has donated 18 computers to Makerere University Revenue Services Unit (MURSU), Finance Department to help in streamlining student processes.
The computers were received by University Management at a ceremony presided over by the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu in the Council room on 24th April 2015. The Vice Chancellor was grateful for the donation, which he described as key in extending one of Makerere University’s core functions of partnership and networking. He challenged the Revenue unit to perform beyond expectations, with this boost. “Stanbic bank is one of our strongest partners in financial services. The Vice Chancellor further applauded Mrs. Jackie Ayorekire and her team who tirelessly sought the donation, and urged other members of Staff to follow suit in identifying key partners. On her part, Mrs Ayorekire pledged to improve service delivery.
“We look forward to putting this donation to maximum use, especially now that the University has computerized the management of fees and other student services. We are optimistic that this support will give us the much-needed milestone and better results,” said Ayorekire. “This support is an indication that the Mak-Stanbic partnership will continue to grow and as a unit, we shall demonstrate our gratefulness by fully utilizing this donation,” she asserted. Ayorekire revealed that the unit will have the computers set up in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, for ease of access by students especially the first year students who usually fail to get space in the labs..
Thomas Tayeebwa, the Chairperson Finance Planning Administration and Investment Committee (FPAIC) of Council challenged Stanbic bank to devise a system that allows parents to pay tuition in installments. “We urge you as one of the leading collection centers of tuition to help us with a programme that allows early payment of tuition by parents themselves in installments. Some students divert their tuition monies, but such a provision would help curtail this,” he said.
According to Catherine Asinde, of the Corporate and Investment banking section in Stanbic Bank, the Bank is open to more proposals for support from Makerere University. “These computers are fully equipped for student registration. We believe in moving forward with our clients. With these computers, we believe Makerere Revenue Services is going to move forward,” she added.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pointed out that as a leading University, Makerere University should continue to automate her functions. “I congratulate MURSU for this acquisition and I particularly thank the energetic young leader, Jackie Ayorekire, for putting her energies to good use,” he said.
MURSU has the mandate to ensure that all University Revenues are collected on a timely basis. It has the advisory role to the University Management through the University Bursar on matters of Revenue Collections including preparing proposals on revenue streams and the necessary improvements required in the Unit.
Article by Marion Alina
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.
-
General2 weeks agoCelebrating Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
-
General6 days agoCall for Applications: Masters Student Mobility to Norway 2025
-
Education2 weeks agoOver 40 UBTEB Students Graduate from the Centre for Life-Long Learning at CEES
-
Computing & IS5 days agoCoCIS CIPSD Short Courses Jan-Mar 2025
-
Business & Management6 days agoSomali Officials Complete Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management at CoBAMS