General
Mak Receives Film Processing Machine Worth Ugx.150 million
The Makerere University Printery has received a film processing machine worth UGX.150 million from Mr. Hasan Mumtaz, a big-hearted individual inspired by Makerere University’s contribution to the generation of knowledge, advancement of professions and the transformation of Uganda and the world at large.
On Wednesday 27th May 2015, the cheerful giver, Mr. Hasan Mumtaz confessed his everlasting love for Makerere University to Mr. Joseph Kirabo, the Manager-Makerere University Printery and Ms Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer of Makerere University.
“I love Makerere University. My heart is always here. I love people who read and teach. I love the fact that the institution is full of intellectuals and bright people who make a contribution to training and polishing people serving Uganda and the world!” 
Meeting the Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund and staff from Mak Planning and Development Department, the enthusiastic Mr. Hasan Mumtaz captivated the audience when he shared his emotional attachment to the great works of men and women serving this institution, referred to Makerere University staff as prophets, and appreciated the impact of their work through diffusion of knowledge to humanity.
Mr. Mumtaz said: “I feel honoured to be here. You are a photocopy of our prophets from Moses to Mohammed. They all came to teach and they are respected. Teaching is a noble profession. I love people who read and teach. You may not be getting good income, but this is a noble profession.”
“Makerere University is a factory producing high quality intellectuals and professionals for the country and the world at large. I respect teachers. I decided something valuable to give to Makerere University. You need equipment to teach people and produce more intellectuals and professionals,” remarked Mr. Mumtaz amidst applause from a captivated audience.
The Manager, Makerere University Printery, Mr. Joseph Kirabo applauded Mr. Hasan Mumtaz for a donation that would add value to their production processes. The X700 Digital colour press will be used to output film for colour printing which the university has been lacking for the last 20 years.
“We have written several proposals requesting for support aimed at enhancing the performance of the Makerere University Printery. We needed a film processing machine. We have been spending approximately UGX.45 million annually to outsource this service. We will therefore remain eternally grateful to Mr. Hasan Mumtaz for this donation,” said Mr. Kirabo.
“In addition to the savings we expect to earn upon reducing the printing expenses, we will also add value to our production process in terms of enhanced quality and timely deliveries,” he added.
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Dr. Martin Aliker thanked Mr. Hasan Mumtaz for being big-hearted and donating valuable equipment to Makerere University. Dr. Aliker equally thanked Mr. Shahid M. Alvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Society in Uganda for accompanying the cheerful giver to Makerere University.
“We are really grateful for your contribution towards the development of the Makerere University Printery. As the Makerere University Endowment Fund, our major role is mobilise resources both in cash and in-kind to build and develop the institution. Therefore, the machine you have donated to us today is now part of the institutional resources,” he said.
Dr. Aliker also urged other individuals, organisations and well-wishers to emulate Mr. Hasan Mumtaz’s generosity in supporting and developing the University.
“We are also mobilising funds to build the Makerere University Students Centre; a multi-facility for students as they per take their studies. We are open to receive resources in cash and/or in-kind that will add value to Makerere University. Our primary function is the welfare of the students. We appeal to the Pakistan community to interact with the Makerere University Endowment Fund for the betterment of the University,” he said.
The Head-Secretariat, Makerere University Endowment Fund, Dr. Fl
orence Nakayiwa thanked the members of the Board present namely Ambassador Edith Ssempala, Mr. Martin Owiny, Mr. Grace Isabirye for witnessing the handover ceremony. Dr. Nakayiwa reiterated the fact that the Makerere University Endowment Fund has extended several requests to individuals and organisations that were being followed up.
“We are optimistic that the proposals will bear fruit. I congratulate the Makerere University Printery upon receiving this film processing machine. I commend Mr. Hasan Mumtaz for his generosity, and we look forward to more interactions with you and the Pakistan Community at large,” remarked Dr. Nakayiwa, who is also the Director, Planning and Development Department at Makerere University.
Mr. Hassan Mumtaz is a Ugandan of Pakistan origin. He came to Uganda in 1983. He has educated some of his children on this great Hill of Makerere University. According to him, one of the children –Aisha Hassan studied Communication at Makerere University up to second year thereafter was admitted to study in UK.
Story by: Ritah Namisango and Prossy Nabatte
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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