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
On 20th August 2026, Makerere University welcomed another cohort of 258 recipients of the prestigious Mastercard Foundation scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year with pomp and fanfare. The colourful Scholarship Award Ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who was represented by Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, the Dean of the School of Economics and the Chairperson of the Scholars Selection sub-committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
While addressing the gathering, Prof. Nawangwe reminded the Scholars that the scholarship was both an honour and a responsibility, and that they ought to make the most of it to improve their lives and communities.
“Now that you have stepped through the gates of Makerere University, remember that a scholarship is both an award and a responsibility. You have been chosen because we believe in your potential to lead, innovate, and serve. Makerere University offers you world-class academic resources, mentorship, and networks—but the impact you make with these resources will depend on your discipline, integrity, and vision,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
A Call for Responsible Living
The Vice Chancellor further urged the new recruits to embrace university life responsibly and form lasting bonds that will support future networks.
“I encourage you to engage fully and responsibly in University life, build lasting bonds with your peers, and, equally important, keep your home communities close to your heart. Let the knowledge and skills you gain here become the seed for innovative solutions to the challenges facing your communities, our country, Uganda, and the African continent.” Prof Nawangwe emphasised.
Prof. Nawangwe further expressed his gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for recognising Makerere University as a worthy partner and pledged to continue supporting all the Mastercard Foundation’s initiatives at Makerere University.
Leadership starts with self
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Senior Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program globally and the Country Director for Uganda, urged Scholars to embrace leadership, particularly through self-leadership. He emphasised that the Scholars Program is fundamentally a leadership development program.
“The Scholars Program offers more than just a scholarship; it is a leadership development Program. I encourage you, Scholars, to embrace leadership, and leadership starts with leading yourself, then your community, your country and the continent,” Mr. Bukenya emphasised.
Mr. Bukenya expressed his gratitude to the Management of Makerere University for partnering with the Mastercard Foundation on various initiatives. He emphasised that the Foundation is committed to continuing this partnership to educate young people and nurture the next generation of leaders on the African continent.
Selection Process Highlights
On his part, the Chairperson of the Scholars Selection Committee, represented by Mr Charles Ssentongo, the Deputy Academic Registrar responsible for Undergraduate admissions, congratulated all the Scholars who had made it through a very competitive and watertight selection process. To illustrate how tight the selection process had been, he shared compelling statistics that clearly demonstrated its competitiveness.
“We received 3,664 Applications for the Scholarship; 2,904 Undergraduates and 760 master’s students. Of these scholarship applicants, 1,440 Undergraduates and 280 Master’s students were admitted to Makerere University on private sponsorship, and they were all eligible for the Scholarship,” Mr Ssentongo pointed out.
Mr Ssentongo informed the attentive audience that one of the biggest challenges the Committee faced was the very high number of applicants, while the number of scholarships available was always very small. Mr Ssentongo then highlighted further statistics that characterised the tedious selection process.
“For the Undergraduates, 650 applicants were shortlisted for interviews, while 58 Master’s applicants were also shortlisted. Of these, 245 undergraduates and 13 Master’s students were selected for the final award,” Mr Ssentongo highlighted.
Celebrating A Diverse Cohort
The Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, used the occasion to highlight achievements made in the years gone by.
“Today, we are overjoyed to have successfully recruited 258 Cohort 9 Scholars—bringing us to the mark of 546 Scholars, 54.6% of the target recruitment of 1,000 Scholars under Phase II of the Program. To date, a total of 1,596 Scholars have been recruited since 2013, when the Scholars Program started at Makerere University,” Prof. Namaalwa announced.
Prof. Namaalwa showcased the diversity created by the Scholars Program, highlighting the arrival of international students from across the African continent at Makerere University through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
“For Cohort 9 Scholars, it’s time to celebrate our diversity in the Program. Let me call out the nationalities represented in the room: Lesotho (1 Scholar), Malawi (1 Scholar), Ghana (1 Scholar), D.R. Congo (13 Scholars), Cameroon (7 Scholars), Burundi (3 Scholars), Rwanda (10 Scholars), South Sudan (40 Scholars) and Tanzania (1 Scholar).” Prof. Namaalwa revealed.
Scholars Speak Out
Nathan Tamba, an international student from Cameroon, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the opportunities afforded by the scholarship, particularly the prospect of pursuing his studies at Makerere University, recognised as one of the leading institutions on the continent.
“On behalf of my fellow scholars, I would like to express our gratitude to Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation for awarding us this scholarship. It has given me the opportunity to study at this prestigious university and to experience Uganda for the first time.” Tamba remarked.
Tamba, clearly delighted like his fellow scholars, committed to using the scholarship opportunity to gain knowledge and skills he will use to benefit himself and his community.
The function was punctuated by entertainment from the Makerere University Choir, networking, and plenty of joyous celebration.
Bernard Buteera is Principal Communications Officer for the Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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