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Prof. Nsibambi Launches Mak Convocation Sustainability Projects

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On Saturday 30th May 2015, the former Prime Minister of Uganda and former Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi launched two sustainability projects initiated by the Makerere University Convocation (MUC) namely the Annual Chancellors’ Dinner and the Ivy League Alumni Register.

The Makerere University Convocation comprises over 300,000 Makerere University Old Students and Staff. Most of Makerere University alumni, who have passed through its gates, are now global citizens who would play a key role in determining the future of Makerere University.

The Makerere University Convocation Executive chaired by Dr. Tanga Odoi has embarked on plans to build a solid foundation for a stronger and functional old students and staff association at Makerere University.

Speaking about the two sustainability projects, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation, Dr. Tanga Odoi said that the Annual Chancellors’ Dinner presents an opportunity to the old students, staff and friends of Makerere University to interact with their Chancellors. During this dinner, the old students, staff, and friends from all walks of life will have an opportunity and space to express their gratitude and appreciation for what Makerere has done. This can be done through donations and direct financial contributions to any cause of the university.

Dr. Tanga Odoi informed the audience in the Main Hall that the Ivy League Alumni Register will be signed by alumni, staff and students who will have significantly contributed to Makerere University causes. “The Makerere University convocation will give special recognition to the individual as having been an important Alumna or Alumnus. The register will have a permanent place in the Makerere University Main Hall and will be kept under lock and key. The signing function will be accompanied with full honors like the Chancellor’s procession, University Anthem and the presence of Alumni, Staff or Friends and Family,” he added.

Dr. Tanga Odoi also confirmed the Convocation’s plans to build a functional database of old students, and create long term partnerships with both local and international organizations that have interest in supporting Makerere University to fulfill her core objectives.

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Nsibambi delivered a keynote speech on Makerere University’s Future and the Role of Makerere University Convocation. Prof. Nsibambi said that the Convocation should be able to mobilize resources, as well as fund and implement the University’s activities in relation to its core functions. Citing core functions such as teaching, research, innovation and enhancing frontiers of knowledge, Prof. Nsibambi explained that Uganda is faced with a number of social, environmental and economic problems that require scholarly attention. This attention would then result into theoretical and empirical findings that can in turn serve as a basis of making viable policies.

“Without undermining what Makerere University is doing in research and laying further emphasis on the importance of research, I want to recommend that the institution must emphasize transformational research and carry out innovations that benefit the national social-economic and political trends of our society. Makerere University must embrace technology and knowledge transfer policy. Under such policy, staff will be encouraged to engage in research resulting into knowledge and technologies that can support our young and ever growing economy. Additionally, you also have to consider the protection of these research innovations by patenting them so that they may not be plagiarized,” he emphasized.

He also enlightened that universities should recognize a need for cooperation with industry in support of research innovation and public services which consists of a variety of activities, including the following;

•    Direct funding of research cost through contracts and grants
•    Formal licensing to industry of university–owned patents and technology
•    Gifts and endowments (including endowment chairs designated for Colleges, Schools Departments  or individuals)
•    University-industry exchange programs and student internships specialized programs designed by the university for  continuing education and training of professionals, primarily through university  extension
•    Participation of industry representatives on university forum such as the University Council
•    Cooperative research projects. Some of which include government participation and the use of specialized facilities. Each unit can enter into a partnership to conduct research and produce a policy for government
•    Use of unique university facilities on a fee-for-service basis. such facilities such as incubation centers, state of art laboratories for private researchers  and specialized retreat and scholarly centers as well as fee charged on use of special library services by surrounding emerging institutions
•    Research and development facilities of industries housed on University property such as industrial parks like the Silicon Valley at University of California
•    Faculty consulting services
•    Research activities of the Agricultural Experiment Stations and affiliated stations.

To achieve the aforementioned activities excellently, Prof. Nsibambi said that the Makerere University Convocation should be able to work with the University Management and Academic Staff in ensuring that students are disciplined and their problems addressed.

“You also need to put in place a mechanism for recognizing Alumni and staff who contribute to Makerere University. The Alumni of Makerere can also be invited to give lectures on topical issues such as terrorism, hooliganism and unemployment. Such and many other creative projects can make Makerere University Convocation relevant and strong,” Prof. Nsibambi advised.

The Makerere University Chancellor Professor Mondo Kagonyera, encouraged the Makerere University Convocation Executive (2012-2019) chaired by Dr. Tanga Odoi to uphold the zeal that they have portrayed since their election into office. He urged them to put all their efforts together so as to mobilize all members of the convocation and propel Makerere University to greater heights.

“Your duty as a convocation is to mobilize the Alumni, staff and well wishers to support the welfare and progress of Makerere University. I believe that if you effectively pursue this mandate, the convocation will take its place as one of the important assets of the university,” the Chancellor emphasized.

Prof. Kagonyera also pointed out the need to construct a permanent and befitting perimeter wall around Makerere University, an idea Dr. Tanga Odoi and his executive welcomed with great enthusiasm.

In his speech, the Vice Chancellor applauded the Makerere University Convocation Executive for the wonderful ideas that will help the university actualize its dreams and help members to rekindle the memories of the time spent at their alma mater.

“We therefore invite you to actively participate whenever we call upon you. We need your ideas, participation, support and good will. As a university, we have several projects lined-up, which require our joint efforts. Key among these is the construction of a one-stop students’ center. This is a flagship project toward marking the Makerere University’s Centennial Anniversary. We are banking on the support of our Convocation, alumni, friends, well wishers and development partners in their various capacities to make this dream a reality,” he said.

Chaired by Dr. Tanga Odoi, the new Makerere University Convocation Executive (2015-2019) comprises, Mrs. Diana. T. Nyago-Vice Chairperson, Mr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi-Publicity Secretary, Mr. Justus Nuwajuna-Treasurer, and committee members including; Mr. Dennis Namara, Mr. Richard Olando, Mr. Spenser Oyes, Ms. Juliet Nakalema, Ms. Faith Kirungi, Ms. Najjuka  Margret, and Mr. Kamya Bazilio.

Story by:  Prossy Nabatte-Intern, Public Relations Office
Photos by:  Landmark Media Consultancy Ltd

Mark Wamai

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Makerere University Fees Waiver for 40 First Year Female Students 2025/2026

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Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:

  1. Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
  2. Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
  3. Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
  4. Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
  5. Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
  6. Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.

THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;

  1. Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
  2. One Passport size photograph.
  3. A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
  4. Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
  5. A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
  6. A copy of the admission letter to Makerere University.

The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.

Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/

You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD

For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:

Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728
Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug

The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.

Euzobia Mugisha Baine (PhD)
Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer

Mak Editor

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Korean Language Courses-Semester

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Students walk into the Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.

Courses by Level

  • Beginner
  • Elementary
  • Intermediate
  • Online
  • TOPIK

Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com

Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.

Registration:

To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704

Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester

For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)

See downloads for Class Timetable

The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.

Mak Editor

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NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) and Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) on 9th July 2025 at Makerere University. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.

NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity.  Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.

Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.

“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”

The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.

“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.

The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.

A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.

“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”

Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.

Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.

Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.

“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”

The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Mak Editor

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