General
Mak Printery receives Grant from Japanese Government
“I recently worked closely with a Japanese student who was studying a Masters program in Makerere University, and through her I leant that Makerere University is providing quality education for both undergraduate and graduate students. I really hope that the equipment we have donated will contribute to better students’ life as well as enhancing quality education as we look forward to working closely with you in the future,” said Mr. Hashimoto Jin, 3rd Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Uganda.
Mr. Hashimoto Jin was accompanied by Mr. Tatsuya Nakai, the 2nd Secretary-Embassy of Japan in Uganda, and Mr. Shinsuke Iwama-a Visiting Engineer from Japan. The Visiting Engineer will remain at the Makerere University Printery for two (2) weeks to train staff on the effective operationalisation of the equipment. Additionally, the staff in the Makerere University Printery will ultimately benefit from the “technology transfer” package from Japan.
The Makerere University Management, Staff from the Makerere University Printery, Planning and Development Department, Mak Public Relations Office and the Mak Holdings Company Limited witnessed the handover ceremony held on Tuesday 14th July 2015 in the Main Building- Council Room and Makerere University Printery respectively.
Receiving the grant worth 2,480,700 Japanese Yens equivalent to UGX. 72,000,000/= in form of machine spare parts, consumables and technical support, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu applauded the Government and People of Japan for their continued support towards the institutional development and capacity building programmes at Makerere University.
“We thank you for the support that includes the construction of the JICA building, which houses a large part of the College of Natural Sciences. In 2007, the Makerere University Printery received assistance from the Government of Japan worth UGX 722,759,076/=, in form of Equipment, that raised the production capacity by 100%. We are therefore humbled that we are again gathered here today to receive another generous contribution from the Government of Japan worth 2,480,700 Japanese Yen, equivalent of UGX 72million,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor equally commended the Management and Staff of the Makerere University Printery for undertaking a resource mobilisation strategy that has continuously attracted development partners, companies and individuals to donate equipment vital to the production and printing processes.
“I am happy to note that Makerere University Printery has made us proud by engaging with and creating critical partnerships. It is through such initiatives that different units in the University can continue to develop. University Management therefore extends its appreciation to the Management and staff of Printery for attaining results that are beneficial to the entire University. We applaud Mr. Joseph Kirabo, for providing visionary and innovative leadership. The University Management is committed to supporting commercial units as viable options for financial sustainability of the University,” he remarked.
The Manager, Makerere University Printery, Mr. Kirabo Joseph Edmond thanked the Government of Japan through the Embassy of Japan in Uganda for honouring their proposal.
“The Makerere University Printery wrote a proposal to the Japanese Embassy requesting for assistance to sustain our production line performance. Consequently, the proposal was honoured and today we are here to receive the generous contribution including two (2) weeks capacity building,” revealed the Manager.
“Since 2007, we have been working hard to utilize the equipment you gave us. We believe that you have decided to come up to provide additional equipment to ensure that we move to the next level of continuing to be a role model in Uganda in the provision of quality and timely services in the printing industry,” he added.
On behalf of Makerere University Holdings Company Limited, the Acting Executive Officer, Mr. Moses Nadiope commended the Makerere University Printery Management for building partnerships that are enabling the Unit to become efficient and competitive.
“We are really happy that the Makerere University Printery has received this equipment, the first of its kind in the country. This shows that Government of Japan is transferring technology to Uganda more so to Makerere University and making the Printery an innovative printing business which we hope to develop and create more businesses,” he said.
In her 46 years of existence, the Makerere University Printery that is owned by the Makerere University Council has continued to collaborate with several development partners to realise her mission of providing quality services to clients.
“We value partnerships. We applaud the Government and People of Japan and other development partners namely: Norwegian Agency for International Development, European Economic Community now called European Union, Japan Cultural Grant (2007 & 2015) and, The Federal Republic of German for the support rendered to the Makerere University Printery respectively,” said the Manager, Makerere University Printery.
By: Ritah Namisango and Nabatte Proscovia
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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