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
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
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.
“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.”
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.
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
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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