General
President Museveni Hails Makerere University
141 Farmers awarded certificates
President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Makerere University for bringing knowledge from the University to communities."You have replicated what happened 2000 years ago when Jesus Christ chose to come on earth and save sinners instead of staying in heaven and sending messengers," the President said amidst applause from the congregation gathered at Rukoni Sub-County, Ntungamo district to witness the award ceremony of Makerere University in the community.
President Museveni applauded Prof. Kabasa and the team in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB) and the Africa Institute for Strategic Services and Development (AFRISA) platform for demystifying knowledge and higher education in general, coming down to the people and making it possible for skills to be accessible by the masses.
Impressed by the milestones reached through the SPEDA model, the Head of State pledged more funding to the College so that together with the Government of Uganda, they continue to transform communities, eradicate poverty, create employment and valuable production enterprises.
"We have been supporting similar programmes and in the future, we are going to give you much more support than we have done in the past", the President said amidst claps.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera presided over the award ceremony during which Dr. Michael Kansiime-Head presented 141awardees for Certificates in Skills, Production, Enterprises, Development and Academics (SPEDA) model under the AFRISA platform.
Prof. Kagonyera congratulated the awardees upon their choice to acquire knowledge and skills in production. “The awardees are dressed in graduation regalia so that it sinks in the minds of all the people that the awardees have acquired knowledge. They are therefore better than before because in addition to being wise, they are knowledgeable,” he emphasized. He said that Makerere University is now more than ready to go into the communities and fight poverty through the SPEDA educational and community transformation model.
The SPEDA model was conceptualized 7 years ago after a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to the then School of Veterinary Medicine to transform the nation through veterinary medicine, animal resources, science and technology. "We had no idea how long it was going to take us to reach where we are" Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB) noted. He said that Makerere University has spent the last 7 years developing this model in consultation with different organisations and government ministries. Prof. Kabasa further noted that the entire program of community transformation starts at the grassroots to skill masses, create wealth and improve livelihoods.
The First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Member of Parliament Ruhaama County encouraged the awardees to make use of the acquired knowledge to work hard and earn more income so that they can have a better lives. The First Lady who is also the Patron of Ntungamo Transformation Initiative (NTI), an umbrella organization of church leaders in Ntungamo appreciated the worthwhile partnership between the Government of Uganda, Makerere University, AFRISA and religious leaders that will enable Ugandans to truly get out of poverty.
A total of 141 individuals were awarded general artisan certificates in 6 disciplines of Fish industry and business, Pig industry and business, Poultry industry and business, bee industry and business, dairy industry and business and zootechnics and agro entrepreneurship. The awardees fulfilled all the requirements set by Makerere University after undergoing an intensive 8-month training and nurturing program by staff of COVAB and the Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Services and Development (AFRISA),which is the partnership engagement platform for the SPEDA programmes.
While presenting the awardees to the Chancellor, Dr. Michael Kansiime, head AFRISA secretariat said that initially 200 people registered for the training, out of which 179 actually went through the training as approved by Makerere University. Of these, 130 were male and 49 female. While 141 completed successfully, 38 did not and are still on probational progress and still being mentored and nurtured to start their enterprise.
"We vowed that lamentations at graduations should be history, said Prof. Kabasa in relation to the thousands of university students who graduate every year without employment. With the SPEDA model, an individual graduates with an enterprise. He said that the awardees if they wished could enroll for an ordinary certificate, then a diploma and finally a degree if they wished, with each level adding on to their prior skills and knowledge.
The overall best awardee was Lydia Akankwatsa, who before the training was focused on her banana plantation. She has since the training, established a viable poultry business with 100 layers, producing 89 eggs a day, an equivalent of 26,700/= a day.
Also among the outstanding awardees, was the best performing female youth. Immaculate Tweyanze, an S.3 student is now paying her school fees from the piggery business that she improved upon during the course of the nurturing period. Prior to the training, she had only one pig that she was not looking after well. She has now expanded the business by stocking more pigs having gained more knowledge. She has so far sold 3 pigs, earning her 300,000/=. Her plan is to raise her stock to 360, which will increase her business worth to 95,000,000/=
Others who received special recognition were the best male youth and the best performer per value chain. According to Dr. Kansiime, all the trainees went through a continuous assessment of their progress every month. They also sat an oral exam and were guided in the development of their business plans.
The Diocese of South Ankole under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe has purchased a training venue and facilities for more people to be trained and currently registration is in process. In what he termed as a memorable day in the history of Ntungamo and Uganda at large, Bishop Ahimbisibwe who is also the Chairman Board of Directors, NTI thanked the university and Mrs. Museveni for their support to transform the region. The Bishop called upon AFRISA and Makerere to continue training people not only in Ntungamo but the entire region.
Present at the ceremony were delegations from Busoga, Masabaland, Lango and Bugwere who are interested in having the same programme in their respective regions.
"We have built capacity to instruct 1,000 individuals at a time, with Makerere taking leadership in curriculum development and quality assurance. We are waiting to be propelled forward", Prof. Kabasa told the congregation.
Written by: Jovia Musubika
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.
The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.
“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.
In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.
“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”
Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.
“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.
The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.
“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.
The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.
“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.
Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.
In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.
“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.
The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.
Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
-
General2 weeks agoFirst-Year Student’s Joining Instructions 2025/26
-
Innovation2 weeks agoMak-RIF Bi-Annual Bulletin Issue 4: Jan-Jun 2025
-
General2 weeks agoTransform Ivory Tower into Impact Tower – First-ever CEOs’ Summit
-
General6 days agoMastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM Centre Makerere, Graduates Second Cohort of Certificate in Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis