General
49 Mak students receive MasterCard Foundation Scholarships
On Saturday 12th September 2015, anyone who dared to enter the Makerere University Senate Building Conference Hall in the afternoon hours, could not help but sense the exuberance that exuded from the 49 academically bright, but economically disadvantaged first year students who assembled to receive their Letters of Award. Appropriately named The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University, the scholarship was nothing short of music to the ears of this beaming group of freshmen and women.
The MasterCard Scholars programme at Makerere University started in the 2014/2015 academic year, with the 1st Cohort comprising 49 students who are currently in their second year of study. The 2nd Cohort also comprises 49 students admitted to Makerere University this academic year (2015/2016) to pursue different academic programmes.
Makerere University signed a contract worth approximately US$20.9million with the MasterCard Foundation to sponsor 1,000 academically bright but economically disadvantaged youth from Africa to study at Makerere University for the period 2013 to 2023. The contract was signed by Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu and Peggy Woo, Chief Financial Officer of MasterCard Foundation.
Upon arrival at the Award Ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu was treated to a standing ovation by the MasterCard Scholars, complete beaming smiles and some tears of gratitude. It was indeed a great and memorable day in the lives of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University!
The Programme Coordinator of the MCF Scholar Programme at Mak, Dr. Florence Nakayiwa officially introduced the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu and invited him to address the enthusiastic audience.
Blending with the warm audience, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu recalled his student days and quickly shared his love for Makerere University with the MasterCard Scholars.
“I am an old student of St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK). Indeed Makerere University was my first choice university. I attained my first degree and PhD from here and I am now the Vice Chancellor of this great institution. Makerere University has nurtured very many prominent alumni including Presidents who have served this country, Kenya, Tanzania and Africa in general, and Vice Chancellors- namely John Ddumba-Ssentamu. Makerere University has nurtured me to be the person that I am today and I am very proud to be associated with it,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor officially welcomed the new MCF Scholars to Makerere University, and congratulated them upon being selected for the scholarship programme.
“I welcome our new Cohort of Scholars who have been admitted to different programmes for the academic year 2015/2016. I congratulate you upon being selected to join Makerere University. I congratulate the second year Scholars upon the achievements this far. As MasterCard Foundation Scholars, you have a rare gift of resources, both financial and moral, at your disposal. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars programme will give you a wholesome experience that will open pathways to a bright future,” he said.
In appreciation of the comprehensive and extremely generous package provided under the MCF Scholarship, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the need for excellence.
“Dear Scholars, you have been given everything to enable you excel. Both Makerere University and our partner, The MasterCard Foundation, expect continued academic excellence from you. We are training you to be the next generation of achievers and leaders who will be committed to service and giving back to the community,” he said.
He advised both the 1st and 2nd Cohort of MCF Scholars to: Be grateful everyday for having received this comprehensive scholarship; be prayerful; associate with people who will add value to their life both academically and socially; participate in the leadership and take on leadership opportunities at the University. He also stressed that anyone who wishes to transform this nation, should start now-while still at Makerere University.
After sharing words of wisdom, the Vice Chancellor presented Award letters to the 2nd Cohort of the MCF Scholars at Makerere University amidst applause from the congregation comprising their colleagues from the 1st Cohort of Scholars, the MasterCard Foundation Project Implementation team, and invited guests.
The following members of staff witnessed the remarkable award ceremony where beaming smiles, jubilation and tears of gratitude as the MCF Scholars received their Letters of Award were commonplace: The Dean of Students, Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe; the Academic Registrar, Mr. Alfred Masikye-Namoah; the Deputy Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Dr. Anthony Mugagga; the Manager-Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Henry Nsubuga; and the Senior Public Relations Officer, Ms Ritah Namisango.
The Vice Chancellor thanked Dr. Florence Nakayiwa together with her Project Implementation team namely Ms. Jolly Okumu, Mr. John Osuna, Mr. Tito Okumu, Ms Harriet Nakiryowa and Ms Sharon Nabukalu for organizing the Award Ceremony. He also commended the University Management and the Steering Committee for supporting the programme’s implementation.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated his dedication to the success of the MCF Scholars Programme at Makerere University. “I commit myself to supporting the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme to be able to achieve both the vision and mission of Makerere University and that of the Programme,” he said.
Written by: Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office
Photos by: John Osuna, MCF Project Implementation Team
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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