Makerere University has unveiled the first ever “Mak Varsity Awards” in which the institution will recognize public personalities, organizations, staff and students with exceptional achievements. Set to be officially launched on 2nd October 2015, the Mak Varsity Awards will be held annually with this year’s event slated for Thursday, 15th October 2015 in the Makerere University Main Hall under the theme: ‘Motivate To Inspire’.
In light of this, the Awards Organising Committee made up of the Makerere University 81st Guild Cabinet, their partners and sponsors, held a meeting on 23rd September 2015 in Makerere University Council Room. Speaking at the meeting, the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe noted that the University is privileged to host the awards as a way of recognising the persons behind the institution’s success as well as increasing the university’s visibility to its stakeholders and the public.
Mr. Kabagambe called upon the public to start nominating their preferred candidates based on the most appropriate category. “Any outstanding organisation, personality, current member of staff and current student with exceptional achievement in any arena is fit for the nomination,” he added.
According to the Mak Guild Information Minister David Ndyabahika, for a candidate to be eligible for nomination he/she must:
- Possess an exceptional achievement in any arena.
- Have a notable Endeavour which has made a difference to the University.
- Have engaged in a substantive contribution which has enhanced the reputation of the University.
- Have engaged in an activity which has had a noticeably positive impact for students, staff or the local community.
- Have registered an individual achievement or sustained achievement over a period of time.
“Examples of exceptional achievements by staff include; sporting success, leadership of a community project, exceptional service, innovation in service delivery, notable curricular innovation or significant research impact of some kind. Student exceptional achievements could include; contributions to Hall or SCR, sporting club, student society, other Students' Union activities or representation, volunteering in the community, as a student ambassador, and fundraising activities through College Level,” he said.
The Mak Varsity Award Project Coordinator John Paul Mugwanya, said that, the nomination process is open until 30th September 2015, and voting will take place from 2nd to 12th October 2015.
“We therefore call upon every student, staff, alumni and the entire public to join us as we rebrand our institution. We ought to be the institution our predecessors are proud to associate with wherever they are. Let us therefore nominate and reward our own,” he said.
In his remarks the Makerere University Guild President H.E Bala David said organising the Mak Varsity Awards as the students’ fraternity is a sign of improved relations at the university. He therefore emphasized that the next generation had an obligation to preserve the brand of the mighty Ivory Tower on the African continent and beyond.
“As the 81st Guild Cabinet, our mission is really to re-brand Makerere University and improve on our relationship with the public. We want to showcase our academic, research and innovative abilities and capabilities to the public. We want to tell the world out there that Makerere still holds its originality as the best university in East Africa, one of the top ten universities in Africa and one of the best universities in research and innovation globally. This is what we are as Makerere, so we need to increase our visibility and this underlines the importance of the Mak University Awards,” he explained.
The Mak Varsity Awards have attracted many big and successful organisations in Uganda to support the event. Unveiling their packages and support to the media at the gathering, Mrs. Belinda Sebunya–Sales/Reservations and Marketing Manager, Brussels Airlines announced that her company is willing to provide a return ticket to the project of the year winner to travel to Europe.
“In support of this event, Enterprise Uganda is willing to provide business and mentorship services to Makerere University students and staff,” said Mr. Allan Ssembajjwe from Enterprise Uganda.
In the same meeting, Centenary Bank announced their support by handing over a UGX5million cheque to the Dean of Students Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe. Mr. Leo Henghes from University Together Empowering Development (UNITED) said that the winner of the Social Impact category will be rewarded with a fully paid trip to Oxford University to present his/her project at the OXFID Conference.
Other key sponsors include; MTN Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Century Bottling Company, SMS one, Capital FM, Events Warehouse, Vision Group, Enterprise Uganda, HRN Media and the Uganda Police Force.
Please see the Downloads for the award categories.
By Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations Office
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