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Mak- North Carolina State University sign collaboration MoU

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Makerere University signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding with North Carolina State University on Wednesday 16th Septemeber 2015 in the Council Room at Makerere University . The MoU spells collaboration in the areas of research and student exchange in seven colleges including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Computing and Information Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal resources and Bio-Security, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Engineering Design Art and Technology and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

The MoU was signed by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu and Dr. Jeffery Braden, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at North Carolina State University– who led the delegation.

The Vice Chancellor was grateful for the multi-disciplinary nature of the MoU. “These colleges have embarked on a number of efforts towards ground breaking research and innovations. I am pleased that the partnership you seek to establish will cut across a variety of important subjects for humanity today.  Makerere University has increasingly opened up to new partnerships to support our core function on Knowledge transfer partnerships and networking. We certainly welcome the partnership with your University,” he said.

“We feel we are stepping into the 21st century with an esteemed partner like Makerere University. We want our students to have rich international experience and look forward to working with Makerere. We would like your students to come to our University too. If we want to solve problems we have to bring together different solutions and programmes. We see Makerere as a key strategic partner in East Africa. I believe an MoU is like building a bridge. We want this bridge to be wide and have heavy traffic,” said Dr. Braden.

According to Martha Muwanguzi, the Head of the International Relations Office, “This delegation first came in November last year on a fact finding mission and interacted with CoVAB, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS then. The MoU that the two universities have signed is renewable and Makerere University looks forward to its successful implementation.”

Some of the areas of focus for this MoU include Climate change and Meteorological aspects, Computer Science Statistics, Sanitation and Solid Water Management, Oral History and Public History, Religious Studies and Philosophy, Communication and Sociology especially the field of criminology.

By Marion Alina

Elias Tuhereze

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Makerere University is making significant progress toward inclusivity

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A Student with visual impairment demostrating the use of assistive technology that was installed at University Disability Support Unit. Level 1, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Uganda joined the global community on December 3rd, 2024, to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities (PWDs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide live with significant disabilities, and many of them encounter substantial barriers to accessing higher education. Statistics from the Dean of Students Office at Makerere University indicate that the number of students with disabilities has steadily increased. For the 2024/2025 academic year, the university welcomed over 100 students with disabilities.

We spoke to Sam Omukaga, a 22-year-old first-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Adult and Community Education at Makerere University. He shared his testimony on coping with a physical disability while studying there.

Sam Omukaga, a Makerere University student and a Scholar of Mastercard Foundation. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Sam Omukaga, a Makerere University student and a Scholar of Mastercard Foundation.

Sam, the second of six children, comes from Manafwa District. He completed his Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) at Hope Primary School before attending Rock High School in Tororo for his O and A levels. He attained 12 points in History, Economics, Divinity, and Entrepreneurship.

Despite attaining 12 points, Sam did not qualify for the Bachelor of Education course on Government sponsorship at Makerere University, prompting him to seek other opportunities to join the university.

 “Since childhood, I have dreamed of attending Makerere University, but my parents could not afford the tuition. Therefore, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for giving me this opportunity to study. I used to think that Makerere was only for wealthy people,” Sam said.

When Sam enrolled at Makerere University, a place he believed was meant for the wealthy, he was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome he received from his lecturers and fellow students, many of whom were older than him.

Makerere University students with disabilities during the capacity building training organised by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Makerere University students with disabilities during the capacity building training organised by Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

“As a student with a physical disability, I have never felt discriminated against. The university has made significant efforts to create a supportive environment for students like me. Students with disabilities enroll, study, and graduate with the same skills and qualifications as their peers,” noted Sam.

Although his condition sometimes restricts his movements, it has not impacted his social life. He actively participates in sports and entertainment, which has helped boost his confidence. In his village, he farms and teaches at a nearby primary school.

He urges all students living with disabilities to make friends with students who are not facing similar challenges because they need their help and support. He also encourages new students living with disabilities to enjoy every moment at the university.

Makerere University Sudents with disabilities during the capacity building training recently. Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Makerere University Students with disabilities during the capacity building training recently.

“Some students living with disabilities tend to befriend others with disabilities, but I would advise them also to have friends without disabilities,” Sam guided.

Education plays a crucial role in determining one’s success. Therefore, Sam encourages all individuals with disabilities to study diligently.

“Being a student living with disabilities does not mean that one’s intellect is disabled. Focus on your education so that when an opportunity arises, you are prepared to seize it. Fortunately, policies in place encourage organizations to employ persons with disabilities. Read diligently, as books are a reliable source of knowledge,” Sam said.

As someone who walks on crutches, his biggest challenge is movement. He calls upon the University management to design facilities that accommodate students with different impairments, be it visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive.

What the University is doing

Under the office of the Dean of Students, Makerere University has led the implementation of strategies to create a supportive environment for students with disabilities.

Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa flagging off Runners for MAK RUN 2024, which was organised to raise funds to support equip Disability Support Centre with relevant equipment. 18th August 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa flagging off Runners for MAK RUN 2024, which was organised to raise funds to support equip Disability Support Centre with relevant equipment.

According to Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, the university has a policy for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and a disability scheme.

Upon admission, students are accommodated in halls of residence featuring designated spaces for improved accessibility. Dr Kabumbuli explained that “most PWDs occupy ground floor rooms in their respective halls, which helps to reduce accessibility challenges.”

Financial Assistance

However, that is not the only support available. Dr. Kabumbuli explains that students enrolled in the disability scheme receive financial assistance to help them acquire the necessary equipment and materials for their studies. Additionally, guides and interpreters for students who require these services are paid a salary for this support.

Helpers/Interpreters/Guides allowances

The helpers and interpreters are entitled to accommodation, meals, utilities, security, and sports facilities. The Main Library offers several exclusive benefits for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

According to Elizabeth Rwabu, the Inclusion and Safeguarding Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, the library features three rooms on the ground floor designated for PWDs: an equipped computer lab for users with visual impairments, a computer lab with accessible computers for PWDs, and a dedicated study room for PWDs.

A student with visual impairment participating in a discussion during the International Day for PWDs held recently at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A student with visual impairment participating in a discussion during the International Day for PWDs held recently at Makerere University.

Extracurricular activities are another area in which the university supports PWDs. Students participate in annual Inter-University games.

The Persons with Disabilities Act stipulates that a person in charge of a building to which the public is allowed to access shall, subject to the requirements of the law on building standards and other relevant laws, provide appropriate access for PWDs to the building. Right now, it is a University Council Policy that all new buildings must be user-friendly to students with disabilities. Most teaching facilities have ramps, lifts, and special access areas to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.

A winding ramp runs alongside the entire Frank Kalimuzo and Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facilities. Some parts of Mary Stuart Hall, the Arts/CHUSS Building and old buildings like the Department of Chemistry have recently been fitted with ramps.

To ensure that laws safeguarding the rights of students and staff living with disabilities are fully implemented, the University set up a disability centre that serves as a one-stop facility for students with disabilities to access the necessary learning equipment, counsellors, and support.

Leadership

Students with disabilities participate in leadership at the hall, college and guild house levels.

Nature of disability

The following are some of the types of disabilities that are considered in the selection of applicants with disabilities for undergraduate courses at Makerere University

(a) Severe visual impairment
(b) Low Vision
(c) Severe Hearing impairment
(d) Hard of hearing
(e) Mobility appliances
(f) Physical Disability
(g) Albinism
(h) Chronic medical problems (sickle cell, Epilepsy, Asthma etc)

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Forget tribalism, Embrace the principle of Unity

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Dr. Simba Sallie Kayunga gives Student Leaders overview of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s Ideas and Ideals in relation to Peace and Conflict on Day Two of the training at Makerere University. Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Peace and Security Leadership Training for Finalists and Graduating former Student Leaders in Different Universities in Uganda, Day Two, 4th December 2024, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala, East Africa.

Dr. Simba Sallie Kayunga, the Commissioner at the Electoral Commission, has urged University student leaders to embrace unity if they want to live in a peaceful society.

He made the remarks on Wednesday 4th December 2024, during the second day of training of finalists and Graduating former student leaders from different Universities in Uganda. The training was conducted by Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), at Makerere University.

While delivering his overview of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s Ideas and Ideals in relations to Peace and Conflict, Dr. Simba explained that in order to achieve peace, Mwalimu Nyerere believed that it was essential that women live on terms of full equality with men, as their fellow citizens.

Student Leaders engaged in a group activity. Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Peace and Security Leadership Training for Finalists and Graduating former Student Leaders in Different Universities in Uganda, Day Two, 4th December 2024, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala, East Africa.
Student Leaders engaged in a group activity.

Dr. Simba explained that in order to achieve peace, there must be equality because people cooperate more effectively if they are equals.

Highlighting Nyerere’s ideas on peace, Dr. Simba pointed out that Mwalimu Nyerere saw tribalism as one of the biggest dangers to African progress, unity and peace. He reiterated that Mwalimu Nyerere was opposed to racism. He was a great supporter of a multi-racial society.

“Let us desist from manipulating our ethnic and religious identities, or any other identity to our political advantage. Let us embrace the principle of Pan-Africanism. We must have been born differently, but all of us have a contribution to make to our mother Uganda, our continent called Africa. We must, therefore, value and respect each person’s contribution to society,” Dr. Simba said.

Mwalimu Nyerere at glance

Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was born on 13th April 1922, to Nyerere Burito and Mgaya Nyang’ombe, at Mwitongo, a village in Butiama in Tanganyika’s Mara Region. He went to Native Administration School in Mwisenge, Musoma for his Primary and later joined Elite Tabora Government School, for his secondary Education.

A section of Speakers listen to presentations by Student Leaders. Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Peace and Security Leadership Training for Finalists and Graduating former Student Leaders in Different Universities in Uganda, Day Two, 4th December 2024, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala, East Africa.
A section of Speakers listen to presentations by Student Leaders.

Mwalimu Nyerere later joined Makerere University College in January 1943, to pursue a Diploma in Education. While at Makerere, he was an active member of the Makerere Debating Society.

Upon completing his education at Makerere University, he went to teach at St Mary’s Secondary School, Tabora. In October 1949, Nyerere joined the University of Edinburgh to study a Master of Arts. In 1952, he graduated with a Master of Arts in History and Economics and returned to Tanzania to teach.

In 1948, Mwalimu formally engaged to Maria Gabriel, and they officially married at Musoma mission on 24th January 1953.

Ronald Ssazi listens in on Student Leaders engaged in a group activity. Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Peace and Security Leadership Training for Finalists and Graduating former Student Leaders in Different Universities in Uganda, Day Two, 4th December 2024, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala, East Africa.
Ronald Ssazi listens in on Student Leaders engaged in a group activity.

Upon his return, Nyerere joined the Tanganyika African Association, becoming its President in 1953.

Mwalimu Julius Nyerere resigned as President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 5th November 1985, and handed over the presidency to Ali Hassan Mwinyi. He died on 14th October 1999.

Participants equipped with skills

During the second day of the training, over 60 participants listened were equipped with skills through presentations and practical sessions on team building for mediation, negotiation and resilience.

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Peace and Security Leadership Training for Finalists and Graduating former Student Leaders in Mr. Ronald Ssazi presents on creating an effective team culture. Different Universities in Uganda, Day Two, 4th December 2024, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala, East Africa.
Mr. Ronald Ssazi presents on creating an effective team culture.

Ronald Ssazi, a Clinical Psychologist, presented the ethos that are crucial for creating an effective team culture.

 â€śStart with investing into a team. When you have a team, go ahead and pay the price for team development. It helps with the growth of the team. Empower team members with responsibility and authority in order to groom and raise leaders for the team,” Ssazi highlighted.

Ssazi stressed that disagreements and conflicts are bound to happen in a team, but he guided on the need-to find healthy ways of handling them diplomatically.

Mr. David Nyaribi urged Student Leaders to exemplify integrity. Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Peace and Security Leadership Training for Finalists and Graduating former Student Leaders in Different Universities in Uganda, Day Two, 4th December 2024, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala, East Africa.
Mr. David Nyaribi urged Student Leaders to exemplify integrity.

Re-echoing the words of wisdom from Mahatma Gandhi, David Nyaribi, a representative from ActionAid Uganda encouraged the student leaders to always be the change they want to see in the world. Nyaribi urged them to be Servant Leaders who exemplify integrity and a great work ethic to transform Uganda and Africa.

Robert Muhangi, a Lecturer at Uganda Christian University-Mukono, called upon student leaders and the young people to always utilize indigenous ways to provide solutions to some of the problems they come across other than prioritizing external interventions.

Mr. Robert Muhangi urged student leaders to prioritize indigenous over external interventions in conflict resolution. Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Peace and Security Leadership Training for Finalists and Graduating former Student Leaders in Different Universities in Uganda, Day Two, 4th December 2024, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala, East Africa.
Mr. Robert Muhangi urged student leaders to prioritize indigenous over external interventions in conflict resolution.

“The best time to become a village champion is when you have just left University, let people look at you like a champion. When you solve conflicts by providing solutions, trust me, you will not look for a job, the job will look for you,” Muhangi stated. The practical session on Building Bridges for Peace and Security, focused on identifying the root causes of conflict, applying emotional intelligence, financial literacy and crafting strategies for community-based conflict resolution.

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni among top picks for global award

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The Farmpawa team at their farm. Moses Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the co-founder of a Kampala-based youth Fintech start-up Farmpawa, which has been selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.

By Bernard Buteera & Carol Kasujja Adii

Moses Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University and the co-founder of a Kampala-based youth Fintech start-up Farmpawa, has been selected among the finalists for a prestigious global award for the project.

Farmpawa is a crowd-farming platform that connects investors with tangible farming assets, empowering farmers and driving sustainable agricultural growth.

The start-up had an opportunity to showcase its strategic plan, which, once realized, could benefit many young people from the region.

The contest, which sought to identify the most viable youth project with an economic impact on the community, attracted over 300 teams from 30 countries in Africa and the rest of the world.

Mr. Eteku and his colleagues at the farm. Moses Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the co-founder of a Kampala-based youth Fintech start-up Farmpawa, which has been selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.
Mr. Eteku and his colleagues at the farm.

Moses Eteku, 27, founded Farmpawa with two partners, Medard Mutatina and Osborn Gumoshabe, in 2023. The project was selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is designed to expand small businesses’ access to capital and financial services in emerging and frontier markets.

According to research, in 70% of emerging markets, SMEs are the primary source of formal employment, accounting for 70% of jobs.

Moses described the win as a miracle and an eye-opener, saying other participants presented world-class proposals.

Mr. Eteku at one of their demonstration farms. Moses Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the co-founder of a Kampala-based youth Fintech start-up Farmpawa, which has been selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.
Mr. Eteku at one of their demonstration farms.

“Most of my competitors were far advanced. I could not imagine I would be selected,” he said with a smile during the interview.

With this fund, Moses and his partners, Medard and Osborn, envision a future where agriculture bridges the gap, reduces inequality, and transforms the lives of farmers and individuals across Uganda and beyond.

Semi-finalists will participate in an Innovation Showcase at the Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on December 5 to 6, 2024.

Each semi-finalist team receives $100,000 in funding. Three teams will be selected to move on to the final round, where they will compete for the $1 million Grand Prize.

Who is Moses Eteku

Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni from Makerere University, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Moses Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the co-founder of a Kampala-based youth Fintech start-up Farmpawa, which has been selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.
Mr. Moses Eteku.

His passion for changing the community has led him to start several projects, including giving the youth a chance to showcase their talents and connect them with relevant organizations and companies.

While at the University, he developed an interest in managing software. He repaired his classmates’ laptops and earned some money. In his third year, he decided to learn another skill. He teamed up with other members and built business solutions. He developed applications that improved the operations of organisations such as Makerere University Hospital, where he worked on the MakRTI mobile application.

One of his significant achievements was developing the MakRTI App, an Android-based mobile application designed to promote reproductive health awareness and improve access to treatment for students at Makerere University. The app provided critical information about reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and facilitated access to healthcare services through appointments and direct communication with specialists.

He also developed an app for students to access the Uganda Museum. Instead of going to the museum and waiting in line to pay, Students would book online, which eases access. At the same time, students can remotely access study materials like archives while at home.

Even when he completed University, he continued using various projects to educate youth on emerging issues.

Among his most impactful initiatives is Kauntabook, a financial record-keeping app targeting SMEs and individuals. The app simplifies financial management by offering tools to track income, expenses, and other bookkeeping functions. With over 800 users, Kauntabook continues to evolve based on user feedback, reflecting Eteku’s commitment to creating user-centric solutions.

Starting Farmpawa

Farmpawa was born from a shared vision among Moses, Medard and Osborn: to empower smallholder farmers in Uganda. Medard, then a Makerere University Business School student, Suggested to Moses and interested him in an idea he had seen in South Africa.

“I researched about it, and we decided to team up and pursue the idea,” Eteku said.

Together, they created a platform that connects farmers with investors, unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth in rural communities.

They aim to make agricultural investment accessible to all, enabling local economies to develop and foster shared prosperity.

“Since the launch of Farmpawa, we have established strong connections between investors and farmers that have directly led to job creation, community development, and wealth generation,” Eteku asserted. They started the business with friends and family who trusted and invested.

Benefits

Initially needing more solid information technology skills, Moses Eteku is now an IT expert.

His opportunities to interact with the Company’s Chief Executive Officers have helped him to improve his entrepreneurship skills.

One of the young persons employed at the farm. Moses Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and the co-founder of a Kampala-based youth Fintech start-up Farmpawa, which has been selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.
One of the young persons employed at the farm.

Farmpawa offers key benefits by empowering smallholder farmers with access to capital, enabling them to expand their operations and improve their livelihoods. It provides investors with easy and transparent access to agricultural investments, promoting job creation, community development, and sustainable agriculture while contributing to economic growth and food security.

How Farmpawa works

Farmpawa enables users to invest in real farming assets while empowering smallholder farmers. Users begin by creating an account and funding their wallet through mobile money or bank transfers. With funds in their wallet, they can explore and select farming projects or assets, such as livestock, and purchase portions as shares added to their investment portfolio.

The platform has a dashboard where users can receive regular updates on project progress and asset performance, track deposit history, and receive tailored financial advice through a knowledge section. It ensures a transparent and efficient investment process while providing valuable farming insights.

Bernard Buteera and Carol Kasujja Adii form the Communications and Public Relations Team at Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University.

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