General
One Thousand Students to Benefit from the Mak- Mastercard Partnership
Makerere University has signed US$20,989,965.15 contract with MasterCard Foundation to sponsor 1000 students who are academically bright but economically disadvantaged youth from Africa to study at Makerere University from 2013 to 2023. The contract, signed by Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba- Ssentamu and Peggy Woo Chief Financial Officer, MasterCard Foundation, was officially exchanged on 1st September 2015 at a ceremony in Senate building, Makerere University.
According to Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, the Coordinator of Makerere University – MasterCard Foundation Program, this project will help in developing the next generation of African Leaders and also promote the strategic objectives of Makerere University and MasterCard Foundation in contributing to Africa's higher education sector and development.
“The project is also aligned to the visions and missions of the two organisations categorised under academics with the aim of transforming African leaders to address societal needs, “she said.
MasterCard foundation is a global, independent foundation which advances youth learning and promotes inclusion so as to catalyse prosperity in developing countries. The foundation is committed to its vision of educating young people who are dedicated to the betterment of their communities.
In an earlier meeting with the Vice Chancellor, delegates from MasterCard Foundation Ms. Ivy Mwai and Ms. Grace Hui discussed the terms of the contract upon which the project will be implemented. The team highlighted that the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is a six cohort scholars program with the first cohort of 50 Scholars recruited for the 2014/2015 academic year. The program is offering comprehensive student support, that include;
- Tuition and Functional fees
- Accommodation, Feeding and stipend
- Laptop, books and other learning materials,
- Transport to and from home
- Medical insurance
- Psychosocial support and mentoring of scholars
- Capacity building program for life skills development in ICT, Leadership, Gender, Human Rights, Communication, Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy.
Ms. Ivy Mwai- MasterCard Foundation representative based in Kenya acknowledged Makerere University’s legacy in academic excellence and leadership training skills which have mentored several academicians and leaders. Ms Mwai said that Makerere’s historical relationship with Kenya will never be undermined due to the fact that the institution mentored the country’s prominent Presidents who have led to tremendous change in Kenya and the rest of Africa.
“We are therefore happy to have Makerere University on board. We believe that with you and your historical legacy we shall build a well informed and skilfully capable Africa,” she said.
Speaking to the Vice Chancellor, Ms. Grace Hui unveiled the Global Network of Education Institutions and non-profit organisations, a new program to MasterCard Foundation. Ms. Hui said that the growing network will document and share best practices to identify, educate and mentor students and transition them into work force.
“Partners in Global Network of Education Institutions and non-profit organisations are selected for their shared values, academic excellence, nurturing environments, and programs relevant to developing countries. I therefore encourage Makerere University to actively participate in this network so as to gain more recognition from the partner sponsors,” she stated.
The team also interacted with over 80 students sponsored under the MasterCard Foundation program. The students their life and academic experiences, engaged in discussions and debates. The Scholars thanked MasterCard Foundation for investing in their education, an opportunity that will enable them to positively change the world.
“If it was not for MasterCard scholarship program, I wouldn’t have been here. Since my childhood I have always wanted to study and reach Makerere University. However my dream had been washed away after the death of my mother when I was only 9 years. I was left in the hands of my grandfather who also died when I had just joined O-level. At this point I lost all the hope of continuing with my studies. However, my hope was raised by MasterCard when they funded my O and A level education and I am glad that I managed to score highly in my A-level results and the program enrolled me to Makerere University. I sincerely thank MasterCard Foundation for the support and care you have offered to us because from here I can now achieve my dream of being an engineer,” said Robinah Anyikuru, second-year student of Bachelors of Commerce.
During this meeting Ms. Mwai encouraged students to focus on their academics in order to achieve their goals. She explained that the students’ achievements will determine the success of the project’s main objectives.
“So success is to all of us. If you succeed, the project succeeds and the same to MasterCard. It excites me to meet the people we are doing this project for therefore we want to see you engaged. You are pursuing those degrees to be happy in future and it is all about you and how you maximise your opportunity. Together we can make the world we want to see,” she said.
Ms. Ivy Mwai encouraged the youth to work hard and develop Africa.
“Africa is rising. It is rising because of the young people. I am happy to see that Makerere University management is here. It is a testimony that you will confidently promote the MasterCard Foundation scholarship program," she said.
In a speech read by the Makerere University Academic Registrar Alfred Namoah Masikye, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu argued the beneficiaries not to take this opportunity for granted but rather work hard and excel in order to transform their lives.
“You are being nurtured to be the leaders of tomorrow who will have the skills and ability to transform the society. Your actions and behaviours will matter a lot in the course of your education and transitions," the Vice Chancellor remarked.
The function climaxed with a dinner organised at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge. At the dinner, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu presented a plaque to the MasterCard Foundation received by Ms. Ivy Mwai, in recognition of the institution’s great contribution to developing the next generation of African leaders by sponsoring bright but economically disadvantaged youth access quality higher education at Makerere University.
Giving a vote of thanks, the Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies and Member of the MCF Steering Committee, Dr. Josephine Ahikire in her vote of thanks said that the Steering Committee chaired by Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) is committed to the success of the MasterCard Scholarship Program at Makerere University.
Dr. Ahikire added that the project presents Makerere University with an opportunity to produce role models for society and students who have been nurtured and given proper guidance.
Article: Mak Public Relations Office
The grounds of Makerere University came alive with energy and ambition as students, graduates, and industry leaders gathered for the 2026 Makerere Careers Fair, an engagement that continues to cement the University’s role as a bridge between academic training and the realities of the modern workplace.
Held in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as part of the wider NSSF Career Expo, and the US-Mission Uganda, the three-day event created a vibrant space where conversations about careers moved beyond theory into lived, practical experience. The Yusuf Lule, Central Teaching Facility, Auditorium, the Freedom Square and exhibition spaces transformed into arenas of exchange, where students interacted directly with employers, asked difficult questions about their futures, and began to map out their professional journeys with greater clarity.
At the heart of this year’s engagement on day one, 11th March, 2026, was a theme that resonated deeply with a generation stepping into uncertainty: “Man or Machine: Exploring AI’s Impact on Careers.” Across panel discussions and keynote sessions, speakers challenged students to confront the realities of a rapidly shifting job market. The message was consistent: technology is not simply displacing jobs; it is reshaping them, demanding a workforce that is adaptable, digitally fluent, and grounded in distinctly human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Day Two, 12th March, 2026, led by the United States Mission to Uganda, shifted the focus to global opportunities, equipping students with practical guidance on U.S. university applications, scholarships, and visa processes, as well as fully funded fellowships they can apply for. Through direct engagement with credible experts, students gained clarity on navigating international academic pathways and positioning themselves competitively beyond national borders, expanding the Careers Fair’s scope from local employability to global mobility.
The final day, 13th March 2026, under the theme “Connecting potential to purpose: Partnerships for sustainable impact,” brought together Makerere University and key partners, including Stanbic Bank, Absa Bank Uganda, TotalEnergies Uganda, the Uganda Police, Pslams Food Industries, among others, to emphasise collaboration as the cornerstone of career readiness. The conversations underscored a shared commitment to aligning education with industry needs, demonstrating that sustainable career pathways are built through strong partnerships that connect talent to opportunity in a rapidly evolving world.
What stood out most was not just the content of these conversations, but the way students engaged with them. There was a palpable sense of curiosity and urgency, as young people sought to understand where they fit in a future increasingly defined by automation and innovation. For many, the Careers Fair became more than an event; it was a bridge to internship and graduate trainee opportunities, and to careers whose balls were set rolling. It was a moment of reckoning and possibility.
This transformation was made possible through a strong network of partners whose presence underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping career pathways. NSSF Uganda anchored the engagement with insights into financial planning and long-term security, reframing how young professionals think about work beyond immediate income. Stanbic Bank Uganda brought industry perspective, offering students a clearer understanding of the competencies required to thrive in the financial sector. The United States Mission to Uganda contributed to broadening horizons through knowledge exchange and exposure to global opportunities, while TotalEnergies Uganda highlighted the evolving energy sector landscape and the role of innovation in driving sustainability, among other players.
Together, these partners did more than exhibit; they participated in shaping a narrative about the future of work that is inclusive, dynamic, and grounded in real-world demands.
For Makerere University, the Careers Fair represents more than an annual engagement; it is a reflection of its enduring commitment to preparing students for life beyond the lecture room. By convening diverse actors from academia, industry, and development spaces, the University continues to position itself as a national hub for talent development and thought leadership. It is within these spaces that education becomes truly transformative, where knowledge meets opportunity, and where ambition is matched with access.
Advancing Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
The Careers Fair also speaks directly to Makerere University’s Advancement agenda, which is increasingly focused on building purposeful, long-term partnerships that extend the University’s impact beyond its campus.
Through such engagements, Makerere is intentionally cultivating relationships that create shared value. The presence of industry leaders and development partners is not incidental; it is part of a deliberate strategy to align academic training with market realities while opening up pathways for mentorship, internships, and employment. These collaborations are gradually shaping an ecosystem in which students are not only educated but also actively supported in their transition into the workforce.
What emerges is a model of engagement that moves beyond transactional interactions to something far more meaningful. Partners are not just sponsors or participants; they are co-creators in preparing the next generation of professionals. In turn, Makerere strengthens its position as a trusted partner, one capable of convening, connecting, and contributing to national and global development priorities.
As conversations from the Careers Fair continue to echo across campus, one thing remains clear: the future of work will belong to those prepared to evolve with it. Makerere University, through platforms such as this, is ensuring that its students are not merely observers of change but active participants in shaping it.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Makerere University and Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation Sign MOU to Advance Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development
Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development, marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between academia, policy actors, and the private sector.
The agreement formalises a strategic partnership aimed at promoting research, policy dialogue, entrepreneurship development, innovation, and knowledge exchange to support Uganda’s economic transformation and the growth of its private sector.
The MoU, which will run for an initial five-year term, brings together Makerere University’s academic and research expertise with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation’s commitment to advancing the legacy of the late Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, one of Uganda’s most influential economic reformers and a proud alumnus of the University.
Advancing a Shared Vision for Private Sector Development
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, SC, Chairman of the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, described the occasion as an important milestone that establishes a purposeful partnership between two institutions committed to knowledge, national development, and the advancement of Uganda’s private sector.
“This is an important occasion because it formalises a partnership between two institutions with a shared commitment to knowledge, to national development, and to the advancement of Uganda’s private sector,” he noted.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi emphasised that Uganda’s future prosperity will depend on the strength and competitiveness of its private sector and the country’s ability to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and sound policy.
According to him, the Centre will provide a practical platform through which research can inform policy, young people can be trained and inspired, partnerships can be built, and innovation can be supported to help enterprise flourish.
“These are not separate concerns,” he said. “They are all part of the same national task: building an economy that creates jobs, expands opportunity, and improves the lives of our people.”
Makerere’s Role in Hosting the Centre
Makerere University will host the Centre of Excellence and support its work through its research capacity, innovation ecosystem, and network of scholars and experts. The University leadership noted that the partnership aligns closely with Makerere’s mission as one of Africa’s leading research universities and its commitment to knowledge-driven development.
In her remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali noted, “Makerere University is fully committed to hosting, resourcing, and championing the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence, and we look forward to working closely with the Foundation to attract additional partnerships that will strengthen its impact.”
The collaboration will bring together academic excellence and practical engagement with the private sector, positioning the Centre as a national resource for policy research, entrepreneurship development, and dialogue on economic transformation.
She also reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to working closely with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation to attract additional partnerships and funding to strengthen the Centre and expand its impact.
Honouring the Legacy of Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile
Beyond its institutional significance, the establishment of the Centre represents a tribute to the enduring legacy of Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, who served for many years as Governor of the Bank of Uganda and played a central role in shaping Uganda’s economic policy and institutional development.
Governor Mutebile was widely recognised for his intellectual rigour, commitment to sound economic policy, and dedication to building strong institutions that could support sustainable growth and stability.
Through the Centre of Excellence bearing his name, Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation seek not only to commemorate his contributions but also to continue advancing the values he championed, including policy discipline, intellectual seriousness, and a commitment to national development.
As Rt. Hon. Mbabazi noted that legacy should be understood not merely as remembrance but as meaningful work that benefits future generations. “It is about creating a platform through which research can inform policy, through which young people can be trained and inspired, and through which innovation can be supported,” he said.
A Platform for Ideas, Innovation, and National Development
The Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development is expected to serve as a hub for research, capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and policy engagement aimed at strengthening Uganda’s private sector and expanding economic opportunity.
By bringing together academia, policymakers, business leaders, and innovators, the Centre will help foster practical solutions to the challenges facing enterprise development while nurturing the next generation of Ugandan entrepreneurs and economic leaders.
Through this partnership, Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have taken an important step toward ensuring that Governor Mutebile’s legacy continues to inspire ideas, institutions, and opportunities that contribute to Uganda’s long-term prosperity.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Career Expo 2026 Concludes as Students Gain Industry Insights, Career Guidance, and Networking Opportunities
The Makerere University Careers Expo 2026 has successfully concluded, offering a wealth of opportunities to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Held from March 11–13, 2026, the three-day event climaxed under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact.” It provided a dynamic platform for career guidance, job opportunities, entrepreneurship training, networking, innovation, and insights into evolving workplace dynamics.
Associate Professor Anthony Gidudu, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to sponsors and participants for their support.
“Thank you, Makerere University, for entrusting me with this immense responsibility,” he said, acknowledging the collective effort behind the event’s success.
He encouraged students to fully utilize the opportunities presented at the expo. “Make the most of it,” he urged.
The expo attracted prominent partners, including the Parliament of Uganda and the Uganda Police Force, who offered valuable career insights and opportunities. Gidudu also welcomed Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar of Makerere University, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping students’ academic journeys.
On behalf of the University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi emphasized the significance of the Career Expo 2026.
“This event gives us a chance to support our students in transitioning from the academic world to the world of work,” he noted.
He commended the theme for underscoring the importance of aligning students’ abilities with purpose and societal contribution. Prof. Mukadasi also expressed appreciation to key partners, including the MasterCard Foundation, NSSF, and the Parliament of Uganda, as well as collaborators such as the Makerere University Advancement Office, Stanbic Bank, Old Mutual, DFCU Bank, Uganda Baati, and ABSA.
Reflecting on the role of technology, he noted that artificial intelligence enhances efficiency but does not replace human potential. He urged students to embrace lifelong learning, referencing the well-known assertion that “the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
In his keynote address, Paul Rumanda Rugambwa, Head of Human Resources at the Infectious Diseases Institute, emphasized the importance of aligning potential with purpose.
“Potential is what you have, while purpose is what the world expects from you tomorrow,” he said.
Rugambwa encouraged students to develop transferable skills, seek mentorship, and uphold integrity. He highlighted agility and digital literacy as essential competencies in today’s job market.
“It doesn’t matter what course you are pursuing, you must be digitally literate,” he emphasized.
He also urged students to view their peers as future collaborators, drawing inspiration from global success stories built on partnerships.
The closing session featured a panel discussion with representatives from various organizations who deliberated on key issues across multiple sectors.
Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives. He noted the availability of internship opportunities, skills training, and the Stanbic Business Incubator, which equips young people with practical business skills. He encouraged students to build financial discipline and relationships early.
On inclusion, Gorretti Byomire, Director of the Disability Research and Learning Centre at Makerere University Business School, emphasized the need for inclusive employment practices for persons with disabilities. She called for stronger commitments from both government and the private sector, including the adoption of employment quotas and incentives. She also underscored the importance of building confidence and resilience among persons with disabilities.
Addressing technology adoption, Fred Percy Kisa, Senior Manager Transformation at NSSF Uganda, urged students to embrace artificial intelligence as a complementary tool.
“It is not machine versus human; it is human plus machine versus human,” he noted, encouraging a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.
He highlighted the growing global AI economy and called on Africa to strengthen its contribution to research and innovation.
On employment dynamics, Evelyn Kisakye, Placement Officer at the Federation of Uganda Employers, emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability in today’s job market. She highlighted initiatives such as the Work Readiness Project, which connects graduates to opportunities in sectors like agriculture and tourism while equipping them with essential soft skills.
Commissioner of Police Anatoli Muleterwa, Head of Community Policing Department, outlined career opportunities within the Uganda Police Force. He noted that the institution accommodates a wide range of professional qualifications and highlighted four entry pathways, from constable to officer level. He encouraged students to prepare for and consider careers in national service.
The Career Expo 2026 concluded with a strong call to action, urging students to harness their potential, embrace innovation, and pursue purpose-driven careers. Participants, predominantly students, left with renewed clarity and direction, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to make meaningful contributions to Uganda’s development.
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