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One Thousand Students to Benefit from the Mak- Mastercard Partnership

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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 UniversityMasterCard 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.Ms Ivy Mwai from MasterCard Foundation and Mr Namoah Masikye, the Makerere University Academic Registrar display copies of the signed contract documents.

“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 Mwai (Standing) responding to questions from the scholars at Conference Room in Sentae Building.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.Ms Robinah Ayikoru a student of Bachelor of Commerce shared her life story.

 “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.Some of the MasterCard Scholars pose for a photo with official from MasterCard Foundation and Makerere University.

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 Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies and Member of Steering Committee, Dr. Josephine Ahikire

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

 

 

Proscovia Nabatte

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Makerere Team Excels at Olympia Debate Tournament held in Nairobi

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Makerere University team receiving their Certificate of Participation. Olympia Debate Society, Nairobi Kenya, East Africa.

The Makerere University team comprising Ms. Apili Esther Cynthia from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Mr. Muhwezi Joshua Lawel from Makerere University School of Law (SoL) emerged 2nd at the Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament held 18th to 20th April in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ms. Apili was recognised as best female speaker/debator at the tournament and 3rd best open speaker while partner Mr. Muhwezi was recognised as 4th best open speaker.

This year, Makerere University was represented by two teams: Team A: Kemigisha Daphine, SoL; Nakalanzi Melody, College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHUSS); Team B: Muhwezi Joshua Lawel, SoL; Apili Esther Cynthia, MUBS.

The Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament organised by the Olympia Debate Society is an exclusive Invitational Round Robin Tournament that invites outstanding universities in the debate circuit in Africa bringing together the best speakers on the continent.

The tournament, like all University debate competitions, takes the format of the British Parliamentary format which is also used at the World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC).

Strathmore University (Kenya) was the overall winner of the tournament, African Leadership Institute (Rwanda) was ranked in 3rd position while the University of Nairobi was ranked in 4th position.  

In her words, Ms. Apili describes herself as a passionate peace and conflict resolution advocate. She notes that, ‘debate has been a great learning experience emotionally, mentally and argumentation maturity but also a motivation to reading and research’. She views her participation in the Olympia Debate Tournament ‘as a privilege and great moment as a female speaker, and partnering with brilliant Lawel Joshua Muhwezi who has made significant strides in the debate space. Cynthia added, ‘being an invitational tournament with a straight break to finals that recognizes vibrant speakers within the East African region, getting to do the tournament was fulfilling’.

Zaam Ssali

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NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

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NTU Global Summer School 2025

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here! 

Mak Editor

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RUFORUM Newsletter: Celebrating Twenty Years of Educating Africa 2004-2024

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Cover page of the RUFORUM Newsletter Volume 06 Special Issue - Celebrating Twenty Years of Educating Africa 2004-2024. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Dear esteemed reader,

I bring you warm greetings from the RUFORUM Secretariat, here in Kampala, Uganda. The year 2024 marked a milestone in RUFORUM’s journey of contributing towards enhancing our continent’s development leveraging on our natural strength of agriculture and allied sub-sectors of the economy. At 20 years of age, RUFORUM remains focused on its core mission of enabling Africa University effectively and efficiently generate relevant solutions to underpin the continent’s transformative development aspirations. In this issue, I am pleased to provide you with an overview of RUFORUM’s journey during the past two decades as we celebrate its 20th anniversary. While doing so, I found it crucial to look retrospectively from the perspectives of the FORUM on Agriculture Resource Husbandry (alias FORUM), RUFORUM’s predecessor; the past two decades of RUFORUM, and to look at the future of Africa’s Agricultural transformation, economic growth and higher agricultural education.

The Forum for Agricultural Resource Husbandry – FORUM

FORUM was a capacity development program established in 1992 by the Rockefeller Foundation that was implemented in five countries (Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda and Zimbabwe), Foundation’s focus countries’ at the time. The countries faced unique as well as shared challenges and opportunities at that time. Uganda and Mozambique had just emerged from conflict, whilst Kenya, was expanding its university education to meet the growing demand, while Zimbabwe was a young country post independence. All these countries had also been affected by the effects of macroeconomic structural adjustment programming that had limited funding for university education especially, post-graduate education. The FORUM initiative initially focused on crop sciences gradually expanding to other disciplines of agriculture. At inception FORUM’s programmes aimed “to build national and local capacity in crop management research with capability to develop alternative management-variety-resource combinations, soil fertility and biological practices, agroforestry technologies, pest management approaches and related crop management techniques; and evaluate the biological, economic and ecological effects”. FORUM was implemented through competitive grants to support student training at the master’s degree level. To deliver on its mission, FORUM utilized interdisciplinary, participatory and system-level approaches and worked with stakeholders beyond universities including agricultural research institutes, civil society, private sector and smallholder farmers. The FORUM Secretariat was initially headquartered in Lilongwe, Malawi and later relocated to Nairobi, Kenya.

Achievements of the FORUM that underpin RUFORUM

  1. Institutional strengthening
    • FORUM helped stabilize colleges, faculties and schools of agriculture in Kenya, Malawi,
      Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe by providing resources, mission and peer support, during and after the structural adjustment programmes. It also contributed to staff retention in the participating universities and built their capacity for research, student supervision, scholarly and policy works.
    • The program contributed to institutional development by creating high quality graduate training programmes whose research agenda directly addressed problems facing smallholder based agriculture.
  2. Enhancing networking and engagement with other ecosystem actors
    • FORUM actions catalyzed collaboration among universities and with other education and
      research for development actors including a broad range of farmers. This enhanced relevance and contribution of University led research and training to national development.
    • Over its life FORUM enabled the creation and nurture of an Africa Institution for the benefit of
      Africa. This resulted in building the capacity of institutions and individuals that have progressively contributed to the continent’s economic growth.
  3. Science solutions for development
    • FORUM strengthened the contribution of its members to knowledge generation, one hundred
      twenty three publications done in international and regional peer reviewed journals. The
      publications covered crop improvement, plant protection, soil sciences, economics and social
      sciences.
    • Scientists supported by the productivity enhancing technologies such as improved bean and
      soybean and cowpea varieties, a highly effective seed-dressing innovation for the control of bean fly, a soil fertility improvement technology called ‘Prep-Pac’ that combines a slow release rock phosphate, a nitrogen source (urea) and an inoculant.
  4. Training the next generation of scientists:
    • There was significant improvement in the completion rate of graduate level training reducing the completion time from 4-7 to 2 years as required in masters degrees by course work and research.
    • One hundred eighty eight (188) students were trained in east and southern Africa.
    • Twenty-three percent of the graduates enrolled in a PhD program while 54% were employed,
      presumably, often because of contacts/relationships they developed during their training.

From FORUM to RUFORUM

After a decade of implementation (1992 – 2002), the Rockefeller Foundation supported the creation of an African led and owned organization that was called, “ The Regional Universities Forum For Capacity Building in Agriculture-(RUFORUM). RUFORUM thus naturally became the successor of The Foundation’s investments for building the Capacity of African Universities to effectively engage in growth of the continent’s Agriculture sector. It initially, focused on Eastern and Southern Africa as its zone of influence before growing to become a continent wide agency that it is today. The new RUFORUM Secretariat was established in Kampala, Uganda hosted by the Government via Makerere University, one of its founder members following a successful bidding by Uganda through Makerere University.

The RUFORUM’s first decade journey (2004 – 2014)

The first decade focused on consolidation of FORUM achievements and expansion both sub-regionally and continentally. The growth was guided by a new strategic plan underpinned by a new vision of “Vibrant agricultural innovation systems with fully integrated universities that play a leading role in nurturing the systems through high-performing agricultural science graduates who are innovative and responsive to changing demands”. The RUFORUM network grew to include 32 universities from its initial ten members in 2004 drawing membership from three regions of Africa (Eastern, Central and Southern Africa). It expanded the scope of operations, to include PhD training as well as institutional and leadership strengthening. RUFORUM maintained most of FORUM training, networking and scaling agenda involving principal investigators, students, academic leaders (Principals and Deans), as well as collaboration with non-university stakeholders. New governance organs were created to stabilize the organization and strategic partnership forged. Consequently by the end of the first decade, RUFORUM had emerged as a key continental agency in capacity building for agriculture and policy information that it still is today. The new regional PhD and master’s degree programmes that focused on emergent areas, catalyzed the resurgence of African University in development processes and practice.

RUFORUM’s second decade (2014 – 2024)

The second decade journey saw a steady growth in both scale and scope. The network’s operations expanded to cover all university training programmes, i.e. Bachelors, Masters and doctoral degree. To address the question of a rebalanced human resource pyramid, work transitions for fresh graduates and gender and diversity asymmetry, especially of underserved demographics, RUFORUM expanded its scope of actions to include Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET), entrepreneurship, gender and inclusion, and future of work activities. Science was strengthened by the introduction of post-doctoral training. The new thrust required expansion of the stakeholder ecosystem to include farming communities, private sector and partners in the Global North and Global South. By December 2024, the network had 175 member universities in 40 of Africa’s 55 countries from all five geographic regions of Africa. To strengthen service delivery and relevance, RUFORUM board in 2021 created two regional hubs (for Western and Southern Africa), eastern Africa and other regions being served through the Secretariat.

At continental level, in 2014, RUFORUM signed a cooperation agreement with the African Union Commission (AUC) to support implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA, 2024). It also entered various memoranda with key continental agencies in the global north and south respectively, during the same period. In 2024, an MoU with the AUC’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) to support its agricultural growth and transformation flagship programs was signed.

During its second decade, RUFORUM implemented its first operational plan (2018 – 2022) that was aligned to regional policy development frameworks such as Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want of AUC, “The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), Malabo Declaration, the Continental Education Strategy (CESA), the Continental Strategy for Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET), and the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A); among others. RUFORUM’s operations were framed by its continental strategy, Vision 2030 that leverages on the continent’s higher education and agriculture ecosystems to create and unlock opportunities for wealth and jobs especially for young people. During the same period, RUFORUM in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation launched the flagship program “Transforming African Agricultural Universities for Africa’s Growth and Development” (TAGDev Phase 1 (2016 – 2024) now in its second phase (2024 – 2034). TAGDEv aims to transform African agricultural universities and their graduates to better respond to developmental challenges through enhanced application of science, technology, business and innovation for rural agricultural transformation.

Distinguished reader, during the second decade RUFORUM intensified its partnerships with the European Union Universities and within the continent implementing academic mobility that enabled staff and student exchange including 67 academic staff across disciplines; implementing user centered initiatives for students and agriculture value chain actors such as Community Action Research projects (CARP), and CARP+ (involving TVET), and the RUFORUM entrepreneurship challenge program (RECAP) to scale out best practices. RECAPs were implemented at over 20 other universities within the network. Member university academic staff and students also benefited from RUFORUM’s skills enhancement in community engagement, online resource use, work preparedness, entrepreneurship, scientific writing, and data management.

The RUFORUM’s Third decade journey (2024 – 2034): Looking into the future

RUFORUM begins its third decade amidst a number of major continental and global underpinnings such as the Second Ten Year Implementation plan (STYIP) of the African Union Agenda 2063, The Kampala declaration for implementation of the Comprehensive Africa’s Agriculture Development Program; The Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa, The Continental Education Strategy for Africa and several refreshed national and continental development blueprints among others. These policy instruments all point to a shared vision of a continental set to reap from its young population and endowments for its development. Pivotal to achievement of these aspirations is the need for a strong human capital base. Indeed the STYIP has already set a plan of training 100,000 PhD level scientists over this decade many of whom must be within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEMs). The network certainly has a crucial role to play in that regard and has aligned its operational plan to deliver on some of these policy instruments.

A common thread running through many of the national to regional and global policy instruments is the role of science and innovation in generating solutions. Accordingly, during its third decade, RUFORUM will leverage its vast network to engage education and agriculture ecosystems actors in science for development actions. Last mile science and technology delivery mechanisms will be strengthened at country (National FORUMs) to sub-regional levels (Regional hubs), existing partnerships strengthened while new partnerships forged to serve our network in mission delivery. We shall continue to implement our transformative education agenda, cognisant of fourth industrial revolution technologies and opportunities that integrate the digital, biological, and physical sectors of the economy. We will strive to close the gender and diversity gap in our operations and enhance future of work skills development. RUFORUM will remain resolute in its mission to supporting transitions to resilient economies.

In conclusion, as we navigate through the challenges of the third decade journey, I wish to reiterate our deepest acknowledgement to all our partners and governments who continue to walk this journey with us. To the Secretariat staff, our board members and members of all RUFORUM Governance Organs and all others who supported us through this 20 year long journey, I extend my deepest appreciations and wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year 2025.

Thank you.

Prof. Patrick Okori
Executive Secretary

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Mak Editor

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