General
Mak to partner with UBA to promote financial literacy
Makerere University is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uganda Bankers Association(UBA) aimed at promoting financial literacy among staff and students. The mutual partnership will also focus on incorporating financial literacy in the University curriculum and hosting of workshops/seminars.
The Uganda Bankers Association is the umbrella body of 25 commercial banks and one Development Bank operating in Uganda. The UBA member commercial banks are licensed and regulated by the Bank of Uganda under the Financial Institutions Act 2004.
Addressing the Makerere University Management, Mr. Emmanuel Turyamuhika Kikoni- the Executive Director, Uganda Bankers Association highlighted that Makerere University, with a population of over 40,000 students and staff, is one of the critical and valued strategic partners of banks. He noted that many UBA member banks are strongly represented at Makerere University; the University and its staff and students are good customers of UBA member banks as depositors, borrowers and consumers through various banking outlets.
“Makerere University is an institution that trains business and economics; we thought it worthy collaborating with it in promoting our financial literacy programme to sensitize Ugandans on money, the principles of its effective handling, borrowing and investment activities,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu appreciated UBA’s proposal on financial literacy and expressed the institution’s readiness for partnership.
“We are glad that you have chosen Makerere University as your partner institution. Makerere University embraces private-public partnerships. We welcome the financial literacy programme. We also know the vital services banks provide. I believe that our community will benefit tremendously from your services when you actively engage with them,” said the Vice Chancellor.
On the implementation of the financial literacy programme, the Vice Chancellor stated that the UBA team would work with the Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences in liaison with the mandated offices in the University including the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dean of Students and the Public Relations Office.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu reiterated the need for both parties to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will describe the terms and conditions of their mutual partnership. To expedite the MoU, the Vice Chancellor advised the UBA team to work with the Makerere University Legal Office. He equally encouraged the UBA team to develop a program activity that both parties would follow during the implementation of the partnership activities.
The team from UBA comprised the following: The Executive Director Mr. Emmanuel Turyamuhika Kikoni, the Chairman of the Association Mr. Fabian Kasi, Vice Chairman Mr. Balbir Singh Dhaka, Manager Research Mr. Solomon Ichumar and Consultant Mr. Daniel K. Nsibambi.
The Makerere University team comprised the following: Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs-Associate Prof. Okello Ogwang; Ag. University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare; Ag.University Librarian-Dr. Helen Byamugisha; Ag. University Bursar-Ms Deborah Nalule; Academic Registrar-Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah; Dean of Students-Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe; Ms Naome Kiconco representing the Mak Legal Office; Ms Caroline Nanono-Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor; and Ms Ritah Namisango-Senior Public Relations Officer. The meeting was held on 13th October 2015 in the Main Building Council Room.
Article by: Mak-Public Relations Office
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa
By the Program Communication Team
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.
“I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.
“Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.
While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.
Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.
The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative. They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.
On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over three (3) university buses to the respective leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
The new buses mark a significant improvement in mobility and learning for Makerere University students and staff, furthering the institution’s commitment to practical education and community service.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the University’s Freedom Square, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the significance of the new buses in enhancing teaching and learning. “These buses will play a crucial role in improving students’ practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Parliament and the Government of Uganda for providing the resources for the new buses, emphasizing their importance in replacing the old fleet, which frequently breaks down. The new 2023 model buses, with a 67-seater capacity, were secured at a cost of UGX 626million each and are expected to save the university significant maintenance costs and improve the learning experience for students.
Principals from the respective colleges expressed their appreciation for the new buses. Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, emphasized the importance of the buses for practical training at locations such as Lake Mburo National Park. Associate Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of CHS, highlighted the buses’ role in facilitating community engagement and outreach.
He explained that the decision to purchase Isuzu buses instead of those manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) a Makerere University partner, was based on prior engagement with the former, as well as the need to utilize the allocated funds promptly within the Financial Year, which couldn’t be accomplished at KMC due to their high demand.
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