General

East Africa to Explore Business Opportunities from Climate Change

Published

11 years ago

November 17, 2015

L-R: Vice Chancellor-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Norwegian Ambassador-H.E Susan Eckey, Minister of Water and Environment-Hon. Ephraim Kamumtu and University of Bergen Rector-Prof. Dag Rune Olsen at the Climate Change and Business Conference, 12th November 2015, Kampala Uganda

Over 100 participants at the 1^st Climate Change and Opportunities for Sustainable Business in East Africa Conference have developed a Communiqué that will be presented at the upcoming United Nations Climate Conference (COP21) in December 2015 in Paris, France.

The Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu who is scheduled to lead the Ugandan delegation to the 2015 Climate Change Conference (COP21), officially opened the Kampala Conference held on 12^th November 2015 on the theme: Supporting the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference: Climate Change and Opportunities for Sustainable Business in East Africa.

Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu addressing participants. Hon. Kamuntu commended the Royal Embassy of Norway, Makerere University-Uganda, and University of Bergen-Norway, for organizing the conference aimed at exploring and demonstrating through workable models/approaches that sustainable solutions and technology can be enhanced to create business opportunities for the mutual benefits.

“This Conference is timely; for it presents the East Africans with a platform to discuss and come up with a message on climate change and business opportunities that we would like to be captured by over 190 countries in COP21 in 2015. This is a commendable consultative and participatory approach, and I thank the Embassy of Norway, the University of Bergen in Norway, and Makerere University, Kampala for organizing this important conference,” the Minister said.

In the communiqué, the participants comprising government officials, delegation from East Africa and Norway, members of the private sector, development partners and key industry figures, the academia and media recommended to the United Nations Conference of the Parties Conference (COP21) the following:

The prioritization and mainstreaming of South-North collaborations especially in the areas of research and innovation that are key to attaining climate-friendly development and eventually developing sustainable business enterprises into national policy frameworks.
Based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the urgent streamlining of climate financing initiatives including but not limited to carbon markets to enable up-scaling of existing technologies on a massive scale such as the use of solar energy, wind and thermal resources as well as energy saving clean cooking technologies.
That the Academia, Private Sector and Government form a strong alliance that commercializes research findings, technology and technology transfer as well as innovative approaches towards climate-smart business opportunities at all levels.
That Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Faith-based organizations, the private sector and the media embrace networking as a mutually beneficial avenue for sharing and disseminating business programs supported by national and regional policy frameworks as well as build capacity of stakeholders to implement viable climate change and business linkages.

Addressing the participants at Serena Hotel Kampala, Hon. Kamuntu said that the effects of climate change in Uganda are already evident in the agricultural sector; affecting the productivity of seasons which have culminated in adverse effects in combination with increasing population growth rate.

“Uganda’s current growth rate indicates that 60% of the population consists of young people below 18 years and 78% of the population is the youth under 35 years. With this kind of population, it will be a wise opportunity and blessing for the country to invest in and develop skills of these young people in order to have a dynamic labor force for Uganda’s economy. However we must recognize that if this is not handled, the combination of climate change with the increasing population can be a disaster,” he stated.

The Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda H.E Susan Eckey said for the world to be able to find solutions to climate change, countries should develop a system for national reporting.

“In the climate meeting in Lima last year, countries agreed to not only set national goals before the Paris conference but also to enhance necessary action, and we see that countries are willing to do more than before. More than 150 countries responsible for 90% of gas emissions have already set their climate goals. These goals show that the transition to the low emission societies has begun,”she said.

Her Excellency informed the participants that Norway has set three top priorities ahead of the upcoming Paris conference. These include: a long term vision; countries to update and upgrade their climate goals every five years; and a system for national reporting.

Prof. Dag Rune Olsen, University of Bergen- Norway. Highlighting the issue of temperature change and its adverse impact on human and natural systems, the Rector of University of Bergen, Prof. Dag Rune Olsen said that by the end of this year 2015, the global average temperature may have a positive milestone of about 1 degree Centigrade above industrial levels as predicted by the UK Meteorological Office.

“This climate change has wide spread impact on humans and natural systems. The increase in temperature will also have widespread impact on bio-diversity, food security as well as affect public health. We shall also witness the increase to geo-hazards. The human influence on the climate system is clear and the recent emissions of greenhouse gasses are the highest in history, that leads us to the reasons as to why the upcoming meeting-the COP21 in Paris is important,” he explained.

Prof. Olsen revealed that the Africa Progress Report shows that Africa can seize climate and all energy opportunities. The new research on the climate economy shared by Lord Stern also illustrates the opportunity to transform and expand the supply of hydroelectric solar Power energy in Africa, which will spur development and reduce on the negative environment effects.

According to the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, global attention today is focused on climate change as a critical Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentam, Vice Chancellor-Makerere University. driver for development. Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu mentioned that East Africa and Norway have initiated several joint efforts to address the impacts of climate change while harnessing business opportunities.

“The effects of climate change already have profound and irreversible impact on economic social and environmental systems. They are manifested in several forms including drought, erratic rainfall patterns and other extreme weather events that threatens human health and infrastructure, agricultural production and food security, water and other natural resources and sustainability that are the very core of human survival and economic development. It is therefore very urgent that we come up with both mitigation and adaptation majors that will help us to deal with the evolving climate,” he remarked.

During the conference, participants also discussed the effects of climate change on trade and business, social economic opportunities and development, human health, environment and continental prosperity. Through the various discussions and presentations held, the participants indicated that the high prevalence of food shortages faced by East African countries is caused by the high illiteracy rate and unawareness, marketing bottlenecks, poor agricultural practice, resource depletion and degradation.

Giving the East African perspective on mitigation and adaptation strategies carried out by Makerere University so far, Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa noted that the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has integrated aspects of climate change at undergraduate level and introduced new regional Masters programmes. He also shared that the College has developed seeds for rangeland forages, drought and disease resistant varieties of crops as well as carried out extensive research on indigenous multipurpose tree species that can absorb carbon dioxide from the environment.

Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa presenting the East African perspective on Climate Change. In a presentation titled, Converting the Climate Change message into suitable business, Mr. Ssewagudde Christopher, Representative from Innovation Norway said: “The emerging opportunities for alternative livelihoods, asset building, improving scientific knowledge for value addition projects, up-scaling, replication and sustainability, institution of linkages and the importance of participatory approaches and addressing cross-cutting issues in business like mainstreaming gender, indigenous knowledge, HIV/AIDS, child protection and disability have changed the standards of living as well as creating more business opportunities for East African people.”

The participants recognized that sustainable solutions and technology can be harnessed to create business opportunities for the mutual benefit of East Africa and Norway in line with international targets including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

They also appreciated the support provided by the United Nations through Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Conference of the Parties towards an international agreement of dealing with the Climate Change adaptation and Mitigation.

During the conference, the Minister of Water and Environment Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, H.E. Susan Eckey and Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu were presented with signed copies of a book entitled Responsible and Profitable: Strategies for Sustainable business models by Authors Sveinung Jørgensen and Lars Jacob Tynes Pedersen. The book connects Business with Climate Change and provides knowledge on how countries can utilize opportunities availed by the current climate change.

Article by: Mak Public Relations Office

General

Are We Giving Enough Attention to the People Around Us Who Quietly Influence Lives Every Day?

Published

2 days ago

June 5, 2026

Mak Editor

Sylas Ruhweza and Marion Apio at one of the Girls Alive Uganda (GAU) outreaches.

_{By Marion Apio}

On March 21, 2026, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with a close colleague and passionate leader, Owekitinisa Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki. We had not spoken since I moved to the United States to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist. The following day, I learned that he had been quietly undergoing treatment in and out of the hospital. True to his character, he had chosen to keep his condition private. I was shocked and saddened, wishing I had known earlier so I could offer support.

At first, reports from family and friends were encouraging. He had been diagnosed with malaria and low blood platelet counts and was receiving treatment. Respecting his wish for confidentiality, members of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community at Makerere University rallied discreetly around him.

***An artistic impression of Sylas Ruhweza.***

However, on April 29, his condition worsened. He was transferred between medical facilities and underwent extensive tests, including a biopsy, as doctors searched for answers. Sadly, on May 29, Sylas passed away.

His death sparked an extraordinary outpouring of love and solidarity. Friends, colleagues, and former scholars mobilised to support his family, settle medical expenses, organise virtual vigils, and plan a dignified farewell. Hundreds gathered at St. Augustine Chapel to pay their respects. Within three days, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community raised approximately UGX 11 million, a testament to Sylas’ impact on countless lives.

***Sylas Ruhweza addressing his fellow alumni on 5th April 2025.***

In the days that followed, I found myself wrestling with difficult questions. In a world where we spend so much time following people online, are we paying enough attention to those quietly transforming lives around us? Why do we invest so much emotional energy in distant personalities while overlooking the people God has placed right in front of us?

Sylas lived with humility and served with grace. His death left more than 1,500 Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni grieving, alongside many others around the world who knew him. Yet his passing also exposed a contradiction in modern life.

We live in an age of unprecedented connectivity. Uganda has millions of internet users and WhatsApp subscribers, while globally, people spend hours each day on social media. We have more tools than ever to stay connected, yet many of us are becoming increasingly disconnected from the people who matter most.

***Selfie time: Marion Apio and Sylas Ruhweza.***

Sylas resisted this trend. Through mentorship, service, and community-building, he remained deeply present in others’ lives. While many people retreat into individual pursuits, he consistently chose connection.

This challenge is especially relevant for Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni. Every year, young Africans leave home to pursue education and professional opportunities abroad. Distance, time zones, visa restrictions, and rising travel costs make it difficult to maintain relationships and remain actively involved in the communities that helped shape us.

For Sylas, the answer was simple: show up. Celebrate others. Offer support. Stay connected.

***Sylas with some of the Girls Alive Uganda (GAU) beneficiaries.***

He never allowed geographical or personal barriers to become excuses for disengagement. Even while facing his own struggles, he invested in others. He embodied the values the Mastercard Foundation seeks to cultivate—ethical leadership, service, and community empowerment.

Sylas did not wait for a perfect platform to create change. He simply served where he was. He helped build bridges between education, culture, and professional development while remaining grounded in his values. He dreamed of creating a stronger alumni ecosystem and brought both passion and compassion to every initiative he touched.

Since his passing, social media has been filled with memories of his infectious smile and unwavering commitment to others. Those tributes reveal an important truth: people gave generously because Sylas had first given himself generously to them. People from different backgrounds, generations, and communities showed up because he had spent his life showing up for them. His legacy now challenges all of us.

***Sylas with friends at a Birthday Celebration.***

The greatest tribute we can offer is not simply to mourn his loss but to continue his work. That means supporting the causes he cared about, helping the children whose education he championed, strengthening alumni networks, and pursuing the dreams we discussed with him.

The tragedy of modern life is not that we follow people online. It is that too often our attention to distant lives comes at the expense of meaningful relationships nearby. Yet strong relationships are as essential to our well-being as physical health.

As Ugandans, we take pride in our faith, culture, and sense of community. We contribute to fundraisers, attend ceremonies, and support family members in times of need. But increasingly, genuine connection is being replaced by passive digital interaction. Families and communities cannot thrive on likes, retweets, and emojis alone.

They require presence—phone calls, visits, conversations, and the willingness to notice when someone is struggling.

Sylas Ruhweza with friends at the Third Edition of the MakRun in 2019. — ***Sylas with friends at the Third Edition of the MakRun in 2019.***

Before spending another hour immersed in the lives of strangers online, look around. Call the friend you have not spoken to in years. Check on a family member. Reach out to a colleague who seems withdrawn. Communities are not built by algorithms or celebrities. They are built by ordinary people who choose, day after day, to care for those within their reach.

Uganda needs more people like Sylas. At just 32 years old, he achieved what many spend a lifetime striving for. He served as Minister of Information in the Toro Kingdom and as President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Association in Uganda. More importantly, he dedicated himself to serving others.

While his death is deeply painful, his life remains a powerful example of how we should live. My prayers and condolences go to his family, friends, and the entire Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community.

Rest in perfect peace, Owek. Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki.

The author is a Mastercard Foundation Alumna from Makerere University and the University of California, Berkeley. She is a journalist based in Southern California and the CEO of the Debunk Media Initiative.

General

Freshers’ Joining Instructions 2026/2027

Published

3 days ago

June 4, 2026

Mak Editor

Main Building in the background. Photo taken on 1st April 2026

It brings me great joy to welcome you to Makerere University.

First Year students (Freshers) are by tradition given an “acclimatization” period of
one week which is referred to as the “Orientation Week”. The Freshers report on
Campus one week earlier than the Continuing students and during this week they
are introduced to the key facilities as well as other important aspects of life at the
University.
Schedule of Semesters for 2026/2027 Academic Year
Semester One
Saturday 8th August, 2026 to Saturday 5th December, 2026 (17 Weeks)
Semester Two
Saturday 16th January, 2027 to Saturday 15th May, 2027 (17 Weeks)
Orientation Week
Saturday 1st August, 2026 – Friday 7th August, 2026
During the Orientation week, arrangements are made to enable the Freshers meet
and be addressed by Key Officers, Wardens and Student Leaders who welcome the
students.

Arrangements are also made to enable the Freshers acquaint themselves with such
key facilities at the University like the Library, University Hospital, Games and
Recreation Facilities.etc.

Freshers are expected to take advantage of the week to survey and acquaint
themselves with the general Campus lay out. Another major activity during the
Orientation Week is Registration.

All Freshers must ensure that they are registered with their respective Colleges/Schools/ Departments/Halls/University Hospital.

Saturday 1st August, 2026
Resident Freshers report to their respective halls of residence or private hostels by
5.00 p.m. It is the responsibility of each student to make his/her own travel
arrangements to the University or private hostel.

Monday 3rd August, 2026
All freshers shall report to the Freedom Square for a meeting (Central orientation
program) with the University officials at 9:00am.

College Orientation
Tuesday 4th – Friday 7th August, 2026 College orientation programs will follow
during the orientation week. College Principals and Registrars will issue the
orientation programs for their colleges.
Lectures will begin on Monday 10^th August, 2026.

Registration
For a candidate to be considered a bonafide student of the University, he/she must
be registered. Registration is a mandatory requirement of the University which
must be done within the first two (2) weeks from the beginning of the semester by
every student. Privately sponsored students will pick their original admission
letters after payment of 60% tuition and all functional fees from their respective
colleges.
Registration will commence on Monday 10^th August, 2026 starting at 9.00 a.m.
each day at the respective Schools.
Ensure that you complete all the required registration formalities within the
prescribed time in order to avoid disappointments later. College/School Registrars
will provide registration programs.

Registration Requirements
Admission to Makerere University is a provisional offer made on the basis of the
statement of your qualifications as presented on your application form. The offer is
subject to verification of your academic documents and payment of university fees.
For registration purposes, all first-year students MUST produce their original
documents for verification.

Government sponsored students shall pay shs.155,404/= functional fees to
Makerere University.

Privately sponsored students shall pay 834,505/= and 1,489,785/= for Ugandans
and International candidates respectively for semester one and 132,250/= for
semester two of year 1.

Full admission letters for Government sponsored students should be picked from
the respective Colleges/Schools beginning Monday 6th July 2026.
The fees structure for privately sponsored students is attached to their provisional
admission letters that should be down loaded from their ACMIS portal.
Students in the affiliated Institutions should pay fees indicated by their respective
Institutions.
Fresher’s joining instructions concerning reporting, fees payment, academic
policies and any important information from the different university units can be
viewed from the Academic Registrar’s Department notice boards and University
websites www.mak.ac.ug
All freshers MUST have laptop computers as one of the essential tools for study
purposes for their programmes.

Other Fees
a) National Council for Higher Education fee (Per Year)-Shs.20,000/=
(Payable to the National Council for Higher Education Account in Stanbic Bank).

b) UNSA Subscription fee (per year) – Shs. 2,000/= (payable to Stanbic Bank,
City Branch, A/C 0140007248501).

Change of Programmes/Subjects
(a) Change of Programmes
Since selection for specific programmes was made according to each candidate’s
performance and order of programme choices, taking into account the available
subject combinations and time-table limitations, there is normally little need to
change the programme or subjects. However, some places become vacant when
some of the students admitted do not take up the offers. Such places are filled
through the change of programmes/subjects.

Students who wish to change programmes first of all register according to the
registration time-table for the programmes and subjects (where applicable) to
which originally have been admitted. Each student who may wish to change
his/her programme/ subject combination is required to pay an application fee of
Shs.6,000/= plus the service fee and bank charges to banks used by Uganda
Revenue Authority.

(b) Change of Subjects
Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Natural
Sciences or the College of Education and Extemal Studies may wish to change their
subjects.

Students should be aware that changing one subject may result in a change of
College. Before students apply to change their programmes, Colleges and Subjects,
they are encouraged to seek advice on the cut-off point(s) for programmes,
requirements for specific subjects and possible subject combinations.

Change of programme/Subjects will be done online on payment of an application
fee of Shs. Six thousand (6000/=) plus the service fee and bank charges to banks
used by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Students are notified and warned that change of programme or transferring to
another subject combination or College without proper authority will be liable to
discontinuation from the University.

A student who has been permitted to change his/her programme or subject(s) will
be issued with a letter stating so, and on receipt of such a letter that student should
complete the ACCEPTANCE part and return a copy of each to the Undergraduate
Admissions and Records Office, the former College j School and the new
College/School.

The change of programme /subjects will be done online from Monday 3rd August,
2026 to Friday 14th August, 2026.

N.B: It is advisable that only those students who meet the cut-off points for the
desired programme/subjects may apply.

Buyinza Mukadasi
Academic Registrar

General

Hundreds attend Sylas Ruhweza’s Requiem Mass

Published

6 days ago

June 1, 2026

Carol Kasujja Adii

Sylas Ruhweza's casket lies in the chapel. Requiem Mass in respect of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University, 30th May 2026, St. Augustine Chapel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.

The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.

Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.

Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki addresses mourners. Requiem Mass in respect of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University, 30th May 2026, St. Augustine Chapel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki addresses mourners.***

“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.

Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.

The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.

Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza. Requiem Mass in respect of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University, 30th May 2026, St. Augustine Chapel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza.***

“Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.

Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.

Ms. Grace Kabasita. Requiem Mass in respect of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University, 30th May 2026, St. Augustine Chapel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms. Grace Kabasita.***

“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.

Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.

“Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.

R-L: Prof. Prof. Justine Namaalwa, a mourner, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga and Ms. Jolly Okumu. Requiem Mass in respect of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University, 30th May 2026, St. Augustine Chapel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***R-L: Prof. Prof. Justine Namaalwa, a mourner, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga and Ms. Jolly Okumu.***

She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.

Ruhweeza at glance

Born on 19^th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.

The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.

Sylas Ruhweza, then Team Lead, AlumNet Foundation addressing his fellow alumni on 5th April 2025. Requiem Mass in respect of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University, 30th May 2026, St. Augustine Chapel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — **Sylas Ruhweza, then Team Lead, AlumNet Foundation addressing his fellow alumni on 5th April 2025.**

He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.

At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.

Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions

Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga with scholars that attended the Mass. Requiem Mass in respect of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University, 30th May 2026, St. Augustine Chapel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga with scholars that attended the Mass.***

He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.

He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.

He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.

Scholars mourning Sylas. Requiem Mass in respect of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University, 30th May 2026, St. Augustine Chapel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Scholars mourning Sylas.***

At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.

Legacy

Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.