General
First Mak Varsity Awards held in style
On 5th, November 2015, Makerere University held its first Awards Night, organized by the 81st Students’ Guild under H.E David Bala Bwiruka. The awards, dubbed Mak Varsity awards, were premised on the need to reward outstanding performance at the leading academic institution in the region. By 5:30pm, the main hall was filled to capacity as invited guests and students patiently awaited the stat hour of 6:00pm. Entertainment from a live band played to warm up the guests as the day’s Master of Ceremony- Spirit FM’s King Wisely worked the guests. The crowd was treated to a classic catwalk from pencil-thin blonde models, who took to the stage and showcased their modeling skills. The crowd cheered uncontrollably as these students did ‘their thing.’
“It is incumbent upon us as student leaders to ensure that we lift the banner of Makerere University higher and higher. Students are known for endless strikes at campus, we need to change this for it is not positive for our image,” Bala said. He reiterated that the awards were part of the many strategies to showcase Makerere University as a unique brand, an effort that called for the intervention of all stakeholders. The Dean of Students, Mr Cyriaco Kabagambe thanked all the guests for their much needed participation and commended the guild council for successfully following all the steps towards the awards night. He challenged the organizing team to ensure sustainability of the project, adding that the university administration will continue supporting students’ innovations.
The Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Ernest Okello Ogwang who represented the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu was pleased with the efforts towards the awards. “I am pleased to note that our students continue to participate in research challenges both at local and international levels, and have kept our flag high by attracting outstanding recognitions and winning awards. I take this opportunity to urge our students to delve even deeper in the search for ground-breaking research and innovations. Today’s event is one such effort, to keep on the course of motivating to inspire greatness amongst our community,” he said. He was further grateful to the award sponsors who included Coca cola, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Rwenzori Premium Water, Brussels Airlines, United, Enterprise Uganda, 91.3 Capital FM, Urban TV, Kampala Sun, SMS One, Centenary Bank, MTN Uganda, NSSF, Events Warehouse and UAP Insurance, for considering the event worth sponsoring.
The awards were organized under the theme, ‘Motivate to Inspire’ and some of the categories included Sports, Creativity, Social Achievement and Inspirational awards. Bank of Uganda Governor Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile and NSSF’s Managing Director Richard Byarugaba received Appreciation Awards. The duo, in their acceptance speeches said; they were delighted by such honors adding that they least expected it. Uganda National Roads Executive Director, Allen Kagina, scooped the Inspirational leadership award, while Business Magnate Patrick Bitature took the Business Impact award. Local Artist Bebe Cool of the Gagamel crew scooped the Interactive Entertainment award.
Capt. Mike Mukula, who represented the First Lady Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni as Chief Guest, thanked Governor Mutebile for his excellent stewardship in managing government funds and equally commended Richard Byarugaba for a job well done at National Social Security Fund. The award for best print media personality was bestowed upon a 4th year student of Journalism, Venenscias Kiiza. “I am humbled by this acknowledgement in the baby steps I am making in this dynamic craft of journalism. This is just another indicator that good work however modest will always be appreciated, thanks to the Pepper Publications and the Department of Journalism for grooming me,” he said.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
1. Media Print/Publication Personality – Mr. Kiiza Venenscias (Red Pepper)
2.Broadcast Personality – Mr. Ssenyonga Derrick
3.Business Impact Personality – Mr. Patrick Bitature (Chairman Simba group of Companies)
4.Inspirational Leadership – Ms.Allen Catherine Kagina Executive Director UNRA
5.Interactive Entertainment Personality- Bebe Cool.
6. Leadership Award- Ms. Aseru Sarah.
7. Male Sports Personality- Mr. Lubwama Joshua
8.Female Sports Personality – Ms.Chemtai Joy
9.Students Inspirational Award – Mr. Ayeru Jacob
10.Young achiever – Ms Ruyondo Ann
11.Out Standing Sport – Swimming
12.Project of the year – (Hopi Track) by Mr. Mugaga Julius
13.Outstanding Sports Team – Rugby Team
14.Social Event Award – Lumbox Carnival
15.Interactive Online Website – Campus Vibe
16. Community Impact Project – (Mak Pads) by Mr. Isaac Muhofa.
17. Entrepreneurship Award – (Agriculture on line) by Mr. Nyabongo Edgar Timothy
18. Appreciation Awards
• Mr. Tumusiime Mutebile (Governor Bank of Uganda)
• Prof. Mondo Kagonyera ( Former Chancellor Makerere University)
• Mr. Richard Byarugaba ( Managing Director NSSF)
• Dr. Eng. William Tsimwa Muhairwe( Former NWSC Managing Director)
• ISO Chief Brigadier Ronnie Balya
Story by Hudson Ssemyano
Students’ Guild
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
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