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
Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:
Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.
THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;
Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
One Passport size photograph.
A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.
Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/
You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD
For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:
Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728 Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug
The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.
Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.
Courses by Level
Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Online
TOPIK
Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com
Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.
Registration:
To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704
Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester
For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)
See downloads for Class Timetable
The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.