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