General
Royalty and Loyalty at Mak as King Oyo makes Inaugural Visit
Royalty and Loyalty combined in big volumes on Friday 20th November 2015 as the King of Tooro Kingdom, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV made his maiden entry into the gates of Makerere University. The King’s subjects who had patiently waited for his procession at the Main gate, prostrated before him, as a sign of their loyalty. They followed his procession, welcoming him with the tunes of Amakondere and other traditional songs from Tooro Kingdom, in praise of his leadership.
The King, who was in the company of other Royals including his paternal aunt, Princess Elizabeth Bagaya, proceeded to first pay a courtesy call on the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu who received him outside the Main building. As this delegation made its way to VC’s Office, the King’s subjects who were patiently waiting in the Main Hall rose to their feet to celebrate the fact that King Oyo was now in the Main building. He later descended to the Main hall and was received with ululations and uncontrollable praises of ‘Hangiriza agutamba. Hangiriza Rukirabashaija. Hangiriza omwebingwa. Hangiriza Entare ya Tooro’ as the audience in the Main hall exploded in euphoria.
In his remarks, Omukama Oyo expressed gratitude at the warm reception and thanked Makerere University for opening up to Tooro Kingdom. He was particularly grateful for the Fort Portal campus. “It gives me great pleasure to visit Makerere University, an institution which has existed since 1922. Makerere has remained one of the most prestigious Universities not only in Uganda but the whole of Africa. On behalf of Tooro Kingdom and myself, I wish to appreciate the wonderful reception you have accorded me and my entourage since I set foot at this mighty institution,” he said to a thunderous applause.
“I hope this visitation will go a long way to benefit our respective institutions. I thank the Makerere University Administration for creating a western campus in Tooro Kingdom, opened five years ago. This campus has helped our people in Tooro region to access quality education,” he added. “Through my time in school and the various walks in life, I have learnt a few lessons I wish to share some with you especially the young people in this room with the hope it will be helpful. The first one, believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend you do and at some point you will,” he advised as students applauded in agreement.
The King further advised the congregation especially the young people to hold onto their dreams, be disciplined, focus on their destiny, and respect cultural values. He cautioned the youth against engaging in inappropriate activities like drug abuse. King Oyo reached out to the Central Government, calling for support to the University capital fund tailored to support student innovations and business start-ups for fresh graduates.
Tooro Kingdom and Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to cement the relationship. The Vice Chancellor welcomed Tooro Kingdom’s initiative to work with Makerere University in skilling Ugandans, adding that the MoU will first be implemented in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
“The main objective of the MoU is to partner with your Kingdom to enhance each other’s areas of interest and development in order to stimulate growth of each party and contribute to societal transformation and national development. Makerere University shall execute this partnership through the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering to start with. Your Majesty, I have been informed that you would like to come back at a later date and visit more Colleges within Makerere University in order to establish further areas of collaboration. Your Majesty, you are most welcome,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also presented a plaque to Omukama Oyo in recognition of his inspirational and noble leadership of Tooro Kingdom and socio-cultural transformation of society through inculcation of cultural ideals and principles.
The Guild President, H.E. David Bala who spoke on behalf of the Student body sincerely appreciated Omukama Oyo for prioritizing the visit to Makerere University. His visit was partly coordinated by the Makerere University Tooro Students Association (MUTOSA).
After signing the MoU, Omukama Oyo then proceeded to the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering where he planted a tree to commemorate his visit and toured both the new and old wings of the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centres. He then held a meeting the College Management to chart the way forward in implementation of the MoU.
Article by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
-
Education1 week agoAdmission List to Bachelor of Education External (BED) 2025/26 -Private Sponsorship
-
General2 weeks agoUndergraduate Admission List Self Sponsorship Scheme 2025/2026
-
General4 days agoRe-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026
-
General1 week agoAdmission Lists for – Bachelor of Laws 2025-26
-
General1 week agoDiploma/Degree Holders Scheme – Self Sponsorship Admission Lists 2025/26