General
South Korean Ambassador Pays Courtesy Call-Donates Books to Mak
The Republic of South Korea on 31st March 2016 donated an assortment of books to Makerere University in the interest of promoting the Korean language and culture in the Institution. The books were handed over to the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Ezra Suruma by the South Korean Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Park Jong Dae, during his courtesy call. The books will be freely accessible to all staff and students interested in learning Korean Language and culture.
The donated books are to be housed in the Korea Corner, which was established on 6th August 2014 in the Makerere University Main Library. The Korea Corner was as a result of long term relationship between Makerere University and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda. H.E Park Jong Dae, hailed Makerere University for spearheading the promotion of Korean language and culture in Uganda. “I would like to thank you for this opportunity to spread Korean language and culture. We are happy that we have started to fulfill this interest here and soon we shall be able to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and prominent Universities in South Korea,” said the Ambassador.
“We want Korean culture to be shared in Uganda and of course Makerere University as the most prominent University in the country and is the best option. We would like to use this vicinity to introduce our language and culture in Uganda. We have started with the donation of books which are mostly to be used to teach the Korean language.” H.E Park Jong Dae explained.
He further shared that Uganda as the Perl of Africa has all that it takes to become the agricultural and possibly economic hub of Africa. Commenting on the friendly people and diverse cultures of Uganda, the Ambassador noted that Ugandans have what it takes to turn the challenges they have faced in the past into opportunities for the future.
The Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma appreciated the donation of books, the good relationship South Korea has with the Institution and the interest expressed to further cementing this close relationship.
“We welcome you Your Excellency and appreciate your interest in Makerere University as well as advancing the relationship between Uganda and South Korea. I believe that there exists a close mutually beneficial relationship between Uganda and South Korea. There is no doubt that we can greatly benefit from South Korea’s development, especially as we consider exchange of human and other resources” Prof. Ezra Suruma said.
The Chancellor appreciated the warm hospitality accorded to delegations from Makerere University whenever they visit the South Korean Embassy in Uganda and looked forward to receiving the Ambassador whenever he visited Makerere.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ernest Okello-Ogwang thanked the South Korean Government for the donation of books and the great collaboration with Makerere University. He encouraged scholars from Korea to come and join Makerere University for courses at various levels of qualification “Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) holds a Master of Agricultural Economics from the Seoul National University,” he said. He noted that such exchanges would further promote interrelations between Ugandan and South Korean people.
In her remarks, the Acting University Librarian Dr. Hellen Byamugisha, expressed her appreciation to the Ambassador for facilitating continued cordial relations between Makerere University and South Korea. “As the Makerere University Library, we are blessed to collaborate with South Korea. I have seen a number of people including Library staff taking keen interest in learning the Korean Language and today’s book donation shall give more people access to these learning resources,” she said.
Article by Charles Iga, Intern, 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.
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