General
MURBS Prepares Members for Retirement and Launches Biometric Registration
![[L] Mr. Dennis Mugalya - Investment Manager, PineBridge Investments, Second Left is Mr Joseph Njuguna the Schemes Operations Manager, Octagon Africa at the training.](https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/field_image_Nugalya-and-Njuguna.jpg)
“Financial planning leads to financial freedom. A financial plan is very important for every successful worker. Some of us work very hard, but we don’t find time to plan for the money we get. You have to plan for your money to ensure that you have a rest and peace of mind. You should not spend more than what you earn,” highlighted Mr. Joseph Njuguna, the Manager of Scheme Operations at Octagon Africa, a Pension Consultancy firm.
Mr. Njuguna emphasized the importance of a financial plan in the course of preparing for retirement during the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Sensitization Seminar held on Tuesday 26th April 2016 at Makerere University.
“We all need to do something, save as much as you can in the pension scheme. To continue with the same standards of living before and after your retirement, you must plan now. After retirement, have a residential home and let other assets you have been working for work for you,” Mr. Njuguna emphasized.
Focusing on the theme, Members actively involved in securing their retirement, which was derived from the Board’s strategy to boost accountability and client focus, Members listened to insightful presentations focused on securing a proper retirement.
During the Sensitization Seminar, participants were equipped with valuable knowledge and tips on financial planning, saving now for retirement, investment, the relevance of tracking expenditure, ensuring a proper diet as well as living a healthy life to avoid diseases that would affect them after their retirement. The Members were also enlightened on the MURBS Investment Policy Statement, the current Investment climate and its implication for the MURBS fund.
“I encourage members to undertake investments, most especially, in fixed assets like land, infrastructure, and equipment. These assets are not likely to be converted easily into cash. And their future economic benefit is probable to flow into the entity, whose cost can be measured reliably,” said Mr. Dennis Mugalya, who is an Investment Manager with PineBridge Investments E.A Ltd, and, also, the Chairman of the Investment Management Association of Uganda.
Focusing on the investment climate, Mr. Mugalya revealed that where one invests his/her money, will determine the amount of return to be yielded. He advised members to consider equity investment. This involves buying and holding shares of stock on a stock market in anticipation of income from dividends and capital gains, as the value of the stock rises. He also encouraged members to invest in treasury bills and bonds.
“Investment always comes with risks, including the interest rate. In investment, we have a number of risks. The more risk you take, the more return you expect. Risk is not losing your money, but it is because your return is volatile,” said Mr. Mugalya.
Dr. Paul Kasenene, a qualified Medical Doctor, Nutrition Educator, and a Member of the Technical Working Group of Non Communicable Diseases in the Ministry of Health and Managing Director of Wellcare Health & Wellness Clinic Kampala sensitised members on how to live healthy and prevent diseases that would affect them before and after their retirement.
“To enjoy any aspect of your life, you have to be alive and healthy. Despite more access to information and more advances in research and technology, people are actually getting unhealthier than before,” said Dr. Kasenene.
Dr. Kasenene mentioned that a person’s health is determined by the choices they make every day. “What we do daily either helps us to fight or feed the diseases. Some of us may already have health problems, but the good news is that most of those problems can be slowed, reversed or even stopped. No matter what kind of life you have lived, ill-health is reversible. The solution lies not with doctors, but with you making the right choices in your life,” he said.
He discouraged the habit of going for medical checkups only when people feel sick. He informed participants that such habits have complicated treating diseases like cancer which have no immediate signs and symptoms. He urged members to frequently go for medical tests, eat health diets, take plenty of water and do physical exercises. He appealed to participants to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. He advised members to focus on the cause of the problem in order to avoid it, than treating the problem or its symptoms.
During the Seminar, the Chairperson of MURBS, Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde, launched a web-based Member Biometric Registration System that will be used to register Scheme members in real time. This was aimed at further streamlining the benefits administration process and improve client self service. . The system will biometrically recognise and verify registered members and avail them with information through the Scheme servers. The members will be able to access information about their benefits from anywhere electronically.
A team of developers from Zedek Pro demonstrated the working mechanism of the Member Biometric Registration System and how the registration can be done in real time. According to the Principal Pension Officer, Ms. Susan Khaitsa, “the pilot registration is planned to commence in May 2016 and, in order to speed up the registration process, Members will be required to pre-fill two forms, that is, the Registration Form 0516A and the Dependants and Nominees (Beneficiary) Form 0516B. The forms will be circulated to Members online.”(The forms can be accessed from the links below)
The Secretary, Board of Trustees, Dr. John Kitayimbwa, shared key updates on the progress of the Scheme since last year. “One of the key updates I should bring to your notice is that, the agreements we had with the Service Providers were expiring in November last year [2015]. We extended their contracts to 31st January 2016 so that we comprehensively review the performance and our agreements with them,” he said.
Dr. Kitayimbwa introduced the new Scheme Service Providers to the Members. Stanbic Bank was appointed the new Scheme Custodian, whose role is to receive and keep in safe hands the funds, title deeds, securities and income accruing to the Scheme; PineBridge Investments Ltd retained its role of Fund Manager and GenAfrica Asset Managers Ltd was appointed Fund Manager – the two investors assist the Board of Trustees to make a prudent investment policy, invest the fund subject to the investment policy of the Scheme and manage the Scheme funds; Octagon Uganda Ltd, a Pension Consultancy firm, was appointed as the Scheme Administrator to handle mainly the Accounting and Benefits Administration.
MURBS was established by Makerere University Council under an irrevocable trust to provide pensions and other benefits for University employees who are admitted to membership under the provision of the Trust Deed and Scheme Rules. On 23rd April 2010, Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme was registered as a corporate body under the Trustees Incorporation Act, CAP 165, under certificate T. 37561, C.I. NO.670. Following the establishment of the Uganda Retirement Benefits and Regulatory Authority (URBRA) Act of 2011, MURBS was licensed as a Retirement Benefits Scheme under the new Act and holds license number RBS 0005.
MURBS is a Defined Contribution Scheme where both the employees and the employer contribute a percentage of the employees’ monthly salary.
To be entitled to join this Scheme, an individual must be aged at least 18 years but not more than 50 years old and should be appointed under permanent terms of service at Makerere University. All persons who were in University Service by 31st March 2009 were deemed to have joined the Scheme. Persons who were appointed in University service after 31st March 2009 and to-date are enrolled into the Scheme through the due procedures.
Article and Photos by: Mak Public Relations Office
By Scholars Program Communication Team
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Little Angels Junior School, Mawotto Village, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District celebrated an inspiring, joy-filled event. These two schools were selected to receive the generosity of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service.
At St. Charles Rwahunga Nursery and Primary School, the Scholars donated various products, including Learning Materials, Geometry sets, Sanitary towels for the girls, sportswear for the boys’ football team, and other goodies.
The Community Nursery and Primary School serves 412 pupils with severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The buildings are dilapidated, there is a shortage of desks, and the classrooms are small and overcrowded. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a better student learning environment.
Mr. Alex Mugisha, the Headteacher of the School, expressed gratitude to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for the kind gesture they extended to his school.
“I am deeply grateful, along with the students and staff, for the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These materials will significantly enhance the learning environment for our pupils,” remarked Mr. Mugisha.
Mr. Nelson Ddumba, the Scholars Council Representative, encouraged the young learners at the event not to lose hope. He emphasized that regardless of their starting point, they can improve their circumstances by staying in school.
“Listen, my fellow students: do not give up. The only path to transforming your circumstances is through a steadfast commitment to your education and remaining in school. I have been in your shoes, but I pushed through and succeeded thanks to my mother’s unwavering support. Today, I proudly attend Makerere University, one of the leading institutions in Uganda. Embrace the challenge ahead and make your education your top priority!” Mr. Ddumba declared.
At Little Angels Junior School, pupils were excited to receive educational materials, reusable sanitary towels, mathematical sets, dictionaries, and textbooks for nursery to primary seven students.
Ms. Sarah Nturo, the headteacher, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University for the kind gesture.
She said the books will help the school improve its reading culture and performance.
“We are grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University; we believe these books will significantly contribute to improving our pupils’ performance,” Ms. Nturo said.
Nturo also pointed out that they have challenges with the facilities and water as a school.
“Ever since we started this School, the education has improved because, in the past, parents could not allow their children to come here; instead, they would send them to the lake for fishing. But now, the children come only because they do not have somewhere to sit. We have few desks,” Nturo said.
During the visit, the pupils mesmerised the scholars with rare dance moves. The excitement did not leave the Programme Implementation team and teachers in their seats, making it a fun-filled event. The audience was left yearning for more.
Addressing the school, Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, urged the pupils to use their school time to prepare for a bright future.
“Do not mind where you are coming from. We all started like this. Education is an equalizer. Now that you have an opportunity to study, focus on making the best out of it. Be disciplined pupils and listen to your teachers. The sky will be the limit,” Mr Osuna said.
During the event, Francis Kabuye Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) leadership, said that ever since the school started over 10 years back, they have never received guests who bring them gifts like how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars did.
“I think you have seen how excited the children were. We are all happy this has never happened to our school. Who are we to receive these gifts? We have challenges, but with friends like God on our side, we shall conquer,” Mr. Kabuye noted.
The Scholars’ Day of Community Service is an annual event where Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University engage in community service as a way of giving back. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals in the community and contribute positively to society.
By Mak Communication Team
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while speaking at the inaugural commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Makerere University has appealed to the Government to increase the number of students with disabilities on government sponsorship.
The event held on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 was organised by the Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students’ Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities and held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
The day’s theme was: “Empowering Inclusion: Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential”
“Students with disabilities should be the first to be admitted on Government sponsorship because there are not so many,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe called upon the government to devise a scheme and policy for integrating students with disabilities into the working environment after graduation.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that the University has established a Disability Support Centre, a one-stop facility to ensure equal access to education and life, promote inclusivity, and support students and staff with disabilities.
“Over the years, Makerere University has branded itself as a place that actively and loudly promotes increased awareness about the rights and needs of students and staff with disabilities.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the State minister for Disability Affairs, called upon Persons with Disabilities to always believe in themselves and be able to break the barriers of the inferiority complex.
“You have to show people that you have the potential, and when people get to know your potential, they will begin to include and engage you. But if you do not have your potential, nobody will include you. They will think you are just someone who is just there seated and begging,” Hon. Asamo noted.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, said that the University is making a deliberate effort to pay particular attention to the decisive implementation of inclusive Policies and Practices.
“This is where we want all people to thrive and grow. Therefore, we are proud to accept and celebrate our differences and uniqueness. We welcome you here to build a culture of active support for each other and to declare that by championing a conducive environment for students and staff with disability, we are part of the change-makers of today,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli also highlighted several policies the University has implemented, such as the Policy for Persons with Disabilities and safeguarding, Accommodation policy, University rules and regulations, the Human resource manual, and the student guild constitution that provides inclusive participation in student leadership and admission policies.
“These policies protect and enhance the rights of both staff and students with disabilities. For example, we have a student guild minister for persons with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.
Makerere has directed attention to ensuring accessible and comfortable accommodations for students with Disabilities by having designated accessible hostels and rooms. The University provides salaries, lodging, and meals for helpers who assist students with disabilities. A concentrated effort is also being made to build ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to facilitate navigation for students and staff.
According to Dr Kabumbuli, the University has embraced a drive to facilitate students’ access to assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, brailling machines, hearing aids, etc.
“As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the University has designated a specialized space within the library, equipped with assistive technologies and resources, specifically for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to knowledge and academic success for all. We have also put in place special arrangements, such as extra time during examinations to enable access to education,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Ministry of Gender, and the School of Law, which are committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and equity for People with Disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities worldwide.
The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.
The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.
‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output. He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs. ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’. The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work. While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible. ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match. He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.
Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning. He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.
Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.
The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies. He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.
Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.
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