The Resilience Innovation Challenge for Conflict (RIC4CONF) Grants Call was announced by the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN), School of Public Health (MakSPH), Makerere University in March 2016. The call focused on the sourcing, developing, and scaling of transformative technologies and approaches that would strengthen resilience to shocks and stresses that arise from chronic conflict and its effects.
The call was directed at funding projects in the three innovative pathways of: Harnessing curriculum development towards skills development and entrepreneurship; Financial inclusion for wealth creation and Creating an inclusive environment for every citizen. To qualify for the award teams had to be made up of university students, university faculty and student-faculty collaborations from established universities worldwide. Teams could also be made up of organizations, individuals that weren’t necessarily university students, government entities, and so many others.
Teams were responsible for selecting a designated Team Leader who would serve as the primary point of contact for their team on all matters related to implementation of the grant, and correspondence. After a rigorous selection process, on 22nd September 2016, RAN announced eight innovator teams that had qualified to receive grants worth US$ 280,000.
“The award suitably reflects the endless hours all these innovators have spent identifying, nurturing and developing these innovative approaches and technologies,” said Harriet Adong, Communication Manager RAN. She reiterated that RAN is committed to working closely with all innovators to transform their solutions into 'Game Changers' in the African Market and beyond.
Seven of the eight teams will implement their projects in Uganda while only one will be implemented in Tanzania. Please see Downloads for list of Awardees.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.