General
MasterCard Foundation awards 200 scholarships
It was a memorable afternoon on Friday 2nd September 2016, when 200 students who qualified for a comprehensive scholarship package under the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University convened in the Makerere University Main Hall to receive their Letters of Award.
“Joining Makerere University through the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme was a turning point in my life. I was admitted to study Bachelor of Science with Education. I see a bright future as a teacher who will aim at promoting the studying of sciences in the community. I want to act as a role model to those who are scared of sciences. It is good that I am studying education,” testified Beth Nanyama, one of the Cohort 3 Scholars.
Makerere University signed US$20,989,965.15 contract with MasterCard Foundation to sponsor 1000 students who are academically bright but economically disadvantaged youth from Africa to study at Makerere University from 2013 to 2023. The contract, signed by Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu and Peggy Woo Chief Financial Officer, MasterCard Foundation, was officially exchanged on 1st September 2015.
For the Academic Year 2016/2017, which started on 20th August 2016, 200 successful students were enrolled to study at Makerere University under the 3rd Cohort under the MasterCard Foundation (MCF) Scholars Programme at Makerere University. The programme officially started in the 2014/2015 academic year, with the 1st Cohort comprising 46 students who are currently in their third year of study. The 2nd Cohort Scholars admitted during the 2015/2016 academic year comprised 49 students.
Addressing the 3rd Cohort comprising 200 scholars, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu welcomed the scholars to Makerere University. He congratulated the successful Scholars upon attaining the scholarship that will not only enable them to access higher education, but also significantly contribute to the transformation of their lives.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu emphasized the need for academic excellence, advised the scholars to effectively utilize the resources and student support services provided under the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University and to associate with people who will add value to their academic and social life.
“Dear Scholars, you have been given everything to enable you excel. Both Makerere University and our partner the MasterCard Foundation, expect continued academic excellence from you. Failure to live up to our academic expectations will lead to discontinuation from this Scholarship programme. Neither Makerere University nor the MasterCard Foundation expects you to be discontinued. We are training you to be the next generation of achievers and leaders, who will be committed to service and giving back to your community,” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu thanked Dr. Florence Nakayiwa and her Project Implementation team for professionally managing the Scholars programme. The Vice Chancellor reiterated the University Management’s commitment to supporting The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
The Programme Coordinator, Dr. Florence Nakayiwa explained that the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University is part of the wider global network of MasterCard Foundation Scholars. Ideologically, the program was designed to nurture the next generation of African leaders. There are partners in Ghana, South Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. Each year the programme issues a call for applications which climaxes with the selection of qualifying students.
“This year we have been able to register 21 international scholars from Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, South Sudan, and Kenya. We have 75 scholars directly transiting from BRAC-our secondary school partner. The Cohort has 104 nationals from the wider Ugandan population. The female Scholars constitute 72% out of our target of 80%,” she highlighted.
According to the Chairperson of Selection Committee, MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University, Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi, the selection process began in January, 2016 with the updating and approval of recruitment tools, publicity campaign in the newspapers and other media for the scholars to apply. Successful applicants were short listed and interviewed.
“We also did the home validation visits to ensure that those that were finally selected deserved the scholarships. That is how we were able to come up with the final list of the awardees. Out of the 2109 applicants, only 200 students were awarded. We went through a trauma to select only 200 participants,” he stated.
Dr. Mushengyezi also highlighted to the audience the several challenges the Selection team met while carrying out the selection process. Among the challenges the team encountered was ensuring equity in the awarding process.
“That’s why we had to visit the applicants’ homes unannounced such that we could do checks on the families, parents and their guardians to ensure that there were no masqueraders. We ensured that we were not awarding children of rich people,” he said.
“Another challenge we had during this process was the pain of seeing hundreds of deserving children being left out. We validated hundreds of them who really deserved the scholarships yet we had only 200 vacancies. We disappointed so many children and parents; we endured very many hours of seeing people crying before us but we really had nothing to do about this,” he added.
The Alternate Chairperson, Steering Committee Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged students to focus on their studies and aim for better grades so as to account for the sacrifices made by the sponsors of the program.
“Always remember the sacrifices made for you. Always remember that you have parents and people who have supported you to reach where you are now. Within three to five years, you will be leaving the gates of this University and I look forward to celebrating your graduation,” he said.-
The overjoyed audience comprising MCF Scholars, MCF Advisory Board, MCF Steering Committee, MCF Mentors, MCF Selection Committee, Members of Makerere University Council and Senate, Principals and Deputy Principals, parents, MCF Project Implementation Team and the media viewed a video clip by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the MasterCard Foundation. The video clip featured a message on the objective and goals of the MasterCard Foundation including the importance of giving back to the community and youth leadership empowerment.
The Award Ceremony was also graced by the parents of some of the Scholars. Sharing an inspiration talk with the students, Ms. Nanyunja Joy- a mother to one of the Cohort 3 Scholars advised them to concentrate on their studies in order to meet the expectations of the sponsors and parents at large.
Ms. Nanyunja thanked Makerere University together with MasterCard Foundation for initiating a wonderful program that caters for the needy when she said, “We learnt about Master Card through my counselor who helps me on my health and social issues. She showed me a news paper and told me to tell the children to pick the application forms. They rushed and picked the forms and we did all the necessary. To my dream, we later saw a message on my daughter’s phone calling her for an interview. She came for the interview, and later one of the facilitators came to our home for assessment. And now, here we are. Thank you very much MasterCard Foundation and Makerere University for enabling quality education to our children.”
The audience also listened to testimonies from two MCF Scholars; Nanyama Beth a student of Bsc. Education (Biology, Chemistry), and Ndoli Mark an International Student from Rwanda (MasterCard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University).
The invited guests were treated to fascinating and awesome African traditional dances by students from the Department of Performing Arts and Film.
Article by: Mak News Reporters
General
Hands-On RIMS Training Equips Makerere University College Registrars to Power Graduate Success and Research Excellence
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, April 10, 2026 — College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians at Makerere University have undergone intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS), in a move aimed at strengthening graduate training, improving completion rates, and advancing the university’s research agenda.
The training, held on Friday at the CFT 2 Building, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, brought together key custodians of academic records to gain practical skills in using the system that university leadership says will transform graduate education management.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training, Julius Kikooma, underscored the strategic importance of RIMS, linking it directly to the university’s long-standing challenges in tracking graduate students and supporting research progression.
“Graduate training is central to the research mission of this university,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Yet for years, we have struggled to answer simple but critical questions, where exactly are our graduate students in their academic journey, and why are many not completing on time?”
He pointed out that the issue has consistently drawn concern from top university leadership, including Council, particularly as Makerere rolls out its new five-year strategic plan. “One of the key priorities identified is improving graduate completion rates,” he said. “But we cannot improve what we cannot measure.”
Prof. Kikooma explained that unlike undergraduate programmes, graduate studies are largely research-driven and therefore more complex to monitor. “The research component of graduate programmes has not been adequately captured in any system,” he noted. “That is why it has been difficult to track progress, supervise effectively, and provide accurate reports.”
Positioning RIMS as a transformative solution, he emphasized its role in bridging this gap. “RIMS is not just a system, it is the backbone of how we are going to support graduate students and research going forward,” he said. “With it, we can track every stage, from concept development to proposal, to thesis completion in real time.”
He stressed that the system will enhance both efficiency and accountability across the university. “This is the tool that will enable us to confidently assure Council and management that we know the status of every graduate student at any given time,” he said.
However, Prof. Kikooma made it clear that the success of RIMS depends heavily on the commitment of college registrars. “You are the custodians of graduate records. You are central to this process,” he said. “If RIMS succeeds, it will be because of your efforts. If it fails, it will be because you did not play your part.”
He revealed that registrars will now form part of the steering committees overseeing the full implementation of RIMS across university units. “You are not just users of this system, you are its drivers at the college level,” he emphasized.
Calling for seriousness and full participation, Prof. Kikooma set clear expectations for the training. “No one should leave this room without knowing how to use RIMS in their daily work,” he said. “You must understand the kind of data required, the information on students, supervisors, and every stage of the research process.”
He added that incomplete data has already limited the system’s effectiveness in some units. “Graduate students are already on the system, but some of the critical information is missing,” he noted. “That gap must be closed by you.”
In his technical presentation, Juma Katongole, the Manager Information Systems, highlighted the limitations of existing systems and how RIMS is designed to address them.
“We can only produce accurate statistics for students on coursework,” he said. “But we cannot tell how many graduate students are at proposal level, concept level, or thesis level. That is a major gap.”
He explained that RIMS will provide comprehensive, real-time tracking of graduate students throughout their academic journey. “This system will enable us to produce accurate reports of which student is where,” Katongole said. “It will help us identify delays and take action.”
On the issue of prolonged completion times, he added, “With reliable data, we can see where students are getting stuck and introduce administrative or strategic measures to address those bottlenecks.”
Describing the system as a turning point, Katongole noted, “We are moving towards having valid statistical information at our fingertips, which is critical for a research-led institution.”
From the administrative perspective, Eleanor Nandutu, Senior Assistant Registrar from MISR, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical solution to long-standing inefficiencies.
“RIMS will ease the tracking process and help us know exactly where each student is and how long they take at each stage,” she said. “It will also help us understand where the challenges are and how to better support students.”
She emphasized that the system will improve completion rates by identifying bottlenecks early. “We shall be able to see where we are stuck and take corrective action in time,” she noted.
Addressing concerns about possible conflict of interest between supervisors and students, Nandutu clarified that the system is designed to enhance transparency, not create tension. “This is about ensuring that processes are followed and that students succeed,” she said. “It brings everyone, administrators, supervisors, and coordinators onto one platform.”
She added that the system will even improve interaction between students and supervisors. “It will make follow-ups easier and ensure timely feedback, which is critical for research progress,” she said.
As the university intensifies efforts to strengthen its research output and graduate training, the hands-on RIMS training marks a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven academic environment, one that leaders believe will finally address the long-standing challenge of delayed graduate completion.
Pupils, parents and authorities at Bwera Primary School in Kabale District were filled with joy as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handed over a four-classroom block to the school.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, one of the parents, Saison Tumukuratire, expressed gratitude for the support.
“We thank God for this gesture. Our children can now attend classes without interruptions caused by rain. Previously, whenever it rained, lessons would stop. The old building was on the verge of collapsing, had no windows, and the floor was dusty,” she said.
Uganda has made significant progress in expanding access to education through Universal Primary Education (UPE); bringing millions of children into school. However, in hard-to-reach communities, physical access and the quality of learning environments continue to shape how effectively that opportunity translates into consistent attendance and meaningful outcomes.
Bwera Primary School, a government-aided institution located in the remote and hard to reach village in Kahama Sub-County, has an enrollment of 275 pupils. For decades, the school has faced significant challenges related to access and infrastructure.
With no road access and limited infrastructure, the school has long struggled to provide a conducive environment for learning. Efforts to improve facilities have often been constrained by high transportation costs and logistical barriers; with some contractors previously declining to take on construction work due to the difficulty of accessing the site.
“The school structures are not sufficient for our learners, and we do not have a single staff house. We are deeply grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and dfcu Bank for coming to our rescue after the school’s plight was highlighted in the media,” Edson Bikorwomuhangi, the headteacher, said.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and dfcu Bank officially handed over the new facilities. These include a four-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, a four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system.
The new infrastructure is expected to significantly improve the learning environment and support better educational outcomes for the pupils.
Since 2014, Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University and alumni have contributed to communities across Uganda by constructing classrooms, providing clean water and supporting vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nelson Dumba, the Chairperson of the Scholars giveback Committee, noted that the event was not about commissioning structures, it is about celebrating impact, partnership and the power of giving back.
“As scholars we are deeply aware that we are beneficiaries of opportunity, and because we have been given a chance, we carry a responsibility to extend that opportunity to others and contribute meaningfully to the communities that shape us,” Mr. Dumba, said.
Mr. Dumba called upon the Bwera community to take ownership, protect the property, and ensure that it continues to serve generations to come.
“To the pupils of Bwera Primary, this investment is for you, use it well, take care of it and believe in your dreams. You are capable of achieving better outcomes,” Mr. Ddumba, said.
One of the central pillar of the Scholars Program is community service and giveback, grounded in the belief that leadership is best demonstrated through service to others.The Scholars Program is not only about access to education, it is about transformation and impact.
In her speech, Ms. Jolly Okumu, the Program Operation Lead of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, noted that through mentorship and structured engagement, Mastercard Foundation Scholars are encouraged to initiate community-driven projects, improve livelihoods, promote inclusion and foster sustainable development.
“Today is not just about handing over infrastructure, it is a celebration of partnership, shared purpose and our collective commitment to improving learning environment for young people. It reflects our belief that when institutions and communities come together, we can create lasting impact and open up greater possibilities for the next generation,” Ms Okumu, said.
Ms Okumu extended special appreciation to the Jane Goodall Institute for providing a 10,000 litre water tank and dfcu Bank for a financial contribution of UGX 20Million used to renovate two classrooms and purchase desks.
“As we officially hand over this project, we hope these improved facilities will provide a safe environment and a space conducive for learning. Our Scholars are not just beneficiaries, they are committed to building a stronger and more inclusive communities,” Ms. Okumu, noted.
Speaking on behalf of dfcu Bank, Ms Helena Mayanja, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, noted that the giveback project reflects the Bank’s commitment to elevate education, financial literacy and health in intended communities.
“The journey to the school itself reflects the realities these children face every day. Improving infrastructure in such communities is essential to ensuring that access to education translates into real learning outcomes,” she said.
dfcu Bank has various partnerships and programs targeting vulnerable and hard to reach communities which are aimed at elevating financial literacy, health and education.
Kabale District Education Officer, Mr. Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye welcomed the development, noting that previous efforts to upgrade the school had failed due to inaccessibility.
“We thank our partners for renovating this classroom, with these projects, results are going to change because now the learning is conducive. Before contractors were unable to take on the work because of the terrain. Partnerships like this are important in unlocking development in hard-to-reach communities and improving education outcomes,” Mr. Tumwijukye, said.
Parents speak out
Evidence Tumwebaza, who has a child in Primary One noted that the infrastructures are going to help them improve the school’s sanitation.
“The tank is big and I am happy that my child will now study in a conducive environment and will have clean water for drinking,” Tumwebaza, said.
Ann Turyasima, a parent and former pupil said that the project is going to help pupils to stop carrying water from a long distance.
“These pupils have been moving from down the valley to go and fetch water for the school but now everything is here. They can now concentrate in school.”
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