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MasterCard Foundation Scholars at Mak Give Back to Community
On 24th February 2017, the MasterCard Scholars at Makerere University visited Muzinda Church of Uganda Primary School in Nsangi Sub-County, Wakiso District for an outreach programme aimed at giving back to the community.
Organized by the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Association at Makerere University under the theme; Encouraging maximum participation and entrepreneurship within the Scholars to make meaningful impact, the scholars together with their administrators; Mr. Tito O. Okumu, Mr. Bernard Buteera and Ms. Harriet Nakiryowa, swept classrooms, slashed the compound, dug the school’s rubbish pit and cleaned the community well.
They donated pens, pencils and Toto magazines to the pupils, engaged them in several health activities such as counseling and guidance and Physical education (PE). Scholars also offered free medical and health checkups to pupils and community members of Muzinda Village.
“I applaud the students experience in carrying out the health checkups and medical examinations. It is indeed heartwarming to be examined by a student I consider to be my daughter. I am really happy for this experience, these students are so young but they know what they do,” said Ms. Goretti Nakigudde-a parent of two pupils at Muzinda Church of Uganda Primary School.
With the help of the community members, the scholars renovated the floor of the school’s Main Hall, reconstructed the former class room currently used as a resting room for staff and students. They also restructured the barbed wire fence of the school to mitigate security threats.
In addition, scholars offered free information on reproductive health, provided counseling and guidance as well as mentorship to community members, visited homes and donated some items to the elderly people.
The Head Teacher of Muzinda Church of Uganda Primary School, Mrs. Namuddu Sarah Mukhadasi commended the wonderful job done by the scholars and encouraged them to continue with the spirit of helping communities. She said that the Scholars’ visit will create a positive impact on the school and the community at large.
“We are so privileged that among the schools in the country MasterCard Scholars at Makerere University selected our school for this community activity. It is indeed a great honor to our school for having been visited by Makerere University. This visit has not only inspired the pupils to read hard and reach Makerere University but also instilled the spirit of helping the community among the pupils,” she said.
The Head teacher called upon parents and pupils of Muzinda Church of Uganda Primary School to join hands and maintain the giving back to community project started in Muzinda Church of Uganda Primary School by the MasterCard Foundation Scholars. This, she said, would ensure that the project achieves its goal.
“The MasterCard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University will keep monitoring this project. So we have an obligation to see that this project creates its intended impact,” said the Head Teacher.
Ssematimba Jotham a Primary Six pupil of Muzinda Church of Uganda Primary Schools could not hide the excitement at his first ever association with university students. In an exclusive interview with Proscovia Nabatte, Ssematimba thanked the school Head Teacher Mrs. Namuddu Sarah Mukhadasi together with the school team for inviting guests who have changed their school.
“Our Main Hall has been cemented. I call upon my fellow students to imitate what the MasterCard Scholars have done and we help our community and the school at large,” said the jolly Ssematimba.
On behalf of MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Mr. Tito O. Okumu thanked the Head teacher and entire school team of Muzinda Church of Uganda for hosting MasterCard Scholars for a community outreach. Mr. Okumu thanked the community for the cooperation during the outreach activities and their polite acceptance to come and carry out health checkups.
He commended the pupils of Muzinda Church of Uganda Primary Schools for the discipline they exhibited during and after the community outreach. He urged the pupils to take their studies seriously if they wanted to excel in life.
“Use the pen and pencil carefully, work hard and be focused on who you want to be in the future,” he advised the pupils.
Article by Public Relations Office
Makerere University has once again cemented its place as a regional leader in academic excellence after successfully hosting the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026, welcoming the continent’s brightest young minds for a week of intellectual competition, cultural exchange, and leadership development.
Held from 26th July to 1st August 2026, the championship brought together more than 200 student debaters, adjudicators and delegates from 25 universities across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and other invited institutions, transforming the Ivory Tower into East Africa’s premier arena for ideas, innovation and public discourse.
The week-long tournament featured rigorous British Parliamentary debate rounds, public speaking competitions, adjudication workshops and networking sessions designed to sharpen critical thinking, leadership and persuasive communication. Participants debated contemporary issues ranging from governance and economic transformation to technology, public health, climate change and Africa’s future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor welcomed delegates to Makerere University, emphasizing the institution’s enduring commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also capable of leading meaningful conversations that shape society. The championship reflected Makerere’s vision of producing graduates who are innovative, analytical and prepared to address regional and global challenges.
Beyond competition, EAUDC 2026 became a celebration of East African unity. Delegates experienced Uganda’s rich cultural heritage through social events, campus tours and cultural showcases that fostered friendships beyond national borders. The interactions reinforced the championship’s belief that dialogue remains one of the strongest foundations for regional integration and peaceful cooperation.
The tournament concluded with an electrifying Grand Finale witnessed by students, alumni, university leaders, invited guests and debate enthusiasts. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba represented the Speaker of Parliament as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks he congratulated Makerere University on the successful event and encouraged debate among students.
Prof Sarah Ssali the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs at Makerere University pledged continuous support from the administration towards Makerere Debate Union. Teams demonstrated exceptional research, analytical reasoning and eloquence before a distinguished panel of international adjudicators, bringing to a close one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
The successful hosting of EAUDC 2026 marks another milestone in Makerere University‘s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for debating and public speaking. The event builds on the university’s long-standing tradition of producing outstanding debaters while providing students with opportunities to engage with peers from across the region in meaningful intellectual exchange.
As the championship drew to a close, participants departed Kampala with new friendships, stronger networks and renewed inspiration to continue using debate as a tool for leadership, democratic participation and social transformation.
With the East African chapter successfully concluded, attention now turns to the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) 2026, where Makerere University will once again represent East Africa on the continental stage.
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