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Outgoing MURBS Trustees Handover Amidst Praises

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The terms of the outgoing Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Trustees came to an end on 31st March 2017, marking what was described by many as a very successful tenure. Speaker after speaker heaped praises on the Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde-chaired Board of Trustees (BoT) at a lively handover ceremony held on Monday 3rd April 2017 in the Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University.

Notable among the outstanding achievements during the BoT’s tenure was the near doubling of the fund’s original value to the tune of UGX 78.2billion as reported at the close of the 2015/2016 Financial Year, and winning the coveted Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards in 2016. Initiated by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) in 2011, the FiRe Awards are aimed at improving the quality of financial and business reporting in the country.

In her communication, the outgoing Chairperson attributed all the gains made to the hard work and cooperation of the Trustees. “I wish to heartily thank all members I served with to put MURBS at the level it is today. Together we have made our contribution in which we shall always pride.” said Hajati Nakatudde.
Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde (L) receives her plaque from Mr. Daniel Badebye (R) and DVCFA-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd R) assisted by Ms. Susan Khaitsa-MURBS during the handover
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr. John Kitayimbwa who served as Secretary to BoT and was successfully reelected to the same position attributed the excellent reporting that the FiRe award to Mr. David Ssenoga, the MURBS Audit Committee Chairperson. “Openness to outside help as displayed by the appointment of an external person to chair the audit committee has guaranteed that we have full disclosure of what is happening in the scheme. Mr. David Ssenoga’s professional work led to the FiRe Award” he remarked.

Dr. Kitayimbwa also thanked the professional bodies like the Uganda Law Society (ULS), The Actuarial Society of Uganda (TASU) and Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) for nominating Trustees to MURBS, whose contributions led to the Scheme’s growth. These included Ms. Miriam Magala-ULS, Mr. Dyson Maswere-TASU and Mrs. Edna Isimbwa Rugumayo-ICPAU.

It was a moment of truth as the outgoing BoT silently signed their deed of discharge; officially signifying the end of their term as trustees, and the functions of Trustees as per the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) Act were read out for the incoming BoT. The brief ceremonies were presided over by the Scheme’s Lawyers Mr. Paul Kutesa and Mr. Sylvester Wambuga respectively.
The University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare (R) signs the Deed of Appointment of the New Board on behalf of Makerere University as MURBS Lawyer Mr. Paul Kutesa (L) witnesses
Welcoming the incoming Board, Mr. Joseph Njuguna from the MURBS Administrator Octagon Uganda Limited commended the team for fulfilling the rigorous requirements for all new Trustees as per the charter. “The current charter requires that all new Trustees have to undergo certification training and pass the final exams. I am proud to say that all our Trustees worked so hard and passed with flying colours” he said, much to the appreciation of the audience. He then introduced the new board as; Mr. Wilber Naigambi-Chairperson, Dr. John Kitayimbwa-Secretary, Ms. Dorothy Kabanda, Mr. Peter Okello and Mr. William Ndoleriire.

In his brief inaugural remarks, the Chairman MURBS-Mr. Wilber Naigambi thanked the outgoing BoT for laying a firm foundation by establishing systems to aid the scheme’s operations. “The groundwork has been done for the new Board to accelerate the scheme’s growth. As the New Board we envisage that the scheme’s value will grow by 200% or 300%” said Mr. Naigambi, who also pledged to work harmoniously with all stakeholders to maintain MURBS’ status as the best scheme in Uganda.

Makerere University as the scheme’s sponsor is responsible for contributing 10% of employees’ monthly salaries to MURBS. Speaking on behalf of the University, The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the new BoT upon their election and expressed the sponsor’s willingness to work with them to improve welfare through retirement benefits.
Incoming Board Chairperson-Mr. Wilber Naigambi (R) receives the Instruments of Power from outgoing Chairperson Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde (L) during the handover ceremony
“I am always delighted to attend MURBS meetings. Save for the pending In-House Scheme obligation by the sponsor, MURBS is doing very well because fresh retirees from the University can access the benefits instantly! MURBS has made Makerere University proud and we thank the outgoing Chairperson Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde and her Board for steering the scheme from the state where they found it to the current one” Prof. Nawangwe praised.

Following a brief interlude during which the Outgoing Trustees were awarded plaques, The Director Finance and Administration, URBRA Mr. Daniel Badebye congratulated MURBS upon being a model scheme. “You have done very well with only a few issues that need to be ironed out, and thereafter, other schemes will be sent to benchmark you” he said.

He explained that the purpose of separating retirement benefits schemes from their sponsors was to ensure that they were fully funded at all times and that retirees could easily access their benefits. He therefore urged Makerere University to ensure that the 10% contribution is always remitted to MURBS as allocations for salaries are being made.
Representatives from URBRA Ms. Daisy Linda Nabakooza (L) and Mr. Daniel Badebye (R) attended the handover ceremony
“The outgoing team needs to be commended for a job well done. As an accountant, I was proud to witness MURBS being awarded during the FiRe Awards. This team has been diligent and always consulted URBRA. It is therefore good to see that the new team is part of the old team infused with new blood. This is commendable for continuity as no gaps will be left unfilled” said Mr. Badebye

He expressed hope that MURBS will remain the top scheme in the country because it has surrounded itself with “the best team of outsiders.” Outsiders, he said, would provide critical checks and balances which promote transparency, further adding “Where there is transparency, you will gain trust.”

The ceremony was concluded by a personal tribute by Dr. John Kitayimbwa to Hajati Fatumah Nakatudde, thanking the outgoing Chairperson for her “impartiality, good listening skills and harmonious working relationship.”

Article by Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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First-Year Student’s Joining Instructions 2025/26

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Dear Students; Class of 2025/2026
I am very delighted to welcome you to Makerere University. You are joining a Premier University and I hope you all are excited to start your new academic journey. We would like to first congratulate all of you for successfully overcoming the many challenges you have all faced, from completing high school to choosing a university and a study program and the extensive delays in the admission process you experienced.

As you are about to begin one of the most exciting times in your life, you should acknowledge and appreciate your efforts and achievements so far. I am aware that as a fresher, you are filled with hope and ambition, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the road that has brought you here. I know that you have worked hard and overcome many obstacles
to reach this point. So, take a moment to savor this achievement and be proud of yourselves.

Now, as you step into the next phase of your lives, I want to remind you that this is a time of growth and exploration. You will face new challenges, make new friends, and gain experiences that will shape you into the person you will become. This is the time to embrace new opportunities, learn from your mistakes, and never stop growing.

I also want to emphasise the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. These are the qualities that will help you overcome any obstacle and succeed in your endeavors. Remember to keep your focus on your goals and work towards them with determination.
I encourage you to approach your studies with a growth mindset. This means that you believe that your abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow.

Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
Academic Registrar

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Transform Ivory Tower into Impact Tower – First-ever CEOs’ Summit

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Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga (4th Right), Hon. Balaam Barugahara (4th Left), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Rear: 3rd Left), and Mr. George Turyamureeba (3rd Right) with Members of Management and stakeholders at the First Ever Alumni CEOs Summit on 2nd September 2025. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.

The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.

Government Endorsement and Call to Action

The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.

She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga.

She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.

Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:

  • “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
  • “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
  • “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
  • “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
  • “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries.

She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:

  1. From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
  2. Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
  3. Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
  4. Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
  5. Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.

She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.

The Minister’s Reflection

Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures.

Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.

He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.

Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined

Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.

Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential

Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.

He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Convocation’s Strategic Role

MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.

CPA George Turyamureeba. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CPA George Turyamureeba.

Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.

CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team.

Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began

In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.

He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:

  • The past to the future,
  • Business and industry to academia, and
  • Learning to market needs.
Dr. Peter Kimbowa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Kimbowa.

He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation

Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian.

Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework

The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.

Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.

Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa.

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo.

Proceedings

The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).

Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right). Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right).

The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Admission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates admitted under the Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2025/26 Academic Year.

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

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