Over UGX 190million shillings was raised during the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) Run, the first ever fundraising drive for the proposed UGX15 billion Makerere University Students Centre.

“The gross sum realized in cash and pledges is UGX194,045,000; in kind for publicity and water used during the run amounting to UGX53,800,000. Total amount realized in cash, kind and pledges was UGX247,845,000. All proceeds minus expenses in kind and cash have been deposited with the Endowment Fund Bankers, for reconciliation and transfer to the Custodian and Local Fund Managers,” highlighted Dr. Martin Jerome Aliker, Chairperson-Board of Trustees, MakEF. Dr. Aliker was addressing the Post Mak Run Press Conference held on Friday 26th May 2017.

The MakRun 2017, held on Sunday 14th May 2017 under the theme, The Road to a Financially Sustainable Makerere, kicked off the fundraising drive for the Makerere University Students’ Centre and the Endowment Fund in general.

“We expect the Run to be an annual event in addition to other fundraising initiatives that the Board of Trustees will commence in due course,” said Dr. Aliker.

Dr. Aliker flanked by  Ambassador Edith Grace Ssempala and Mr. Martin Owiny applauded the Speaker of Parliament, partners, companies, banks, alumni, staff, students and well wishers for generously contributing to the Students Centre cause.  The Board of Trustees pointed out that all sponsors and partners would be recorded on the Wall of Fame within the Centre.

The MakEF Board of Trustees furthermore rallied Ugandans, alumni, staff, students and well wishers to make more contributions towards constructing the Students Centre.

“We are confident that as a centennial project, brick by brick, we shall build the Students Centre that will not only make all our alumni proud of their Alma Mater but create a lasting impression on the young generation who have the honour to go through  the gates of Makerere University,” remarked Dr. Aliker.

Ambassador Ssempala revealed that the Board of Trustees plans to establish Alumni Chapters in all corners of the world, so as to create platforms through which Alumni can to give back to Makerere University. She envisaged that the platforms would be used to create awareness on the value of growing MakEF’s resource base, and to diversify the fundraising drive for Makerere University Students Centre.

Responding to questions from the media, Dr. Florence Nakayiwa-Director Planning and Development Department (PDD) said that the initial groundbreaking is anticipated to take place in early 2019. She additionally pointed out that 2017 and 2018 would be used to mobilize substantial amounts of money required to kick start the Students Centre project.

MakEF selected the Students Centre as its premier project. The Centre reflects the Board of Trustees’ unwavering commitment to improving the students’ quality of life, founded on an environment that favours learning and wholesome academic experience at Makerere University.

To kick start the process, the Board of Trustees commissioned Makerere University students from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) with the support of an experienced architect from Korea and some members of the Uganda Society of Architects to develop designs through a competitive process.

According to Dr. Aliker, the Students Centre will serve as the collective place that reflects dynamism of the 21st century student in the digital age. It will correct the imbalance in access to socio-cultural amenities that was created by the increase in student numbers.

The Students’ Centre will entail a one stop student information centre, state-of-the-art auditorium with 2000 seating capacity and Wall of Fame, Conference facilities, Internet Kiosks, Memorabilia Shop/Bookshop, Recreational/Sports Arena, commercial and shopping centres, as well as entertainment and social areas.

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Story by:  Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office