General
Thousands Run for Mak Students’ Centre
On Sunday 14th May 2017, thousands of participants comprising staff, students, alumni, friends and well-wishers assembled in the Freedom Square for the Makerere University Endowment Fund Run, aimed at mobilizing funds for the construction of the Students’ Centre.
The Mak Students’ Centre that will enhance the quality of students’ life and experience is estimated to cost UGX.15 billion. The Chief Runner, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga-the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, who is an alumnus of Makerere University flagged off the 10km route runners while the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Ezra Suruma flagged off the 5km route runners.
“Makerere University Endowment Fund selected the Students’ Centre as its premier project. The Centre reflects our unwavering commitment to improving the students’ academic experience and the quality of life generated by the conducive environment while at the University. 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,” remarked Dr. Martin Jerome Aliker, Chairperson-Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF).
The Students’ Centre will entail a one stop student information centre, state of the Art Auditorium worth 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.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu applauded the Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) for initiating the MakRun fundraising drive. He saluted 10km and 5km route runners for participating in the Makerere University Endowment Fund Run (MakRun 2017), a starting point of engagement with the stakeholders to mobilize resources for the Students’ Centre project.
“I am confident that together, we can set up a multipurpose facility for our students. We can demonstrate that what seems impossible to us as individuals can be achieved if we choose to set our hearts and minds to it. No contribution is too small or insignificant,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Fully aware that more financial contributions in form of donations, sponsorships and sale of tickets were still flowing in, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu revealed that on the eve of the Makerere University Endowment Fund Run (MakRun 2017), the University had raised UGX.200million from volunteers and well-wishers across the country towards the Students’ Centre Project. The Students’ Centre will be constructed on the Makerere University Main Campus in the open space between the Senate Building and the Lincoln Flats.
The Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) is an entity of Makerere University established in 2014. The Board is tasked with mobilising, receiving and growing the financial resources for the benefit of the University’s current and future generations; enhancing the learning environment in the University; and offering scholarships, research support and innovations.
Chaired by Dr. Martin Jerome Aliker, the Board comprises the following personalities: Ambassador Edith Grace Ssempala, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize, Mr. Grace Isabirye, Mr. Martin Owiny, Hon. Gerald Karuhanga and Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu.
Rt. Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who pledged UGX.40million towards the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) and Students’ Centre Project on behalf of the Parliament of Uganda said the Run was a great milestone for the University and her alumni.
“I learnt that the Run will always be an annual event, so I would like to call upon all Ugandans to be part and contribute towards the University Endowment Fund. When we come together, we can improve the Fund for the good of Makerere University. This will continue to keep Makerere University in the lead not only academically, but through visibility and outreach,” Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga said.
She advocated for transparency and accountability for the funds mobilized, and urged the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) and the Makerere University Planning and Development Department (PDD) to involve university alumni such as former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, and former President of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa.
Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, also an alumnus of Makerere University commended runners/participants, champions, sponsors, partners for their contribution towards the success of the inaugural Makerere University Endowment Run (MakRun 2017).
“You are all contributors towards this noble cause in various ways. I believe you will come forward to raise money to help in achieving the good causes of the University like the construction of the Students’ Centre. I thank you all for your contribution,” Dr. Wana-Etyem said.
The Chief Runner presented MakRun 2017 medals and certificates to the winners amidst applause from thousands of participants in the Freedom Square. For the 10km race, the winning team comprised Mr. Dick Muhiirwe (Overall), Mr. Mwesigwa David (1st Runner Up) and Mr. Oketch Lazarous (2nd Runner Up). For the 5km race, the winning team comprised Mr. Muhanguzi Oscar (Overall), Mr. Ndibanoha John (1st Runner up) and Mr. Amanya Gilbert (2nd Runner Up).
On behalf of the University Management, the Vice Chancellor applauded the MakRun 2017 Organising Committee chaired by Dr. Florence Nakayiwa-the Director, Planning and Development Department for organising a successful run.
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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