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.
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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