General
Contractor Hands Over Completed St Francis Extension Works to Chaplain
On Thursday 8th June 2017, the Chaplain Makerere University St. Francis Chapel, Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe received keys and architectural designs from Excel Construction Company Ltd, a company that was contracted to manage the extension of the chapel from a sitting capacity of 300 to 1,200.
The handover ceremony of the Chapel grounds from the Contractor to the Chaplain, paves way for the official opening of the “new” chapel scheduled to take place on 9th July 2017. The Archbishop of Uganda, Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali is expected to officiate at the grand opening.
Touring the completed construction works amidst hymns of praise from the Choir and believers, the overjoyed Chaplain confirmed that the expanded Chapel can accommodate 1200 people. The Chaplain remarked that the extension of the chapel was a community achievement and applauded members for supporting the fulfillment of the work of God.
Makerere University Dean of Students, Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe who represented the Vice Chancellor-Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu requested the Church to involve students in all activities and programmes of the Chapel.
“I request that you deliberately involve students in the activities of the Church. Let them be number one in all the programmes and make them feel the presence of God,” he said.
Mr. Satvinder Saini, the Site Engineer of Excel Construction Company Ltd attributed the timely completion of the extension project to the maximum cooperation with the Chaplain, the University Management, the Chapel Council and the community at large. He revealed that Excel Construction Company Ltd did everything possible to retain the originality of the Chapel.
“We tried our level best to maintain the original designs of the Chapel. The designs inside and outside remained the same. The monuments we came up with were extracted from the art that was in the church,” he said. Mr. Saini stated that appealed to the church users to preserve and protect the facility.
According to Mr. Jesse Tukacungurwa, the Project Manager, the completion of the extension was a great achievement. He said, “This is a great day and we must rejoice for this achievement. “Everyone has contributed in their own way. The project has taken us almost a year, but finally here we are! We thank God for guiding us and all those who have contributed towards the success of this project.”
The Chairperson of the Project Technical Committee, Eng. Paul Alex Ekirikubinza said that the accomplishment was a collective effort. They worked with a number of teams who faithfully dedicated time towards the great cause.
“We recognize all those who have worked tirelessly towards this project. I applaud the voluntary spirit. What we are seeing here today is evidence to us that there is no limit on what God can do. This is the culmination of the work God is doing,” Eng. Ekirikubinza said.
He thanked the Chaplain, Church Council, University Management, Project Manager, Contractor and the community at large for fully backing the extension project and urged them to continue supporting the work of God.
The handover of the Chapel site to the Chaplain was also witnessed by Eng. Fred Nuwagaba-Director, Makerere University Estates and Works; Makerere University Directorate of Legal Affairs; Makerere University Public Relations office; St. Francis Chapel Council; representative members of St. Francis Community and well-wishers.
Article: Mak Public Relations Office
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
-
Education2 weeks agoAdmission List to Bachelor of Education External (BED) 2025/26 -Private Sponsorship
-
General1 week agoRe-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026
-
General2 weeks agoAdmission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma/Degree Holders Scheme – Self Sponsorship Admission Lists 2025/26
-
General6 days agoRe-Advert for Applications for Diploma and Certificate Training