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Mak to Decentralise Review of Payments up to UGX50milllion to Colleges

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The Makerere University Directorate of Internal Audit has carried out a further phase out arrangement that will oversee the unit dropping the review of payments up to UGX50milllion effective 1st July 2017. This was revealed during a Stakeholders Workshop on Payment review Mechanism:Internal Controls, Risk Management, Compliance and Governance held on Friday 16th June 2017 in the Main Hall.

According to the Ag. Director, Internal Audit Mr Benson Barigye, the role of the review of payments shall be taken up by the professional accountants and Principals in the respective units at College level. Officially opened by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the Stakeholders Workshop also focused on addressing issues regarding compliance with procurement laws and regulations.

The Vice Chancellor thanked the Directorate of Internal Audit for preparing such an informative workshop when he said, “I am happy to be part of this workshop and I am sure that during its course, we shall be able to understand your take in exiting the pre-audit process and the benefits of the action.  I have hope that this system will yield successful result to the institution in terms of managing university finances and accountability.”
Ag. Director Internal Audit-Mr. Benson Barigye addresses stakehoders
Addressing the intent audience at the Stakeholders Workshop, Mr. Barigye said that the action undertaken by the Internal Audit to exit the pre-Payment review process and delegating it to colleges was aimed at creating time for the team in the Directorate to concentrate  more on risk-based auditing.

Citing the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF, 2013) and best practices, Mr. Barigye said that Internal Auditors are not permitted to engage in operational issues like pre-audit activities. According to him, this was also backed up by the Makerere University Council’s decision to phase out the pre-audit activities as passed on 1st June 2011.

“With the Council’s decision to phase out the pre-audit activities, we effectively dropped review of payment up to UGX2M, review of accountabilities up to UGX5M and deliveries up to UGX2M. On 1 July, 2014, the threshold of payment review and deliveries were revised to UGX5M. Effective 1 July, 2017, internal audit shall make a further phase out arrangement up to UGX50M,” said Mr. Barigye.
R-L: Ag. Director Internal Audit-Mr. Benson Barigye, Head Procurement and Disposal Unit-Mr. Paul Agaba (C) and Internal Auditor-Amos Dembe (L) at the Stakeholders Workshop
According to the Makerere University Bursar Mr. Augustine Tamale, decentralising payment review will mandate professional accountants together with the College Principals to manage the college/unit financial procedures, monitor their transactions as well as present thoroughly reviewed financial papers.

Mr. Tamale also said that the process will help the respective colleges to think critically and make an informed decision on their financial interests in relation to guidelines of the Internal Audit process, before presenting financial documents for any kind of transaction.

“The colleges must review their financial documents carefully and weed out any inequalities to avoid releasing documents when not sure of their accuracy,” he said

He mentioned that the decentralised review payment will also enable the Internal Audit to have a dual review mechanism. According to the University Bursar, the decentralised review payment will also reduce on the bureaucratic nature of the institution in terms of payment review without making losses.
University Bursar-Mr. Augustine Tamale said the decentralisation will reduce on bureaucratic nature of payment review
“We shall have a team of professional accountants who shall work hand in hand with the College Principals to have this work done before sending it to the internal audit. The advantage of this is that once the first reviewer misses out something, it could be easily be realised by the second reviewer,” he said.

In a presentation he made onMakerere University Payment Reviews”, Mr. Augustine Tamale advised participants on the importance of having a contractual obligations and following legal procedures at each every step of review. “You should also know that you have the mandate to advise the user on the proper management of these financial documents, provide technical support to all units and be sure of the arithmetic accuracy of the document,” he said.

The University Secretary Mr. Charles Barugahare presented the financial and accountability focus of Makerere University for the financial year 2017/2018. Discussing the budget and its reporting and accountability requirements, the University Secretary extended his gratitude to the Government and Parliament of Uganda on behalf of Makerere University for the approved favorable 2017/2018 budget of UGX248bn.
University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare presented the institutional financial and accountability focus 2017/2018
“I am happy that this financial year 2017/2018, the government and the parliament of Uganda approved 248bn leading to an increment of the wage from UGX100.08bn to UGX116.89bn. This financial year the budget also indicates a figure of UGX3.85bn allocated towards arrears. In the last financial year, the university never received any arrears from the Government, I am really grateful for this,” he said.

“He however called upon the university to abide by the reporting and accountability requirements as proposed by the government. “Let us make sure that the Annual, half-yearly accounts and quarterly performance reports are prepared in accordance with the designated due dates, we prepare the Monthly Bank reconciliation for all accounts including projects by the 15th of the following month and get them signed by the responsible people,” he said.

Reiterating the need to manage risks in the auditing department, the head- Procurement and Disposal Unit Mr. Paul Agaba said that the Procurement and Disposal Unit together with the Directorate of Internal Audit should develop a tool on how to manage the financial risks that occur during the auditing process. Discussing the role of procurement in mitigating the risk in the post audit, Agaba said the Internal Audit can adopt the work plan to mitigate the increasing risks in the pre-audits
DVCFA-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) officially closed the Workshop. L-R are Dr. Charles Ibingira-CHS, Dr. Gorettie Nabanoga-CAES, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe-CEDAT, Dr. Eria Hisali-CoBAMS, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha-CAES, Dr. Fred Masagazi Masaazi -CEES and Dr. Agnes Rwashana Semwanga-CoCIS
The workshop was officially closed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Professor Barnabas Nawangwe. In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe called for several related workshops saying that they are professional development platforms that enable the working staff to gain more knowledge and skills.

Article: Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Bid Notice: Refugee Law Project Mid-Term Review

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An aerial view of Left to Right: Mitchell Hall, Senate, CoCIS Blocks B and A, Lincoln Flats, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility and School of Social Sciences (white) Buildings, Makerere University, with Kampala City in the background, October 2018. Uganda.

DETAILED BID NOTICE UNDER OPEN BIDDING

Invitation to bid for Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
Proc. Ref. No. MAK/SRVCS/2025-26/00013

  1. The Makerere University under Refugee Law Project has allocated funds to be used for the acquisition of Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
  2. The Entity invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provision of the above consultancy services.
  3. Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the open domestic bidding procedures contained in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003, and is open to all bidders.
  4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below at 8(a) from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
  5. The Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address at 2 above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of UGX. 100,000/= (One Hundred Thousand), only. The method of payment shall be cash payment after downloading Application Advice Slip from https://payments.mak.ac.ug/ and thereafter obtain a receipt from the bank before picking the document.
  6. Proposals must be delivered to the address below at 8(c) at or before 10:00am on Wednesday 20th August 2025. All proposals must be accompanied by a proposal securing declaration which must be valid until 28th February 2026. Late proposals shall be rejected. Proposals will be opened in the presence of the consultants’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 8(a) at 10:15am on 20th August 2025.

See below for detailed bid notice.

Mak Editor

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The Alumnet Magazine 2025-26

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) shakes hands with Elizabeth Gabeya during the role play. 21-year-old Elizabeth Gabeya, a Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation First Year Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Makerere University, takes charge of the Vice Chancellor's office for two days- March 10th and 11th 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

I would like to extend warm congratulations from the University Management and myself to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Team for securing the Second Phase of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, which will run from 2023 to 2034. This achievement is commendable! Makerere University takes great pride in its long-standing partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has yielded numerous valuable outcomes over the past decade. This collaboration has profoundly impacted the Scholars Program and various other initiatives.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many academic institutions shifted to online learning, the Mastercard Foundation played a pivotal role in enhancing our e-learning infrastructure through the E-learning Initiative project. This initiative has enabled the university to create high-quality, inclusive academic online content and support systems that benefit all Makerere University students and those from affiliated institutions across Uganda.

Additionally, Makerere University is working with the University of Cape Town and the University of Cambridge on another important Mastercard Foundation project: The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative. As part of this initiative, we will offer 40 PhD scholarships, 250 MSc scholarships, and skilling programmes for 500 youth. Moreover, 40 women- and youth-led green innovations will be supported, along with 30 postdoctoral scholarships. This demonstrates the immense value of our collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, and we are optimistic about continuing this partnership for many years.

Like the first phase, the second phase of the Scholars Program will focus on providing scholarships to vulnerable young people from various backgrounds. Special attention will be given to refugees, young people with disabilities, those from refugee-hosting communities, and other underserved individuals from hard-to-reach areas. This emphasis on inclusivity will further enhance opportunities for deserving youth.

I am pleased to share that Makerere University is progressing significantly toward fostering inclusivity for all students. We have established the Disability Support Centre on the ground floor of the Frank Kalimuzo building, designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for our students with disabilities and other vulnerable young individuals. Thanks to the contributions from the Mak Run 2024, the Centre is now equipped with vital ICT services, including screen readers, JAWS, Fusion, Braille services, and other essential amenities to ensure our students can easily pursue their studies.

Furthermore, I want to assure all our students, staff, partners, and the broader community that the University Management is deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment. With the University Council’s and partners’ invaluable backing, we have developed and launched the Safeguarding Policy. This vital framework outlines our measures to protect everyone from abuse and harm at Makerere University. We are building a community where everyone can learn, work, and thrive.

Makerere University remains a top choice for young people seeking higher education. The university’s vision is “To be a thought leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.” Its mission is “To provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research, and service responsive to dynamic national and global needs.” These aspirations place the university in a unique position, and it›s essential to uphold them always. As a University, we will continue to strengthen our efforts to focus on the key issues facing humanity and meet our obligations to a broader society beyond education and research.

In conclusion, we are grateful to our invaluable partner, the Mastercard Foundation. The renewal of the partnership with Makerere University for another 10 years of Phase Two of the Scholars Program is a significant commitment that will empower 1,000 young people in Uganda and throughout Africa. We sincerely appreciate the Foundation’s support and dedication to this mission. The University Management is committed to supporting the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to realize the vision and mission of Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation as We Build for the Future.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe
VICE CHANCELLOR

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Mary Stuart Hall Reborn: Makerere Celebrates Reopening of Historic Female Residence

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Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni (2nd Left) flanked by Left to Right: Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Mrs. Lorna Magara and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the official reopening of Mary Stuart Hall on 15th August 2025. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, carried out by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). The reopening ceremony, held on August 15, 2025, was presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, who expressed profound gratitude to God, the government, and the University leadership for what she described as a long-awaited answer to prayer. The function begun with an opening prayer led by Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa of St. Francis Chapel.

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, Hon. J.C. Muyingo, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda and other officials are given a brief tour of Mary Stuart Hall by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Makerere Leadership. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, Hon. J.C. Muyingo, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda and other officials are given a brief tour of Mary Stuart Hall by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Makerere Leadership.

Mary Stuart Hall, the largest and oldest female residence at Makerere, was constructed in 1947 and named after Mary Stuart, wife of Anglican Archbishop Simon Stuart, who championed women’s admission to the University. For decades, it has been home to generations of accomplished women, including cabinet ministers, diplomats, academics, and entrepreneurs. Yet in recent years, the hall had fallen into a state of disrepair, with broken facilities, leaking roofs, and a lift that had remained non-functional for nearly 50 years.

Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni beams as she listens to some of the speeches. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni beams as she listens to some of the speeches.

In her address, the First Lady recalled touring Makerere’s halls of residence during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, where she was distressed by their poor condition. Believing that one’s environment directly shapes one’s mindset, she was moved to pray for their restoration. The reopening of Mary Stuart Hall, she noted, symbolized God’s faithfulness and the government’s commitment to dignified student living. She commended NEC for its timely and high-quality work, praised the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for providing the funding, and reaffirmed the NRM government’s pledge to gradually restore all Halls of Residence across the University.

Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, hailed the First Lady’s nine years of transformative leadership in the education sector, pointing to substantial improvements in human resource investment, infrastructure development, and research funding. She noted that staff salary allocation at Makerere had increased by 116%—from UGX 102.4 billion in FY 2016/17 to UGX 221.6 billion today—including successful salary harmonization, with professors now earning up to UGX 15 million per month. Infrastructure investment has also more than doubled, with the development budget rising from UGX 10.1 billion in FY 2016/17 to UGX 23.4 billion, a 132% increase, enabling projects such as the restoration of the Main Building, construction of the Schools of Law and Dentistry, and perimeter wall construction. In addition, government support has boosted research excellence, with annual funding growing from zero in FY 2016/17 to UGX 20 billion today. She described the reopening of Mary Stuart Hall as a visible symbol of this broad, sustained commitment to higher education.

Mrs. Lorna Magara delivers her speech on the occasion. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara delivers her speech on the occasion.

Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe described the reopening as not just the restoration of a building, but the renewal of a legacy. He noted that Mary Stuart Hall has always been more than a residence, “it has been a sanctuary of sisterhood, leadership, and inspiration for women” he said. The renovations have transformed the hall into a modern facility housing 521 students, complete with a new lift, modern washrooms, laundry facilities, bright corridors, pantries, a reading room, and a senior common room. NEC has also committed to installing a solar lighting system and landscaping the grounds, while plans are underway to modernize the kitchen and dining area. He further thanked the First Lady for the meticulous leadership in the education sector.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.

The 91st Guild President, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, speaking on behalf of students, called the reopening a restoration of hope and pride for the Makerere community. He urged fellow students to cherish and protect the renewed facility as a place of ideas, friendships, and shared teachings, while carrying forward the hall’s proud legacy of resilience and leadership.

Chairlady of Mary Stuart Hall, Ms. Anthea Ampaire, a fourth-year medical student, spoke with gratitude and renewed hope, describing the reopening as a rebirth of the hall. She celebrated the hall’s historical significance as the first female residence at Makerere, praising its new inclusive features such as ramps and a lift for persons with disabilities. She encouraged fellow students to embrace the new facilities with a sense of responsibility and to use them as a foundation for creating brighter futures.

Chairlady of Mary Stuart Hall, Ms. Anthea Ampaire. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Chairlady of Mary Stuart Hall, Ms. Anthea Ampaire.

The ceremony, attended by dignitaries including State Minister for Higher Education Hon. J.C. Muyingo, was marked by joy, prayers, and reflection on the hall’s historic role in shaping Uganda’s women leaders. As Mary Stuart Hall officially reopens, it stands not only as a restored building but also as a renewed commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and the holistic development of the Makerere student community.

The First Lady poses for a group photo with officials at the Mary Stuart Hall signpost. First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni officially reopened Mary Stuart Hall after a year-long renovation project that cost UGX 10.5 billion, by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), August 15, 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The First Lady poses for a group photo with officials at the Mary Stuart Hall signpost.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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