General
MAK Vice Chancellor tasks graduands to become change agents
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu has advised over 500 e-learning students who graduated on Friday 14th July 2017 to become champions of change in their communities.
“This is a golden possession which better positions you to favorably compete for employment or become job creators. You have worked hard and made sacrifices to earn the awards you receive today, you now embark on another phase of your lives as graduates. Use the qualifications acquired to be the champions of change in your respective disciplines,”said Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu in a speech read by the Principal of Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences(CoCIS)-Prof. Constant Okello Obura.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the tele-education programmes at the College of Computing and Information Sciences supported by the Government of India are a direct response to national, regional and international demands to comprehensively expand and strengthen avenues for providing higher education in Uganda and the region. He added that enrollment levels for higher education in Uganda have lagged behind due to the orthodox thinking which confines education to being in the physical presence of a lecturer. According to the Vice Chancellor, the 4th Graduation Ceremony was a great testimony that technology is indeed changing that thinking.
He informed the graduands, parents and invited guests that Makerere University is proud to have successfully carried out online lectures in real time, highlighting that the growing number of students enrolling for such programmes indicated the high demand for higher education and an opportunity to gain more skills necessary for today’s job market. He said that Makerere University continues to improve her teaching, learning and research facilities so as to create the very best environment for the students and staff.
The degrees and diplomas of Amity University and Indira Ghandi National Open University (IGNOU) were awarded premised on an agreement with the Government of India, Telecommunications Consultants India Limited and African Union in association with Makerere University under the Pan African e-Network project.
The Pan African e-Network Project is an initiative of the Indian Government in partnership with African Union to share Indian expertise in the fields of education, information technology and Health care with the African countries in order to accelerate socio-economic development of Africa. This is through providing e-services with priority on Tele-Education, Tele-Medicine and VVIP connectivity (Video conferencing and VoIP).
The Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E Shri Ravi Shankar revealed that over 500 Ugandan students travel to India every year to study at various Universities. With the current trends in technology and e-learning, he said that it is now possible for them to study academic programmes offered in Indian Universities without leaving Uganda.
“With technology today, we can have education across a distance through e-learning. Most universities are embracing this technology. In order to provide education to the young and old people, e-learning will be a great education tool for the future. It is now the way forward,” Mr. Shankar said.
The High Commissioner congratulated the graduands and commended the Government of Uganda and Makerere University for promoting education through e-learning which has started yielding good results. He assured the Makerere University Administration, graduands, parents and invited guests continuous support from the Government of India towards developing the human resource base through the education sector in Uganda.
“Our relationship with Uganda has always been very promising. India is working with Uganda to realize economic development and we have collaborated in a number of areas including investment. We have now focused on human resource development most especially through education sector. The Government of India stands committed to its promise of promoting education in Africa and particularly Uganda and extend education services to a greater number of students mainly through e-learning,” the High Commissioner remarked.
Representing Amity University at the graduation, the Director Amity University Directorate of Distance and Online Education, Prof. Abhinash Kumar informed the graduands that the University was delighted by the excellent performance Ugandan students. He congratulated them upon completing their studies and thanked them for being part of Amity University.
“I am very happy to congratulate and convey greetings to you on behalf of the entire Amity University. We are privileged to have students from African Continent through this e-learning setting. This is a good concept in terms of building education. We are proud to teach and make you convergent to study as you do your best for your country and future. Endeavour to take your candidature to the rest of the world,” Prof. Abhinash Kumar said.
He noted that the e-learning programmes have enabled mature people to take up courses they would not enroll for in the traditional classroom settings full of young students. He said, “This online setting is also helping students who are very mature in age, which indicates that learning never ends and we a proud of that.”
Prof. Constant Okello Obura, Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences remarked that most of the courses offered in the project are outside computing, which is a clear indication that the college is well equipped to support all other programmes provided they are online and there is use of ICT applications. He advised the graduands on the need for professionalism in the different spheres of life.
“As you go out, we appeal to you to be professionally assertive and create impact in our communities as you serve. That is when the value of education will be recognized. Use your knowledge to cause positive change in the organizations you will serve, take life systematically and don’t rush,” Prof. Obura advised graduands.
He informed the congregation that when the Pan African e-Network project started in 2009, Makerere University was chosen to serve as the regional center to advance tele-education and technology in the East African Region in order to promote the activities of the project. As a result, the well-equipped E-learning center was set up at the then Faculty of Computing and information Technology, now College of Computing and Information Sciences. He added that the College has put in place strategic directions to partner with different units within Makerere University and outside for knowledge transfer and academic scholarships to significantly contribution to the development of the country.
The Principal thanked the Indian Government, Amity University, IGNOU, the Ministry of Education and Sports in Uganda, and African Union for availing online education through providing the Pan African E-Learning Network. He also thanked the telecommunication consultancy India Limited for executing the online program on behalf of the Indian Government and the staff at the College who have ensured that the program runs smoothly. Other seniour members of the College present were the Deputy Principal, Assoc. Prof. Agnes Rwashana and Dr. Peter Nabende-Head of Department of Information Systems in the College of Computing and Information Sciences.
Mr. Joseph Mary Ssemwogerere, the E-learning Coordinator at the College of Computing and Information Sciences thanked the Indian Government for sponsoring and funding the Pan African e-Network Project that has made it feasible for a number of African scholars attain affordable higher education.
“The degrees being received today were awarded by Amity University and IGNOU of India. We are very grateful for their collaboration with Makerere University. We thank the Indian Government that funds the project and the support towards education,” Mr. Ssemwogerere said.
Representing the graduands, Mr. Madasi Bosco who graduated with a Masters of Business Administration thanked the Indian Government and Makerere University for enabling them fulfill their dream of attaining higher education at a subsidized cost. He urged his fellow graduands to wisely utilize the knowledge obtained for the betterment of society.
“The essence of having knowledge is to apply it. Today, knowledge is power; it is the access to opportunities and advancement but the power is realized only when you put it into good use,” Mr. Madasi mentioned.
He commended the selfless service offered to them by the Programme Coordinators, Mr. Joseph Mary Ssemwogerere and Mr. Ronald Mwanje and requested that the project is extended so as to benefit a bigger number of Africans, particularly in Uganda.
It was noted that out of the 19 countries currently participating in the Pan African e-Network project, most of the medals that were awarded to the best performing students were received by Ugandan students at Makerere University.
The Pan African e-Network Project started at Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences in July 2009. The University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Amity University, India. Under this memorandum, Makerere University was selected to serve as the Regional Centre to advance Tele-education in the East African region. In May 2010, Makerere University, represented by the School of Computing and IT signed an MOU with IGNOU and the first students to be taken by IGNOU were enrolled in July 2011.
Starting with three (3) pioneer students in 2010, the number of students has grown tremendously over time. A total of 1,493 have graduated since the commencement of the project.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University commemorates 13 transformative years of partnership with Mastercard Foundation
On Friday, 27th February 2026, Makerere University proudly celebrated 13 years of a significant partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, a prestigious independent organisation headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Since its inception in 2013 with the launch of the Scholars Program-currently headed by Prof. Justine Namaalwa, this collaboration has grown significantly, expanding to include two additional initiatives: The E-learning Initiative-headed by Prof. Paul Muyinda Birevu and the Africa Climate Collaborative-headed by Prof. Gorretie Nabanoga. This long-term partnership underscores the shared commitment to fostering education, innovation, and sustainability in Uganda and across Africa.
The colourful event coincided with the 76th Graduation Ceremony, during which Makerere University honoured Ms. Reeta Roy, the Founding President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, with an honorary Doctor of Laws.
In her commencement speech, Ms. Roy thanked Makerere University for considering a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and for conferring upon her a prestigious honorary award.
“Mastercard Foundation is honoured to collaborate with this esteemed university, and I appreciate the recognition through this award. I am excited to be associated with Makerere University and look forward to actively embodying its values. Joining the broader community of alumni from this distinguished institution is a privilege, and I am eager to contribute to its legacy,” stated Ms. Roy.
During the reception in honour of Ms. Roy, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, acknowledged the invaluable support from the Mastercard Foundation. She emphasised the profound impact of the Foundation’s various initiatives, particularly the scholarships for disadvantaged youth, which enable them to access higher education and opportunities that might have otherwise been beyond their reach.
“On behalf of the Makerere University Council and the broader University community, I extend our sincere gratitude to Mastercard Foundation for its commitment to collaborating with Makerere University in various endeavours, especially for providing scholarships to our underprivileged young people who would never have stepped inside a lecture room at the University.” Dr. Magara stated.
Dr. Magara, in a special way, thanked Ms. Roy for her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting young people in Africa, citing her efforts to ensure young people get their voices heard.
“As a university, our business is with young people. We are therefore committed to providing the environment and education that deliver meaningful pathways. We will provide an environment that ensures young people have a voice and agency to create meaningful change in society.” Dr. Magara pledged.
Dr. Magara further congratulated Ms. Roy on her honorary Doctor of Laws from Makerere University, noting that it is the university’s highest honour for individuals who have excelled in their careers.
“On behalf of the Makerere University community, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your honorary Doctor of Laws. This esteemed recognition represents the highest honour our institution can bestow on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and excellence across various facets of their career.” Dr. Magara remarked.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Coordinator for all Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her appreciation for the thirteen-year collaboration between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. She highlighted that the partnership had yielded significant, impactful results.
“In 2013, Makerere University partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to educate the next generation of transformative African leaders who can positively impact their lives, their communities, and the economies of Africa. The partnership has had a significant impact. I thank the University Management and the Foundation team for this visionary collaboration,” remarked Prof. Namaalwa.
Prof. Namaalwa articulated that the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is primarily focused on empowering young people as agents of change for transformational leadership in Africa. She presented compelling statistics demonstrating the positive impact of the scholars’ program, highlighting the success of individuals who have completed their education and their subsequent professional experiences after university graduation.
“This partnership focuses on young people, aiming to create positive change in their lives. To date, the Scholars Program has graduated 974 alumni, with 48% securing formal employment, 18% starting their own businesses, 8% participating in internships, and 5% pursuing further education. Overall, 72% of Scholar alumni are actively engaged in employment or entrepreneurship,” Prof. Namaalwa stated.
The colourful event showcased a dynamic array of activities that highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of Scholars and alumni from the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University. Attendees enjoyed a mini-exhibition featuring innovative products from these ventures.
A video documentary illustrated the positive impact of the three Mastercard Foundation initiatives. The event also featured inspiring poetry recitations by Scholars and a lively atmosphere of music and dance, creating an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.
The high-level event was attended by senior University officials, led by the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Lorna Magara; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe; the Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy, and the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. Mr Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary; and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar, Chancellor Emeritus-Prof. Ezra Suruma, former Chairperson of the Steering Committee of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program-Prof. Umar Kakumba, and the Deputy Executive Secretary, RUFORUM, and former Program Coordinator of the Scholars Program at Makerere University-Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, among many other officials graced the function.
The event was also graced by a high-level delegation from the Mastercard Foundation, led by Ms. Reeta Roy, the Founding President of the Foundation, and included the Mastercard Foundation Teams from the Country offices in Kigali, Nairobi, and Kampala; the Program partners; the Mentors, Scholars and alumni; as well as the Program staff of the three Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University.
At the end of the event, Makerere University honoured Ms. Reeta Roy with University memorabilia, including a pencil-drawn portrait, a pencil-drawn photo of the Ivory Tower, and other Ugandan crafts. Ms. Roy cut a graduation cake together with the 10 graduates of the 76th graduation ceremony from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF), Dr. Margaret Blick Kigozi, has urged graduands in Health and Life Sciences to uphold professional ethics and serve humanity with diligence and compassion.
Her appeal came during the passing out of graduates from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the School of Public Health (SPH) on Day Two of the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University.
“Class of 2026, you are now part of the Makerere legacy. Wherever you go clinics, laboratories, farms, boardrooms, or classrooms, you carry this institution with you. Serve your patients with skill and compassion. Care for animals and communities responsibly. Question boldly and keep learning,” Dr Kigozi, said.
Delivering the commencement address, Dr. Kigozi lauded the graduates for their dedication to careers that directly impact lives and communities. She encouraged them to use their knowledge generously and exercise their power gently.
“Your education has trained you to ask better questions. Your humanity must guide the answers. Never forget that behind every chart, every case, every animal, every experiment, there is life. And life deserves care, patience, and dignity. Give every person you come in contact with care, patience and dignity,” Dr Kigozi, noted.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, Dr. Kigozi emphasized the importance of cultivating basic business acumen and financial literacy to ensure sustainability in their work.
“You do not need to become accountants but you must be able to read the essentials: understand simple financial statements, budgets and key metrics so you can judge whether a clinic, lab, or program is sustainable. You are encouraged to start your business. There are numerous investment opportunities in your areas of training. You can provide services to our people and create jobs,” Dr Kigozi, said.
She shared candidly how, when she first stepped into leadership, she realised she did not understand balance sheets or budgets well enough. So, she returned to Makerere for short courses to strengthen herself.
“A well-run Hospital, clinic or lab delivers better outcomes, attracts staff, and secures funding. Business savvy is not only about profit, it’s about sustainability and the freedom to serve ethically and effectively. Carry clinical skill with business sense so your work endures and grows,” Dr. Kigozi, noted.
Quoting renowned writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, who once reflected that succeeding in one area of life can sometimes mean falling short in another, Dr. Kigozi encouraged women graduates to intentionally balance professional ambition with family responsibilities.
“When one area thrives, another is often under strain. When Navio was graduating from school I had to manage the Presidential Investor Round Table on the same day as Executive Director Uganda Investment Authority. I chose my job and delegated his siblings to attend Navios graduation. I learnt from this. I choose family always after that thing you achieve once and keep forever,” Dr Kigozi, said.
In his speech, the Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, informed the congregation that Makerere’s ranking on all university ranking platforms has remained stable, placing Makerere among the top 10 African universities and within the top 4.5% globally.
“In the Times Higher Education global ranking, Makerere University made a formidable jump from the 1200-1500 bracket to the 800-1000 bracket. This was no mean achievement and I congratulate all members of the Makerere Community on this stellar performance,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
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