General
Mak-MCF 256 Scholarships to students for Academic Year 2017/18
It was a cheerful moment when the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu handed over MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Award letters to 256 students.
The highly colorful Scholarship Award Ceremony for the Cohort Four Scholars on the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University was held on 29th August 2017.
The overjoyed scholars donned in light blue t-shirts thanked MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for the great academic opportunity awarded to them. They vowed to take their academics seriously and pledged to meet the expectations of the sponsors and parents at large.
“I am so happy today. I cannot believe that I am at Makerere University. I don’t know how I can sincerely thank MasterCard Foundation for the great work you are doing in enabling the African child to receive higher education,” said Mr. Kabuye Danniel, one of the cohort 4 scholar pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Kabuye a son to the late Mr. Kabuye Deogracious and Ms. Nassali Rose of Nsumbe Lukwanga Wakiso District had lost hope of joining University after years of struggling for his own school fees at a tender age. According to him, he had promised to push up to high school and find his way out for the job search.
Kabuye says his stunning opportunity started when he attended a history seminar at Makerere University College of Information and Management Sciences where he met his childhood friend. The friend briefed him about MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and encouraged him to apply.
“I took up his idea though I had doubts whether the program existed. When we received the A level results, I decided to give it a try. I am so happy that I have been given a chance to attain higher education. This opportunity is the best gift I have ever received,” Kabuye happily said.
“This chance has uplifted my hope of building the future I have always dreamed of. Being here now, I have a clear view that I will fulfill my dream of building an orphanage I always yarned for. Thank you MasterCard Foundation team, thank you Dr. Florence Nakayiwa and thank you Makerere University,” he added.
Ms Kimenyi Madrine a first year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with Social Sciences could not hide her tears of gratitude when sharing her personal experience. Her verbal and non-verbal communication could effusively tell the story of the beauty of joining MasterCard. “I promise to do the needful for the best of my future and the future of other people and to my scholars I congratulate you all,” said Kimenyi.
Addressing the scholars at the Scholarship Award Ceremony in the Makerere University CEDAT Conference Hall, the Vice Chancellor welcomed students to Makerere University and equally congratulated them upon successfully attaining the MasterCard Foundation scholarship.
“On behalf of the University Management, I congratulate and welcome each and every one of our 256 new Scholars to Makerere University. Today’s ceremony gives me even great joy as we witness the largest number of awards so far!” he remarked.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu advised scholars to take the scholarship award as a privilege when he said, “consider yourselves lucky that out of the out of 4035 applicants, you are among the selected 256 scholars. This is your perfect opportunity to go from simply accessing higher education to excelling as a prolific scholar.”
He emphasized the need for academic excellence and advised the scholars to effectively utilize the resources and student support services provided under the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University and significantly contribute to the transformation of their lives.
“Be hopeful that one day you will be the President of the Republic of Uganda, that one day you will be the Governor Bank of Uganda and one day you will be the Makerere University Vice Chancellor or a Professor of Economics,” he said.
He thanked the Members of the Advisory, Steering and Selection Committees of MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and Mentors for ensuring that the program is on course. The Vice Chancellor also thanked the Program Implementation Team headed by Dr. Florence Nakayiwa for the wonderful job of ensuring that the flag of MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is raised high.
In the same spirit, the Chairperson Selection Committee applauded the Advisory Board for initiating an affirmative action that aimed at a balanced recruitment in the Eastern and Northern regions of Uganda. According to Associate Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the affirmative action bore fruitful results that saw 30% of the scholarships awarded to applicants from the Northern and Eastern regions of Uganda.
He urged scholars to focus on their studies and aim for better grades so as to account for the sacrifices made by the sponsors of the program.
“You should make the most of this opportunity. Do not betray you guardians, single parents who have struggled to put you where you are now and always be grateful to God. We expect you to be responsible citizens in the future therefore work at your best to make us proud,” he said.
Started in 2014 with 49 students, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University currently has 244 continuing in their second, third and fourth year of study. The Project Implementation team expects 30 scholars from the pioneer cohort to graduate in January 2018.
According to the Project Coordinator Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, the program targets to educate 1000 scholars over a period of 10years. 
“This year we have been able to register 26 international scholars from Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. We are also welcoming the first cohort of scholars transiting from our school Partners FAWE Rwanda and we have received 98 scholars transiting from BRAC our secondary School Partner in Uganda. The Cohort has 132 nationals from the wider Ugandan population. The female Scholars constitute 88% and 12% were boys,” she highlighted
Dr. Nakayiwa applauded MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program for not only providing academic funds to the students but also for grooming and empowering young African leaders of the next generation.
“In addition to leadership, we want to also cultivate a give back culture in the Scholars’ community. We subscribe to the philosophy that to whom much is given much is expected. And we expect our scholars to reach out to those less fortunate that they have been, in different aspects of life,” she remarked.
Reiterating the importance of the give back culture, Makerere University Senior Public Relations Officer Ms. Ritah Namisango called upon the scholars to fully engage in the university give back activities such as the Makerere University Endowment Fund Run that will be held in February 2018 that is geared towards the construction of the students Centre and the fundraising drive that is geared towards building the Makerere University Perimeter wall.
The Scholars enjoyed every moment of the Award ceremony including the sweet melodies and entertainment from students and staff of Makerere University, Department of Performing Arts and Film.
Article by: MAK News Reporters
General
Makerere University and Xiangtan University Advance Strategic Partnership in Chemical Engineering
Makerere University and Xiangtan University are set to update their close to 20-year academic partnership, with a new focus on launching a joint Master’s degree program in Chemical Engineering and expanding student and staff exchange initiatives.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a recent visit by a delegation from Xiangtan University to Makerere University headed by Professor Dingyu Ou, in the company of Mr. Tang Fei and Professor Gilbert Gumshabe, the Chinese and Ugandan Directors of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University respectively.
While addressing the delegation, Professor Nawangwe highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify academic offerings and contribute to national development through training in Chemical Engineering. Through this new initiative, the University will better prepare graduates for the petrochemical industry and support the country’s industrial growth.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated that the proposed collaboration aims to address Uganda’s growing need for industrial expertise, particularly as the country develops its petroleum sector. The two universities here are working toward a 1+2 training model, which will enable Makerere students to gain practical experience and access advanced laboratory facilities at Xiangtan University.
Professor Nawangwe further reiterated that “our relationship with the people of China, not just for Makerere but also for a big part of Uganda, has been opened wider by the establishment of the Confucius Institute, considering that many other collaborations like one being discussed now have come through this collaboration.”
The head of the Xiangtan delegation, Professor Dingyu Ou, expressed appreciation for the meeting, and acknowledged the history between the institutions. “As mentioned, we have a very long relationship and a very stable friendship between our two universities.”
Professor Ou extended appreciation for the support provided to the Confucius Institute at Makerere, the care shown to his colleagues, and looked forward to the successful start of the Chemical Engineering collaboration.
Assuring the delegation of Makerere’s readiness for the collaboration, Ms. Hawa Ndagire Kajumba the Lead, Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, Makerere University Advancement Office, aligned with the Vice Chancellor’s emphasis of University goal to have both theory and practice imparted to the students.
She said “the curriculum of the university and Uganda as a whole is moving towards competence-based education training to ensure students are equipped to demonstrate those skills in the actual field, particularly regarding petroleum exploration.”
Ms. Ndagire Kajumba also emphasised a shift in strategy for the partnership office, saying, “we are moving away from just signing MOUs that collect dust, and moving towards those that are more collaborative to benefit our faculty and students, just like this one.”
Professor Gilbert Kumushabe aligned his remarks with those of the Vice Chancellor and Ms. Ndagire Kajumba, and described the method used at Xiangtan University as “actually competence-based teaching.”
Based on his recent visit, Prof. Gumoshabe shared that students in China are divided into groups with dedicated teachers to perform practical, hands-on work beyond the theoretical lecturers. He expressed gladness that the same was being adopted for the Ugandan context.
Both institutions are now working to finalise the specific agreements for the joint degree and exchange programs. Beyond academic training, the collaboration will advance cultural and professional exchange.
Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
-
General2 weeks agoStatement on Concerns Circulating Regarding a Member of Academic Staff
-
General2 weeks agoBeyond Map Size: Africa’s Agency Should Not Be Funded by Other People
-
General6 days agoTimothy Khabusi: From Barefoot Walks to shaping Uganda’s Eye health Future
-
General2 weeks agoPress Statement: Incident Involving Death of a Student at Makerere University
-
Health1 week agoUganda’s HIV Treatment Gains Bring the Youth Gap into Focus