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
The Board of the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) led by the Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya on 14th October 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. The Board which is on a two-day exposure visit to the Research and Education Network of Uganda (RENU) was received by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Mr. Ronald Hatoongo and Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the Board Secretary and CEO of ZAMREN respectively, as well as RENU’s CEO-Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa and RENUMESH Technologies CEO-Mr. Brian Masiga. In attendance were Mr. Samuel Mugabi-Director DICTS, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), and Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Also present were; Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda-Director Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL), Dr. Godfrey Mayende-Deputy Director IODeL, Dr. Michael Walimbwa- College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Cathy Mbidde- Ag. Manager. Makerere University Innovation Pod, Ms. Eunice Rukundo-Deputy Chief-Public Relations and staff from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In her welcome remarks, Prof. Ssali thanked the ZAMREN Board for including the courtesy call on their Kampala itinerary and extended warm greetings from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. She noted that Makerere as a founding member of RENU has enjoyed a mutually beneficial collaboration, that has benefited both staff and students in the form of supporting growing connectivity needs, as well as training, mentorship, and development of technical skills for both continuing students and graduates.
Turning to the gist of the courtesy call, the Acting Vice Chancellor noted that the Makerere University through the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI) seeks to harness the transformative power of AI to address society’s most pressing challenges. “Projects undertaken by our Centre tackle real-world challenges in health, agriculture, languages, and beyond.”
Prof. Ssali nevertheless underscored the importance of upholding ethics in all AI undertakings “Mindful of global trends elsewhere, the work of the Makerere AI Centre is guided by the principles of Responsible AI, ensuring that systems are transparent, accountable, fair, and designed to benefit society.”
She therefore called upon the delegation to thoughtfully engage with the ideas presented during their visit with the aim of collectively exploring both institution can better equip staff and students to meaningfully make the most of this fast-evolving trend.
On behalf of the Board, Prof. Muya who is substantively the Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia thanked Prof. Ssali and Members of Management present for according his delegation a warm reception to Makerere University, “one of Africa’s most distinguished centres of higher learning.
“Makerere University is not only a symbol of academic excellence but also a beacon of leadership in higher education on the African continent”, remarked Prof. Muya.
The Chairperson equally expressed the delegation’s keenness to understand how AI is being adopted, and how the academia is embracing the technology as an enabler of teaching and research. “At ZAMREN, we view digital transformation and AI integration as critical enablers of academic excellence, efficiency, and competitiveness across higher education institutions,” he remarked, adding that “We therefore look to Makerere University’s experience to draw practical lessons that can inform and inspire our efforts back home.”
Turning to the lessons from Makerere in line with digital transformation and ICT, the Director DICTS shared that owing to the partnership with RENU, internet bandwidth, a vital enabler of AI transformation currently stands at 5 Gbps of monthly consumption, with plans to scale-up to 8 Gbps. He added that RENU has also facilitated Makerere’s access to Open Libraries, and Eduroam – a secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network across to staff and students freely access the internet across partner institutions in Uganda using their University emails.
Furthermore on the enablers of AI integration, Mr. Mugabi noted that in line with digitalization of institutional business process, the University Council took a bold step to develop all information systems in-house, a move that has reduced costs spent on offshore solutions, and hemorrhage of skills. He pointed to the introduction of open source solutions, and AI policy and global collaborations with corporations such as Google as additional enablers.
Addressing AI readiness, Prof. Tonny Oyana pointed out the need for the University of Zambia to start early, citing Makerere efforts which began as far back as 2007, when Dr. John Quinn joined the institution after his PhD. He added that Dr. Quinn together with other former staff from Makerere formed Sunbird AI, a thriving initiative creating practical systems for the benefit of community.
Prof. Oyana also pointed to AI initiatives that have attracted up to USD 5million from Google Awards, staff with specialized skills in the creation and development of sensor technologies, top notch students that win continental and global awards from companies such as Huawei, and active engagements with partners to produce solutions to enhance diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis and cancer as some of areas that demonstrate Makerere’s AI readiness.
Addressing academic and research innovation, Prof. Robert Wamala pointed out that Makerere, in recognition that the institution cannot achieve its vision alone is intentional about seeking and nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Furthermore, he shared that Vice Chancellor’s Annual Research Excellence Awards reward and recognize the efforts of staff who have excelled in publication, teaching and winning grants.
The Director DRIP equally underscored the need for dissemination of research produced by staff and students, pointing out the annual research and innovation week as a flagship event for not only showcasing research but also forging meaningful partnerships with stakeholders. In line with technology transfer, Prof. Wamala said that the University through the Intellectual Property Management Office ensures that innovations developed by staff and students packaged for adoption by other individuals or organisations.
Addressing the use of technologies in academic work, Prof. Birevu noted that IODeL conducts capacity building in instructional design, online facilitation, use of AI in teaching and digital assessments. “We have also advised the University on ODeL and Distance Education strategies, for instance, we have developed a ten-year masterplan for distance education with support from the Korean Government to outline how Makerere University is going to integrate distance education within its offering” he added.
At the close of the deliberations the ZAMREN expressed sincere appreciation to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the free sharing that pointed out a number of priorities.
Business & Management
PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support
The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.
She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.
Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.
She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.
The centre team presented the proposed structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.
The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.
-
General3 days agoCall for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General1 week agoVice Chancellor Updates Media on DVC AA Appointment, Acquisitions, Research & Various Issues
-
Computing & IS1 week agoICT Bootcamp for Vacists (P7, S4 & S6), Students & Professionals
-
General1 week agoStrengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen
-
General1 week agoMakerere and Nelson Mandela University Move to Actualize Existing MoU