General
Baganda Nkobazambogo students win Mak Annual Cultural Gala Competitions
The 2017-2018 Annual Cultural Gala was held on Sunday 29th October, 2017 in the ever green University Hall Quadrangle. Organised by the Dean of Students, Mr. Cyriaco M. Kabagambe and the Makerere University Students’ Guild, the major aim of the cultural gala is instilling love for our culture and identity while appreciating our rich cultural diversity.
Twenty student associations participated in the highly competitive Makerere University Annual Cultural Gala. The Baganda Nkobazambogo Makerere University Students Association emerged winner, beating the nearest rivals Bunyoro Kitara Makerere University Students Association, and Kasese Makerere Students Association came third.
The two-day competitions conducted on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October 2017 attracted many students and well wishers from the nearby places, with some coming as early as 8:00am. The performances on each day started at 9:00am. On the first day, the presentations focused on four items namely; Makerere University Anthem, East African Anthem, Cultural Anthem and Original Composition while the presentation of drama, poetry, African solo and dance was done on the second day.
A team of six highly experienced and neutral adjudicators was carefully selected to ensure impartiality and objectivity. These included Mr. Kabunga Robert, Mr. John Paul Omunya, Ms. Rebecca Namakula, Mr. Bora Nobert, Ms. Amayo Hope and another, who preferred anonymity.
Before announcing the results, the adjudicators talked to students, applauding performers and highlighted several recommendations.
According to the results announced at 8:10 pm by adjudicator Ms. Rebecca Namakula, the Baganda Nkobazambogo students scored 651 points, followed by Bunyoro Kitara students with 635 points while those from Kasese came in the third position with 627 points.
Before announcing the results, Ms Namakula commended the participants for the high level of commitment throughout the rehearsals and for dedicating time to writing scripts.
Ms Namakula reiterated that the only languages considered during the competitions where local languages and Kiswahili. “We had a problem where some of you used English, and after switched back to local languages," she remarked.
Speaking at the same event, Ms Amayo Hope, who was also an adjudicator, faulted presenters for ig
noring the composition of poems that portray how strikes can be done away with at Makerere University.
“Strikes are a big challenge to this University and poems were supposed to focus on how this can be addressed," asserted Amayo, while speaking to students who had convened at the University Hall grounds to hear the results.
She advised the performers, to avoid too much violence in their performances, as it could lead to provocations and fights.
The overjoyed Dean of Students, Mr. Kabagambe thanked the performers for treasuring their cultures. With the successful conclusion of the Students Cultural Gala, the Dean of Students reminded the students to concentrate on their studies since the examination time tables had been displayed in the respective colleges.
In an exclusive interview, the Senior Public Relations Officer of Makerere University, Ms Ritah Namisango remarked that the Makerere University Students’ Cultural Gala was a true representation of the rich Ugandan culture. She was happy to note that the competitions brought together students from various parts of Uganda.
Some of the Cultural Associations that participated included; The Adhola University Students Association (AUSA) consisting of the Japadhola students, Acholi MAK students Association (AMSA), and Lango Students Association (LASA) among others.
Written by: 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
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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