General
Mak to continue promoting entrepreneurship skills among students
The Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen. Salim Saleh has pledged to continue supporting innovations at Makerere University in order to nurture upcoming entrepreneurs.
Speaking on his behalf, the Deputy Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina said they were proud to be associated with innovations in Makerere University.
“The OWC fraternity commends the University over their efforts. You give us confidence that the future is brighter than others say,” Lt. Gen. Angina said. “I urge you students to be better people in the country and produce unique products than those in the market.”
Lt. Gen. Angina was speaking at the second Entrepreneurship Students Expo organised by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at the Freedom Square, on Friday 27th October 2017. He added that OWC would continue to support innovations across the country.
The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. William Bazeyo revealed that the University Management would set up an innovation fund to support students, whose ideas would be found viable. He represented the Vice chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, who was out of station on official duty.
“Makerere University has big potential and the raw materials, the brains are here … if we were doing this [exhibition] every week, it would be an amazing place,” he said. On behalf of the University Management, Prof. Bazeyo pledged to support the best five innovators at the expo. He also requested CoBAMS to consider holding the student exhibition, twice a year, to be able to track improvements.
The CoBAMS Principal, Dr. Eria Hisali assured the students that success was possible as long as they partnered with good sponsors. He explained that the exhibition was intended to help fight unemployment in the country.
“On many occasions, we have seen a number of graduates moving from door to door looking for jobs. The main cause of this is students lacking the entrepreneurial skills and seeing this exhibition from you the students, I’m impressed,” said Dr. Hisali.
The Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Umar Kakumba commended the students for their innovations and explained that the Expo under the theme, MAK has Talent, was about nurturing an enterprising mind. The College would continue working with various business partners to help students create an impact in their communities.
Speaking on the side lines of the expo, Dr. Peter Turyakira, the Head of Department of Marketing and Management explained that the college introduces theory to the students, who then are encouraged to put the ideas into practice. Dr. Turyakira emphasized the need for a practical approach to learning at Makerere University.
He added that the programme would enable students to become job creators rather than job seekers. “As course work, we have decided that they should demonstrate what they have learned rather than repeating what has been told to them,” he said.
exhibition saw over 1,000 students showcasing various products, ranging from Eco packaging materials, charcoal stoves, cakes, processed jam, honey, fruit shakes to juices and bushera (sorghum porridge), candles, and briquettes among other products.
There were other presentations by public entities, such as Operation Wealth Creation, Uganda Revenue Authority and Pride Microfinance.
Dr. Turyakira explained that the move would eventually culminate into an entrepreneurship centre, to train students on how to start and manage/maintain their business ideas.
“Whether you are an engineer, or a doctor, you need entrepreneur skills … how do you start a business, how do you sustain it?” he asked.
He explained that department hoped to encourage students to find ways of sustaining their businesses and the end the adage – that Uganda is the deathbed for many small scale businesses.
The Expo featured students drawn from various programmes, such as the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Development Economics, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, as well as Master of Business Administration, Master of Economic Policy and Management.
The exhibitors, who were organised in groups of five to ten, were evaluated on their performances during the exhibition. A team of facilitators from CoBAMs evaluated the 145 business ideas/innovations presented during the Expo. The best five (5) were set aside for recognition.
Winning the Shs 1m award for best exhibitor, was To App, who devised a software application for first year admissions. The second place, claiming a cash prize of Shs 700,000 was Agro Innovations, a group that developed a solar dryer to limit post-harvest losses. This dryer is able to store energy, when the sun is not shining brightly. They had also developed a host of other products. In third place, Nkwatako Beverages, a group of postgraduate students, who received a Shs 500,000 cash prize for their efforts in wine making.
whose efforts were recognised for their innovations were Organic jack fruit jam; makers of bread spread as well as Esperanza Limited, who made a charcoal stove from anthill soil and grass.
Among the many exhibitors was a group called Unique Candle makers, who showcased new designs, including glass candles to limit fire outbreaks. The group is planning candles designed to ward off mosquitoes, while leaving behind a good aroma. The move is aimed at reducing malaria in various homes.
The Expo was sponsored by Operation Wealth Creation, with additional support from Pride Microfinance, Uganda Revenue Authority, Equity Bank, Centenary Bank and Mr. Eriot Arinaitwe.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management on September 28, 2026 welcomed H.E. Ambassador TAKAHASHI Misako and her delegation in the Council Room at Main Building to discuss ways of deepening their academic and technical collaboration.
H.E. TAKASHASHI is the Director-General/Assistant Minister for African Affairs, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
In the session, VC acknowledged and appreciated the long-standing partnership between the University and Japanese institutions; both private and government.
“The university has had good relations with the Embassy of Japan, with JICA, and with several other Japanese institutions… When we returned to normalcy after turbulent political years, the Government of Japan was among the first ones to come to revive our excellence… so Uganda has had a very long and friendly relationship with Japan” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
He further emphasized the historical impact of this support saying “I want to claim that it could have been because of the support that was given to the Department of Geology at that time, that the discovery of oil became possible in Uganda.”
Contributing to the discussions, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Professor Sarah Ssali shared areas such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as Neurosurgery, where Makerere could benefit from Japanese expertise. She added that the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) currently enjoys a collaboration with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
Adding on the outstanding partnership, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCF&A) Professor Henry Alinaitwe highlighted traffic management as one of the key areas supported, he said “Japan has helped Uganda in the management of traffic…”
Expounding on this, HE. TAKASHASHI said “I just visited the control center for traffic in Uganda. It was built by a Japanese aid… as of today, they are controlling 31 junctions of traffic signals in Kampala City. They are supposed to boost up their activities to cover the entire Kampala city’s traffic systems” a project, she said, the Japanese Government remains committed to.
Continuing, Professor Alinaitwe highlighted Japan’s resilient and strong structures that can withstand earthquakes. He shared that “Japanese are helping us in developing the standards for earthquake design and management.”
Picking it up from here, H.E. TAKAHASHI acknowledged Japan’s proneness to earthquakes, which has led the country to develop leading global expertise in their management. Although Uganda is not comparatively prone to earthquakes, she reaffirmed that “Japan is deliberately thinking about the sustainable development of Uganda”, as a symbol of their friendship with institutions and the young people of Uganda.
She said the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) where “President Museveni is a long-standing participant” is a vital platform for addressing Japan’s various interests in Africa. She also talked about the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FIOP) Principle, and Japan’s three pillars for Africa.
“The three pillars of Japanese foreign policy towards Africa include; realising a continent of peace in Africa, creating a virtuous cycle of growth between Japan and Africa, and finally realising a society where everyone can feel genuine prosperity through empowering young generation for co-creation,” H.E TAKAHASHI noted.
Professor Julius Kikooma the Director for Graduate Training, expressed a need to leverage the partnership further in graduate student supervision, “our biggest area for collaboration should be capacity strengthening through trainings and working together to boost co-supervision of doctoral programs.”
Agreeing with Professor Kikooma, the Principal College of Veterinary and Animal Resources, Biosecurity Professor Clovice Kankya appreciated the support from Japan, particularly in the training of staff.
“A number of our staff have moved to universities in Japan for staff exchange for competence-based kind of training, but also to mention our Japanese counterparts have given a lot of technical support, not only to Makerere College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, but also to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. This kind of collaboration has resulted to advancing some of the veterinary reference laboratories” Prof Kankya elaborated.
Appreciating H.E. TAKAHASHI’s visit, Prof. Nawangwe expressed gladness that the brief session had brought forth a number important issues for discussion, which will enhance collaborations between Makerere University, the Embassy of Japan, and the people of Japan in general.
Some of the key areas with existing collaborations include;
- Engineering and Infrastructure
- Traffic Management
- Health and Veterinary Sciences
- Students and staff exchange
- Space science
- Disaster prevention
- Capacity building and volunteers
- Library and cultural resources
Makerere currently partners with a number of Japanese Universities including; University of Kobe, University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tottori University, among others.
The University Management appreciates the government of Japan for an impactful collaboration over the years as “We Build for the Future.”
Photos by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Kampala – Braving the morning downpour, participants started gathering as early as 5:00 AM. University roads were awash with green and gold kits clad by thousands of runners who gathered at the Hill to participate in the 6th edition of the Makerere Marathon that took place on September 27 2026.
Attendance was representative, with students, alumni, corporate teams and distinguished guests present to run under the featured race categories including the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, alongside a 3km wheelchair race. These options gave persons of different abilities and fitness levels the opportunity to take part.
All races were officially flagged off at the Makerere Main Building parking lot by various dignitaries from Makerere, and partnering institutions led by the Chief Runner, the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth. He was joined by the Chancellor of Makerere University and Second Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga.
The other dignitaries that accompanied the Speaker included; Dr Lorna Magara the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mr. Mark Anthony Muyobo CEO NCBA Bank Uganda, Mr. Phrase Lubega Managing Director of MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited, and Dr Maggie Kigozi, the Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF). Representatives from partner institutions and sponsors for this year’s Marathon were also present to witness the lively flag-off ceremony.
Welcoming the dignitaries who convened in the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s Boardroom, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe echoed Makerere University‘s commitment and deep appreciation for the high-level government and private sector support received during the Marathon.
He reiterated that the institution feels privileged to host the Speaker of Parliament and the Chancellor, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, thanking them for their dedication to flagging off the runners despite the heavy downpour.
The same dedication was on full display throughout all race categories up to the finish line. Large crowds lined the university road sides, cheering wildly, blowing trumpets, and waving flags as the runners made their final sprint. Tired but smiling runners crossed the finish line one after the other, raising their hands in victory.
Impact of the Mak Marathon on Disability Support Centre
The Marathon serves as more than just a sports activity, it comes in as a conduit for institutional progress and student empowerment.
During the Speaker Rt. Hon. Oboth’s guided tour of the Disability Support Centre, the Manager, Ms. Elizabeth Rwabu acknowledged that so far, proceeds from the Marathon have directly transformed their services.
She elaborated, “the Makerere Marathon has been the primary driver of our growth as a centre, allowing us to support approximately one hundred and fifty-five students who rely on our services.”
The highlight of the delegation of distinguished guests and runners visit was a guided tour of the Center’s facilities, where technologies so far secured were displayed and existing as well as future needs were put forth.
She pointed out an all-in-one printer, explaining, “this printer is special because it has regular print. We also use it for large print… and scanning.”
She highlighted the machine used for tactile learning, saying, “we have an embosser here. And when students have their soft copy and hard copy notes, they bring them to the center, and we transcribe them to braille format.”
She also described the emergency solution for mobility, stating, “we also procured electric wheelchairs, which students with disabilities can actually borrow and use.”
Among students who added their voice to Ms. Rwabu’s was Ms. Catherine Nakibuuka, Chairperson of the Makerere University Disability Students Association. She is a student with visual impairment pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) who volunteered to explain to the Speaker how important some of the machines current in use are;
1. Eye Magnifier – This is a complex machine used to magnify small prints. It assists students who have visual impairments and rely on large print to read.
2. Focus Blue 40 – This is a modern device used for taking notes. It replaces older, large, and noisy Braille machines. It is portable enough to fit in a bag, making it suitable for use in meetings or courtrooms. Additionally, it can connect to a computer to display the Braille information on a screen, allowing sighted individuals to see what the user is reading.
Ms. Nakibuuka expressed deep gratitude for the support received through the Endowment Fund, Makerere University, and the organizers of the Marathon.
She stated, “We love these things,” noting that the Makerere Marathon’s goal to support the center makes education more inclusive.
The sharing by staff and students at the centre moved Dr Maggie Kigozi, who in turn appreciated them noting that “I’m glad to hear we are being useful as the Makerere Endowment Fund” and pledged that the Fund “will continue to work with the centre until they achieve more.”
Institutional Vision
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Council Dr. Lorna Magara acknowledged that the current Student with Disability Support Centre space may not be enough for the entire university.
In the spirit of remedying this, she shared that, “one of our goals is to have these centers in every other department of the university.”
“If we can have four or five or even maybe in every Hall of Residence, a smaller unit like this, then students with disabilities don’t have to walk long distances, that’s our target,” Dr. Magara explained.
Rt. Hon. Oboth Commends Makerere for the Marathon and Inclusivity
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth thanked the leadership for the Marathon, stating, “we want to thank the leadership of this university for innovative leadership that has brought the sixth Makerere Marathon to fruition.” He added that it is “gaining traction and momentum” and is “going a long way in creating awareness for persons with disability and its other yearly themes.”
While touring the Disability Centre at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Rt. Hon. Oboth addressed the students with disabilities, and emphasised a distinction between sympathy and compassion, noting, “what the students with disability need is not our sympathy. you need our compassion. You need the support. Sympathy will not help because it varies, but compassion remains.”
Regarding Parliamentary support, the Speaker made an individual contribution and also pledged, “as Parliament of Uganda, we are here to support the cause.”
He specifically invited the University to partner with Parliament for future events, saying, “we want to further pledge that for the next Marathon, please work with us through the Clerk of Parliament, so that we can take center stage.”
On a lighter note, he encouraged the students with disability to persevere, remarking, “after all, Makerere University is built on a hill, so every day you climb the hill, you are breaking a barrier. So take those barriers as a hill you are breaking.”
Makerere Marathon from a Student with Disability’s Perspective
Nalumansi Sharon, a student with disability in her third-year pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Psychology secured first place in the 3-kilometer wheelchair race. Beyond her athletic success, Sharon is a passionate advocate for fellow students with disabilities.
In an interview with Makerere Public Relations team, Sharon confessed that her personal motivation to participate in this event was the appreciation of challenges faced by persons with disabilities and desire to contribute to causes that support her peers.
“It feels good to be part of this mobilisation because I also have a disability, and I feel good if I do something that will help my other colleagues,” Sharon confessed.
She added that Makerere University‘s hilly terrain makes mobility difficult but with resilience, students with disability can overcome. She urged donors to contribute toward electric wheelchairs, which would significantly improve students’ ability to study and navigate campus.
Sharon therefore appreciated the Makerere University Endowment Fund for bringing together sponsors and the general public to raise funds for the betterment lives of students with disability at Makerere.
As the conversation deepened, Sharon praised the Makerere Disability Support Center for providing an environment where students with disability can complete coursework, receive guidance, and access printing services, allowing them to focus on their studies without unnecessary distractions.
She concluded by praying that God blesses all who pool their resources for the good of Persons with Disability.
Sponsors’ Inspiration to partner and support Mak Students with Disability
Speaking at the launch on July 1, 2026, Mr. Mark Muyobo, the Chief Executive Officer of NCBA, the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere Marathon, highlighted that the partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of education to shape the future.
He said “our partnership with Makerere University is founded on a shared conviction that education remains one of the greatest investments any nation can make. For generations, Makerere has produced leaders, innovators and professionals who continue to shape Uganda and Africa. Supporting its future is an investment in our country’s future.”
In an interview, the Managing Director Mr. Phrase Ronald Lubega emphasized that MTN Mobile Money is driven by the belief that every Ugandan deserves the benefit of a modern quality of life.
He stated that MTN aims to positively impact communities within Uganda, ensuring they are healthy, supported, and progressing. By focusing on these areas, the company believes they help communities serve the country more effectively.
Beyond their core mobile money services, Lubega highlights the importance of connecting people through initiatives like sports, which help individuals integrate and network. He explained that these connections are essential for innovation and moving forward.
Organised through the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) together with partners, this 6th edition will equip Makerere University’s Disability Support Centre and provide students with disabilities with assistive equipment that enables them to read, type, and hear university assignments and participate more fully in academic life.
This initiative reflects Makerere’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not become a barrier to accessing quality university education.
Photography by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
View Flickr Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD68fW
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