General
MURBS Declares 34% Fund Value Growth at 7th AGM
Financial forecasts at the 6th Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in October 2016 were noncommittal especially in the wake of the February 2016 presidential election in Uganda and the then upcoming Kenyan General Election in August 2017. Trustees in their remarks then braced attendees for the worst performance, especially since the East African equity markets, which hold a substantial amount of the Scheme’s investments, are dominated by foreign players. These closely monitor the regional political climate and are known to withdraw their investments whenever any political event that will likely affect the markets looms. The situation was not helped by failing commercial banks in the region and conflict in South Sudan.
Fortunately, whereas the markets behaved as predicted, MURBS’ fund value grew by 34% from UGX 78.2billion as at 30th June 2016 to UGX 104.5billion as at 30th June 2017, thanks largely to retiree contributions and recovery of UGX 10billion as partial settlement of outstanding retirement benefits both from Makerere University. Addressing Members at the 7th AGM, held on Thursday 26th October 2017, the Chairperson-elect, Board of Trustees Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi also noted that the Scheme made net returns on investments worth UGX 12.5billion compared to UGX 3.5billion the previous year. “This performance was driven mainly by a positive performance in fixed income owing to high interest rates prevailing on government securities” explained the Chairperson. Government securities in the form of treasury bonds and bills account for approximately 72% of the Scheme’s total investments.
The Scheme’s membership also grew from 3,301 members the previous financial year to 3,763 members. The Chairperson in his remarks introduced the MURBS Departmental Ambassadors Programme, aimed at enhancing the Scheme’s governance by directly involving members who are trained and exposed to the operations of MURBS. “These volunteers will assist with clarifying informal queries from members at departmental level and they will form a team from which potential trustees can be identified and mentored” said Mr. Naigambi.
MURBS emerged winner of the Retirement Benefits Schemes category of the Financial Reporting (FiRe) Award 2016. At the 7th AGM, the Chairperson Mr. Naigambi presented the FiRe Award 2016 to members present. MURBS remains the top institution in this category thanks largely to the work by the Audit Committee headed by Mr. David Ssenoga. Mr. Ssenoga informed the AGM that a new format of the Auditor’s report has since been adopted and the Scheme reasonably complied with new financial reporting guidelines as issued by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA). He further noted that the Scheme duly complies with all Income Tax Requirements and reassured the AGM that MURBS maintains a meticulous track record of all owed to it by the sponsor Makerere University.
The 7th MURBS AGM held in the main hall was a well-attended affair with representation from both University Leadership and staff associations. The days emcee, Mr. Louis Kakinda often used the breaks in between sessions to introduce key members of the University leadership and staff associations. In attendance were; Mr. Bruce Kabaasa-The Chairperson Appointments Board, who represented Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Chairperson University Council, Ag. Director of Human Resources-Mrs. Dorothy Senoga Zake, Deputy Dean of Students-Mr. Stephen Kateega, members of Council and staff.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Board of Trustees-Dr. John Kitayimbwa had introduced the new Trustees as appointed on 1st April 2017. These are; The Chairperson-Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi, Mr. John Peter Okello and Mrs. Dorothy Nannozi Kabanda. In addition to Dr. Kitayimbwa who was reappointed as Secretary to the Board, Mr. William Ndoleriire also returned as one of five Trustees of the Board. Mr. David Ssenoga and Dr. Saul Hannington Nsubuga by virtue of their being Chairperson and Member of the Audit Committee respectively are in addition co-opted Members of the Board.
In his address to the AGM and in response to some of the questions raised by members especially regarding the safety of their investments in seemingly unpredictable equity markets, Dr. Kitayimbwa reassured the gathering that the Scheme’s fund managers; Sanlam Investments East Africa and GenAfrica Asset Managers, are some of the best in the region and keenly follow market trends to return the best value on investment.
“All investments made by the fund managers on behalf of MURBS are informed by an actuary’s inventory” said Dr. Kitayimbwa. “Our investments are also guided by an investment horizon; which in our case, based on the average age of our membership, is 15years. We have to ensure that whereas we seeking the best investments to grow the fund value, we maintain a certain level of liquidity to pay members who are eligible to leave the scheme” he further explained.
Responding to members who also felt that it was unfair to struggle with constantly rising interest rates on loans taken from commercial banks and yet they could borrow against their benefits portfolio, Dr. Kitayimbwa shared that MURBS is regulated by URBRA which has strict conditions under which a member may access their benefits, the key being upon retirement. He however reassured the AGM that URBRA is fronting the Retirement Benefits Sector Liberalisation Bill, which will hopefully provide for more flexible ways of accessing benefits to support mortgages, foot treatment costs and other needs. He further restored confidence in the members that there benefits are protected by law and in the unforeseeable event that the Scheme’s bankers were to go under, the regulator would first and foremost ensure that retirement benefits are secured before any other depositors are considered for compensation.
To reiterate Dr. Kitayimbwa’s point, Prof. Jean Barya-MURBS’ Senior Legal Counsel advised Scheme members to take keen interest and actively participate in the debates around the Retirement Benefits Sector Liberalisation Bill and the National Health Insurance Scheme bill. “Education and Health are two of the largest expenditures that we incur in life. You therefore need to be interested in these bills because we shall all benefit if they are passed in a proper manner.”
In closing the 7th AGM, the Chairperson Mr. Naigambi thanked all members for sparing time to attend the event in large numbers and urged them to further study the report they had received as well as all information on the MURBS website. “I encourage you to embrace the idea of additional voluntary contributions (AVC) in addition to the 5% by Makerere to further boost your benefits at the time of retirement” he concluded.
Article by Public Relations Office
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.
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