General
MasterCard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University reach out to St. Charles Lwanga Primary School
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University held their Annual Service Day on Saturday 4th November 2017 under the theme “Social Inclusion and Collective Action.”
The Scholars reached out to two (2) communities namely in St Charles Lwanga Primary School Bukerere in Mukono Municipality and Giza Giza in Mbuya, Kampala District.
Mr. Ruhweza Sylas, the President of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars and Alumni Association at Makerere University led the team of transformative leaders to St. Charles Lwanga Primary School Bukerere in Mukono district.
Mr. Ruhweza Sylas remarked that social inclusion should be at the forefront of any humanitarian organization in the world since problems can easily be solved collectively. He added that this is possible since resources are pooled together towards a common goal and for the good of the community.
“The Service Day is one of the most emotional days where MCF scholars reach out to different communities. Great thanks to the MCF for instilling the spirit of give back in the Scholars, bravo to the vibrant leaders for teamwork and appreciation to the Scholars for cooperation and participation,” said Mr. Ruhweza.
In a bid to decongest the number of pupils who study in congested classrooms, the MCF Scholars led by Mr. Abdu Rahman constructed a temporary teaching structure. The MCF Scholars pursuing a Bachelor’s of Electrical Engineering led by Mr. Enoch Musasizi, assisted in the electrification of four classrooms to aid learning of the students at night. They were supported by Ms. Sandra Nabulege, an alumnus Scholar of the foundation scheduled to graduate in January 2018.
The MCF Scholars refurbished the sewage system that had broken down for quite a number of years. The team led by Mr. Otile Samuel installed sewage pipes to ensure proper waste disposal.
Other MCF Scholars led by Ms. Harriet Nakiryowa, a member of the Project Implementation Team, participated in general cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning the toilets and picking rubbish at St. Charles Lwanga Primary School.
Another team of MCF Scholars led by Ms. Marion Apio sensitized the pupils on water, proper hygiene and sanitation (WASH project), an initiative by BRAC Alumni and MCF Scholars at Makerere University.
Ms Adur Hilda together with her team, held career guidance sessions both at St. Charles Lwanga Senior Secondary School-Bukerere and at Uganda Martyrs’ College Namugongo. During the one on one interaction, the MCF Scholars shared inspirational stories encouraging the students to read and excel in academics.
According to the Project Manager, Mrs. Jolly Okumu, the MCF Scholars did a great job in the selection of the service day places. She noted that what the scholars did not only portray their sincere appreciation to the foundation but also a sign of responsible leadership and community service.
“Give Back is a sign of commitment by the scholars who resolved to engage different communities and make a difference in their way of life. The service day indicates that the Program is nurturing a spirit of charity in the scholars who are expected to go back and serve other communities. The Scholars are also teaching other people the value of appreciation, community engagement and service,” remarked Mrs. Okumu.
In an interview with the Headmistress of the School, Ms. Clementine Namakula expressed her sincere gratitude to MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for the intervention and stressed the need for social inclusion and collective action in solving community challenges. She noted that the work of the MCF Scholars will contribute to the improvement of pupils’ grades.
“I am so happy and grateful to God for bringing the team who identified our school. The problems were outrageous and this was hindering leaning in the school. Thank you MCF for the good work done to such needy communities like ours. The School needs structures since the population increases yearly. If we have structures in place, the academic success of our pupils is guaranteed,” she observed.
The MCF Scholars Program is applauded for the incredible work being done to academically empower and transform the lives of the young people who have access to education all over the world. Great appreciation to the Program Implementation Team at Makerere University for the maximum support and guidance accorded to the MCF Scholars.
Written by: Ms Marion Apio, MCF Scholar volunteering at MAK Public Relations Office
Makerere University staff have been urged to embrace servant leadership, integrity and compassion as they prepare to welcome students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
The call was made during the Makerere University Staff Prayer Breakfast held on 31st July 2026 at St. Francis Students Centre Upper Hall under the theme “Faithful Stewards: A Servant Heart with Integrity and Wisdom,” drawn from Colossians 3:23–24 and Mark 10:35–45.
The prayer breakfast brought together members of Council, University Management, academic, and administrative staff to dedicate the new academic year to God while reflecting on their responsibility of serving students with excellence, humility and integrity.
A Call to Seek God’s Wisdom
Host Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa reminded staff that no amount of professional experience or academic expertise can replace God’s guidance.
She noted that the University’s mission can only be fulfilled when staff continually seek God’s wisdom in serving students and one another.
“There is no amount of experience or expertise that can replace God’s wisdom.”
Rev. Dr. Kitayimbwa observed that students remain the reason universities exist and challenged staff to approach their work as a calling rather than merely employment.
“Without students, there is no university,” she said, encouraging members of staff to remain united, avoid unhealthy competition and trust God as they begin another academic year.
She further urged staff to become faithful stewards who work together in harmony, which she summed up as, “United we stand; divided we fall.”
A Community, Not Just a Centre of Research
In her remarks, Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli welcomed the Council Chairperson, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Members of Management to the breakfast, and reminded staff that a university’s value cannot be measured by research and innovation alone.
She described Makerere as a community held together by the spiritual as well as academic wellbeing of its people, and called on staff to renew their commitment to one another as much as to the institution they serve.
Draw Inspiration From Stewardship
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Sarah Ssali told staff that this year’s breakfast carried special significance.
“This is the first prayer breakfast we are having ever since we launched our strategic plan,” she said, referring to the University’s new Strategic Plan, launched on 2nd July 2026.
She encouraged staff to hold on to the morning’s reflections as a guide for implementing the plan over the next five years, describing Makerere as an institution many families choose above all others for the vision and training it offers their children. She urged staff to see themselves as stewards of that trust rather than simply employees carrying out a job.
Compassion and Discipline Must Go Together
Delivering her remarks, Makerere University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara challenged staff to strike a balance between compassion and discipline when dealing with students.
She observed that many students face different personal and academic challenges, making encouragement and timely support essential throughout their university journey.
“A word of encouragement can restore hope and prevent costly mistakes,” she noted.
Dr. Lorna encouraged lecturers and administrators to respond promptly to students’ concerns, explaining that delays, insensitive decisions and abuse of authority can discourage students and negatively affect their academic experience.
She reminded staff that students often remember how they were treated long after they have forgotten what was taught in class.
“Students may eventually forget what we teach them, but they will always remember how we treated them.”
She added that education goes beyond transferring knowledge.
“Education is more than knowledge. We communicate life, character and values.”
Quoting Mark 10, Dr. Lorna called upon staff to embrace servant leadership by exercising authority with humility, integrity and accountability.
She encouraged members of staff to ask themselves whether they would treat every student the same way ashey would treat their own child.
“We may not always have all the answers,” she said, “but we can communicate honestly, take responsibility and treat every student with dignity.”
She concluded by urging different colleges and administrative units to work together instead of operating in isolation, noting that unity strengthens the University community.
Referring to Galatians 6:2, she reminded staff to carry one another’s burdens and remain faithful stewards of the responsibility entrusted to them.
Servant Leadership Begins with Faithfulness
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. James Magara, husband to Dr. Lorna Magara, called on members of staff to embrace servant leadership grounded in humility, faithfulness and service to others.
Drawing from Mark 10:35–45, Dr. Magara reflected on the account in which James and John asked Jesus for positions of honour in His kingdom, prompting discontent among the other disciples. He observed that despite walking closely with Christ, the disciples continued to struggle with the desire for status and recognition. He noted that such competition remained evident even during the Last Supper, where concerns over positions and prominence persisted.
Dr. Magara said that Jesus responded to these human tendencies by redefining leadership through service rather than authority. He described Christ’s act of washing the disciples’ feet as the ultimate demonstration of servant leadership, explaining that genuine leaders are willing to undertake even the humblest responsibilities in service of others.
Referencing Philippians 2, he urged staff to emulate Christ’s humility and selflessness, contrasting it with the pride and self-exaltation illustrated in Isaiah 14. He emphasised that lasting influence and greatness are not measured by titles, positions or recognition, but by one’s willingness to serve faithfully and put the needs of others before personal ambition.
Drawing on his own leadership journey spanning several decades, Dr. Magara challenged leaders across the University to cultivate humility, integrity and a servant heart in the execution of their responsibilities. He cautioned that leadership driven by pride and personal ambition undermines both individual effectiveness and institutional progress, whereas servant leadership strengthens organisations and fosters lasting impact.
The prayer breakfast concluded with a call for unity and collective commitment as Makerere University prepares to begin a new academic year. Organisers noted that the reflections on stewardship, integrity and servant leadership would provide a strong foundation for the University community as it advances the implementation of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
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