General
MasterCard Scholars Community Outreach Excites Giza Giza residents
On Saturday 4th November 2017, MasterCard Scholars at Makerere University together with the residents of Giza Giza in Mbuya, community leaders and in collaboration with the Kampala Capital City Authority participated in sanitation activities that involved cleaning the slum, collecting garbage, and sensitizing the community on sanitation and personal hygiene.
Promoting the “Give back to the community idea,” MCF Scholars donated cleaning materials worth UGX 1.2million as a sign of keeping the village clean. They also donated jerry cans of liquid soap produced by some MCF scholars to help the community during the cleaning of public toilets.
Giving back to the community is one of the activities emphasized by the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program. Its major aim is to encourage scholars develop a heart of helping people. The activity also helps to inculcate a positive attitude among scholar towards social and economic transformation of Africa. During the program, Scholars are encouraged to return to their home areas and/or countries and invest their skills in the community and the entire country’s social and economic growth. They are empowered to serve as mentors, role models and problem solvers in their communities.
Every academic year, MCF Scholars select a community to benefit from their give back project. This year, they selected Mbuya II Parish, Giza Giza Community and Mukono district as their point of action under a theme; “Social Inclusion and Collective Action”.
“This year we had two points of Action, one in Mbuya where scholars carried out community clean up and sensitization on sanitation and personal hygiene and another one in Mukono where they constructed a class for a UPE school. Our message is that we can do this together, by ourselves and for our own good. We should not wait to be told as a community but rather it should be our own initiative to change our community for the better,” said Mr. Kayiza Isma- Speaker of MasterCard Scholars Association.
On behalf of Mbuya II Parish, the LCV Councillor Nakawa I; Kampala Capital City Authority Mr. Mugisha Moses Okwera commended the wonderful job done by the MCF Scholars and encouraged them to continue with the spirit of helping communities.
“This is a good cause, the community is impressed and challenged to maintain what you have started. I thank the leadership of MasterCard Scholarship Foundation and Makerere University for allowing students to come and engage us. This Scholars’ visit has not only created a positive impact on the village but also to the MasterCard Foundation and Makerere University Community at large. My residents are so impressed to have interacted and worked with Makerere University students. We pledge to keep and promote the drive towards cleanliness and good sanitation,” he said.
Nakitto Florence a resident of Giza Giza village commended the work of the scholars saying that it is the first time in her life to see university students engaging community members. She appreciated the students for sensitizing the community on sanitation and personal hygiene especially in Giza Giza; a slum and highly populated place.
In the same spirit the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Coordinator of MasterCard Program at Makerere University, Mr. Tito O. Okumu thanked the community for hosting MasterCard Scholars for their community outreach. He acknowledged the community’s cooperation during the outreach activities and their polite acceptance to come and be part of the community clean up.
He commended the great work done by the community leaders in guiding the MCF Scholars during the clean-up and sensitization activities and also thanked Kampala Capital City Authority for accepting to partner with the scholars for the clean-up activity.
He appealed to students to promote the idea of community engagement to other students when he said, “I encourage you to engage your fellow students in this drive. Teach them, mentor them and also guide them on how to engage community. This action does not only represent us as leaders but builds a positive image of Makerere University.”
Article by MakNews Reporters
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
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