It was a moment of jubilation when staff from Makerere University Directorate of Finance celebrated their 2017 career journey at the end of year party held on Friday, 15th December 2017 at the University Guest House. Dressed to impress for a partying business, the guests danced to sweet soothing melodies from a professional DJ, as venue decorations appropriately themed according to Makerere University’s red, black and green colours gently swayed in the fresh evening breeze.
The reunion mood could easily be traced to the lively conversations and unique dancing strokes that were pulled out by the guests.
The aroma from the well-prepared buffet invited the guests to a delicious dinner accompanied by lots of drinks and a mouth-watering cake that was served to mark the end of year 2017, as well as ushering in 2018. The Directorate of Finance also gave out presents to some outgoing staff in recognition of their tremendous work at Makerere University.
Presented by the University Bursar Mr. Augustine Tamale, the gift recipients included; Mrs. Margret Ssematengo, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and Mr. Kabini Fred. The University Bursar applauded the outgoing members for the selfless service rendered not only to the Directorate but also to Makerere University.
“You will always be remembered for your tremendous contributions to the Directorate during your tenure.Your demonstrated compassion and hard work toward the university cannot be taken for granted,” he said.
He thanked the organizers for the wonderful job done to ensure that the entire team within the Directorate had a memorable evening. “Gatherings are key and I am glad we are having one tonight. We should look forward to having more of these annually,” Mr. Tamale said.
He acknowledged the resilience among staff that has enabled them to pull it off throughout the year despite some of the challenges the Directorate has faced. He also emphasized the need for unity among staff come 2018.
In a special way, the Manager Finance and Administration Mr. Gyaviira Lubowa appreciated the staff’s perseverance throughout the year and called upon them to exhibit the same spirit in the coming year.
He congratulated his colleagues upon successfully completing 2017, and encouraged them to focus on team work, unity and support among staff in the coming year. He however cautioned his colleagues who are taking up further education to not only professionalise but also depict the acquired skills in their performance so as to have a great output.
“It is a motivating factor to become professionals but more encouraging and captivating when we become performers. We must therefore increase our visibility and exhibit a high degree in of professionalism. As a new person in the Directorate, I love to work with people and welcoming new ideas,” noted Mr. Lubowa.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe addresses participants at the launch.Ms. Kristine Blokhus.Part of the audience at the event.Some of the young people that attended the event.Prof. Henry Alinaitwe signs the commemorative piece.L-R: Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dr. Charles Olaro, Hon. Margaret Muhanga, Amb. Signe Winding Albjerg, Amb. Maria Håkansson, Amb. Frederieke Quispel, Amb. Unnur Orradottir Ramette, Ms. Kristine Blokhus and a young lady during the press interviews.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the disability entry scheme for 2026/2027 Academic Year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Four Conference Hall.
NOTE: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level or its equivalent and at least five (5) passes at O’ Level or its equivalent will be interviewed.
Only candidates who sat ‘A’ level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible for admission.
THE EXERCISE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd May, 2026 respectively from 9.00 A.M – 1.00 P.M each day.