General
Mak Unlocks its Financial Potential through Property Investment
On 5th December 2017, hundreds of potential investors convened at Serena Hotel Kampala to participate in the Makerere University Property Investor Conference organized by the Makerere University Holdings Limited (Mak Holdings Limited).
Officially opened by the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma represented by the Chairperson of Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem, the conference attracted national, regional and international property development stakeholders including financiers, developers, advisors, fund managers, investment managers and introduced them to grand investment opportunities of more than 32 acres of Makerere University Prime land that awaits development. The prime land is located in three areas of Kampala that is the Main Campus, Kololo and Makindye; upscale of the Kampala suburb.
Chaired by Dr. Charles Mbire, the Mak Holdings Limited Board of Directors consists of the following members: Mr. Charles Ocici, Prof. William Bazeyo, Ms. Ruth Biyinzika Musoke, Mr. Dan Kasirye, Dr. Winifred Tarinyeba-Kiryabwire and Dr. Gorrettie Nsubuga Nabanoga.
Addressing investors at the conference, Dr. Charles Mbire said that Makerere University is looking for potential investors who have the key to unlock the University investments to enable the proposed projects to take off. “We are looking for bidders to bring forward innovative plans for financing and implementing the project, including investment of their own or in collaboration with others, to maximize the project benefits,” he said.
The projects are envisaged to diversify the university financial resources and transform the institution into a modern university of the 21st century. The projects to be undertaken include;
Project 1: Conference Centre and 3-Star Hotel at the current Makerere University Guest House
Project 2: 5 Star Luxury Hotel, Commercial Centre and Upmarket Apartments – Kololo
Project 3: Gated Community and Upmarket Apartments – Makindye
Project 4: Student Accommodation at Makerere University Main Campus
Project 5: Student Centre at Makerere University Main Campus among others
Dr. Mbire remarked that the property development shall be undertaken by means of private sector participation and investment and Mak Holdings Limited is duly mandated and authorized to evaluate, procure and oversee the projects. The envisaged project structure is for a development lease of 49 years with a lease premium and annual lease paid up by the project company.
The Project will be implemented as a developmental lease contractual arrangement wherein the private proponent will be required to design, construct and finance the project facilities and assume construction related risks arising from cost overruns, delays and other performance risks connected to construction.
“This is a Build, Operate and Transfer venture where after 49 years, all the developments on the land will be transferred to Makerere University. The investors are expected to recover their capital investment on the land between 7-10 years and start enjoying the profits for the rest of the years,” he said.
In a speech read by the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Eng. Charles Wana Etyem, the Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma, commended the move by the University to diversify the resources through private-public investor partnerships.
“At Makerere University, we are renowned for teaching; our academic skills and talent are commendable. However, with this conference we want to chart out new territories that will ensure that the University which is at the forefront of Uganda’s Innovation can reach its full financial potential,” he said.
The Chancellor recognized the visionary leadership of Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem during the process of resourcing finance for the University. He thanked Prof. Nawangwe and the Management team for setting a new precedent in the great history of Makerere University and the country at large. He thanked the Chair Board Mak Holdings Limited Dr. Mbire as well as the Planning and Development Department for the milestone and great contribution towards a successful investor’s conference.
Over the past few decades, Makerere University has been facing financial challenges amidst abundance of resources. According to the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University has for so many years depended on Government and donor funding which is inadequate given the enormous resources required to implement University activities.
According to Prof. Nawangwe, there is a need for Makerere University to revamp its financial resources and ensure that the institution becomes financially sustainable if it is to transform into a modern university.
“Makerere University is one of the best universities in Africa and world at large. We pride to be the top research institution in Africa, we are destined to be the prime movers of our country and our continent however, we can only do that when we are financially stable,” the Vice Chancellor said.
The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. William Bazeyo welcomed the investors and assured them of the university support and necessary information they need during the process of securing investment bids and proposals.
“I would like to assure you that the project potential is big and we will do anything possible to make sure that you find minimum constraints in these projects. As the Management we are ready to work with you, as we transform Makerere University and Uganda at large,” he said.
In a presentation, Judy Rugasira Kyanda, the Managing Director of Knight Frank-a leading independent real estate consultancy in Uganda, said there is potential for viable investment on all Makerere University land and properties.
Article By: Mak Public Relations Office
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa
By the Program Communication Team
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Makerere University hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council Representatives meeting, which brings together young people from around 45 partner universities of the Mastercard Foundation.
During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged young people to prepare for leadership roles in innovation, especially starting with their communities, if they wish to see the positive transformation they desire in Africa.
“I urge you to connect and network with your peers and discuss how you can form inter-university teams to innovate solutions that will address the development challenges in our communities for the transformation of the African continent.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe applauded the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Makerere University and Uganda in general, which has uplifting effects on many young people.
“Makerere University and Uganda have made remarkable strides in providing Higher Education to Young People, thanks to the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation, which has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of African leaders. Through valuable initiatives and partnerships, such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University is poised to continue educating young individuals who will significantly impact Uganda’s and Africa’s economic growth.” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, further urged young people to seize the opportunities the Mastercard Foundation and other like-minded development partners presented to improve their lives and communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation has given you the platform and opportunity to be leaders and beacons of change. Embrace this responsibility with courage. Let the core values of the Scholars Program—humility, listening, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact—guide your actions,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized.
While speaking at the same event, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, enumerated high-level achievements the Program had accomplished for the last decade at Makerere University. She pointed out that in terms of scholarship enrolment, the Program had recruited 1,032 Scholars, of which 76% were Females, 7% were Internationals, 4% were Refugees, and about 1% were Youth with Disabilities.
Prof. Namaalwa further pointed out other post-graduation achievements, including a 94% completion rate of the total number of Scholars enrolled in the Scholars Program. She pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, the Program had graduated 964 Scholars, of which 37% were employed, mainly in the private sector.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that beyond the Scholars Program, the Mastercard Foundation had put other initiatives supporting the university in numerous ways. She pointed out other initiatives such as the e-learning initiative, a COVID-19 Response measure to ensure continuity of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University and the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative: Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Cambridge, is implementing a new initiative that addresses one of the world’s most significant challenges in recent times—climate change.
Prof. Namaalwa revealed that the Research Collaborative would provide opportunities for MSc and PhD scholarships to African students and encourage young people to enrol as graduate students starting in the academic year 2025/2026.
The event was punctuated with fireside chats, during which young people had an opportunity to discuss a number of topical issues related to entrepreneurship and Transformative leadership. Thereafter, the visiting students were taken on a guided tour around Makerere University.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council comprises student leaders from partner Universities. Each Partner University has one Council Representative. They represent the needs of Scholars and work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program teams at each institution, the Mastercard Foundation, and Alumni.
On Monday 3rd February 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe handed over three (3) university buses to the respective leadership in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
The new buses mark a significant improvement in mobility and learning for Makerere University students and staff, furthering the institution’s commitment to practical education and community service.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the University’s Freedom Square, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the significance of the new buses in enhancing teaching and learning. “These buses will play a crucial role in improving students’ practical learning experiences by ensuring reliable transportation for fieldwork and community outreach,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Parliament and the Government of Uganda for providing the resources for the new buses, emphasizing their importance in replacing the old fleet, which frequently breaks down. The new 2023 model buses, with a 67-seater capacity, were secured at a cost of UGX 626million each and are expected to save the university significant maintenance costs and improve the learning experience for students.
Principals from the respective colleges expressed their appreciation for the new buses. Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, emphasized the importance of the buses for practical training at locations such as Lake Mburo National Park. Associate Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal of CAES, and Associate Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of CHS, highlighted the buses’ role in facilitating community engagement and outreach.
He explained that the decision to purchase Isuzu buses instead of those manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) a Makerere University partner, was based on prior engagement with the former, as well as the need to utilize the allocated funds promptly within the Financial Year, which couldn’t be accomplished at KMC due to their high demand.
-
General2 weeks agoCelebrating Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
-
General6 days agoCall for Applications: Masters Student Mobility to Norway 2025
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoStaff of School of Statistics undertake training in Data Science
-
General2 weeks agoMak Planning and Development Department gets new leadership
-
Education2 weeks agoOver 40 UBTEB Students Graduate from the Centre for Life-Long Learning at CEES