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
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.
-
General2 weeks agoStatement on Concerns Circulating Regarding a Member of Academic Staff
-
General2 weeks agoBeyond Map Size: Africa’s Agency Should Not Be Funded by Other People
-
General6 days agoTimothy Khabusi: From Barefoot Walks to shaping Uganda’s Eye health Future
-
General2 weeks agoPress Statement: Incident Involving Death of a Student at Makerere University
-
Health1 week agoUganda’s HIV Treatment Gains Bring the Youth Gap into Focus