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68th Graduation Ceremony Day2: ACCA recognises Best Student in BCOM Accounting Option

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The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Uganda has recognized the best performing student in Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Option) at Makerere University. The Chancellor together with the representative from ACCA presented the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA) Award to Mr. Mwetware Crescent who scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.60 (First Class Honours) degree.

On the second day of the graduation ceremony held on Wednesday 17th January 2018, a total of 4,288 graduands from the Colleges of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Health Sciences (CHS) and Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio security (CoVAB) were presented to the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas.

The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauds during the second session of the 68th Graduation, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Dedicating the ceremony to the Almighty God, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Francis Chapel Rev. Canon Onesmus Asiimwe glorified God for the gift of life, the gift of graduands, as well as the continuous growth and development of Makerere University. He appealed to the Almighty God to bless the graduands with employment, wisdom and a fruitful life.

The Chancellor congratulated the overjoyed graduands upon their academic achievement. He commended the graduands for the spirit of hard work, endurance and self-control and urged them to use the knowledge and skills acquired to contribute to the betterment of society.

Mr. Mwetware Crescent (L) receives his award from ACCA Uganda Staff during the 68th Graduation

Prof. Ezra Suruma commended the entrepreneurship spirit being championed by the staff and students in CoBAMS and called upon them to take lead in the creation of new enterprises, new financial institutions and services.

“Uganda needs more and better entrepreneurs and financial services. We need more private enterprises, more and better services, more capital and more credit. These are challenges as well as a great opportunities,” he said.

Masters Graduands from CoCIS pose for the camera during the second session of the 68th Graduation

He applauded CoCIS for coming up with research projects in the areas of Epidemiology, Credit Risk Analysis, and GIS Modelling for Prevalence of Infectious Diseases. “I commend the college’s community outreach initiative in organizing the Get Connected Training that imparts ICT skills to P.7, S.4 and S.6 vacationers in the Makerere Community” added Prof. Suruma.  

In the same spirit the Chancellor applauded CoVAB for its tremendous efforts in advancing science and technology. The college has worked tirelessly to transform the existing challenges in the animal resources world into economic and livelihood opportunities. Prof. Ezra Suruma congratulated the College upon developing anti-tick and east coast fever vaccines, and a diagnostic Kit for sleeping sickness as well as brucellosis. He also commended the college for establishing ultra-modern fish and animal feed factory that are all crucial for our animal industry.

Greduands from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) stand to take the Hippocratic Oath

“Currently, the Country is faced with the epidemic of ticks.  There are also important concerns about biosafety and so I am glad that Makerere is graduating specialists in that field as well. The growth in non-communicable diseases such as cancer is a major concern and so we expect our scientists in the health sciences and veterinary medicine to confront these threats and provide solutions,” remarked the Chancellor.

In a special way he acknowledge the tremendous work done by CHS in producing medical professionals for the African Continent. To him, the continued leadership of CHS in the region has helped to keep Makerere University in the highest ranks.

“I can only encourage the College to continue doing what they do best to keep our citizens and humanity in better health.We need to increase public trust in our capacity to deliver health services. We need more trust which can only be achieved from better service experiences. We shall continue to pray for a revolution in the health sector,” the Chancellor remarked.

The Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF) led by their Head, Assoc. Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza (in gown & cap) kept guests entertained with their wonderful presentation

Amidst all the jubilation, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, encouraged graduands to think critically on how they can enter the world of self-employment. “You are going out to the world, which expects a lot from you. "We have trained you to be critical thinkers and not mere job seekers. Go out and create the jobs the Country is yearning for. With a degree from one of the best universities in the world, there is no reason for not succeeding,” he said.

“Your success is our pride. Avoid vain ambitions and keep away from corruption. Love and respect your parents and God will open doors for you. As you go through the gates of Makerere, hold your head high and always hold your alma mater in high esteem. And please, do not forget the gates of Makerere. God Bless You All!” concluded Prof. Nawangwe.

Please see Downloads for Speeches

Article by Mak-Public Relations Office.

Proscovia Nabatte

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Women in Business Empowered at Makerere

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (Seated 3rd Right) with officials and participants during the Women in Business training on 20th August 2025. Institute of Gender and Development Studies in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), training program focusing on procurement and business development for women in business, 20th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Institute of Gender and Development Studies in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on 20th August 2025 commenced a training program focusing on procurement and business development for women in business. The two sessions, which brought together women from diverse business sectors, were held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility. The training covered critical areas such as business requirements and strategic positioning, access to credit—particularly the Women in Business initiative by Stanbic Bank—and navigating procurement processes in the public service, among other vital aspects.

In his remarks, Mr. Paul Agaba, Director of the Procurement and Disposal Unit (PDU) at Makerere University, outlined relevant laws and shed light on reservation schemes for women-owned businesses. He detailed the requirements for companies to participate in procurement reserved for women, the necessary qualifying documents, and the benefits associated with such schemes. Mr. Agaba referred to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act of 2003, a law aimed at regulating procurement processes while enhancing service delivery and ensuring value for money. He noted that the Act has undergone several amendments to address emerging issues and reinforce principles of fairness and inclusivity, including measures to integrate previously marginalized groups—women, youth, and persons with disabilities—into business opportunities.

He further emphasized that reservation schemes are designed to provide incentives for women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must be registered with the appropriate authorities, with at least 51% of its shares owned by one or more Ugandan women. On specific requirements, he highlighted the need for registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), annual registration with the PPDA to be listed among providers, and documentation proving 51% female shareholding. However, Mr. Agaba noted that more effort is needed to actualize some provisions, such as ensuring that 15% of every procurement plan in public institutions and all procurements below UGX 30 million are reserved for women.

Representing UNDP, Ms. Beatrice Nabagya Mugambe, whose organization funded the training, underscored the importance of the program, describing it as a response to critical gaps identified through organizational assessments and surveys. She observed that despite ongoing efforts in gender-responsive procurement, women’s participation in procurement processes remains limited—a challenge not unique to Makerere but also evident across other agencies. She pointed to barriers such as lack of capital, insufficient information about bid opportunities and procedures, perceptions that bid amounts are beyond their reach, and limited business networks that could otherwise facilitate collective bidding. She stressed that such limitations can be overcome through collective action.

Addressing the topic of access to credit, Mr. Joel Mukasa, Relationship Manager at Stanbic Bank, highlighted opportunities available to women-owned businesses through the bank. Drawing from over seven years of experience, he noted that women tend to be better business managers, with 90% of loans disbursed to women being repaid, compared to less than 50% among men, attributing the gap to men often diverting business funds for personal use. Mr. Mukasa explained that Stanbic Bank has established several initiatives tailored for women, including the ‘Grow Project’ in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the government, and the ‘Stanbic for Her’ program. He clarified that the ‘Grow Project’ does not provide free money but rather credit facilities designed for active women entrepreneurs. To qualify, businesses must be registered as sole proprietorships headed by women, companies with at least 51% female shareholding, partnerships led by women, or formal/informal savings groups composed entirely of women. Applicants are also required to have an operational account with Stanbic Bank for at least six months, which eases qualification without the need for audited books.

Prof. Sarah Ssali, Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to gender equity and justice as central pillars of its operations. She noted that Makerere is the first public institution globally to apply for the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal, with the process beginning in 2022. As part of this commitment, the university is evaluated on gender parity in student enrollment. Since 1991, initiatives such as the 1.5 scheme, the establishment of a gender institute, and other affirmative action programs, including those addressing disability and inclusion, have been implemented to promote gender balance among students.

She added that as a gender-responsive employer, the university emphasizes women’s representation in its workforce, particularly in leadership and staffing. Makerere has a comprehensive Gender Equality Policy and Framework supported by affirmative action, which has significantly increased women’s representation in both employment and leadership roles. However, Prof. Ssali acknowledged that challenges persist in the area of procurement. Bound by the PPDA Act, the university cannot impose gender quotas since bidding is based on merit and fair competition. Low participation of women in bids is often due to their operation at a micro-level, lack of familiarity with the PPDA Act, and insufficient capital to handle large contracts.

To address these challenges, Prof. Ssali said Makerere is exploring lawful strategies to promote gender parity in procurement. The main focus is to strengthen women-owned businesses so they can compete effectively for large contracts, while also supporting small and medium women entrepreneurs as they scale up. She explained that the current workshop was deliberately designed for women in business, with participation restricted to women-owned companies. Its primary goal was to build competitiveness by equipping participants with knowledge of pre-qualification, bid submission, assessment, appraisal, and selection processes—ensuring women-owned businesses are fully integrated into Makerere’s procurement activities as part of the university’s broader gender inclusivity agenda.

Ms. Sara Nakibuuka, a practicing procurement professional at Makerere University, stressed the importance of such initiatives in supporting women entrepreneurs. She encouraged women to take full advantage of provisions under the existing Acts of Parliament to expand their business opportunities and strengthen their market presence.

The Women in Business Training 2025 was moderated by Donna Keirungi, a member of the Makerere University Gender Equality Seal implementation team.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2 Applications Now Open!

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E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda launched! Apply by September 1, 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Innovation Pod is thrilled to announce the launch of the E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda! This immersive one-year program offers exceptional Bachelor of Science and related discipline students (2nd-3rd year) the opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills in electric vehicle technology.

We are seeking motivated individuals from Physics, various Engineering fields, Industrial Art, Architecture, and Business (Marketing) with a strong academic record. Participants will engage in hands-on training, industrial immersion at Kiira Motors, and contribute to the development of the “Moonshot Project.”

Apply by September 1, 2025, to be part of this transformative skilling initiative. Female students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply here: https://forms.gle/jntp2TrzYqJ4TrKv9

Mak Editor

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Bid Notice: Refugee Law Project Mid-Term Review

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An aerial view of Left to Right: Mitchell Hall, Senate, CoCIS Blocks B and A, Lincoln Flats, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility and School of Social Sciences (white) Buildings, Makerere University, with Kampala City in the background, October 2018. Uganda.

DETAILED BID NOTICE UNDER OPEN BIDDING

Invitation to bid for Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
Proc. Ref. No. MAK/SRVCS/2025-26/00013

  1. The Makerere University under Refugee Law Project has allocated funds to be used for the acquisition of Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
  2. The Entity invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provision of the above consultancy services.
  3. Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the open domestic bidding procedures contained in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003, and is open to all bidders.
  4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below at 8(a) from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
  5. The Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address at 2 above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of UGX. 100,000/= (One Hundred Thousand), only. The method of payment shall be cash payment after downloading Application Advice Slip from https://payments.mak.ac.ug/ and thereafter obtain a receipt from the bank before picking the document.
  6. Proposals must be delivered to the address below at 8(c) at or before 10:00am on Wednesday 20th August 2025. All proposals must be accompanied by a proposal securing declaration which must be valid until 28th February 2026. Late proposals shall be rejected. Proposals will be opened in the presence of the consultants’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 8(a) at 10:15am on 20th August 2025.

See below for detailed bid notice.

Mak Editor

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