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MCF First Cohort Graduates advised to be useful citizens

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On 20th January 2016, the MasterCard foundation at Makerere University organized a flourish party for the First Cohort Scholars who graduated during the 68th Makerere University graduation. The highly colorful ceremony was attended by parents/guardians, Mastercard Foundation Project Implementation Team, Makerere University Management among other invited guests to celebrate the academic achievement of the Scholars.
 
Clad in their official graduation gowns, Scholars were ushered in the Makerere University Main Hall amidst applause from the overwhelmed audience. The overjoyed students could not hide their happiness as the School of Performing Arts and Film was invited to entertain the guests.

The Senior Program Manager at Mastercard Foundation Ms. Ivy Mwai, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe and  the Coordinator of the MCF program at Makerere University , Dr Florence Nakayiwa impressed by the students testimonies

28 first cohort Scholars graduated during the 68th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University held from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th January 2018 in the University’s Freedom Square. One of the Scholars, Claire Muga Akinyi graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Community Psychology.

Presiding over the Graduation Party held on Saturday 20th January 2018 in the University Main Hall, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem congratulated the 1st Cohort MCF Scholars upon this milestone, advised Scholars to be disciplined, focus on excelling in different aspects of life and be useful citizens to the country.
“I am pleased that the graduates have been transformed by the education received … you came here naïve, but listening to the testimonies from the MCF Graduates this afternoon, you are now confident and positive about the future,” he said. “I am pleased that the graduates used their opportunity well.”

Eng. Dr. Wana-Etyem exalted MCF for supporting the students and the University as well as the country. “The graduates are an asset to Uganda, while the money received from MCF is also used to support other students through another scholarship programme, so we are grateful for the effort.”

The Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem handing over a gift to one of the scholars that graduated.

He appealed to the parents to encourage their children to study hard. “If it was not for education you would not have met me,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, challenged the graduates to be more determined to succeed. “You must consider yourselves privileged because you came from a less privileged background … 85% of the first cohort have graduated, including a first-class degree, which is a major success.”

In 2013, Makerere University partnered with Mastercard Foundation to offer scholarships to 1,000 academically bright but economically disadvantaged youth from Africa to study at Makerere University.
According to Prof. Nawangwe, the partnership owes a lot to its two main champions, who include the former chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera and the former programme coordinator, Ms Catherine Kanabahita, who designed the base framework of the partnership.

Scholars clad in their official graduation gowns.

“It was Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, who was attending a conference in India, who made the first call and persuaded Mastercard to partner with Makerere University,” he said. “If he had returned to Kampala after the workshop, no one would have known about it.”

He also applauded Ms Kanabahita, who has since been succeeded, Dr Florence Nakayiwa.

The Vice Chancellor thanked the MCF Advisory Board, MCF Steering Committee, MCF Project Implementation Team and the Mentors for the selfless service rendered.

For his part, Prof Kagonyera explained why he made the call to persuade Mastercard. “I’m passionate about the education of under privileged students especially Ugandans … I urge you graduates to help the person next to you and … do the best with the knowledge you have got and if you can get more knowledge.”

Prof Kagonyera urged the Government to match MCF’s contribution with its own funds. “This will help reach out to more young people out there. If this money is invested in education, it will be put to better use.”

The former chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera and the former programme coordinator, Ms Catherine Kanabahita, who designed the base framework of the partnership

Speaking on behalf of MCF, Senior Program Manager, Ivy Mwai, exhorted the graduates to give back to their communities. “Our hope is that the graduates will spur development in Africa. I urge you to prepare yourselves for the boisterous journey of life,” she said. “I urge you to encourage your peers to join the programme.”

The Chairperson of the MCF Steering Committee, Dr Ernest Okello-Ogwang also had a message for the graduates.

“Don’t think that you are too privileged to multiply your gifts – take your gifts to the community. This is the first cohort to graduate, and many more are scheduled to graduate in future.” He also commended MCF for its contribution and saluted Prof. Mondo Kagonyera for seizing the opportunity to bring MCF to Makerere University.

The Coordinator of the MCF partnership, Dr Florence Nakayiwa expressed optimism for the programme.

he former chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera together with the the Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem joined the students during the cake cutting.
“When you undertake a project, you don’t know how it will end but from seeing the fruits, we are already gratified by the success,” she said.

Speaking on their cohort’s behalf, Clare Mugga Akinyi, who obtained a first-class bachelors degree in Community Psychology, seemed to capture their mood.

“We are not average. We have to act exceptional as we are representatives of MCF and the great Makerere University,” she said, to loud cheers.
Mackline Banaga, who now holds an upper second class Bsc in Quantitative Economics, was chosen to speak for her female counterparts. “I thank God for this opportunity, because we were thousands of applicants and only 50 were selected. It is never too late to carry on the vision of the Mastercard foundation, not to forget who you are,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the male MCF Graduates, Matia Mulumba, who holds an upper second class Bachelor of Agribusiness Management degree, said he was already giving back to his community in Kagadi.

Students, parents and invited guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner.
“I was chosen from among all the poor in Kagadi, and I have returned to work in Kagadi, where I’m already giving advice and support to the locals. I thank Mastercard for the opportunity accorded to me to touch and support others,” he said.

Speaking for all the parents, Jane Namazzi, a mother to one of the graduates, Christine Namagambo, praised MCF. “I thank God that my daughter did not disappoint and has graduated. Even when she was unwell, she was well taken care of, which was unexpected for a poor mother like me.”

On behalf of parents, Ms. Jane Namazzi, a mother to one of the graduates, Christine Namagambo, praised Mastercard Foundation for its generous support towards their children. be sides is the Makerere University Senior Public Relations Officer Ms. Ritah Namisango.

“I’m really amazed at the gift of education given to my daughter from a tiny village in Butambala … I pray for more blessings to Mastercard, who have supported us all this time.”

The colourful ceremony with befitting entertainment from students and staff of Performing Arts and Film climaxed with the cutting of the cake and a sumptuous dinner.

Article by: Mak News Team

 

 

Proscovia Nabatte

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Makerere University Fees Waiver for 40 First Year Female Students 2025/2026

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Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:

  1. Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
  2. Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
  3. Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
  4. Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
  5. Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
  6. Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.

THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;

  1. Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
  2. One Passport size photograph.
  3. A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
  4. Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
  5. A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
  6. A copy of the admission letter to Makerere University.

The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.

Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/

You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD

For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:

Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728
Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug

The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.

Euzobia Mugisha Baine (PhD)
Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer

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Korean Language Courses-Semester

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Students walk into the Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.

Courses by Level

  • Beginner
  • Elementary
  • Intermediate
  • Online
  • TOPIK

Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com

Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.

Registration:

To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704

Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester

For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)

See downloads for Class Timetable

The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.

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NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) and Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) on 9th July 2025 at Makerere University. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

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.

Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.

“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.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.

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.

Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.

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

Mak Editor

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