Makerere University’s star has once again shone bright at the 2017-2018 Big Ideas Competition as Nine innovations made it to the list of the Seventy of the most promising ideas chosen to advance to the final round. The news which was revealed by the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) Chief of Party and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration)-DVCFA, Prof. William Bazeyo, shows the advancing innovations falling in the categories of; Food Systems, Global Health and Scaling Up Big Ideas.
Moving forward, these students are supposed to complete and submit full proposals (10 pages) to the Big Ideas Team. The students will also closely work with Mentors allocated to them by the Big Ideas Team (some of which are RAN Staff who volunteer their time and expertise). These proposals will be evaluated to inform the list of actual winners who will be publicly announced. The winners will then receive a congratulatory email notification also requesting them to share Bank Account Details for the grant transfer.
“We are reaching out to the students who have not yet reached out to us so that we can further offer them support towards cleaning up and submitting their full proposals,” added Ms. Harriet Adong, RAN’s Communication Manager.
Please click here to access the full list of the Innovations advancing to the Final Round. The advancing Makerere Innovations along with a brief description of each category are listed below.
2017-2018 Big Ideas Finalist Summaries
FOOD SYSTEMS
The aim of this category is to encourage the development of innovative solutions or approaches that address challenges in food systems, or that will result in progress or changes to support food security, sustainability and/or justice and health in food systems, and/or equitable access to nutritious food. Proposals may be aimed at campus based program, local/domestic issues or international efforts.
Livestock Disease Diagnosis Kit (LIDDIA)
PesT Tester
Teleeka
TRAM project
GLOBAL HEALTH
The challenge for this category is to describe an action-oriented, inter-disciplinary project that would help alleviate a health concern among low-resource communities. Proposals submitted to this category should a) demonstrate an evidence of a widespread health concern faced by U.S. or international low-income populations or low-resource communities, and b) develop a system, plan, or technology that addresses this problem that is both culturally appropriate within the target communities, and appropriate for low-resource settings.
Coordinated Emergency Response System (CERS)
Ecosmart pads
LUMENDA
Oxygen Splitters
SCALING UP BIG IDEAS
The challenge for this category is for previous Big Ideas award winners to (1) highlight key achievements or progress made in implementing their original winning project idea, (2) document lessons learned in initial implementation, and (3) describe plans to revise their venture’s design or scale up their model. For the purposes of this category, Scaling Up is defined as reaching a new geographic area or underserved population, or adding to the scope and/or services of the original project in the same geographic area.
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:
Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
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.
Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
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;
Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
One Passport size photograph.
A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
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).
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.