General
Katikkiro Set to Grace MakRun2018 as Chief Runner
The Katikkiro of Buganda Ow’ekitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga has accepted the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s invitation to grace the 2018 edition of the Makerere University Run (MakRun) as Chief Runner.
“I was humbled to receive the letter signed by the Makerere University Endowment Fund Board Chairman, Dr. Martin Aliker, I appreciate the thought and I am very happy to accept this invitation. As an alumnus, I am very proud of Makerere University and this is a great opportunity to give back to my alma mater” said the Katikkiro to the delegation led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The MakRun now in its second edition is one of the strategies by MakEF to raise funds for the University, and the construction of a state-of-the-art Students Centre is the flagship project. As final preparations get underway for the 25th March 2018 run, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe accompanied by the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) and Buganda Minister of Education and Sports-Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Director Planning and Development Department (PDD)-Dr. Florence Nakayiwa and Ms. Gloria Nakyeyune-PDD officially presented the Katikkiro with his MakRun kit on Monday, 5th March 2018 at his offices in Bulange, Mengo.
“Heading Makerere University is a prestigious position that comes with great responsibility, and I congratulate you upon being elected Vice Chancellor,” said the Katikkiro to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. “Despite all the challenges, Makerere is still the leading Higher Education Institution in the region and all the people I have talked to say that you are equal to the challenge. I have no doubt that you will overcome these challenges and take Makerere even greater heights” added Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
The Katikkiro further shared from his experience as a lawyer and employer that Makerere continues to produce graduates that have a sense of tradition, are unique and exhibit the quality demanded by the legal profession. “I commend the Management and staff upon setting the standard. Makerere has not lost its reputation as the top University and we must do all that we can to preserve its legacy and uphold its standards” said Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
In his remarks, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the Katikkiro for receiving his delegation in a grand way. He acknowledged the rich history between Makerere and Buganda and appreciated the Kingdom for donating the land upon which the University is built. “Makerere still occupies some land under the Buganda Land Board’s jurisdiction and we sincerely thank you the Katikkiro for your support in ensuring that we have a cordial working relationship with the Board” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe shared that one of the Halls of Residence for gentlemen was named after former Buganda Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa in appreciation of Buganda Kingdom’s support to the University. The Vice Chancellor further said that as the home to top brains in the country, Makerere is willing to partner with Buganda Kingdom; with the endorsement of the Katikkiro, to support development projects aimed at improving the welfare of its subjects in Buganda and all residents of Uganda.
“Makerere University is one of the few leading institutions in the world that does not have its own Students Centre and Teaching Hospital. The purpose of our visit here today is to improve and increase collaboration between our two institutions and in particular ask you use all resources at your disposal to publicise the MakRun 2018 and raise funds for the Makerere University Endowment Fund” said Prof. Nawangwe.
After reviewing a brief video showcasing historical buildings such as the first Administration Block built in 1922 and innovations like the Kayoola electric bus, the Katikkiro thanked the Vice Chancellor and Makerere University for reaching out to him.
Commenting on the brief video, the Katikkiro said, “I saw an image of the first Main Building of 1922 and thought to myself, why not replicate this same design for the proposed Students Center? A careful observation shows that the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs in Namugongo mimics the design of the Kasubi Tombs. The architect replicated the design of the traditional palace of that age. That’s the idea and as an architect, I think this would be a fantastic concept for the Students Centre,” enthused the Katikkiro to the Vice Chancellor.
Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga then vowed to mobilise his people, including his fitness partners and office staff come and join him at the MakRun 2018. “I am proud of Makerere University. My children have gone through the Hill; as we used to call it, and so have almost all Members of the Lukiiko who are degree holders. As one who spent some of my early years residing on campus with my late sister Theresa Nanziri, who was murdered by the Amin regime, and later as a Goat, resident at University Hall, we have to keep Makerere’s fire burning brightly,” he said.
The Katikkiro also took the opportunity to thank Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi for promoting and enriching the Luganda vocabulary, as well as Kingdom educational activities. He thanked the Makerere University Council and Office of the Vice Chancellor for contributing to the Buganda Kingdom treasury by purchasing certificates worth UGX1million and UGX500,000 respectively. He also thanked the delegation for presenting him with the Mak necktie, as well as an assortment of university branded souvenirs.
Article by Public Relations Office
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
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