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
Through the Food for Peace initiative, the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport is stepping in to provide meals to over 200 students who struggle to afford meals, especially during the examination period.
According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, hundreds of students drop out of Makerere University every year due to financial constraints. The reality for those who remain is sometimes tougher, for they struggle to survive.
While addressing the media at a press conference held at Makerere University on November 11, 2026, Prof. Nawangwe shared that many of these students skip meals, a situation that is more frequent during examination periods, when the demands on the brain are much greater.
The University is aware of these reports and in his capacity as Vice Chancellor and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, Prof. Nawangwe lobbied the club to take action.
In preparation for intervention, a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted, inviting students to come forward and share their needs. About 200 students responded to the survey, indicating a pressing need for food support during examinations.
The findings birthed a legacy project code-named “Food for Peace”, targeting, for a start, 206 students at Makerere University, regardless of their sponsorship status, as long as they participated in the survey. The Makerere Rotary Peace Centre spearheaded the survey that helped identify the first cohort of those who will benefit from the initiative and guided that for a dignified experience, the beneficially names will remain in records and not disclosed.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasised that the core mission of this cause is to move a step up with efforts to ensure that economically challenged students at Makerere University do not go a day without a meal. Service providers in halls of residence will serve these students their food following a meal card.
Seeding the Project
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary International Director (RID) for Zone 22, while launching the initiative shared his personal experience of facing challenges that almost barred him from attaining an education. He believes education is an equaliser in life and that everyone should have a chance to access it. He reminded those in the room that they were all there together because of education.
RID Katongole highlighted the importance of supporting people, both as individuals and as a community. He expressed pride in being part of the launch of this project because it is going to create many more “Emmanuel Katongoles” through the provision of a meal.
He therefore personally committed to contribute UGX 5 million annually, starting this year, for as long as he lives or until the project ends. He also pledged to remain part of the initiative.
92nd Guild Commends “Service above Self”
From a student perspective, H.E. Kadondi Gracious, the 92nd Makerere University Guild President, delivered a vote of thanks for the initiative. She noted that students had petitioned Parliament to intervene in the matter and were happy that solutions had started coming from within.
She framed this move not just as charity, but as a way of restoring hope to Makerereans who were unsure of how they were going to maneuver through the examination period without lunch. In appreciation, the Guild President commended Rotary for showing what it actually means to offer service above self.
Sustainability of the “Food for Peace” Project
Although the immediate intervention is directed towards fewer than 300 students who expressed a need for assistance, the vision is bigger and looking beyond the current examination season.
As the Rotary Passport Club President noted, “if this is going to be sustainable, it means we are going to look out for partners to create a fund to sustain this initiative.”
The Club Secretary, Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, explained that as a legacy project, it is not a one-off. She committed the services of the Passport Club to supporting this legacy project.
Grounding the sustainability move, RID Emmanuel Katongole set the pace by pledging annual cash and in-kind support towards providing consistent assistance to students throughout subsequent academic periods, thereby enhancing student welfare over the long term.
Dr Winfred Kabumbuli, the Makerere University Dean of Students, showed strong support for the initiative since it falls within the core mission of student welfare. She appreciated the collaboration with Makerere University Passport Club, and pledged to rally internal support.
Call to Action and Contributions
The Club President made an appeal to alumni, corporate bodies, development partners, individuals and institutions of goodwill to join this noble cause, intended to ensure that students not only remain at the University but also attain their full potential on a full stomach.
The immediate fundraising goal is UGX 10 million shillings, which is required to implement the initial phase of food support. Excess amounts collected will facilitate an increase in the number of beneficiaries and after the examination period, add to the kitty for subsequent semesters.
Support and assistance can come in the form of financial contributions, food supplies, corporate partnerships, logistical support, and long-term partnerships.
To facilitate support, the club, through its Charter Treasurer (C.T.), Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, shared the banking details as follows
Bank: NCBA Uganda Limited.
Account Name: Rotary Club of Makerere Passport
Uganda Shillings (UGX) Account Number: 228129200017
United States Dollar (USD) Account Number: 228129200027
SWIFT Code: CBAFUGKA
Bank Code: 36
Students were left with one final promise from the Chief Guest, “you are no longer alone. You have a partner in the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport.”
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at Makerere University, on November 10 2026 welcomed a delegation from the International Water Association (IWA), led by Mr. Keith Robertson, the Learning and Events Director at International Water Association (IWA). Mr. Robertson, in his remarks, highlighted their visit to Makerere University as a fact-finding mission regarding the potential establishment of a new regional IWA office in Africa to support the continent in solving challenges relating to water.
The International Water Association is a leading global nonprofit organisation and knowledge hub for the water and sanitation sector. Connecting more than 10,000 individual members and 500 corporate entities across 140 plus countries, the association bridges the gap between scientific research and practical engineering to solve global water crises, improve sanitation, and secure clean water systems. Currently, IWA is evaluating potential host cities in Africa; Makerere University in Kampala is the first they have visited out of their three countries and venues earmarked.
This meeting held at Makerere Main Administrative Building, was attended by university leadership, faculty from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), and representatives from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Discussions explored possibilities of the yet to be established office bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the water sector not only in Uganda but also on the continent.
On behalf of University Management, Prof. Edward Bbaale underscored this engagement that focused on possible Water and Sanitation advancement partnership as one that aligns well with the strategic direction of the University.
Projected Impact of a Kampala-Based IWA Office
Dr Philip Nyenje, Head of Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering (DCEE), expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “this is a very good opportunity for us to grow our interest in the sector of water and sanitation.”
In addition, Dr Seith Mugume, a Senior Lecturer at DCEE, noted that the regional office would unlock research and innovation opportunities in the real world for our students and also provide incentives for them to pursue projects within local research and innovation angles.
Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Acting Senior Manager at NWSC framed Kampala as a very unique venue for the centre and highlighted Makerere as one of the core academic partners for the regional Eastern and Southern Africa hub of the Global Sanitation Graduate School. Eng. Mpakiraba further endorsed Makerere, saying that, as a top-notch university in Uganda and in the region, when it leads on any aspect, it is able to pull most of the other universities.
Makerere’s Strategic Initiatives and Activities so far in the Area of Water
Dr Nyenje noted that his Department has a very strong base in water and sanitation, covering disciplines like water resources, environmental, structural, and highway engineering. Dr. Mugume added that they are conducting research on “modeling of water resource systems, hydrological and hydraulic modeling,” “water quality management,” and “fecal sludge management, sanitation in low-income and peri-urban areas.”
The two also mentioned that the department has introduced a “master’s in sanitation, and also a postgraduate program… a diploma in sanitation” to address growing interest in the sector.
All these strategies have been made possible through good will and funding from the Government of Uganda, strategic partnerships, and International Collaborations that have positioned Makerere as a key player in the region.
Concluding the session, Prof. Edward Bbaale reaffirmed Makerere’s ability to run this Office when established as the University has human resources in multidisciplinary research, global credibility and working relationships with many organisations and institutions on the continent and far.
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