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MakRun2018: The Push Towards a Centre that Reflects Dynamism of the 21st Century Student

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On Sunday, 25th March 2018, thousands of participants comprising staff, students, alumni, friends and well-wishers assembled in the Freedom Square for the Makerere University Endowment Fund Run (MakRun) 2018. The Second Edition of the MakRun started with aerobics by 6:00am and at exactly 7:00am, the Chief Runner, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Ow'ekitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga who is also an alumnus of the University flagged off the 5km, 10km and 15km route runners.

Accompanied by the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi and Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Sorowen, Owe’kitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga appealed to the public and private sector to support Makerere University’s efforts to construct a Students’ Centre.  

L-R: The Katikkiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. William Bazeyo join runners in the dawn stretches before the MakRun2018 flag-off

“I call upon all those who have passed through Makerere University to embrace the cause so that we build for the future of our university. I am confident that together, we can set up a multipurpose facility for our students,” he said.

MakRun is geared towards mobilizing funds for the construction of a Students’ Centre worth UGX15billion, to enhance the quality of student life and experience.
The Centre will serve as a congregation point that reflects dynamism of the 21st century student in the digital age. It will be a one stop Student Information Centre with a 2,000 seater state-of-the-art Auditorium and Wall of Fame. The centre will also accommodate conference facilities, cafeterias, internet kiosks, memorabilia shops, bookshops, recreational sports arena as well as entertainment and social areas.

A student with disability shortly after crossing the finishing line. The proposed Students Centre will provide access for persons with disability

The Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) selected the Students’ Centre as its inaugural project. The Centre reflects solid commitment to improving the students’ academic experience and the quality of life generated by the environment conducive for learning and networking while at the University. It will correct the imbalance in access to socio-cultural amenities that was created by the increase in student numbers.

Addressing participants in the Freedom Square, the MakEF Chairperson Dr. Martin Jerome Aliker expressed his joy at the massive turn-up for the MakRun 2018 when he said, “your participation is an affirmation that there is a spirit of togetherness for the benefit of Makerere University. We believe that bringing the staff, students, alumni, friends and well-wishers together to support a common cause is a key milestone in building the culture of philanthropy not only in Makerere University but perhaps as an example for other institutions in Uganda.
Let me hope that the seed we have sown will germinate to bear fruit.”

MakEF Board Chairperson Dr. Martin Aliker (C) flanked by Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Senior PRO-Ms. Ritah Namisango (L) addresses the press shortly after MakRun2018

According to Dr. Martin Aliker, the Student’s Centre in any university is a key landmark for students’ life.  He therefore called upon all alumni, stakeholders and well-wishers to continue mobilizing support towards the Students Centre Project.

“The Centre will provide a platform for Makerere University Students to network, socialize and meet friends which is our priority number one. If every alumnus of Makerere University living in Uganda contributed UGX10,000/= towards the Mak Students’ Centre in addition to participating in the Mak Run every year,  the project would be completed in 5 years,” he added.

Dr. Martin Aliker (2nd L) congratulates Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd R) upon the successful MakRun2018 as Prof. William Bazeyo (L) and Dr. Florence Nakayiwa (R) witness

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the Katikkiro of Buganda for officiating at the Second Edition of the Makerere University Endowment Fund Run 2018. “the Katikkiro has demonstrated that we each have a role to play in as far as building for the future is concerned, irrespective of age, societal or economic standing. No contribution is too big or too small. At the end of the day, the Students Centre will be built brick by brick. So bring your brick or two, ask your friends to bring theirs’ too and together we shall make this dream come true,” said the Vice Chancellor.

He also applauded Katikkiro for granting Makerere University access to all the Buganda Kingdom resources during the time of publicising the MakRun 2018. Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged that the support granted by the Katikkiro went a long way in garnering the support of Buganda Kingdom subjects and residents of Central Uganda to join the University in the Run.

University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare (in white) receives a sticker from an official upon reaching the checkpoint at Mulago Roundabout during MakRun2018

“Thank you so much for not only displaying exceptional philanthropy but also running the talk. Makerere University takes cognisance of all Buganda Kingdom’s development projects aimed at improving the livelihood of all your subjects and residents. I therefore reiterate Makerere University’s commitment to partner with Buganda Kingdom in its development work, so that we can leverage all our human, intellectual and technical resources to improve the wellbeing of the communities that we exist to serve,” added Prof. Nawangwe.

In the same spirit, the Vice Chancellor applauded the MakEF Board of Trustees under the leadership of Dr. Aliker for initiating the idea of organising a Run to mobilize funds and construct a students’ Centre at Makerere University. He saluted the 5km, 10km and 5km route runners for the spirit of love shown towards the University.

Ethiopian and Namibian runners who took part in MakRun2018 fly their national flags shortly after completing their respective races

Prof. Nawangwe also acknowledged all the support received from stakeholders, funders and sponsors.  On behalf of the University Management, he applauded the MakRun2018 Organising Committee; chaired by Dr. Florence Nakayiwa-Director, Planning and Development Department, for putting together a successful run.

Last year, Makerere University Endowment Fund organised the first-ever MakRun; officially flagged off by the Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, which raised a total sum of UGX 247,845,000 (two hundred forty seven million eight hundred forty five thousand Uganda Shillings) in cash and pledges. The MakRun 2018 ran concurrently with a blood donation drive organised by the Rotary Club of Kampala City Makerere in conjunction with the Nakasero Blood Bank.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (6th R), Prof. William Bazeyo (4th R) and Dr. Florence Nakayiwa (3rd L) pose with medal recipients who included the University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare (5th R) and Madam Nakayiza (5th L)

The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. William Bazeyo commended participants, champions, sponsors and partners for their contribution towards the success of MakRun 2018. This year’s event climaxed with an awards ceremony where the Vice Chancellor handed over medals to the winners of the 5km, 10km and 15km races, while Dr. Martin Aliker handed over certificates to the sponsors and partners.

The medal recipients at MakRun 2018 were; Madam Nakayiza and Mpende John William who emerged the best female and male runners respectively in the old age category, as well as University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare, Ms. Namubiru Noeline, Mr. Kibadde Muhamed and Mr. Amanya Gilbert for the 5km race. For the 10km race, medal recipients were; the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)-Dr. Eria Hisali, Mr. Silver Saiga Alex, Mr. Abdul Zeid, Ms. Nakato Jennifer and Ms. Chamtei Fibia.  For the 15km race, the winning team comprised Ms. Veronica Nasaka, Ms. Nabbumba Maayi, Mr. Ategeka Brian and Mr. Ssebbumba Gonzaga.

Mr. Mpende John William who was the MakRun2018 best male in the elders category, flanked by his grandchildren receives his medal from Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) as Prof. William Bazeyo (2nd L) and Ms. Ritah Namisango (R) witness. Mr. Mpende came all the way from Buwama to show his support for Makerere University

Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Public Relations Office.

 

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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