General
MakRun2018: The Push Towards a Centre that Reflects Dynamism of the 21st Century Student
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.
“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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Public Relations Office.
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
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.
“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.”
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.
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
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