General
Mak-UC Berkeley-Pathfinder Set To Promote PHE Research & Policy in Uganda
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Wednesday, 27th June 2018 held discussions with the University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)’s Dr. Robin Marsh and Pathfinder International Uganda’s Ms. Nakajubi Jackline on the possibility of integrating the Population, Health and Environment (PHE) approach in Makerere University’s curricular, research and student projects. Dr. Marsh is a Senior Researcher/Socio-Economist with the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues (ISSI), UC Berkeley while Ms. Nakajubi is Pathfinder’s Health of People and Environment in the Lake Victoria Basin (HoPE LVB) Project Coordinator.
Giving a preamble to the discussion, The Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Dr. Eria Hisali noted that the work currently being done by UC Berkely and Pathfinder under the PHE HoPE-LVB project in Mayuge and Wakiso Districts is important to Uganda and as such would greatly benefit students and the community when integrated into the Makerere curriculum.
“We have deliberated on to the possibility integrating PHE into our graduate programmes in a phased approach. PHE is a very multidisciplinary as it touches on Public Health, Gender Studies, Environment, Statistics, Environmental Health, One Health among others” said Dr. Hisali.
He therefore thanked Dr. Marsh and Ms. Nakajubi for reaching out to Makerere University and hoped that the PHE integration would receive the full support of Senate and Management.
Speaking as a socio-economist with over 25 years of experience with a keen interest in how agriculture interacts with the environment, gender equality and reproductive health, Dr. Marsh thanked the Vice Chancellor and staff present for sparing time to discuss the proposed intiative.
“I have taught in the field of Population, Environment and Development at UC Berkeley's College of Natural Resources for over fourteen years. I also coordinate our PHE work in East Africa, supported by Pathfinder International under which we run student practicums for graduate students” Dr. Marsh shared.
She added that the student practicums offer UC Berkeley students the opportunity to work with peers from Makerere University and the University of Dar-es-Saaam, “which enhances two-way learning as the students support each other on ongoing research projects.”
To facilitate PHE integration into the curriculum, Dr. Marsh shared that a two-day Interdisciplinary Faculty Workshop is being proposed for early November; so as to coincide with the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) scheduled to take place from 12th to 15th November in Kigali, Rwanda. The proposed workshop will give faculty the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the PHE conceptual framework and current projects, as well as review the curricula of existing courses with the intent of incorporating PHE content.
At the country level, the National PHE Strategy has already been drafted and is expected to be approved this year, with the Ministry of East African Community Affairs as the host and coordinating body, taking into consideration the importance of Lake Victoria to the EAC member countries. Ms. Nakajubi further shared that Pathfinder International Uganda and its partners would work with the National Population Council (NPC) as the lead technical agency to help implement the strategy.
In his remarks, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed Dr. Marsh and Ms. Nakajubi to Makerere University and thanked them for sharing their proposal. “This is a very wonderful initiative especially as Population, Health and Environment issues deeply impact every single Ugandan community.”
Citing recent reports that put Uganda’s population estimate at 100million by 2030, Prof. Nawangwe expressed fear that this was a disaster waiting to happen unless measures were taken to adequately plan for increased food production and health provision, especially in the wake of climate change and increasing incidences of diseases such as ebola.
“The rate at which the current population is destroying the environment is alarming! As the population increases, this can only get worse. On the PHE front, almost every discipline in the University has a role to play and as such, Makerere, through the Department of Population Studies would love to take lead in making a contribution” remarked Prof. Nawangwe before reassuring the team of the University Management’s full support for the initiative.
The meeting was attended by the Dean School of Women and Gender Studies-Dr. Sarah Ssali, Head Department of Population Studies-Dr. Cyprian Misinde and Mr. Mfitumukiza David, Climate Adaptation Specialist, Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI),
Article by Public Relations Office
As part of her efforts to familiarize herself with the offices under her docket, the newly appointed First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, has embarked on a series of visits to different units that report to her office. One of these is the Makerere University Press (MakPress), which she visited today on 21st of October 2025, on a courtesy call. She was received by the Managing Editor for MakPress, Dr. William Tayeebwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Previously, MakPress operated jointly with the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) before becoming a standalone entity. Accompanying Prof. Ssali on this visit were Prof. Julius Kikooma, the Director of DGT, and Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, the Acting Manager of the International Relations Office.
During her visit to MakPress, Prof. Sarah Ssali commended the Unit for its progress and partnerships while emphasizing the need to strengthen collaboration with key institutions such as the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), the Ministry of Education and Sports, and other universities. She encouraged the Press to explore practical working models, including leveraging external expertise and streamlining its printing processes to enhance efficiency. Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring fair contractual terms with partners, and maintaining transparency in publishing agreements. She advised that Makerere University Press should position itself strategically by producing high-quality academic materials that serve both national and international audiences. Additionally, she urged the team to adopt a more consistent publication schedule—launching books quarterly or biannually—and to organize events where authors can engage directly with readers, scholars, and policymakers. Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the administration’s support toward building a stronger, more vibrant university press that effectively contributes to research dissemination, academic dialogue, and national development.
During the courtesy visit, Dr. William Tayeebwa highlighted the milestones and ongoing projects at the Press. He spoke about the growing partnerships with institutions such as the University of Chicago Press, the University of California Press, and the African Books Collective, which have enhanced both local and international visibility of Makerere’s publications. “Why make a university press when you have Makerere University Press”, Dr. Tayeebwa said urging public universities to utilize MakPress. Dr. Tayeebwa also shared that the Press has republished several titles, launched new book projects, and developed a digital platform that enables readers to access and purchase books online. However, he pointed out a number of challenges affecting the Press’s operations, including inadequate funding, limited printing capacity at the university printery, and delays that often affect the timely release of publications. He further noted the difficulty of accessing generated funds due to bureaucratic procedures, space and infrastructure limitations, and the continued confusion between the roles of the Press and the printery. Despite these challenges, Dr. Tayeebwa reaffirmed the commitment of his team to strengthen Makerere University Press as a central pillar in advancing research dissemination and academic publishing.
Makerere University Retirement Benefit Scheme (MURBS) has presented its performance of Financial Year 2024/2025 to the sponsor, the University Council and other stakeholders on 21st of October in the Telepresence Centre, Senate building. MURBS which is a Mandatory Employer-Based Scheme was established by Makerere University under an irrevocable trust effective 1st April 2009 to provide retirement benefits to employees of Makerere University.
Council applauds MURBS Performance
In her remarks at the presentation, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, commended the Scheme’s steady progress and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to safeguarding staff welfare. She noted that MURBS has grown into a trusted, transparent, and professionally managed scheme that continues to strengthen confidence among staff. Mrs. Magara praised the Board of Trustees for their prudent management and governance, describing their work as not merely financial stewardship but the protection of the hopes and futures of Makerere families. She urged continued focus on member education, digital service delivery, and sustainable fund growth, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to build a lasting legacy of trust and financial wellbeing for all university employees.
MURBS demonstrates liquidity and resilience amid a volatile economy
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) for its continued growth, accountability, and prudent management. She applauded the Scheme’s record fund value of UGX 475 billion and its unqualified audit opinion from KPMG, describing these milestones as clear evidence of transparency and sound governance. Prof. Ssali reaffirmed Makerere University’s full commitment as the Scheme’s sponsor, noting the progress made in clearing historical arrears and supporting MURBS operations. She praised the Board’s disciplined investment strategy—particularly its diversification into unit trusts and near-cash assets—which has enhanced liquidity and resilience amid a volatile economy. Highlighting MURBS as a model of good governance and accountability, Prof. Ssali emphasized that a reliable retirement scheme not only secures staff futures but also strengthens motivation, productivity, and institutional excellence.
Embrace digital transformation – URBRA urges
From Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), the Manager Market Conduct, Mr. Mark Lotukei commended MURBS for its continued commitment to compliance, member education, and sectoral excellence. He highlighted that the Authority has been focusing its trainings on strengthening trustees’ capacity, with recent sessions covering strategic tax planning to help schemes minimize liabilities and safeguard members’ funds. Mr. Lotukei further announced upcoming trainings on benefits administration, stakeholder roles, and the contribution of pension funds to infrastructure and economic development. Emphasizing the evolving nature of the pension landscape, he urged trustees to embrace digital transformation, improve communication with members, and promote sustainable and innovative investment strategies. He concluded by reaffirming URBRA’s commitment to supporting MURBS and other schemes, assuring stakeholders of the Authority’s openness to continued collaboration and guidance.
Fund Value Hits Record UGX 475 billion
In his presentation on the performance, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Michael Kizito, highlighted the Scheme’s continued growth, prudent financial management, and commitment to transparency. He reported that MURBS’ total assets had risen to UGX 475 billion, up from UGX 409 billion the previous year, reflecting strong investment performance and effective governance. Dr. Kizito commended the University management for timely remittances and reaffirmed the Board’s focus on sound risk management, diversification, and member satisfaction. He acknowledged the dedication of the trustees, staff, and service providers, noting that their collective effort has positioned MURBS for sustainable success. Looking ahead, he emphasized the Scheme’s intention to strengthen alternative investments and optimize operations to deliver even greater value to members and stakeholders.
The presentation of the performance of the scheme is one of the activities leading to the Annual General Meeting and it is done to management and the Sponsor of MURBS. The presentation, which attracted several key stakeholders including members of the University Council and representatives from Stanbic Bank and Old Mutual, concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi. The session provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarity on the Scheme’s performance, governance practices, and investment strategies, fostering transparency and open dialogue between the MURBS leadership and its partners. MURBS is licensed by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (License No. RBS.0005).
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