General
3rd FISU WUNC Unwrapped in a Spectacular Way
The 3rd FISU (International University Sports Federation) World University Netball Championship (WUNC) slated to run from Monday, 17th to Friday, 21st September 2018 kicked off with a mega opening ceremony in the Makerere University Freedom Square. Officially opened on17th September 2018, by the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by the State Minister for Sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, the colorful ceremony was graced by both international and national delegates, invited guests, staff and students, as well as teams from the participating countries.
By 6:00pm (EAT), the Freedom Square was teeming guests all eager to witness the long awaited games officially being unveiled in Uganda. The opening ceremony started in earnest with the participating teams making a match pass amidst deafening cheers from the audience and resounding drums of Ndere Troupe. The FISU flag was then presented to the guests as a symbol of acceptance to kick-off the competitions and thereafter hoisted by the Uganda Police Force alongside the Uganda flag. Ms. Atieno Suzan and Ms. Thulie Retshabile took the oaths on behalf of participants and technical team of the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championships respectively.
In a speech read by the State Minister for Sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, the President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni applauded the FISU Committee for attributing the 3rd World University Netball Championship to Uganda. He commended Makerere University, the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) and the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) for ensuring that Uganda hosts the Championship successfully.
“Hosting the World University Netball Championship is a sign of development in sports as a country. On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to local, regional and international sports organizations and institutions that have journeyed with us while nurturing the Uganda’s Sports field,” he said.
The President welcomed the international guests to Uganda; the Pearl of Africa, and encouraged them to visit the some of the numerous tourism sites before they return to their home countries. “Uganda is renowned worldwide for its remarkable flora and fauna, beautiful environment, hospitable people with cultural diversity. I therefore encourage you to visit some our tourism sites before you leave,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the international delegates to Uganda and Makerere University in particular. He congratulated AUUS for winning the bid to host the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018.
“Hosting the game, has not only elevated Makerere University’s brand and image around the world but also presented us with an opportunity to own a world-class sports facility that can host over 2000 participants. I acknowledge the funders, Sponsors and the Organizing committee for enabling this dream to become a reality. I applaud the UPDF Engineering Brigade for constructing the Makerere University Arena in the shortest time possible,” he said.
“In the same spirit, I appreciate the team that entrusted me with the position of being the President of the Local Organizing Committee, a position that has opened my eyes to the world of netball,” he added.
Mr. Liberty Maidza, the FISU Representative thanked the Government of Uganda for hosting the 3rd World University Netball Championships. “This is the second time the championships are organized in Africa, the first one was in 2014, where South Africa organized the inauguration ceremonies of the games,” he mentioned.
He commended participants for their passion for netball and encouraged them to use the opportunity of the games to network and front their abilities.
Guests were then treated to a glamorous performance by the Ndere Troupe with a spice of art and Ugandan cultural dances and instruments. They were also astonished by the creativity of the Youth Development Network which added color to the cultural atmosphere with a Hindu performance. Geusts were also rocked by Vinka, one of the leading artists in Uganda. The event climaxed with a brilliant display of fireworks that officially ushered the guest and participants into the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championships 2018.
Article by Mak Public Relations Office
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
-
General2 weeks agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoRe-Advertised Call for Applications: QCF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma Holders Admission Lists under Government Sponsorship for 2026/2027 AY
-
Education2 weeks agoProf. Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Lecture Re-ignites debate on learner-centred reforms
-
Education2 weeks agoSpecial University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27