General
Mak Wins best Energy Management Practices Service Sector (Universities) Award
On 31st August 2018, Makerere University received the Best Energy and Management Practices Service Sector (Universities) Award in recognition of undertaking a number of energy management techniques and strategies that have significantly contributed to efficient utilization of energy.
Organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in partnership with GIZ, Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Programme (PREEEP), the Energy Management Awards (EMAs) 2018 held at Pearl of Africa Hotel, attracted a total of 27 large and media scale enterprises including Universities.
Eng. Simon M. Kalanzi from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said that the Energy Management Awards (EMAs) 2018 aimed at promoting responsiveness on energy management among energy intensive facilities as well as helping consumers understand the value of excellence in energy efficiency and conservation. Eng. Kalanzi revealed that a technical committee of Seven (7) members identified by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development evaluated the Expression of Interest and informed those who qualified to participate in the Awards.
What stood out for Makerere University?
According to Eng. Christina Kakeeto, the Estates and Works Department submitted a number of energy management practices undertaken by Makerere University. The practices illustrated how the institution embarked on various practices aimed at reducing high energy consumption.
“Two years back, we could switch on and off the street lights manually. But this act was both time and energy consuming. We had to go light by light to ensure that they are either switched on or off,” she explained.
Eng. Kakeeto explained that Makerere University introduced the automated street lighting system that has enabled the institution to automatically switch on and off the lights at specific time intervals. She highlighted that the University installed low consuming security lights around campus.
“Previously, we had high energy consuming security lights of 250 watts per light. However, using the phased approach, we have replaced these lights with a number of lower consuming fittings of 56watt flood lights, 108watt flood lights, 125watt sodium lights and 150 watt LED Security lights,” she mentioned.
The Assistant Estates Manager Mr. Darius Muwanguzi said that the Estates and Works Department has carried out regular energy audits with the involvement of user units especially those with high consuming energy records in order to come up with energy saving opportunities as well as recommendations on the best energy management practices.
“Working with other partners, we have also staged various campaigns to create awareness and sensitize our fellow staff and students on how we can reduce high consumption of energy in the University. We believe that energy conservation can reduce on our expenditure,” he said.
In his congratulatory remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the team in Estates and Works Department for implementing innovative energy management practices that have been recognized by the Government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The Vice Chancellor pledged to continue championing the implementation of best energy management practices in the University.
The Makerere University Award was received by the Director of Estates and Works, Eng. Christina Kakeeto in the company of Mr. Darius Muwanguzi – Assistant Estates Manager, Dr. Florence Nakayiwa- Director Planning and Development Department; Mr. Yusuf Kiranda- Deputy University Secretary; Mr. Paul Sabakaaki-Manager in charge of the Electrical Section, Estates and Works Department, Ms. Caroline Namutosi-Civil Engineer, Estates and Works Department; Ms. Ritah Namisango-Principal Public Relations Officer; Mr. Gordon Murangira-Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor and Ms. Proscovia Nabatte- Assistant Communication Officer.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.
Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.
He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.
In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.
“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.
She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.
“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.
She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”
The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
On Thursday, 11th September 2025, there was joy and ululations as Makerere University officially welcomed 236 new Scholars, 206 under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and 30 under the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative.
This follows the December 2023 renewal of the partnership between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation, which will enable 1,000 young women and men to receive quality, inclusive education at Makerere over the next decade.
During the joint scholarship award ceremony held in the Main Building, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, in remarks delivered by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, urged scholars to approach the opportunity with diligence and purpose.
“Equip yourself to conquer the world with confidence! Your resilience and ability to think critically will be put to the test. Stay true to your values, the values of Makerere University, and the values of Mastercard Foundation,” Prof. Nawangwe noted.
He further cautioned the Scholars to uphold the University’s regulations as they navigate their academic journey and expressed gratitude to the Foundation for renewing the partnership for a further ten years and launching the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative.
Rigorous Selection Process
According to Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Chairperson of the Scholars’ Selection Sub-Committee, this year’s selection was highly competitive and lasted nearly six months.
“For undergraduate scholarships, the Program received 2,559 applications for 290 slots. Of these, 568 were shortlisted for interviews, 407 validated and 194 ultimately selected (142 female and 52 male),” Prof. Okumu said.
He further explained that for graduate (Master’s) scholarships, there were 784 applicants for 11 slots. 64 were shortlisted, 28 validated, and 12 successful.
The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative attracted 190 Master’s degree applicants, with 30 selected (20 female and 10 male).
Behind these numbers are stories of resilience and courage: 73% of the new Scholars are women; 45 are refugees; 22 are persons with disabilities; and 14 are international students from Rwanda, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. The cohort represents 67 districts of Uganda and 17 refugee settlements,” Prof. Okumu noted.
Words of Encouragement
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation, urged the Scholars to embrace resilience as the foundation of their journeys.
“How you start is not necessarily how you will finish. You belong here, and you earned this scholarship. Take on the responsibility of leadership by developing yourself to uplift your community,” he said.
In her remarks, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Director, emphasized that the partnership’s goal is to expand inclusive university education and nurture youth into transformative leaders.
During the award ceremony, Prof Namaalwa, who was overjoyed, explained that of the 1,000 scholarships available from 2024 to 2034, 70% are reserved for women and 30% for men.
“The 206 Scholars recruited in Cohort 8 mark 30.6% of the renewed phase’s target, bringing the total to 1,338 Scholars supported since 2013,” Prof. Namaalwa said.
Scholars and Parents Speak Out
Speaking on behalf of Cohort 8, Scholars, Mungurumo Stephen described the opportunity of being awarded the Mastercard Foundation scholarship as life-changing.
“Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about transformation. Our backgrounds do not define our future; they prepare us to recognise success when it arrives. We are here not just for ourselves but to light the way for others and contribute to Africa’s transformation,” he said.
Liong Annet Sworo, a scholar pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Technology from Parolinya Refugee Settlement, added:
“Receiving this scholarship has reignited our hopes and ambitions. For many of us who have faced educational interruptions, this is not just an opportunity but a stepping stone to elevate our aspirations.”
Read more here: Mak Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website
Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the Communications Team for the Scholars Program at Makerere University.
-
General1 week agoMastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM Centre Makerere, Graduates Second Cohort of Certificate in Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM Centre of Excellence Steering Committee Charts Way Forward
-
Health1 week agoEkyaalo Diagnostics; Johns Hopkins University Partners with Makerere and MUST to Advance AI Innovation for Breast Cancer Diagnosis
-
Health1 week agoVectorCam Project; Makerere, Johns Hopkins, and MoH to Scale Up AI-Powered Malaria Surveillance across Uganda