A delegation of six led by the President of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU), Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien, on Wednesday, 10th October 2018 visited Makerere University and paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor. They were received by on behalf of Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by the Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, The Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Tonny Oyana and the International Office’s Ms. Martha Muwanguzi.
In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien thanked Dr. Okello Ogwang for according the delegation a warm welcome to Makerere University. She shared that her University’s interests are to deepen its cooperation in the educational landscape of developing countries such as Uganda in order to strengthen the long term development of effective educational infrastructure.
“The the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt started the KUganda project in the 2011/2012 period under the name – The Challenge of Education in Uganda and we were able to gather valuable practical experience in the area of urgently required teacher training in a developing country” said Prof. Dr. Gien.
She added that every year, students from KU travel to Uganda where they learn firsthand the challenges affecting pupils and teachers in midst of political upheavals and economic barriers.
“This is why the objective of the project is and has always been to organise workshops and discussion sessions for the teachers in Uganda in which they get the chance for further professional development offered by KU lecturers and teaching degree students” added the President.
KU has eight faculties of; Theology, Philosophy and Education, Languages and Literatures, History and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Geography, Religious Education, Social Work, as well as Economics and Business Administration. The University also has a network of over 250 partner universities in 57 countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania where students spend time studying abroad.
Dr. Okello Ogwang thanked the President and her delegation for their visit and the various activities being undertaken as part of the KUganda project. He observed that KU with the largely Humanities and Social Sciences-based faculties had fertile grounds on which to collaborate with Makerere University.
“Our International Office will follow up with the various academic units to nominate contact persons who will then come up with an overall coordinator to explore immediate and future opportunities of collaboration. I am personally covered under Languages and Literature” remarked the DVCAA.
In the interactions that followed, Thomas Sporer, Director of The Centre of Educational Innovation and Knowledge Transfer at KU shared about the Service Learning in Higher Education project. He explained that Service Learning aims to promote social engagement and academic learning so as to conduct research with society and for society and hoped that the two institutions would collaborate in this area.
In the responses that followed, Prof. Tonny Oyana thanked the President and her delegation for tabling various areas under which Makerere and KU can undertake research and particularly hoped that areas such as Service Learning would be given priority within a year.
In the concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien thanked Makerere University for the warm reception and hoped to use KU’s influence to extend an invitation to the German Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Gerd Müller to visit Makerere.
The KU delegation which was additionally made up of the Chair of Elementary/Primary Education-Prof. Dr. Klaudia Schultheis, Director of the Department of Development and Communication-Dr. Christian Klenk, Chair of Didactics of Religion, Catechetics and Religious Education- Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kropač and Research Advisor-Simone Rieger later on exchanged souvenirs with the DVCAA.
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.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
“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.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.
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.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.
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 Government of Uganda and AFRISA in Collaboration with Makerere University invites applicants for Diploma and Certificate programs tenable at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB).
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Maggie Kigozi shows her support for #MakRun2025.
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
Mr. Mark Muyobo makes his remarks at the press conference.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
Runners get flagged off for an evening run after the unveiling ceremony.
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) and Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) pose with the signed MoU.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.