General
Mak support staff trained in customer care, sustainable investment and retirement planning
On 25th October 2018, the National Union of Educational Institutions of Uganda (NUEI)-Makerere University Branch with support of the University Management organized a workshop to train Makerere University Support Staff on improving customer care services. Officially opened by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the one-day workshop introduced participants to sustainable investment ideas and viable procedures of planning for their retirement.
The Vice Chancellor thanked Makerere University Support Staff for serving the University diligently. He urged staff to have a positive attitude towards their jobs and encouraged them to handle university customers with respect and care. “Students are our number one customers; we should therefore handle them with respect. Next on the list are the parents, visitors, collaborators among others,” said the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe encouraged staff to market and promote Makerere University’s achievements when he said, “Makerere University belongs to all of us. We are the University, we must therefore protect its reputation and image. What we do will either lift its name or tarnish it.”
The Director of Human Resources, Mr. Andrew Abuyang appealed to staff to perform their duties with commitment and humility. “We should be proud of the organization that we are working with, be able to defend it. Most of us derive our livelihoods from here,” he explained.
The Chairperson of the National Union of Educational Institutions of Uganda (NUEI)-Makerere University Branch Mr. Twesigye Bruce emphasized the need to promote and recognize outstanding workers. According to him, this will increase productivity and efficiency among staff.
The well attended workshop, kicked off with a presentation from Hajati Sharifa Buzeki, Commissioner of Human Resource Management, Ministry of Public Service on proper customer care services. According to Hajati Buzeki, customer care is a vital element of institution- client relationship and can strongly impact the operations of the institution and its image. It consists of a collective set of policies that govern how the institution and its employees interact with its customers.
Therefore, to win the hearts of customers, she urged support staff to serve the clients with a positive attitude and humility. She also advised them to have respect to customers’ interests, use need technical support and knowledge to enhance the level of customer satisfaction.
“For Institutions like Makerere University to thrive, we should improve on how we handle clients. The Principle of Customer care states that; ‘do to the people what you want to be done to you’. We should therefore deliver well to the people’s expectations. At its core, quality customer service is about making sure our customers feel they are valued, treated fairly and appreciated,” she said.
Taking participants through the viable procedures of planning for their retirement, Mr. Joseph Njuguna, Manager for Scheme Operations at Octagon Uganda Limited said that retirees can easily lose all their benefits from late life experimental investments and can suffer personal life mishaps if they do not plan well for their retirement.
According to Mr. Njuguna, workers tend to perceive retirement more as a distant phenomenon. For many workers, retirement comes as a shock that is hard to contain.
“We need to have a solid plan for our desired lifestyle after retirement. We should make a financial plan, engage our legal officers, think of an income that will sustain us and be able to cater for both our insurance and medical needs. Remember that the more we age, the more we are susceptible to suffer from different illnesses. We should not look at our children as some form of insurance strategy. We need to be able to sustain ourselves with a good degree of independence since we have our retirement benefits as a starting point,” he said.
He demonstrated that about 75% of retirees who are paid lump-sum benefits consume them. He also illustrated that for lump-sum benefits received by retirees and invested in a business, 48% turned out to be unprofitable, 31% had operating profitability, and 21% collapsed.
He introduced members to a new retirement income option of Annuities; designed to protect people from the risk of outliving their income. According to him, Annuity arrangements allow the retiree to have guaranteed income for life or for a convenient number of years after retirement.
“This follows a stipulated premium paid by the person seeking the annuity (annuitant) either through prior instalments or in a single payment, such as a member’s accumulated (prescribed portion or all) benefits upon retirement. Annuities are provided by insurance companies which are licensed to provide this service in accordance with the Law,” he said.
Mr. Njuguna briefed participants on how to create suitable and sustainable businesses. He advised workers to always invest in businesses or services in which they have experience or knowledge. “Being a professor at University, does not guarantee that you are a professor in poultry farming. You need to invest wisely, ensure that the business or investment idea you are undertaking is in line with your knowledge, experience and interest in order to avoid severe losses. Before you start a business, know its challenges,” he advised.
The Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences Prof. Tonny Oyana advised staff to use the financial wisdom given by God when investing in businesses. “God designed us to thrive and gave us a business model. God says if you are hardworking, He will reward you and if you are lazy you will die of poverty. Work hard and plan for yourself and your family,” he said.
Mr. Joseph Musoke, the representative of the support staff on the Makerere University Council, thanked the organizers for the successful workshop. He also appreciated the presenters for the informative and inspirational interactions.
Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Mak 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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