The Chief Executive Officer of Nice House of Plastics and Chairperson of Uganda Manufacturer Association, Ms Barbara Mulwana, has advised university students to engage in innovative ways of job creation. This was during the 9th Pakasa Forum held on Thursday 11th October 2018; to give young entrepreneurs skills on how to start business and survive in a competitive business environment. Organized under the theme Unlocking Students’ Potential, the 9th PAKASA Forum was hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University and Vision Group Ltd.
Speaking to thousands of students in the CoBAMS Auditorium, Ms. Barbara Mulwana who was the keynote speaker of the day said that young people should believe in starting small, with the available financial means and lay strategies for purposes of growth in business. According to Ms. Mulwana, innovation is key in running a successful enterprise. She therefore urged students to always think outside the box and be innovative so as to be job creators.
“Have values for your business, remember that success takes time and there is no short cut. Part of what makes entrepreneurs fail both in the short and long run is thinking that they always have to venture into something that has been explored by several other entrepreneurs who have actually secured the biggest share of the market,” she stated.
The Deputy Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation Lt. Gen. Charles Angina encouraged students to explore the virgin sector of Agricultural Tourism and tap into the opportunities of branding and packaging agricultural products. He also noted that students need to be organised into dynamic, loyal, visionary groups ready to give accountability in order to secure government funds for their projects.
“Stop despising Agri-businesses because agriculture is one of the key drivers of Uganda’s economy and a lucrative venture,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer, Vision Group Mr. Robert Kabushenga, urged students to embrace the business world and prepare themselves of the future where more technology than human labour will be required to do work. He appealed to students to be open-minded, think creatively, have empathy and be innovative.
The Principal CoBAMS, Dr. Eria Hisali appreciated the idea of engaging students in business and entrepreneurship talks, saying that said that such initiatives link students to successful entrepreneurs who can uplift their potential.
He thanked Vision Group and other partners for the support they offered to organize the Pakasa Forum and called for continued support to all Makerere University’s activities.
The Pakasa Forum Panelists also included:
Ms. Grace Nalugwa, the Co-founder of St. Lawrence Infant school Kagoma and winner of the 2016 Pakasa Entrepreneurship awards. She is a founding member and General Secretary of Nurture Entrepreneurship Uganda an umbrella body for all Pakasa Awardees.
Ms. Namara Ruth pursing a Bachelors in Business Administration specializing in Entrepreneurship at Makerere University. Ms. Namara works in a family owned bakery, which she has been a part of since she was 15 years old. She started her own micro business known as Friends Confectionery which she has since expanded through social media marketing. She has been able to pay her hostel fees and provide school requirements for her siblings through this micro business.
Mr. Ezra Kirigwajjo, pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration specializing in Entrepreneurship at Makerere University. He is a jack of all trades and has been able to use his experience from a family owned butchery to start up several micro businesses. The businesses of employ 4 staff members and range from a poultry farm with over 1000 birds, a gaming center, a video library to a restaurant.
The 9th Pakasa Forum will be crowned by the 3rd Annual Entrepreneurship Students Expo at the Makerere University Freedom Square on Friday, 12th October 2018. The Expo will enhance students’ learning and application of knowledge. Over 1,500 university students are expected to showcase innovative ideas grouped under 200 businesses.
Article by: Rachael Kanyi and Esther Joyce Nakibombo, Communication Volunteers-Mak Public Relations Office
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.