General
Trustees Commended as MURBS Registers 17% Record Return on Investment
Countless commendations from Management, Scheme Members and the Regulator – Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) representatives poured in as the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) gave details of the 17% rate of return on members’ opening balances as at 1st July 2017. This was at the 8th MURBS Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday, 24th October 2018 in the Main Hall.
“On behalf of the University Management and the Director Human Resources, I would like to appreciate the MURBS Board of Trustees (BoT) for a job well done. Last week, MURBS organised a Joint Press Conference with the University Leadership at which the Chairperson Council-Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem praised the Board of Trustees upon the stewardship that led to the declaration of 17% return on investment,” remarked Mrs. Dorothy Senoga-Zake.
Mrs. Senoga-Zake further remarked that the Human Resources Directorate was in constant receipt of positive reports from retirees whose benefits were processed on time. “I also thank MURBS for promptly updating member statements and as a member, I am constantly aware of the monies deposited on my account,” she added.
She however expressed surprise that only six hundred out of the approximately four thousand scheme members are registered on the online portal according to the MURBS Annual Report. She therefore urged the unregistered members to expressly approach the Scheme Office and take advantage of this service so as to receive notifications of deposits and quickly follow up on any unremitted funds.
Speaking on behalf of the Regulator – URBRA, Ms. Lisa Betty Oyella commended the MURBS Board of Trustees for once again putting up a tremendous performance leading to the declaration of a 17% sector high return. She also lauded MURBS’ commitment to implementing all URBRA recommendations and effecting policies that improve the Scheme’s efficiency.
“MURBS is a very cooperative team and we commend them for always sparing time to participate in URBRA activities. We held a Trustee Training earlier today, where we needed Trustee from an exemplary scheme in the sector to speak to participants and were happy when Dr. John Kitayimbwa agreed to make a presentation despite the short notice. Please note that his willingness to join us was in the midst of preparing for this AGM,” lauded Ms. Oyella.
She also thanked the scheme members for attending the 8th AGM, noting that the annual gatherings present a platform where the regulator can interact with them and take note of matters arising. These notes, she said, can then be used to make recommendations to the BoT to help improve scheme operations.
Upon registering for 8th AGM, members were handed a copy of the MURBS Annual Report for the year ended 30th June 2018. Prominently displayed on the cover page is a photograph of a beaming retiree, former Dean, and prolific publisher of the School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Prof. David Musoke Serwadda.
“I was completely stunned that I received my retirement benefits within two weeks of submitting my application. I immediately invested my money and I now earn a monthly income from it – EXCELLENT SERVICE!” reads a caption in the Annual Report attributed to Prof. Serwadda.
The Chairperson MURBS Board of Trustees, Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi in his remarks shared that the scheme had paid out benefits amounting to UGX3.79billion to exiting members during the financial year ended 30th June 2018, compared to UGX3.22billion the previous year.
“Our target of paying out benefits to members under normal retirement is thirteen working days upon receipt of the application form and complete paperwork. I am glad to report that during the financial year 2017/2018, we paid out benefits on average within six days.
"I would also like to report that in the course of the last financial year, we paid out death benefits amounting to UGX132million in respect of ten members” said the Chairperson.
Mr. Naigambi also informed the AGM that MURBS had launched the Departmental Ambassadors Programme, which was another first of clear succession planning in Uganda’s Retirement Benefits sector. Officially launched on 27th February 2018, the Ambassadors Programme membership quickly grew to forty two as at 30th June 2018. Ambassadors have since appointment undergone training in the basics of managing retirement benefits schemes and been closely exposed to MURBS operations, through participation in Trustee meetings and Board activities.
“As part of strategies to secure the retirement of our members, MURBS has started awareness programmes to popularise the annuity payment option as a viable alternative to the current lump sum payment. We believe that the annuity option is a better way of ensuring that our members have a regular income after retiring from service, and our Departmental Ambassadors have been trained on the same” added the Chairperson.
In accordance with the Board Charter; the performance of the MURBS BoT was evaluated for the period 1st July 2017 to 30th June 2018 by an independent consultant; J. Samuel Richards and Associates Certified Public Accountants. Reading the results of the evaluation on behalf of the consultant, Mr. Robert Katuntu, CPA, reported that the BoT demonstrates a high degree of competence, due skill and care in managing MURBS.
“MURBS operations are to a great extent compliant with applicable laws and regulations, as well as the Scheme’s governance policies and procedures and, majority of the Scheme’s members are satisfied with the Board’s performance” read Mr. Katuntu from part of the evaluation.
The Scheme’s Independent Auditors; KPMG Certified Public Accountants, also gave MURBS a clean bill of health. “In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme as at 30th June 2018, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standars, the financial provisions of the Scheme Trust Deed and Rules and Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Act, 2011” read Mr. Wilson Kayindi on behalf of KPMG.
Prior to discussion of the Scheme’s financial reports, the 8th AGM’s emcees; MURBS’ Principal Pension Officer-Ms. Susan Khaitsa and Mr. David Ddumba Walakira recognised the presence of the Director Internal Audit-Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Chairperson Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA)-Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, Chairperson Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA)-Mr. Vincent Abigaba and University Imaam- Hajji Sam Ahmad Ssentongo. Also recognised were URBRA Officials Mr. Davis Mbuga and Ms. Janet Iremera.
Dr. Kitayimbwa kicked off his moderation of the discussion by recognising the presence of the Bank of Uganda’s Mr. Allan Betabe, CFA, who guides the MURBS BoT on Investments. Responding to one of the questions from the audience on the fate of some members’ unremitted funds in terms of benefiting from the 17% record return, he explained that investments made by MURBS are only on the basis of funds received, as per URBRA regulations.
“As mentioned by the Chairperson in his remarks, Court awarded the Scheme UGX23billion as unremitted In-House funds from the University in October 2017, together with an interest of 7% per annum effective 1st April 2009. We are hopeful that we shall secure these monies on behalf of our affected members and proceed to invest them,” explained Dr. Kitayimbwa.
Still on investments, another member questioned why a big percentage of the Scheme’s investments at 65% and 7.1% are allocated to Treasury bonds and Treasury bills respectively, and yet there were other investment vehicles into which funds could be diversified so as to earn higher returns for members. In his response, the Secretary, BoT appreciated the suggestion but reiterated that the spirit of the URBRA Act is to ensure that all Schemes in the sector invest members’ benefits safely.
“The UBRA Act limits asset categories by which schemes can invest funds. Additionally, all fund managers have to be licensed by URBRA. So whereas there are so many riskier but higher returning investment vehicles, MURBS cannot employ their services unless they are recognised as fund managers by the sector regulator URBRA” added the Secretary BoT.
The biggest commendation of the day to MURBS came from the eighty two year old former Professor of Biochemistry at Makerere University, Prof. Edward Kakonge. Speaking softly but authoritatively, Prof. Kakonge sincerely thanked the Board of Trustees for all the great work done in profitably investing members’ benefits, as well as the plans to recover all unremitted funds.
“I was so happy to see my name in the New Vision (published 19th October 2018) among those whose benefits were ready for collection from MURBS,” added Prof. Kakonge.
The Chairperson MURBS BoT thanked all scheme members for the huge turn up at the 8th AGM, and prayed for an even bigger audience at the 9th AGM. He thanked the University Management, URBRA representatives and all service providers for attending the meeting and contributing to the record 17% return.
The total MURBS fund value grew by 36% (UGX37billion), climbing from UGX104.5billion as at 30th June 2017 to UGX142billion as at 30th June 2018, representing the biggest fund growth over the last five years. The growth was mainly driven by; recovery in performance of the equity market, and increase in members’ salaries which in turn increased contributions to the scheme. Payment by the University of UGX10billion owed to the scheme and the vigilance of trustees in pursing an aggressive investment strategy were additional contributors to the growth.
In his closing prayer, University Imam Hajji Ssentongo thanked the Almighty God for according us a bounty of peace and tranquillity during the course of the 8th AGM. He also prayed for divine enablement that the leaders and members of MURBS may be able to achieve the vision, mission and values of the Scheme.
Article by Public Relations Office
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The two-week training programme aims to equip government officers with practical skills to assess project viability, manage investment risks and ensure public resources deliver value for money.
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) is strengthening the capacity of government officers to undertake financial appraisal and risk analysis of public investment projects through a two-week training programme designed to improve the quality of project preparation, appraisal and decision-making in Uganda.
The training, which started in Fort Portal on October 19, 2026, brought together participants from various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside facilitators from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Development Bank.
Officially opening the training on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rigorous project appraisal in strengthening Uganda’s public investment management system.
She noted that projects admitted into the public investment plan must be aligned with national priorities, technically sound, financially viable and capable of delivering value for money.
“Government must be able to compare investment alternatives and ensure that only viable projects proceed through the public investment process,” she emphasised.
Ms Ayebare explained that sound appraisal enables government to make informed investment decisions, maximise returns on public expenditure and ensure that limited public resources are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver development outcomes.
Building practical skills for better investment decisions
The training builds on the Public Investment Management course conducted in June, which introduced participants to Uganda’s public investment management framework, including project conceptualisation, stakeholder analysis, project costing, implementation action plans, the Integrated Bank of Projects, and monitoring and evaluation of public investment reforms.
The current programme advances this foundation by equipping participants with technical competencies in financial appraisal, financial modelling and risk analysis.
Participants will explore integrated investment appraisal, alternative investment criteria, cash-flow statements, inflation and exchange-rate movements, asset valuation, project financing, project scale and timing, risk-sharing arrangements and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will apply these concepts to investment scenarios in sectors such as roads, health, education and water. The programme will also examine how climate change, social considerations and other risks can be integrated into project preparation and appraisal.
Ms Ayebare encouraged participants to engage actively with the facilitators, question the practical application of the tools and consider how the skills acquired could improve investment decisions within their respective institutions.
She also reminded participants that the programme includes an examination and that certification requires more than attendance. Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and acquire practical skills that they can apply in their work.
Reducing dependence on externally prepared studies
A key objective of the training is to strengthen the ability of government institutions to undertake high-quality project appraisal studies using their own technical teams.
Ms Ayebare observed that many studies submitted to the Development Committee have traditionally been prepared by external consultants, often at considerable cost. Building the capacity of public officers to conduct these studies independently can help institutions strengthen their technical expertise and improve the quality of project proposals presented for consideration.
She urged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and return to their institutions equipped to undertake sound financial appraisals and provide evidence-based advice to decision-makers.
She further emphasised that project approval requires thorough preparation, analysis and justification, rather than simply identifying available funding and proposing a project to utilise it.
Strengthening public investment management through capacity development
In his remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE, thanked the Ministry of Finance for its financial support and for identifying participants from government institutions. He also recognised the contributions of the facilitators and partner institutions in delivering the programme.
Prof. Bbaale noted that the Centre’s work extends beyond training to include research and advisory services aimed at improving public investment management practices. He encouraged continued collaboration with government institutions and other partners to advance research, knowledge sharing and capacity development.
Speaking during the training, Dr John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the importance of commitment, active participation and punctuality throughout the programme. He encouraged participants to engage with the facilitators, ask questions and apply the knowledge gained to the projects they support.
Dr Sseruyange also acknowledged the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, for financing the training, and appreciated Cambridge Resources International for its continued support towards improving public investment preparation and analysis in Uganda.
The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system by equipping public officers with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to assess projects rigorously, identify potential risks and make informed investment decisions.
By developing in-house expertise across government institutions, the programme seeks to contribute to better-prepared projects, more efficient use of public resources and improved delivery of Uganda’s development priorities.
President Yoweri K. Museveni while officiating as Chief Guest at the Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium 2026: Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue at Makerere University called upon the audience not to merely hold Nyerere’s Legacy as a historical footprint but as a masterplan for the future that remains unfinished. Organised by the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), the symposium was a two day event that started with “ekyooto” on 13th October at the JNLC gardens and climaxed on 14th October in Freedom Square. The second day hinged on the theme: Borrowing from the Past, Building the Future.
In the President’s message delivered by Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, the president spotlighted, “Mwalimu Nyerere as the greatest African that ever lived in terms of contribution to the African people’s efforts for freedom, human rights, and dignity.”
This greatness, he notes, spilled not just to political ideals but also to economics and security. The President agreed with him and warned that “freedom without economic transformation and economic prosperity, without a robust strategic security, remains incomplete.”
Reaching out to the younger generation of scholars and leaders, the President issued a strong warning to move beyond simply remembering Nyerere to action. He said, “you must carry forward the torch of pan-Africanism, reject sectarianism and tribalism, build our regional markets, and champion the total political integration of our motherland.”
He appreciated Mwalimu for his; unwavering support for the struggle of the East African Federation, courageous backing of the armed anti-colonial struggles in the southern half of Africa, principled and decisive support for the anti-Idi Amin struggle, pro-people and pro-unity policies that kept Tanzania peaceful for decades, and ensuring that Tanzania remained a strategic rear base for the entire African resistance.
As a believer in Nyerere’s ideals, the President urged the audience to honor Mwalimu “not merely through commemorative speeches, but through completing the historical task of uniting, defending, and prospering our motherland,” for the motive is to ensure that the independence wars won by our predecessors were not in vain.
To this note, he reiterated the case for Uganda, saying “we shall never forget his profound contribution” to Africa.
Professor Nyamsenda’s Keynote Unparked Pan-Africanism
During the Nyerere-Museveni Dialogue symposium at Makerere University, Professor Sabatho Nyamsenda, a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam delivered the Keynote Address titled “The Unfinished African Project: From Liberation Legacies to a New Generation of Transformation” during the symposium”.
He started on a lighter noticing “Nyerere is being Ugandanised.” This he said looking at the annual Public Lectures dedicated to his name and felt like challenging his home institutions to follow suit.
At the calm of the room, he presented a critique of the current state of Pan-Africanism, arguing that it has been grabbed by the ruling elites, a challenge Professor Nyamsenda identifies to have started in the period of 1960 -1980.
He explained that it was around this time period that Pan-Africanism was snatched away from the masses and it became a state project. Currently, he said the ideology exists in two forms: Boardroom and Street Pan-Africanism.
Professor, characterised Boardroom Pan-Africanism as a State Project. He said “boardroom Pan-Africanism sits comfortably with imperialism and elite-centered accumulation.” While Street Pan-Africanism to which Professor advocates, he emphasised that historically, this approach “united the African liberation movement and liberated the African continent from the most barbaric colonial powers.”
As he concluded, Professor Nyamsenda joined Mwalimu and the President of Uganda in urging youth to consider joining and leading the struggle for a better Africa.
Role of JNLC in Realising Nyerere’s Ideas
Professor Saturninus Kasozi Mulindwa, the JNLC Board Chair highlighted the primary objective of the center as “imparting knowledge and sharing experiences from the old generations to the new generations.” Therefore, JNLC contributes to the actualisation of Nyerere’s ideas by focusing on the development of the next generation of African leaders.
To supplement this, Dr. Nansozi K. Mwanga the Executive Director at JNLC said that the center is committed to “nurturing ethical, conscious, and transformative leaders inspired by Mwalimu’s ideas of service, human dignity, self-reliance, and Pan-African solidarity.”
She explained their focus is on several key areas with training as core. They have “trained over 1,500 young people and young leaders from across Uganda.”, and developed leadership programs “grounded in ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, public service, and action.”
In her remarks, it was observed that training alone is not enough; they are also doing mentorship, to provide opportunities for networking and learning from experienced leaders. There are already testimonies when you visit the Centre wall of fame. To which Dr. Nansozi revealed “leadership development matters when learning becomes service and meaningful action.”
The Centre remains proud of those they have touched and are eager to support as many cohorts.
Julius Nyerere Family Pour their Heart out
Mama Maria Nyerere, addressed the Symposium virtually and commended the Centre for keeping Mwalimu’s values alive.
As a memory of her husband, she reminded the audience that his greatest legacy was anchored on the values by which he lived: service, humility, integrity, unity and love for Africa and its people. She also urged the young people to take up leadership responsibilities and lead with humility, integrity and always remember the people they serve.
Mama Nyerere also advised the youth to learn from those who came before them like her husband with courage to build a better Africa for their generation and those who will come after them.
Joining Mama Nyerere, on behalf of the Nyerere family was Ms. Julia Nyerere, a granddaughter, who attended physically and thanked H.E. Kaguta Museveni for supporting the establishment of the Julius Nyerere Centre at Makerere University and also commended the Keynote Speaker Professor Nyamsenda for Critiquing Nyerere’s ideas.
Julia further shared an understanding of her grand-father’s interest in preserving humanity as a moral.
As a family they are happy that his (Nyerere) values and legacies continue to inspire Africa and beyond.
Appreciation for All who Made the Symposium Possible
Addressing the symposium, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Professor Henry Alinaitwe the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance and Administration expressed the University’s appreciation and commitment.
He thanked “the government of Uganda for the support they are giving to the Julius Nyerere Leadership Center,” and requested Dr. Kiyonga to “convey the message to the fountain of honour for this initiative that Makerere University is happy for, and is going on well.”
To the leadership of the Center, he specifically thanked the Director Dr. Nansozi for her focused leadership. He stated, “I commend my friend, Dr. Nansozi, for the work that you are doing.”
Professor Alinaitwe also emphasized “we” value these symposiums, saying, “as a university, we acknowledge that such activities create great visibility.”
Dr. Kiyonga was also thanked for delivering the President’s message, together with veterans like Professor Kabwegyere, among other distinguished guests and partners that attended.
Professor Tarsis Bazana Kabwegyere as well appreciated all and emphasised the collective duty of the youth in building the next generation.
He advised “your responsibility is to identify and build Africa forward, building on the legacies and foundations of our forefathers,”.
The Professor also argued that “being young on its own is not a virtue. It is what you are when you are young.” He challenges the audience to avoid being ignorant and claim that you are young.
Background of the Nyerere Symposium
The Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium is an intergenerational gathering hosted at Makerere University. For more than six years now, it has been connecting past leadership legacies of Nyerere and other revolutionaries with current regional and continental priorities under the (JNLC) centre.
The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) serves as a training ground and research hub designed to mentor the next generation of African leaders. Co-hosted by Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), the Centre bridges the gap between older statesmen and youth by focusing on Pan-African ideals, ethical governance, and social transformation.
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