General
Press Release: Hult Prize @Mak On-Campus Challenge A Success
Makerere University on Thursday, 8th November 2018 hosted this year’s Hult Prize On-campus edition Grand Finale with the First Lady Honorable Janet Kataaha Museveni who was represented by Hon. Frank Tumwebaze the Minister of ICT as the Guest of Honor. “Apart from giving her apologies, the first Lady has given you 20 million” Hon. Tumwebaze said.
Over 100 prototypes were presented to the jury of social entrepreneurs and influential personalities around the country. Among the 71 teams that registered, Precotech a waste management system won the Hult Prize On-campus innovations challenge 2018 that took place on Thursday, 8th October, 2018 at Makerere University Main Building. Precotech will advance to the regional finals representing Makerere University and Uganda in March 2019 from where they will interact and compete with like-minded brains for a slot at the Grand Finale in New York City. “You have become the flag bearers of Makerere University in the Next stage of the competition ”declared Silver Walugembe, the campus director.
“Precotech’s innovation aims at breaking barriers to employment through training the unskilled, but also, using a concept that is easy to comprehend, that is, Trash for Cash. The team is comprised of the CEO and Head of the Legal Department, Mukisa Joshua William, a 3rd year law student, Babirye Victoria Sharon, the head of the Software Engineering Department, Ntulume Joseph Brian, the head of the System Engineering Department and Mutambuze Paul, the head of the Waste management, Innovations and Value-Added Chain Department, all final year student at the College of Information Technology at Makerere University. “Don’t come up with these ideas for just your dissertation and making sure you get your degrees. Look at how you can continue with it. The government will support you by not taxing local content” Hon. Frank assured the innovators.
The Hult Prize innovation challenge is a start-up accelerator for impact entrepreneurship which brings together the brightest college and university students from around the globe to solve the worlds most pressing issues through pitching ideas and launching companies. The Hult Prize 2019 challenge is ‘’ Youth Unemployment” and the winning team will win a seed capital of one million USD at the grand finale in New York.
The jury consisted of Mr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo, the proprietor of the Red Pepper, Hakiza Ronald, founder and CEO of Ugabus, Katende Steven, a social entrepreneur and nominee of the Queens Young Leaders Award Nominee, Nyanjura Doreen, the Makerere University LC5 Councilor, Simon Ssenyonga, Eyeru Jacob of the Debating Society of Uganda, Mr. Patrick Enywaru, Founder and CEO Fade Media, Mr. Otim Jimmy Moses, Ms. Sarah Kobusingye, Mr. Hamid Tenywa, Mr. Kagoda Rogers, Ms. Rehma Kirunda and Mr. Mathias Ssemanda.
The competition had two highly competitive rounds, with the first round having two split sessions in the Senior Common Room and the University Main Hall. The jury selected six top teams that advanced to the second round of the competition. In the second round, the competing teams presented before a jury of fourteen that converged after the first round of the competition.
The event was presented by Hon Watum Patrick the 84th Guild ICT Minister, was convened and mobilized by the Campus director Mr. Walugembe Silver, with Ms. Ankunda Esther, Mr. Abdul Twaib Magambo, Ms. Kakai Dorothy, Mr. Kasule Jonathan Kalule and Ms. Ahimbisibwe Prize Mari as the organizing committee and Mr. Oyeki Gerald as moderator.
Special thanks to Honorable Janet Kataha Museveni, Honorable Frank Tumwebaze, Makerere University Management, Mulago METS programme, ResilientAfrica Network, Innovation Village, the Hult Prize team, all the participants and all the people who made this day a success. For more details and graphics about the event follow Hult Prize Makerere on Twitter using @hultatmak.
A CHALLENGE FOR US BY US.
For further details please contact
Silver Walugembe,
Hult Prize campus Director Makerere University,
Erstwhile Legislator- Students' Guild Council,
Makerere University,
Email: walsil.sw[at]gmail.com
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
-
Education2 weeks agoAdmission List to Bachelor of Education External (BED) 2025/26 -Private Sponsorship
-
General1 week agoRe-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026
-
General2 weeks agoAdmission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma/Degree Holders Scheme – Self Sponsorship Admission Lists 2025/26
-
General6 days agoRe-Advert for Applications for Diploma and Certificate Training