General
Mak MCF Scholars Urged to Promote Image & Reputation of Alma Mater & Sponsor
“As you leave the great gates of Makerere University, always remember you are from the great and mighty University. Therefore, whatever you do, do it in a way that will uplift the name and uphold the image your alma mater,” said Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Ezra Suruma conferred degrees and awarded certificate to a total of 13,350 students during the 69th Graduation Ceremony held from 15th to 18th January 2019. During the same graduation week, 34 Mastercard Foundation Scholars graduated with Bachelors degrees in their respective disciplines. On 16th January 2019, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University recognized its best student of the year 2019; Mr. Katulamu Charles who scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.58, earning himself a First Class Honours degree.
Speaking at the graduation party that was held on Saturday, 19th January 2019, at Makerere University Guest House, Hon. Nakiwala Kiyingi congratulated graduands upon reaching the coveted milestone and advised them to use the knowledge attained to solve societal problems and develop their country.
“The world needs determined, hardworking, and energetic people like you. You are young and fresh with sharp minds; well trained to cause change in your communities. With you we hope to change Uganda for the better,” she said.
She commended Mastercard Foundation (MCF) and Makerere University for enabling vulnerable Uganda children to access quality higher education when she said, “you have educated and imparted relevant skills upon them. Above all you have trained these young leaders on the importance of giving back to community. Such a well-groomed and educated team, will never disappoint you,’ she said.
She urged graduands to always remember their roots and the people who impacted their lives. The Minister advised students to emulate the people who sacrificed their money, life and effort to ensure that they have a better life. She encouraged them to always answer the call that requests for their contribution towards bettering the lives of others.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Umar Kakumba urged graduands to uphold and protect the image and name of Makerere University by being good ambassadors.
He commended the Steering Committee and the Program Implementation Team (PIT) for building a firm foundation for the students through capacity building and mentorship.
The Country Coordinator of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University, Dr. Florence Nakayiwa acknowledged the tremendous work done by the Mastercard mentors and coordinators and teachers in grooming the young generation of African leaders.
“You have groomed our students to be problem solvers and innovators with a business mind. This will help them during their career days but also change societies for the better,” she said.
She thanked the Mastercard President Reeta Roy, for being a thoughtful leader and an advocate for empowering the world’s most vulnerable children.
Addressing the audience, the Regional Program Director MasterCard Foundation Mrs. Kodi Detal congratulated the graduates upon the great achievement and called upon them to be responsible citizens by adding great value to their country.
Dr. Sarah Ssali, the Dean of School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS) and Member of the Steering Committee, encouraged graduates to go out and conquer the world with the knowledge and skills they have attained.
Representing the graduates, Miss Hilda Adur and Gai David thanked Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for giving them an opportunity which enabled them to continue with their studies. According to Miss Adur, Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University provided the scholars with a favorable learning environment that enabled them to succeed in their studies.
“We have lived a good life at campus. We were provided with all the requirements we needed in our studies these included; laptops, allowances, free counselling programs, travels to other countries. We were mentored, counseled and guided” he said.
She thanked the Programme Implementation Team, the Matercard Steering Committee, Mastercard Selection Team, Makerere University Management, staff, parents, guardians and fellow students for the support they rendered to students during their time of study.
Ms. Lisa Anenocan, who graduated with the Bachelor of Journalism and Communication, thanked her mentor Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer Makerere University for the kind advice that helped her to develop and grow her career.
In his testimony, Mr. Charles Katulamu who graduated with the Bachelor of Science in Population Studies (First Class Honours) revealed to the guests that, “Mastercard Foundation changed my life. My education life had come to an end since I had no hope of advancing my studies. However, in 2014 Brac Uganda came in to give a helping hand and later on Mastercard took over while at Makerere. Mastercard Foundation’s investment is able to change the world and I am ready to contribute by adding value to the educational sector in Uganda.”
Mrs. Teopista Kigongo thanked the Mastercard Foundation for shouldering the burden of educating her son and other students. She said that until Mastercard came along, she had given up on her son’s education since she could not raise his tuition.
Article by Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer 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
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”.
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. 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. 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.
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.”
#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.
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.
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