General
Mak Strengthens Ties with Case Western Reserve University
On Monday, 25th March 2019, over 100 guests gathered at the College of Health Sciences Gardens in Mulago to celebrate the 30 years of collaboration between Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU).
Led by the President, HE. Barbara R. Snyder, the visitors from Case Western Reserve University started the celebrations by visiting the office of the Vice Chancellor Makerere University where they held a brief meeting with Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, College Principals and other University Administrators.
Expressing her gratitude towards Makerere University, HE. Barbara R. Snyder revealed that the 30 years of collaboration are a sign of good relationship between the two Universities and that Makerere University is doing good work in and outside of Uganda and for the good services provided by the University, Case Western Reserve University has a lot of pride in their collaboration with Makerere.
“Our collaboration with Makerere University is growing very fast and its fruits can be seen by the good results it produces,” said HE. Barbara R. Snyder.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that Case Western Reserve University is a friend indeed as it came in at the right time when Uganda needed help from people with more knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
“In 1989, Uganda had been hit by one of the world’s leading killer diseases which is HIV/AIDS and by that time, no Ugandan had full knowledge about the fast killing disease and many families lost their loved ones, not until Case Western Reserve University came in to give Uganda a helping hand. You came to Uganda at a time of need, thank you” echoed Prof. Nawangwe.
He noted that MakCHS is playing a big role by being Uganda’s leading Health College as it is addressing real National concerns by providing real solutions to the country’s health problems, “and Makerere being a leading University has a major responsibility of moving Uganda to another level of good performance in all aspects.”
According to the Principal MakCHS Prof. Charles Ibingira, the college started in 1924 as a medical school which was later turned into Faculty of Medicine until 2008 when it was transformed into a College with five schools. These are;
• Makerere University School of Biomedical Sciences
• Makerere University School of Health Sciences
• Makerere University School of Medicine
• Makerere University School of Public Health
• Makerere University School of Dentistry
He also noted that with the vision of beginning a leading and transformational institution for academic excellence and innovation in Health Sciences, the college was recently ranked Africa’s 2nd leading College of Health Sciences and is now aiming at the 1st position. This he attributed to the many collaborations attracted some of which are with Uganda Heart Institute, Uganda Cancer Institute among others.
Prof. Ibingira thanked the President of Case Western Reserve University for working hard with MakCHS to ensure that all programs run smoothly and successfully through her continuous follow-ups and hoped even for more collaboration.
Among the presenters were the Deans of the different Schools of the college. Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean School of Public Health (MakSPH) and only female Dean at MakCHS noted that the School’s training includes field placements and hands-on projects integrated into all graduate programs.
She added that the School works hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health and thanked Case Western Reserve University for training 8 MakSPH staff at both Masters and PhD levels.
The Dean School of Medicine, Prof. Moses R. Kamya, thanked H.E Snyder for maintaining Case Western Reserve University’s partnership with Makerere University and College of Health Sciences in particular and requested that the partnership should extend to the entire Makerere University as well.
Addressing the guests, the Director Makerere University Health Services Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha indicated that MakCHS is keen to develop a University teaching hospital and called for more collaborations to help purchase equipment.
He thanked the University Management for being supportive to the college and expressed his sincere gratitude to them.
“We hold with high regard the research collaboration that we have had for thirty years now as it has synthesized solutions to a number of world problems at large, hence contributing to the wellbeing of our population especially the dedication to the HIV/AIDS pandemic,” concluded Mr. Byamugisha Joseph, College President and Fourth Year student of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
Article by Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University Convocation Graduation Luncheon Honors CEDAT Staff and Outstanding Students
Several staff members from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) were recognized for their exceptional contributions in research and teaching during the Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon, held on Friday, January 17th, 2025. The event celebrated the achievements of top students, teachers, and researchers, with special awards presented to CEDAT staff for their outstanding performance and dedication.
Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Okello and Mr. Ayor Andrew Semakula received the Teacher of the Year Award, acknowledging their exemplary contributions to education and their significant impact on students. The recognition highlights the commitment and excellence of CEDAT staff in advancing the fields of engineering, design, art, and technology.
The Senior Career Award went toProf. Kirabira John Baptist, Prof. Olupot Wilberforce and Assoc. Prof. Michael Luswataall from the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Dr.VianeyYiga, Dr. SemiyagaSwaib, Mr. Manga Musa got the Mid-Career Award, while Ms. Namuju Dona Lillian, Ms. Wesonga Racheal and Ms. NamakulaHidaaya received the Early Career Award. At the same event, thirty of the best performing students were also recognized.
The Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon celebrated outstanding achievements, with a strong emphasis on recognizing excellence through awards. Colonel Edith Nakalema, Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, delivered a keynote address focused on integrity and creativity for graduates.Col. Nakalema stressed the need for graduates to uphold high moral standards and professionalism, urging them to focus on creativity and integrity, especially in the age of AI, to achieve true success.
The event, themed “Celebrating Excellence and Creating Path to Success,” honored the top performers from each college. Col. Nakalema congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of making positive contributions to society. Other speakers, including Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the role of universities in socio-economic transformation and the importance of research.
Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principle Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology
By the Program Communication Team
On Friday, January 17, 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars celebrated a significant milestone as they graduated from Makerere University. The day was filled with enthusiasm and pride as 36 dedicated students completed their Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program journey. This achievement reflects their hard work and commitment and paves the way for new opportunities in their future endeavours.
At the event, Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation Uganda and the chief guest, encouraged the new graduates to create jobs for their peers rather than solely seeking employment for themselves.
“As fresh graduates, your first step shouldn’t be simply searching for jobs. Instead, focus on creating job opportunities for your peers. The university degree you have earned puts you in a unique position. The knowledge and skills you’ve gained and the experiences and connections you have made empower you to thrive in this country,” Mr. Bukenya remarked.
Mr. Bukenya further expressed his gratitude to Makerere University‘s leadership and acknowledged the profound relationship the University shares with the Foundation. He emphasized that the partnership with Makerere University was essential to the Foundation.
“The Mastercard Foundation values its partnership with Makerere University, as the university continues to produce exceptional talent essential for Uganda’s development. The country would struggle to achieve its national aspirations without this contribution,” noted Mr. Bukenya.
Mr. Bukenya emphasized the core mission of the Mastercard Foundation, which is to alleviate poverty in areas where it is most prevalent and to enhance access to education. He pointed out that the Scholars Program is a fundamental component of this initiative. He noted that earning a degree is a valuable tool and a testament to an individual’s ability to learn, perform tasks, and achieve results within structured and organized frameworks.
He further stressed the Foundation’s commitment to empowering young people to lead and transform Africa.
“The Mastercard Foundation has made a strategic commitment to focus uniquely on Africa, home to the world’s youngest population. Through its ‘Young Africa Works’ strategy, the Foundation supports entrepreneurship and enterprise development among young people, empowering them to shape the future of their communities and the continent.” emphasized Mr. Bukenya.
Speaking on behalf of the University Management, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, congratulated the program for achieving an impressive 94% graduation completion rate.
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University has graduated 964 scholars—78% female and 22% male—representing 94% of the 1,032 recruits from Phase One. We expect to achieve 100% graduation for all Phase One scholars at the 76th Graduation Ceremony next year.” Prof. Buyinza remarked.
Prof. Buyinza expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its ongoing support of the university, which has significantly added value, particularly in educating young people from vulnerable communities.
“We sincerely thank the Mastercard Foundation for partnering with Makerere University to educate and empower the next generation of leaders and change-makers. The statistics regarding the number of young people supported and the impact that the program’s alumni have made in society are a testament to the energy and potential of young individuals when provided with the right education, guidance, and support.” Prof. Buyinza pointed out.
Program Director Prof. Justine Namaalwa emphasized her team’s commitment to ensuring the successful operation of the Scholars Program at Makerere University for years to come.
“Makerere University and the nation greatly appreciate the Mastercard Foundation for its generosity and foresight, which continue to transform human capital in Africa. There is no doubt that your vision for Africa is being realized. We are committed to this mission, even as we enter phase two of the program,” noted Prof. Namaalwa.
Prof. Namaalwa expressed gratitude to the University Management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe, for their support and commitment to the Scholars Program. She pointed out that the strong backing from the university management has enabled the Program to meet its goals and succeed at the University.
“I sincerely thank the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and the entire University Management and the governing structures of the Program for their effective leadership, which continues to yield positive results from our strong partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed out.
Prof. Namaalwa equally appreciated the graduates for helping achieve the Mastercard Foundation’s goals, which aims to educate and empower the next generation of African leaders. She noted that Makerere University has begun implementing the second phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which will span the next ten years. In this phase, the Mastercard Foundation has committed to providing scholarships to 1,000 academically talented youth facing economic hardships, enabling them to access quality education at Makerere University.
She asserted that the Mastercard Foundation prioritizes three key transition pathways: formal employment, entrepreneurship, and further education. She urged the graduates to remain active on all the program’s social media platforms, especially the Alumni WhatsApp platform, as it will be a vital channel for sharing ongoing opportunities from the Mastercard Foundation and other partners.
Ms Aida Aol, the mother of graduate Mr Okello Godfrey, expressed gratitude on behalf of parents and guardians. She thanked the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for providing her son and other vulnerable young people with the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in Uganda. Ms. Aol highlighted that she had lost hope for her son’s university education due to financial constraints.
“I cannot thank Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University enough for providing our children with the opportunity to attend one of the best universities in the country. Many of us parents could not afford to send our children here because we did not have the resources to pay for their education,” Ms. Aol remarked.
Ms. Aol stated that she lost her husband when her son was only four years old, and she had since committed herself to ensuring he completed both elementary and high school. However, she reached a critical point where she could no longer afford to support his university education.
Graduates speak out
Awien Rose Madot, a Journalism and Communication graduate, expressed her gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for transforming her life. The program enabled her to achieve her academic goals and instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility to use her degree to create positive change in the world.
“Accessing higher education can often feel like a distant dream for refugees like me. However, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has served as a powerful beacon of hope. It clearly demonstrates that education is a vital tool for empowerment and transformation, even in the face of adversity. The Program has provided us with financial resources, as well as invaluable mentorship, guidance, and a strong support network for all the scholars involved,” said Madot.
Dr. Raphael Kasuku, a dental surgery graduate, pledged to continue the spirit of giving back to his community by offering dental services. He urged his fellow graduates to utilize the knowledge and skills they acquired through their education to uplift their communities.
“To my fellow graduates, this moment marks not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of an exciting new journey. The world ahead is vast and brimming with opportunities that we are ready to seize. It won’t always be easy, but we must remember that the resilience, determination, and passion that brought us here will continue to propel us forward as we strive to serve our communities.” Dr. Kasuku remarked.
The colourful event was a vibrant gathering held in the gardens of the University Guest House, bringing together a diverse community of program stakeholders. Attendees included members of the University management and the Steering and Selection Committees. Mentors of the Scholars Program, parents and guardians, and alumni also contributed to the inspiring atmosphere. Additionally, representatives from the Mastercard Foundation and program partners joined the celebration, along with numerous well-wishers who continue to support the Program’s mission.
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