Way back in 2010, it was time for the Norwegian University College of Dance (NUCD) to internationalize its programs and expose students to cultures unique to those in Norway. NUCD wanted to learn more about the origins of music and dance and Africa was definitely the destination. Hopes to connect with Africa were raised when NUCD met Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza, who had come from Uganda to visit Norway. Sylvia introduced NUCD to the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), igniting collaboration with Makerere University and partnership with PAF. Since then, NUCD has never left the gates of Makerere!!!
In 2011, the first group of students from Norway came to Makerere, which crystallized the North/South and South/North mutual collaboration. What started as an adventure, a small sprout began to grow; indeed, everything grows so easily in a land on the equator.
Fast forward to 2019 and the NUCD-PAF marriage has through the years moved to another level. It is time to bring the community to Makerere University. Every year, Makerere University opens its gates to performing arts groups, potential students, parents and the general audience to present snapshot of what is happening at PAF and the progress of the collaboration. On this special day, the Makerere University Freedom Square is the meeting space for music, drama and film exhibitions and dance festival. The Dance Festival is a dialogue between the community artists, PAF and NUCD students. Potential students also receive information regarding admission into the Performing Arts and Film programs.
So come this Saturday, 6th April 2019, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, “HAKUNA MATATA” “No worries”, this year's production, this hard work is told through choreographies and sounds of unity; we do not give up, we scrub and wash together when needed.
Please see Downloads for details
For more on HAKUNA MATATA or the Mak-NCD Collaboration please contact:
Dr. Sylvia A. Nannyonga-Tamusuza Professor Ann Kristin Norum
Associate Professor of Music Rector
Chair, Performing Arts and Film Norwegian University College of Dance
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.