Makerere University participated in the OSH Worker's Marathon 2019 held on Sunday, 28th April 2019 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Show grounds, Lugogo.
Organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Marathon is aimed at encouraging adherence to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) policies for workers at the Work place.
This year's Marathon (6kms) on the theme, Recognising a disadvantaged Informal Worker, attracted close to 1,000 participants from 36 companies in Uganda. Mr. David Mugisa, the Commissioner of Occupational Safety and Health flagged off the runners.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with the Friends of Workers Uganda (FOWU) informed the participants that the proceeds from the Workers' OSH Marathon 2019 would be used to enhance the working safety conditions of a disadvantaged informal sector worker.
The Makerere University Team Captain, Dr. Eria Hisali was among the first 30 runners who dared the 6kms route and returned to UMA Show Grounds Lugogo within the expected record time. Dr. Eria Hisali is the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University.
The Assistant Team Captain who is also the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango applauded Makerere University staff for participating in the marathon and encouraged them to continue with physical activities such as running, aerobics, rope skipping among others for the benefit of their health.
“To the Makerere University staff Marathon team, thank you for participating and for supporting this worthwhile cause. I encourage you to continue with physical activities for your own good. I wish you good health. Keep up the spirit and I look forward to your participation in the Workers’ OSH Marathon next year.”
The 2019 Makerere University Staff Marathon team consisted of the following members: Dr. Eria Hisali, Ms Ritah Namisango, Dr. Sandra Kasoma, Ms Christine Amito, Mr. Kirabo Joseph, Ms Connie Masane, Mr. Okello Isaac, Mr. Besy Wandera, Mr. Perez Kwetuma, Ms Nabatte Proscovia, Mr. Ogabe Emmanuel, Ms Namakoye Harriet, Mr. Ekojot Daniel, Ms Lunyolo Petwa, Mr. Owori Hudson and Mr. Nehemiah Adeyia.
Giving the closing remarks, Mr. Martin Wandera, the Director of Labour, Employment, Occupational Safety and Health from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development highlighted that the marathon was one of the activities that preceded the celebrations to mark the International Occupational Safety and Health day. Mr. Wandera used the same opportunity to remind workers in Uganda to participate in the celebrations scheduled to take place on Monday 29th April 2019 starting at 8:30am at KCCA-UMA Show Grounds.
Article by: Ms. Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office.
Photos by: Mr. Joseph Buwule, Landmark Media Consultancy Limited
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.
The list can be accessed by following the link below:
Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?
The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.