General
Mak Holds Annual Suppliers’ Forum: Envisions Improved Service Delivery
On Thursday 2nd May 2019, Makerere University held the Suppliers’ Forum aimed at fostering strong relationships with suppliers, improving procurement processes and service delivery.
Officially opening the Makerere University Suppliers’ Forum, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration-Prof. William Bazeyo urged suppliers to always supply quality products to Makerere University.
Prof. Bazeyo appreciated the role of suppliers as key partners of Makerere University. “Our suppliers play a key role in the success of our business particularly in the areas of production, technology and growth. With the collaboration from our partners and suppliers, Makerere University contributes to sustainable development,” said Prof. Bazeyo.
He informed the audience that in his capacity as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), he would work with the University Secretary, Finance Department, Procurement and Disposal Unit to ensure that all user units in the University strictly follow the procurement plans and cycles. He also appealed to the suppliers to only supply items to Makerere University after receiving the Local Purchase Order.
Organised by Makerere University Procurement and Disposal Unit, the Forum funded by Makerere University and Stanbic Bank attracted over 200 participants comprising suppliers, Mak members of Management and staff. The forum provided a platform of sharing experiences, lessons and challenges with a motive of making fundamental commitments to providing a conducive environment for both the supplier and Makerere University.
Emphasizing the benefits of a strategic supplier relationship, the Manager Procurement and Disposal Unit (PDU), Mr. Paul Agaba said information sharing and efficient communication between suppliers and clients leads to good working relationships, reduced lead time in procurements and continued improvement of operations.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the Deputy University Secretary said the Suppliers’ Forum presented to Makerere University and its Suppliers a platform to discuss concerns on procurement and supply particularly delivery and quality.
“The forum allows the free flow of feedback and ideas between Makerere University and its suppliers and presents an opportunity to discuss ways through which products can be delivered on time and suppliers paid on time,” said Mr. Kiranda.
During the discussion, the suppliers appreciated the idea of an Annual forum aimed at strengthening relationships with Makerere University. The suppliers commended Makerere University for employing professional Procurement officers. They however requested Makerere University to always provide clear specification of items required by the respective user units. “If the specifications are clear, we will be in position to reduce the lead time in the procurement processes.”
The suppliers also noted that the current practice where Makerere University through the Procurement and Disposal Unit team communicates to only the successful bidder keeps the other firm/companies that competed for the same service in speculation. “When they communicate to only the successful bidder, the rest of us who competed remain in the dark. You keep on wondering whether you will receive a telephone call to provide the service. We therefore request that you communicate to all the firms that competed participated in the process, the final decision.”
On receipt of this constructive feedback, the University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare who actively participated in the Suppliers’ Forum assured the suppliers that Makerere University through its Procurement and Disposal Unit will be communicating to all firms/companies that submitted bids to provide a particular service, the final decision of the University.
“We have taken this feedback seriously. Makerere University through its Procurement and Disposal Unit will communicate to all bidders. We will communicate to those who have been successful and those who were not successful,” said Mr. Barugahare.
Ms. Eva Ssewagudde, Programme Manager, Stanbic Bank called upon suppliers to manage their businesses professionally, network with others to be able to get access to both local and international connections and markets for their products.
She urged the audience to embrace the Stanbic Bank Digital Banking services which include making transactions through Mobile Banking, Agent Banking and the Stanbic App hence promoting digital solutions to customers, to enhance convenience and continued value to customer experience.
Closing the Suppliers’ Forum, the University Secretary, Mr. Charles Barugahare, commended Stanbic Bank for its continued support towards Makerere University activities. He also thanked the Makerere University Procurement team for initiating the Annual Suppliers’ Forum.
“I thank the Procurement and Disposal Unit for initiating the Annual Suppliers’ Forum. In a special way, I appreciate Stanbic Bank for funding this Forum. I hope that this Forum will be held annually so that we always meet and discuss ways of serving Makerere University better,” said Mr. Barugahare.
Article: 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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