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Guidelines for Freshers of 2019/2020 Academic Year

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First Year students (Freshers) are by tradition given an “acclimatization” period of normally one week which is referred to as the “Orientation Week”. The Freshers report on Campus one week earlier than the Continuing students and during this week they are introduced to the key facilities in h University as well as other important aspects of life at the University.

Schedule of Semesters for Academic Year 2019/2020

Orientation Week:

Getting used to a new place can be pretty daunting, but that is what orientation week is all about; getting to know your surroundings, meeting students and staff members. This makes you feel comfortable enough to hit the ground running when the semester starts. It is a great chance for you to familiarize yourself with the University.

Saturday 3rd August, 2019 to Friday 9th August, 2019 (7 Days) – Orientation Week

Semester One

Saturday 10th August, 2019 to Saturday 7th December, 2019 (17 Weeks)

Semester One Vacation

Saturday 7th December, 2019 to Friday 17th January, 2020 (17 Weeks)

Semester Two

Saturday 18th January, 2020 to Saturday 16th May, 2020 (17 Weeks)

Semester Two Vacation

Saturday 16th May, 2020 to Saturday 25th July, 2020 (10 Weeks)

During this week, arrangements are made to enable the Freshers meet and be addressed by Key Officers, Wardens and Student Leaders who welcome the students centrally and at their respective Colleges and Schools.

Arrangements are also made to enable Freshers acquaint themselves with such key facilities at the University like the Library, University Hospital, Games and Recreation Facilities etc. Freshers are expected to take advantage of the week to survey and acquaint themselves with the general Campus lay out. Another major activity during the Orientation Week is Registration.

All Freshers must ensure that they are registered first centrally and then with each of their respective Colleges/Schools/Departments/Halls/University Hospital.

ORIENTATION EVENTS

Saturday 3rd August, 2019

Resident Freshers report to their respective Halls of residence or private Hostels by 5:00pm. It is the responsibility of each student to make his/her own travel arrangements to the University or private hostel.

Monday 5th August, 2019

All Freshers slall report to the Freedom Square for a meeting with the University officials at 9:00am. The Freedom square is the open ground in front of the Main Administration Building where official functions of the University are normally performed. Freshers are expected to be seated by 9:00am.

Registration

For a candidate to qualify to be a bonafide student of the University, he/she must be registered. Registration is a mandatory requirement of the University which must be done within the first two (2) weeks from the beginning of the semester by every student. Privately sponsored students will pick their original admission letters after payment of 60% tuition and all functional fees from their respective colleges.

Registration will commence on Tuesday 6th August, 2019 starting at 9:00am each day.

Ensure that you complete all required registration formalities within the prescribed time in order to avoid disappointments later.

Registration Requirements

For registration purposes, all first year students MUST produce their original documents. Government sponsored students shall pay the following fees to Makerere University Fees Collection Accounts:

a)      University Rules Booklet – Shs. 2,645/=

b)      Undergraduate Gown – Shs. 21,160/=

c)       Identity Card – Shs. 45,000/=

d)      Guild Subscription fee (Per Year) – Shs. 13,225/=

e)      Endowment fee (Per Year) – Shs. 6,613/=

f)       Senior Common Room fee (Per Year) – Shs. 6,613/=

g)      Sports Contribution fee (Per Year) – Shs. 19,838/=

h)      Medical fee (Per Year) – Shs. 57,500/=

Total – Shs. 179,206/=

N.B

(i).   (i) The Fees Structure (bill) for either Government or Private is attached on your admission letter.

(ii).  (ii) Total functional fees for Government and Privately Sponsored Students are 179,206/= and 860,955/= respectively for Ugandans and East Africans.

(iii).(iii) International students’ functional fee is 1,516,253/=.

(iv).(iv) Students admitted to affiliated Institutions like Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and its Upcountry centres, Mulago Health Tutors College, Hospice Africa, Nsamizi Training School etc. are advised to pick their fees structure from their respective Colleges/Schools/Centres.

Other Fees

a)      a) National Council for Higher Education fee (Per Year) – Shs. 20,000/= (Payable to the National Council for Higher Education Account in Stanbic Bank)

b)     b) UNSA Subscription fee (Per Year) – Shs. 2,000/=  (payable to Stanbic Bank, City Branch, A/C 0140007248501)

Change of Programme/Subjects

(a)    (a) Change of Programme

Since selection for specific programmes was made according to each candidate’s performance and order of programme choices, taking into account the available subject combinations and time-table limitations, there is normally little need to change the programme of subjects. However, some places become vacant when some of the students admitted do not take up the offers. Such places are filled through change of programme/subjects.

Change of programme will be online. Each student who may wish to change his/her programme/subject is required to pay an application fee of Shs. 6,000/= plus the bank charges to Stanbic Bank, dfcu Bank, Post Bank, Centenary Bank, Post Bank and UBA Bank.

(b)   (b) Change of Subjects

Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences or the College of Education and External Studies may wish to change their subjects. Change of Subject will be done online on payment of Shs. 6,000/=, to either Stanbic Bank, dfcu Bank, Post Bank, Centenary Bank, and UBA Bank.

Students should be aware that changing one subject may result in change of College. Before students apply to change their programmes, Colleges and Subjects, they are encouraged to seek advice on the cut-off point(s) for programmes, requirements for specific subjects and possible subject combinations.

Students are notified and warned that changing a programme or transferring to another subject or College without proper authority will lead to discontinuation from the University.

A student who has been permitted to change his/her programme or subject(s) is issued with a letter stating so, and on receipt of such a letter that student should complete the ACCEPTANCE FORM and return a copy to the Undergraduate Admissions and Records Office (Room 303), the former and the new College/School and ICT Office (Level 6, Room 615) Senate Building.

The change of programme/subjects will be done online from Monday 15th July, 2019 to Friday 9th August, 2019 at Level 3 in the Internet Cafe and Level 6, Room 612 Senate Building.

N.B: It is advisable that only those students who meet the cut-off points for the desired programmes may apply.

 

Alfred Masikye-Namoah

ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

29th June, 2019

Mark Wamai

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Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumna, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education

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Akwara Malvin on her graduation Day in January 2023. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Malvin Akwara obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, specialising in English Language and Literature, from Makerere University in 2023, with support from the Mastercard Foundation. Since graduating, she has developed a passion for helping young people with disabilities access education at both secondary and university levels.

Who is Malvin Akwara

Malvin was born on 22nd November 1998 in Tororo, Eastern Uganda, into a family of six children (three girls and three boys). Shortly afterwards, the family moved to Kampala, where her father worked as an accountant. In 2009, her father lost his job, marking the beginning of a difficult period for the entire family. When her father who was the only breadwinner lost his job, the family returned to Tororo because they could no longer afford the high cost of living in the city.

Early Education

At the age of three, Malvin began her early childhood education at Clever Junior School in Kitintale, a Kampala suburb, where she attended Nursery School through Primary Three. Here, life was quite good, and she enjoyed being dropped off and picked up by her father, as was typical of most Kampala middle-class families. Unfortunately, it was not long before life took a different twist when her father lost his job and the family moved back to Tororo. In Tororo, she joined Morukebu Primary School, where she sat for her Primary Seven Leaving Examinations. Unlike her experience of a reasonably good life at school in Kampala, she had to walk long distances to and from school (14 kilometres each way) with her siblings, because her father could no longer afford to take them. The family had taken to subsistence farming to earn a living. The family worked together on the farm to grow food for home consumption and to sell some to pay school fees.

Pursuing Secondary Education

With her hard-earned 15 points from the Primary Leaving Examinations, Malvin embarked on her journey towards secondary education. She attended St. John’s Wakitaka in Jinja for her O-level from 2013 to 2016. However, in 2015, just before sitting her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, her father passed away due to peptic ulcers. His death devastated the already struggling family, and life became even harder. Left in the care of her single mother, with no steady source of income, Malvin and her siblings’ prospects looked bleak. Her father’s passing significantly affected her final results; she scored 39 points, which was poor compared to her earlier performance. With support from her paternal uncle, she later joined Budini Boarding Secondary School in Kaliro district, where she scored 14 points in History, Economics, Literature, and Divinity in 2018. By then, her other siblings had dropped out of school due to lack of fees, as their mother could not afford to keep them in school. To make matters worse, family disputes arose when her father’s relatives evicted her mother from the family land, leaving them homeless and with only enough land to grow food for their own consumption.

Pursuing University Education

With 14 points in her 2018 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, Malvin was hopeful about pursuing her university education with the support of her paternal uncle, who had helped her through A-level. Unfortunately, that hope was short-lived when her uncle shared the difficult news that he could not afford to send her to university because he needed to support his own children financially. The news was a significant setback to her dreams of being the first girl in her family to attend university. Unable to join a university at that time, Malvin embarked on a journey to find small jobs to support her mother and help the family.

It was during her job search that she came to Kampala to work for a family as a house help, mainly caring for her boss’ mother, who was in her sickbed at Kiruddu Hospital. During the three months she spent in the hospital as a caretaker, she learnt about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University through one of the family’s children, who was studying there.

Joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

Armed with the necessary information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Malvin applied in 2019 and was delighted to be selected. Soon after, she was given the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specialising in English Language and Literature. While at university, Malvin did not forget her family back home in Tororo. She allocated part of her stipend to support her mother and to ensure her siblings returned to school. During her second year at university in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck the world, bringing everything to a halt, including education at the university.

Malvin and her colleagues during her time at the Scholars Program. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Malvin and her colleagues during her time at the Scholars Program.

When Malvin was grounded at home, just as all her colleagues were, she didn’t let the misery that came with COVID-19 break her down; instead, she used it as an opportunity to support people in her community who were facing social and economic barriers to opportunities. Using her little savings, she started a piggery project to help single mothers in her community by giving them piglets to rear, multiply, and distribute to others experiencing similar challenges.

The piggery project helped several single mothers send their children to school. It is through this piggery project that Malvin came across Omukaga Samuel, a young person living with a disability who had been out of school because his parents could not afford to pay his school fees. With support from the piggery project, Malvin worked together with Samuel’s parents to help their son return to school. This experience with Omukaga Samuel ignited Malvin’s passion for supporting learners living with disabilities to access education.

Malvin with Omukaga Samuel, one of the young person's with disabilities she supported to get back into school. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Malvin with Omukaga Samuel, one of the young person’s with disabilities she supported to get back into school.

Life After Makerere University

Upon graduating in 2023, Malvin immediately found a position teaching English Language and Literature at Elite High School, one of Kampala’s top secondary schools.  At this school, Malvin has grown into a professional teacher, career advisor, and mentor to many young people both within and outside the school.

Through mentorship, she has focused on supporting young people living with disabilities to return to school by helping them secure bursaries for secondary education and apply for scholarships to access university. For example, she assisted Omukaga Samuel in applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Adult and Community Education, as well as Patricia Namiwanda, who is presently studying for a Master’s degree in Human Rights at Makerere University, all thanks to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Samuel Omukaga, a Makerere University student and a Scholar of Mastercard Foundation. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Samuel Omukaga, a Makerere University student and a Scholar of Mastercard Foundation.

Malvin has also used her resources to build a decent house for her mother, where she now lives with her siblings in Manafwa District, Eastern Uganda, restoring hope after the family lost their home due to land disputes.

Malvin with her mother. In the background is the decent home she constructed for her. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Malvin with her mother. In the background is the decent home she constructed for her.

Impact on the Community

As the first-generation girl to achieve a university education, Malvin has inspired many young girls in her home district of Tororo to pursue further studies and has continued to support them through peer mentorship. Although she works and resides in Kampala, she travels home every Friday to meet and mentor young girls in secondary schools, encouraging them to stay in school and avoid early marriage, which remains a significant challenge for many young girls in Tororo and across Eastern Uganda.

Malvin with some of the young people she mentors at schools in Tororo. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Malvin with some of the young people she mentors at schools in Tororo.

In addition, her piggery project has expanded across the entire district, improving the economic well-being of many participants in her community.

Looking into the Future

Malvin is optimistic about a bright future ahead, judging by the progress she has made in her life. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Languages at Makerere University. She aspires to specialise in curriculum development and work with the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to design an inclusive curriculum that will help young people living with disabilities access meaningful education in Uganda. She also envisions building a school in her community that will specifically support young people living with disabilities to attain inclusive, quality education.

Malvin having an interview with Mr. Buteera recently at Makerere University where she is pursuing her Masters degree. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Malvin having an interview with Mr. Buteera recently at Makerere University where she is pursuing her Masters degree.

Message to Fellow Young Women

Malvin urges young women not to despair or give up in the face of difficult situations.

“I urge my fellow young women not to give up or despair when faced with difficult situations. They should always challenge themselves to emerge stronger from such circumstances.” Malvin shares.

Words of Gratitude 

Malvin expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for the support that enabled her to attain a quality university education at Makerere University.

“If it were not for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I wouldn’t have attained a university education. I am therefore grateful and humbled for the opportunity extended to me and other Mastercard Foundation Scholars through this life-changing program.” Malvin remarked.

Malvin further urged the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at Makerere University and other Mastercard Foundation partners to reach out to distant areas so that more young people facing social and economic barriers can also access university education.

Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

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Bernard Butare

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Mak Endowment Fund 3rd Board of Trustees Inaugurated

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Seated: Mrs. Lorna Magara (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali (Left) and Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi (Right) with other officials (Standing) after inauguration of the 3rd MakEF Board on 23rd October 2025. The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) officially inaugurated by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, 23rd October 2025, Council Room, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) has been officially inaugurated in a ceremony presided over by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council on 23rd October 2025, and moderated by the Secretary to the Board, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike

In her address, Mrs. Magara commended the outgoing board, led by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, for their remarkable stewardship that saw the Fund grow from UGX 8.66 billion in 2021 to UGX 14.54 billion in 2025. She underscored the Endowment Fund’s vital role in ensuring the University’s financial sustainability amidst fluctuating public funding, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to providing policy and institutional support. Mrs. Magara further urged the incoming Board to uphold transparency, strengthen alumni engagement, and pursue innovative investment strategies to expand the Fund’s impact as Makerere continues to build for the future.

Mrs. Lorna Magara addresses the meeting. The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) officially inaugurated by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, 23rd October 2025, Council Room, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara addresses the meeting.

Board composition

The newly inaugurated 3rd Board of Trustees (2025–2029) brings together a team of distinguished professionals whose expertise spans business, academia, finance, governance, and social advocacy. Notably, some members have been reappointed in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to the Fund’s growth during the previous term. The Board is chaired by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, a seasoned business leader and former Executive Director of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). She is joined by accomplished members including Ms. Jennifer Mwijukye, CEO and founder of Unifreight Cargo Handling Limited; Mr. Ninsiima John Chris, Director of Programmes at NUDIPU and member of the Makerere University Council; Mr. Kenneth Mugambe, former Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Makerere University’s Academic Registrar and Professor of Forestry Resource Economics; and Mr. Sam Ayesiga, a governance and investment expert with vast experience across Africa. Their diverse backgrounds and renewed commitment are expected to steer the Fund toward even greater stability, innovation, and impact in the years ahead.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the outgoing Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund for their exceptional service marked by growth, innovation, and accountability. She noted that the growth of the fund to UGX 14 billion is a clear testament to strategic vision, prudent management, and confidence in Makerere University’s long-term sustainability. Prof. Ssali praised the Board for initiatives that have united thousands of alumni, staff, and partners, notably through the Makerere Run, which has supported disability inclusion and empowerment.

The Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali. The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) officially inaugurated by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, 23rd October 2025, Council Room, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali.

She also recognized the introduction of the MakAdvance digital platform as a milestone in promoting efficiency and transparency. She welcomed the incoming Board, and challenged the new team to grow the Fund beyond UGX 25 billion through deeper engagement, innovative fundraising, and stronger partnerships. She reaffirmed Management’s commitment to supporting the Fund within robust governance frameworks that inspire stakeholder confidence, emphasizing the shared vision of building a financially resilient Makerere University.

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, the Chairperson, reflected on the remarkable progress achieved under the 2021–2025 term, noting the Fund’s growth from UGX 8.66 billion to UGX 14.54 billion — a 68% increase despite global economic challenges. She highlighted key milestones including the institutionalization of the Makerere Run, establishment of the Makerere Gift and Souvenir Shop, launch of The Legacy e-newsletter, and the creation of the Jawaher Fund for the Advancement of Women’s Education, supported by NAMA Establishment in the UAE. Dr. Kigozi expressed gratitude to the outgoing Trustees and reaffirmed her commitment, alongside the new Board, to advance transformative projects such as the construction of the Makerere University Students’ Centre and development of the Makindye land. She emphasized that the Fund’s goal remains to build a financially sustainable Makerere University capable of supporting innovation, research, and academic excellence for generations to come.

Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right) with Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi and her award for her previous tenure as Chairperson. The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) officially inaugurated by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, 23rd October 2025, Council Room, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right) with Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi and her award for her previous tenure as Chairperson.

At the inauguration, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta underscored the Fund’s central role in ensuring Makerere’s financial sustainability and institutional legacy. He described the Endowment Fund as a cornerstone of the University’s vision—an instrument through which Makerere secures its future, strengthens its independence, and sustains strategic investments in teaching, research, and innovation. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Board, chaired by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, for their dedicated service and strong leadership that fortified the Fund’s governance, fundraising, and asset management.

Welcoming the new Board, he congratulated the members on their appointment and urged them to continue expanding and mobilizing resources with integrity and innovation. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to providing administrative and financial support to ensure that the Fund thrives beyond annual budgetary constraints, contributing meaningfully to Makerere’s vision of becoming a research-led, financially resilient, and globally respected institution.

The Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) was established to secure the University’s financial sustainability by mobilizing, investing, and managing resources to support its core functions of teaching, research, and innovation. Originating from donations made as early as the 1930s, the Fund has evolved into a strategic vehicle that aims to reduce dependence on public funding. It is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the University Council, responsible for overseeing investments and resource mobilization. Through initiatives like alumni engagement, digital giving, and events such as the Makerere Run, the Fund continues to grow and strengthen Makerere’s vision of being a research-led and financially resilient institution.

Eve Nakyanzi

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MURBS Declares 13.56% Interest for FY 2024/2025

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The Chairperson, Dr. Michael Kizito (3rd Right) and Board Secretary, CPA Francesca Angida Mugyema (Centre) with MURBS Trustees from Left to Right: Mr. George Bamugemereire, CPA Edna Rugumayo, Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, Mr. Joseph Ikarokok and Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga at the 15th AGM on 23rd October 2025. Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees on 23rd October 2025 during the 15th Annual General Meeting declared an interest on 13.56% on Members balances for the Financial Year 2024/2025. Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees on 23rd October 2025 during the 15th Annual General Meeting declared an interest on 13.56% on Members balances for the Financial Year 2024/2025. Held in the Main Hall for the first time since the Main Building’s reconstruction, the AGM was a chance for the Board of Trustees led by Dr. Michael Kizito to showcase the dedication, strategic initiatives and resilience that had enabled the fund to grow by 16.2% from UGX 409.2 billion as at 30th June 2024 to UGX 475.5 billion as at 30th June 2025.

MURBS asset classes and contributions

Some of these strategic initiatives included investing 86.4% of MURBS’ portfolio in long-term Ugandan Government Bonds. This decision was in line with the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA)’s approved waiver, allowing investment of up to 90% in this asset class. Investments in other asset classes included Unit Trusts (10.3%), Real Estate (3.19%), as well as Equities and Fixed Deposits at 0.08% each.

Additional contributors to the fund growth included the remittances from the Sponsor, Makerere University, which grew by 6.4% from UGX 34.4 billion to UGX 36.6 billion. Of particular significance were remittances from staff on projects amounting to UGX 4.59 billion, attracting the Chairperson’s commendation.

“MURBS Trustees appreciate the Sponsor’s compliance and are grateful for the engagements so far to settle historical debts” enthused Dr. Kizito, before adding “We equally recognize Principal Investigators, Accountants and College Principals who remitted to MURBS retirement contributions for their staff on contract and under different projects.” Thirteen new projects were registered by MURBS during the last quarter of FY 2024/2025, bringing the total number of projects remitting staff benefits to the Scheme to 174.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) with MURBS Trustees and Secretariat during their courtesy visit on 30th April 2025. Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees on 23rd October 2025 during the 15th Annual General Meeting declared an interest on 13.56% on Members balances for the Financial Year 2024/2025. Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) with MURBS Trustees and Secretariat during their courtesy visit on 30th April 2025.

Membership and savings

As such, the number of MURBS Members actively contributing to the scheme grew from 3,137 last year to 3,368 as at 30th June 2025. Of these, the majority i.e. 1,648 (48.93%) had savings below UGX 50 million, followed by 524 (15.56%) with savings between UGX 500 and 550 million. The minority i.e. 1 (0.03%) member has the highest savings between UGX 650 and 700 million, followed by 2 (0.06%) with savings between UGX 600 and 650 million.

Retirement of staff is a normal practice and as such, MURBS paid benefits worth UGX 21.7 billion last financial year. As alarming as this figure was, the Chairperson reassured members that the rise in benefits paid is a normal trend “because it corresponds to rise in the value of individual holdings for members.

“Our retirement benefits packages now include partial withdrawals after retirement, annuity arrangement with reputable industry partners, and Mid-Term Access,” explained Dr. Kizito.

Milestones registered

MURBS registered a number of achievements during the last financial year in its bid to ensure transformative growth. These included completion of a benchmarking process that will see the procurement and introduction of a modern Management Information System (MIS) to strengthen operational efficiency. The Chairperson equally announced that the MURBS Mobile App had been developed and is ready for deployment. The App, he added, will “dramatically enhance the member experience by offering instant access to benefit calculators, account information, and real-time statements.”

Dr. Michael Kizito. Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees on 23rd October 2025 during the 15th Annual General Meeting declared an interest on 13.56% on Members balances for the Financial Year 2024/2025. Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Michael Kizito.

Other milestones highlighted by Dr. Kizito included the implementation of Document Management System (DMS) for efficient records management, and the acquisition of new office premises to accommodate the scheme’s growth and offer more member-focused services. On this note, the Chairperson appreciated the Makerere University Council and Management for their support in ensuring that MURBS continues to deliver “an enabling environment that promotes productivity, accessibility, and efficiency for both members and staff.”

Sector Regulator applauds MURBS Trustees

Speaking on behalf of URBRA, Mr. Mark Lotukei commended MURBS Trustees on leveraging sector rules to ensure that members receive the best return on investment for their benefits. “From this year’s presentation, your funds were invested more than 80% in government securities, which shows that your trustees were proactive enough to take advantage of shifts in the marketplace” he commended.

Mr. Lotukei urged MURBS members to use the platform provided by the AGM to not only question the Trustees decisions but also improve their own awareness of how scheme business is conducted. He equally encouraged members to make the most of the regular free online trainings provided by URBRA. “Those two hours could change a lot in terms of enabling you to plan better for your retirement”.

A pledge to continue delivering value

True to Mr. Lotukei’s encouragement, the AGM was concluded with a lively question and answer session, where members thoroughly probed the Trustees on various issues presented in the annual report. In addition to the Chairperson, other Trustees namely; the Board Secretary – CPA Francesca Angida Mugyema and Members – Mr. Joseph Ikarokok, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga, Mr. George Bamugemereire, and CPA Edna Rugumayo were on hand to provide responses, while Trustee Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi moderated the session.

The Principal Pension Officer (3rd Left) with Members of the Secretariat Left to Right: Ms. Rebecca Nairuba, Ms. Juliet Nabukeera, Ms. Rhona Asingwiire, Ms. Doreen Namono, Ms. Julian Marembo, and Mr. Marvin Kakumba. Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees on 23rd October 2025 during the 15th Annual General Meeting declared an interest on 13.56% on Members balances for the Financial Year 2024/2025. Main Hall, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal Pension Officer (3rd Left) with Members of the Secretariat from Left to Right: Ms. Rebecca Nairuba, Ms. Juliet Nabukeera, Ms. Rhona Asingwiire, Ms. Doreen Namono, Ms. Julian Marembo, and Mr. Marvin Kakumba.

In addition to Trustees, the Board’s co-opted experts include; CPA David Ssenoga, Dr. Saul Nsubuga, Mr. Alan Lwetabe, and Mr. Paul Kuteesa. The Board of Trustees is supported in the daily running of Scheme business by the Secretariat that is made up of; Ms. Susan Khaitsa, Ms. Juliet Nabukeera, Ms. Julian Marembo, Mr. Marvin Kakumba, Ms. Rhonah Asingwiire, Ms. Rebecca Nairuba, and Ms. Doreen Namono.

In closing, the Chairperson reassured Members of the MURBS’ Trustees unwavering commitment to continue focusing on optimizing operations, enhancing revenue streams through alternative investments, and delivering value to stakeholders.

Mark Wamai

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