_{By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy}

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.

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.

“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 17^th, 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.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17^th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

Strategic partnership focuses on strengthening the university’s mandate, delivery, and innovation agenda

Kampala, Uganda – July 4, 2025 – Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to support the university’s core mandate as Uganda’s premier higher education institution.

The partnership will enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services.

Key Partnership Activities

The partnership will focus on three flagship initiatives that embody the collaboration’s commitment to academic excellence and student development:

Annual Tumusime Mutebile Lecture: DFCU Bank will serve as the co-sponsor of this prestigious annual academic event that honors the legacy of the late Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile. The lecture series will feature distinguished speakers addressing critical economic and financial sector topics, strengthening the bridge between academia and industry practice.

Mak Run: The bank will join other corporate sponsors of the annual Mak Run, supporting this
signature university event that promotes health, wellness, and community engagement among students, staff, and the broader public. This partnership reinforces both institutions’ commitment to holistic student development and community outreach.

Student Activities: DFCU Bank will provide comprehensive support for various student activities including skills and leadership development programs, academic competitions, cultural events, and co-curricular activities that enhance the overall university experience and prepare students for professional success.

Leadership Commitment

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, stated: “Our partnership with DFCU Bank reinforces our core mission of delivering quality higher education. Through support for key initiatives like the Tumusime Mutebile Lecture, the Mak Run, and enhanced student services, we are better equipped to nurture graduates who will lead Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.”

Mr. Charles Mudiwa, Managing Director of DFCU Bank Limited, emphasized: “Supporting
Makerere University‘s mandate aligns with our commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment. Through our sponsorship of the Tumusime Mutebile Lecture, Mak Run, and various student activities, this partnership will create pathways for students to access financial services, gain practical experience, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Implementation Framework

Makerere University will provide academic expertise, research infrastructure, and student engagement platforms while identifying priority areas for collaboration aligned with national development goals.

DFCU Bank will contribute financial resources, internship opportunities, guest lecturing services, and practical training programs to enhance the university’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

The partnership includes provisions for joint research funding, student mentorship programs, and collaborative innovation projects that bridge academic theory with practical application in Uganda’s financial and economic sectors.

About the Partnership

This collaboration reinforces Makerere University‘s role as Uganda’s flagship institution operating under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, while leveraging DFCU Bank’s expertise in financial services and commitment to transforming lives through inclusive solutions.

The MoU becomes effective immediately and establishes a renewable framework for sustained collaboration supporting higher education excellence, research advancement, and comprehensive student development.

Media Contacts:

Makerere University: Ms Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Public Relations, pro@mak.ac.ug, Telephone: 0772697500/0702697500