General
MakRun: The Third Edition Ends Blissfully
On Sunday 15th September 2019, thousands of participants comprising staff, students, alumni, friends and well-wishers assembled in the Freedom Square for the Makerere University Endowment Fund Run (MakRun).
The Third Edition of the MakRun which started with aerobics at 6:00 am, was flagged off by the Chief Runner, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera at 7:00am.
The MakRun is an annual event organized by Makerere University Endowment Fund together with the Planning and Development Department. The MakRun is geared towards raising UGX15billion to construct the Makerere University Students’ Centre; a one-stop Student Information Centre with a 2,000 seater state-of-the-art Auditorium and Wall of Fame.
According to the Acting Director of Planning and Development Mr. Matia Kabuye, the Makerere University Students’ Center reflects the unwavering commitment to improving the students’ academic experience and the quality of life generated by the conducive environment while at the University.
“The Students Centre serves as a collective place that reflects dynamism of the 21st century student in the digital age. It will correct the imbalance in access to socio-cultural amenities that was created by the increase in student numbers,” he said.
Speaking at the MakRun 2019 Award Ceremony in the Freedom Square, Prof. Kagonyera applauded Makerere University for creating a platform that enables students, staff, alumni and well-wishers to collectively contribute towards Makerere University’s development. “This cause is a step in the right direction as far as attaining financial independence for Makerere University is concerned.
He congratulated Makerere University leadership upon inaugurating both Makerere University Holdings Company and Makerere University Endowment Fund Boards when he said, “in so doing, you have put in place the necessary infrastructure through which support from your gallant alumni can be channeled.”
Prof. Kagonyera commended Makerere University for providing an opportunity to the alumni, to give back to the University through the Endowment Fund initiatives. He advocated for transparency and accountability for the funds mobilized and tasked the students, staff, and alumni to make a follow up on the funds raised and the progress of the project. “This is your own initiative you should demand accountability and updates.”
He congratulated the winners of the 5Km and 10Km runs and presented medals and certificates to them amidst applause.
For the 10km race, the winning team comprised;
Male category
- Mr. Jamona Edmond (Best Overall)
- Mr. Ategeka Brian Adams (1st Runner Up)
- Mr. Agaba Aggrey (2nd Runner Up)
Female category
- Ms. Bunia Dina (Best Overall)
- Ms. Nassasira Eva (1st Runner Up)
- Ms. Nuwagaba Edian (2nd Runner Up)
For the 5km race, the winning team comprised;
Male category
- Mr. Ondoka Isaac (Best Overall)
- Mr. Otim Emmanuel (1st Runner Up)
- Mr. Abdul Majid (2nd Runner Up)
Female category
- Ms. Atemo Lydia (Best Overall)
- Ms. Akello Concy (1st Runner Up)
- Ms. Apio Gloria (2nd Runner Up)
Other winners in the Senior Category of runners included;
- Mr. Ochieng Zekeri (Best Overall)
- Mr. Nsubuga Saul (1st Runner Up)
- Ms. Lunyolo Petra (2nd Runner Up)
Representing the Chairperson of Council, Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali applauded students, staff and alumni for the spirit of togetherness they have exhibited throughout the three MakRun editions.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Prof. Kagonyera for officiating the Third Edition of the MakRun. On behalf of the University Management, Prof. Nawangwe applauded the MakRun 2019 Organizing Committee chaired by Mr. Matia Kabuye -the Acting Director, Planning and Development Department for organizing a successful Run.
He thanked DFCU Bank, Airtel, Post Bank, UBA Bank, Coca-Cola, Rwenzori Bottling Company and Housing Finance Bank for sponsoring the event.
Article written by: Nakibombo Esther Joy, Volunteer Mak Public Relations Office.
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.”
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.”
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:
“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.
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