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MURBS Declares 10.6% Interest, Launches Annuity Arrangement & Property Project
Published
6 years agoon
The Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) on 11th October 2019 at a presentation of its performance for the Financial Year 2018/2019 declared an interest of 10.6% payable on all members' opening balances as at 1st July 2018. MURBS also introduced two new products for Members; the Annuity Arrangement courtesy of the Insurance Company of East Africa (ICEA) and the Property Project, dubbed Ivory Estate Sonde.
Welcoming participants to the presentation, the Principal Pension Officer MURBS, Ms. Susan Khaitsa introduced Members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) who included; the Chairperson, Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi, Ms. Dorothy Nannozi Kabanda, Mr. John Peter Okello and Mr. William Ndoleriire. Also introduced were co-opted Board Members; CPA David Ssenoga-Chair Audit Committee and Mr. Paul Kuteesa-Member, Finance and Administration Committee.
Ms. Khaitsa also recognised the; CEO, Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA)-Mr. Martin Nsubuga, Representative of the CEO, Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)-Mr. Chris Kananura and CEO, ICEA (Insurance Company of East Africa) Life Assurance Company-Mr. Emmanuel Mwaka. The service providers; Administrator-Octagon Uganda Limited, Custodian-Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited as well as Fund Managers-GenAfrica Asset Managers Limited and Sanlam Investments SA were equally well represented.
Addressing participants, the Chief Guest Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, Vice Chairperson Makerere University Council who represented the Chairperson, Mrs. Lorna Magara, thanked MURBS for inviting Council to witness the 9th Presentation of its performance.
“On 1st April 2010, the Makerere University Council established MURBS. This in itself was a bold decision before the promulgation of the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority” noted Rt. Hon. Kidega.
The Chief Guest then informed participants that the Scheme Sponsor Makerere University Council and Government had as at 30th June 2019 paid over UGX 30billion of unremitted contributions to MURBS. He also reassured the audience of Council’s commitment to ensure that MURBS becomes the best scheme on the Ugandan market.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the Chief Guest for sparing time to attend the presentation, noting that “MURBS matters are of great importance to Makerere University.”
He therefore congratulated MURBS upon coming up with the Annuity Arrangement and Property Project as innovations for Members. “I congratulate MURBS on these wonderful innovations because this shows that at long last this institution is breaking out of inertia in line with my manifesto theme; Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University.”
Prof. Nawangwe added that Makerere University as the foremost trainer of Managers, will enable our nation to achieve middle income status through research and innovations. He however noted that this would be impossible unless the human resource responsible for this training remains focused on their work with reassurance that their salaries will be paid on time and benefits secured upon retirement.
“As we strive to ensure that Makerere University makes her contribution to the country, we want to ensure that the people who are making this possible are relaxed. MURBS has a major responsibility in ensuring that our staff benefits are well taken care of and wisely invested” added the Vice Chancellor.
The former Chairman, Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) and Manager Communication and International Relations, Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke commended the Vice Chancellor for his support to MURBS over the years. “As Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Nawangwe supported the proper running of MURBS and was readily available to settle any matters related to staff benefits.”
Dr. Kiggundu Musoke also paid tribute to the Chairperson, BoT, MURBS Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi for being an exemplary and dependable representative of MUASA. He therefore appealed to the MUASA fraternity to always choose trustworthy and reputable representatives who will take the Scheme to greater heights.
Whereas MURBS declared an interest of 17% on 30th June 2018, this year’s reduced 10.6% declaration was attributed to a number of factors in the operating environment. Delivering the presentation on the Scheme’s performance, Mr. Naigambi shared that during the financial year 2018/2019, regional equity markets, which hold over 20% of the MURBS asset class declined greatly. This was attributed to weakening foreign investor appetite in light of global economic and trade uncertainties.
Nevertheless, MURBS collected UGX26billion in member contributions, compared to UGX23billion the previous financial year. The Scheme’s Total Net Assets also grew by 30% from UGX142billion in the 2017/2018 financial year to UGX178billion in 2018/2019.
Mr. Naigambi further announced that MURBS had in partnership with ICEA Life Assurance come up with the MURBS Annuity Arrangement and introduced two Annuitants; Mr. Michael Nganda from the Department of Mathematics and Assoc. Prof. Andrew Muwanga from the Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies. These shared their testimonies of their experience so far and benefits such as Health Insurance for the Annuitant and a spouse and Funeral cover that come with the arrangment.
Mr. John Peter Okello on behalf of the BoT then presented MURBS’ first real estate development project; Ivory Estate Sonde. The project consists of 358 serviced plots starting at 50x100feet, spread out over a 50acre estate. Priority will be given to MURBS Members, who will be able to purchase each plot at UGX55million. MURBS has partnered its Custodian Stanbic bank to ease purchase of the plots by MURBS Members.
According to Mr. Jackson Emanzi, Stanbic Uganda’s Head of Home Loans, MURBS members will pay an initial 10% of the cost (UGX5.5million) and can access a loan facility within 48 hours to pay the balance over five years in UGX1.2million monthly installments. A dedicated desk has been set up at the Stanbic Bank Makerere Branch to ease access to the loan facility for plots at Ivory Estate Sonde.
Speaking on behalf of URBRA, the CEO Mr. Martin Nsubuga commended MURBS for being a very organized scheme with highly focused Trustees. “Our biggest challenge at the beginning of setting up the Authority was dealing with Trustees who either didn’t know their obligations or over delegated responsibility to service providers.”
Mr. Nsubuga on the other hand commended MURBS Trustees for steering the scheme to continued growth and congratulated Makerere University upon safeguarding the retirement benefits of their employees. He reassured the audience that URBRA had in place a solid legal framework to ensure that the MURBS investment is secure.
On behalf of IRA, Mr. Chris Kananura said that the Authority is fully committed to developing the Insurance sector in Uganda and commended MURBS for partnering with ICEA to add value to retirement benefits.
“Research has shown that 96% of retirees exhaust their benefits within three years of retirement. Annuity arrangements are therefore an excellent way to prepare you for a comfortable retirement and the IRA has introduced risk-based supervision to ensure that companies fulfill the promises spelled out in their product portfolios” added Mr. Kananura.
The CEO, ICEA Life and gallant alumnus of Makerere University, Mr. Emmanuel Mwaka noted that with more than 4,500 Annuitants, his company is the largest provider of annuity arrangements in the region. He therefore welcomed more MURBS members to take advantage of the services provided so as to mitigate the risks associated with lump sum payments upon retirement.
This position was reiterated by Mr. David Opio Okello, Member, ICEA Life Board of Directors who commended MURBS BoT for the exceptional leadership and tremendous job in growing the Scheme since its inception to the current fund value.
“This partnership with ICEA Life will enable MURBS to meet its objective to deliver retirement security for members both today and tomorrow. I thank the Insurance Regulatory Authority for introducing annuities as an option for members to receive their retirement benefits” added Mr. Opio Okello.
Article by Public Relations Office
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General
Strengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen
Published
2 days agoon
October 8, 2025By
Mak Editor
A significant development unfolded at Makerere University during a strategic, hour-long meeting in the vice chancellor’s boardroom on 7th October 2025, marking a deepening bond with the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The primary goal was to move beyond existing collaborations and formalize a new Double Doctorate (PhD) program. Prof. Sarah Saali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, set the tone by emphasizing that institutional partnerships are crucial to Makerere University, which she proudly called the leading research and most collaborative university in the world.

The discussion promptly formed the core structure of the program: a four-year PhD (or three if the master’s was research-based), with supervision duties split 50-50% between the two institutions. A key feature is the mobility requirement, stipulating that PhD candidates would spend a total of six months in the Netherlands, potentially divided into two three-month periods. Crucially, the University of Groningen confirmed there would be no teaching requirement during this stay, allowing students full access to focus on their research. A major financial hurdle was overcome with the adoption of a fee-waiver policy; Makerere would waive tuition for incoming Groningen candidates, and Groningen would reciprocate for Makerere‘s students, significantly boosting the program’s financial viability.

However, the critical issue of the stipend remained. Dr. Anita Veltmaat explained that to meet the required living standard of approximately €1,875 per month in Groningen, the incoming candidate must secure a partial external scholarship of around €250 per month. The positive news is that if the candidate secures this minimum scholarship, the University of Groningen is prepared to top up the amount to the full living standard for the six months the student spends in the Netherlands. It was noted that this initial financial hurdle might be simplified for Makerere students, as many are already staff members receiving a salary, which could help cover the required €250.

The path forward was clear: it was to complete the agreement template guided by the setup committee from both institutions. The plan culminated in scheduling an online follow-up meeting for Tuesday, November 11th, to review the first revision of the agreement, capping a highly constructive discussion that solidified the two universities’ shared future in graduate education.

Makerere University was represented by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Affairs; Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, Head of the Department of Gender Studies; Dr. Patricia Ndugga, School of Statistics; Dr. Stella Achen and Dr. Joseph Watuleke, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning; Agatha Ainemukama, School of Engineering; Racheal Nuwagaba, School of Psychology; Awel Uwihanganye, Martine Rugamba, and Hawa Ndagire from the Advancement Office; and Muhammad Kiggundu from the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.

The University of Groningen was represented by Dr. Dinie Bouwman, Senior Policy Advisor, Internationalization and Quality Assurance; Dr. Anita Veltmaat, Faculty of Social Behavior and Social Sciences, Department of International Studies, involved in mentorship programs for women; and Dr. Alette Arendshorst, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working on graduation/collaboration for students/staff.
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Makerere and Nelson Mandela University Move to Actualize Existing MoU
Published
3 days agoon
October 7, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.
The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.

Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives. “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”
Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.
In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.
Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.
Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.
From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.

The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.
The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.
The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.
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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on DVC AA Appointment, Acquisitions, Research & Various Issues
Published
3 days agoon
October 7, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Tuesday 7th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the; New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Acquisition of Land in Kyankwanzi, Acquisition of 3 buses from Kiira Motors, Anti-Tick vaccine, Makerere Innovation Hub upgrade, Promotion of Student Freedoms and Responsible Leadership, Student Allowances, and Staff Hires and Exits.
The event held in the Council Room, Main Building, was attended by the DVC AA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, Ag. DVC F&A-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
I welcome the media to this briefing. I would like to start by thanking our staff for their diligent and dedicated service to our University and Country.
In our teaching and learning, Makerere University seeks to respond to real-world problems within clearly defined industries and economic sectors. We align core university interventions with social economic transformation, by leveraging partnerships, technology, creative arts, sciences, research and innovations. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for both students and staff in order to produce graduates who are globally competitive, relevant and responsive to development needs.
To this end, we have made some strides that I would like to share, starting with the introduction of the new Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs.
1. Introduction of the New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga on September 23rd 2025, appointed Professor Sarah Evelyn Nabwire Ssali as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Prof. Ssali has had a distinguished career at Makerere University spanning over two decades. Until her appointment, she was the Acting Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), having previously served as Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies (2017–2024). She is also the Director of the Centre of Excellence in African Identities under the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). An accomplished scholar, Prof. Ssali is a Professor of Gender and Development Studies and a prolific researcher. Beyond academia, she has contributed significantly to university governance, and also played a leading role in curriculum reviews and policy reforms.
I warmly congratulate Prof. Sarah Ssali on her appointment and look forward to her leadership in steering academic affairs to greater heights.
2. Acquisition of Land in Kyankwanzi Land
The University is delighted to report that, on September 26th, 2025, Makerere University officially received one square mile (approximately 640 acres) of land from the Government of Uganda. This land, located in Kyankwanzi District, has been earmarked for the establishment of a Makerere University Agro-Demonstration and Training Facility.
This facility will serve as a living laboratory for practical agricultural training, research, and community engagement. It will host demonstration farms, improved livestock breeds, and innovative technologies designed to transform subsistence agriculture into a productive, market-oriented enterprise. Through this initiative, Makerere will train farmers and extension workers in modern farming practices, sustainable land use, pest and disease control, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness management.
The Kyankwanzi project aligns with Makerere University’s broader mission to generate and disseminate knowledge that directly impacts communities and supports Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
3. Makerere Acquires 3 buses from Kiira Motors
I am pleased to announce that on September 27th, 2025, we strengthened our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation through the acquisition of three modern buses. Of these, two are diesel-powered while the third is an electric bus, specifically brought to ease mobility of students and staff with special needs across campus.
This initiative speaks directly to our core values of inclusivity, equity, and care for all members of the university community. By ensuring that every student and staff can fully participate in academic life, Makerere continues to create a learning environment where everyone can thrive.
Our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation reflects Makerere’s support for Uganda’s homegrown innovation ecosystem. That Kiira Motors was founded on research from within our own College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), is a demonstration of how university knowledge can be translated into practical solutions that serve society.
We extend our appreciation to the management and team at Kiira Motors for their generous contribution and continued collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing sustainable transport and green technology, but also reaffirming our shared vision of a modern, inclusive, and innovation-driven Uganda.
4. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION UPDATES
i. Anti- Tick vaccine
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB) has successfully completed the formulation of an anti-tick vaccine, marking a major milestone in Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s livestock sector. The vaccine, which has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 86%, is expected to reduce calf mortality by 14% and significantly improve productivity across the livestock value chain. Uganda’s livestock industry currently contributes 19.4% to the national GDP, valued at approximately USD 17.09 billion.
Once fully developed and approved, the anti-tick vaccine is projected to reduce product losses in milk and meat by 11% and 29% respectively, and cut down on acaricide importation (An acaricide is a chemical substance used to kill ticks and mites). The vaccine is now awaiting clinical trials and regulatory approval from the relevant drug authorities before commercialization.
ii. Makerere University’s Innovation Hub upgraded
In 2022, we established an Innovation Hub dubbed the Unipod, which in 2024 got a grant from UNDP under the Timbukutoo Africa Initiative. The Unipod has now been formally upgraded to Makerere University Technology and Innovations Center (MUTIC) with the mandate to offer support to innovations university-wide.
MUTIC is a state-of-the-art innovation center that nurtures, incubates and accelerates ideas into companies. It has 10 makerspaces including Computer-Aided Design rooms, Textile space, Electrical space, Renewable Energy, E-Mobility, a Multimedia Studio among others.
The Center will be under the administration of a board of Directors chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration and comprising members from the student body, academic staff, government and the private sector.
5. STUDENT AFFAIRS
Promoting Student Freedoms and Responsible Leadership
Makerere University continues to make deliberate and progressive efforts to enhance student freedoms and participation in leadership.
In a development that reflects Makerere’s continued commitment to empower and nurture responsible future leaders, the University recently made the decision to reinstate open guild campaigns, which had previously been suspended following the tragic loss of a student during campaign activities. This decision was reached after extensive consultations with the Student Guild leadership, guided by our shared desire to restore a vibrant, participatory, and safe democratic culture on campus.
The resumption of open campaigns comes with a renewed understanding and agreement to balance freedom with responsibility, emphasizing peaceful and respectful campaigns that do not disrupt academic programmes or endanger persons, property, or businesses within and around the University.
As an institution that values dialogue, democracy, and responsible citizenship, we recognize that a truly great university must not only nurture academic excellence but also provide a space for free expression and engagement in governance.
Student Allowances
Students received some of their allowances in Quarter One and will receive the balance this quarter as soon as government releases the Quarter 2 funds. Management has met and harmonized with the Students leadership and we have committed to pay.
6. STAFF AFFAIRS
Staff Hires and Exits
There has been some media attention owing to the recent appointments and departures of staff from Makerere University. Allow me comment on this.
At its 769th meeting, the Makerere University Appointments Board appointed twenty-three (23) new members of staff, confirmed fifty-eight (58) members into University service, and also accepted resignations for eighteen (18) members of staff. Most of the colleagues who resigned went to take up other opportunities in various capacities. We congratulate all departing staff and wish them well in their new positions of service.
We recognize that transition is a natural process in all institutions of higher learning. The career growth and accomplishments of former Makerere staff reflects not only their individual achievements but also Makerere’s enduring role as a crucible for leadership and knowledge production.
It is important to acknowledge that while staff inevitably transition out of the University, Makerere maintains a robust recruitment pipeline to ensure that teaching, learning, and research remain uninterrupted. You will, therefore, note that while 18 staff left, 58 were confirmed and 23 joined the University’s service within the same period. Makerere, therefore, continues to demonstrate sound institutional planning and has in no way reneged on our responsibility to safeguard academic continuity for our students and partners.
End.
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