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“The Future Remains Highly Promising”-MURBS BoT to Members

Published

6 years ago

October 24, 2019

Mark Wamai

The Vice Chairperson Council-Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega (3rd Right), Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right), Ag. University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right), MURBS Chairperson BoT-Mr. Grace William Naigambi (3rd L), Chair MURBS Audit Committee-CPA David Ssenoga (2nd Left) and Principal Pension Officer MURBS-Ms. Susan Khaitsa (Left) at the Scheme's performance presentation, 11th October 2019, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

The Board of Trustees (BoT), Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) has reassured its members that it has laid strategies to minimize impact of the upcoming election periods in 2021 and 2022 for Uganda and Kenya respectively on the Scheme’s growth. These reassurances were made by the Chairperson, BoT, Mr. Grace Wilber Naigambi as he delivered his remarks at the 9^th Annual General Meeting held in the Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF 2) Auditorium, Makerere University on 22^nd October 2019.

“On behalf of the BoT, I would like to reassure Stakeholders that the future prospects of the Scheme remain highly promising… MURBS’ governance will lay emphasis on instituting value adding strategies to grow member funds that will enable the Scheme celebrate its true purpose of securing the retirement of members” remarked Mr. Naigambi.

The Chairperson shared that MURBS’ medium to long-term targets include attaining a largest member benefit of UGX500million by 2023 and achieving 100% income replacement ratio by 2027. As at 30^th June 2019, only 1.15% of the Scheme’s 3,793 members had benefits in the range of UGX200-250million while the current income replacement ratio stands at 23%.

MURBS foresees the possibility of achieving such targets based on incentives like the Government’s reduction of withholding tax on long-term bonds with outstanding maturity of ten years or more from 20% to 10%. “The change has increased investor appetite for long-term bonds” added Mr. Naigambi.

At 69.1%, Treasury Bonds constitute MURBS largest fixed income assets and largest asset class. A reduction of withholding tax on these will translate into increased returns for members. As at 30^th June 2019, the fixed incomes had a 90.57% impact on overall returns.

The Chairperson further shared that MURBS had after a serious evaluation of its investment asset classes resolved to divest from equities and strategically invest in real estate/property. Following the presentation of the Scheme performance for the Financial Year 2018/2019 on 11^th October 2019, the BoT introduced its first Property Project; Ivory Estate Sonde. “The BoT is convinced that through this strategy, the Scheme will greatly enhance its investment income.”

The Chairperson in his remarks further stressed the need for members to embrace the Annuity arrangement as opposed to the lump sum payment upon retirement. During the financial year 2018/2019, MURBS operationalized the annuity option for retirees with minimum benefits of UGX100million. This figure was arrived at as a basic minimum amount that can return a reasonable monthly income after retirement. Annuities are available for guaranteed periods of ten, fifteen and twenty years.

Sharing more about MURBS premier property investment; Ivory Estate Sonde, the Secretary BoT, Dr. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa said this was the first real estate project to feature solar street lighting. He added that the Estate will feature roads named according to halls of residence. These will be eight metres wide for access roads and twelve metres wide for main roads. Site visits for members have been planned for 24^th, 29^th and 31^st October 2019.

Article by Public Relations Office

General

Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

Published

19 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Mark Wamai

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali and other leaders of Higher Education Institutions after the CBE minimum standards validation meeting on 23rd January 2026. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 23^rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali.***

Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.***

Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.

Prof. Mary Okwakol. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol.***

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.

Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.***

The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).

General

Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2026

Mak Editor

An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20^th January 2026 – Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24^th January 2026 to 10^th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10^th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10^th February 2026 until 6^th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76^th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76^th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24^th February 2026 to Friday 27^th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

Makerere-Press-Release-Semester-2-Opening-Postponed-20thJan2026 Download

Ministry-of-Education-and-Sports-Directive-16thJan2026 Download

Makerere-Semester-2-Revised-Academic-Calendar Download

General

Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

Published

2 weeks ago

January 13, 2026

Mak Editor

E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).

Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).

Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg