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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

NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

Published

7 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Mak Editor

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here!

General

End of Semester Memo for Academic Year 2024/2025

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2025

Mark Wamai

Africa, one of three On-Campus Halls of Residence for ladies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

All Resident Students

1. Congratulatory Message

On behalf of Makerere University Management, I congratulate and thank you for the successful completion of Semester Two: 2024/2025.

2.End of the Second Semester

The second Semester holiday break will begin on 17^th May, 2025 up to Saturday 9^th August, 2025.

3. Resident Students

All resident students are expected to vacate the Halls of Residence by mid-day on Saturday, 17^th May, 2025.

4. University Property

Please hand over all University property in your possession (such as: room keys, Sports & Games equipment, College property etc) before you leave the Hall of Residence.

5. Security of personal property

Please make sure that you carry with you all your property.

Dean of Students
Makerere University

Makerere-Dean-of-Students-End-of-Academic-Year-2024-2025-MEMO Download

General

Inter-college Debate 2025 Seeks to Nurture Confident, Articulate, and Visionary Leaders

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2025

Mak Editor

Winners of the Inter-college debates Daphine Kemigisha and Jibiril Ssekandi (School of Law) pose for a photo with debaters and the GRCs of the Debate Union. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11^th and 12^th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.

The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.

One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***One of the preliminary rounds in session at Lumumba Hall.***

Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21^st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.

On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale. Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Daphine Kemigisha submitting at the debate grand finale.***

Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.

After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.

Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL). Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Debate Winners; Daphine Kemigisha (Right) and Jibril Sekandi (Left) from the School of Law (SoL).***

The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91^st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.

Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.