General
Mak to double scholarships for female students
Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) is set to double scholarships for female students from 20 to 40 slots with a comprehensive package. This was revealed by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. William Bazeyo during the FSF Resource Mobilisation Dinner which took place on 6th December 2019 at Kampala Serena Hotel, Victoria Hall.
“Starting next academic year, Makerere University will provide 40 scholarships to bright female students from socio-economically dis-advantaged backgrounds. The University has been providing 20 scholarships tagged to only tuition. Makerere University will double the scholarship slots, and also cater for both tuition and functional fees for the successful applicants. This offer will run for a period of five (5) years,” said Prof. William Bazeyo while representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
In line with the theme of the Resource Mobilisation Drive, "Drop a coin and forever change a life," the Guest of Honour, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni contributed UGX 20 million while UGX 63million was raised in cash and pledges from individuals during the dinner.
Prior to the Friday Dinner, the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) with support from FSF Alumni who felt the need to give back to Makerere University for giving them an opportunity to acquire university education had raised UGX 30 million.
The ongoing FSF Resource Mobilisation Drive targets raising 15 billion shillings to enable 500 bright female students, but from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to access education at Makerere University in the next ten (10) years. The FSF Resource Mobilisation Dinner is one of the platforms highlighted in the robust fundraising strategy being implemented by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate.
In a speech read by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, the Minister of Education and Sports applauded Makerere University and individuals of good will for contributing generously to the Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation aimed at empowering the girl-child through access to university education.
“Education is globally recognized as one of the factors of development therefore, Makerere University through the Female Scholarship Foundation contributes to the development of Uganda since women and girls sustain the productivity of a nation” said Hon. Kataaha Museveni.
She recognized the efforts of the Government of Uganda through programmes such as the Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE) and Skilling Uganda aimed at increasing access to education and ensuring that the girl child attains quality education.
In total support of this noble cause, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Oulanyah rallied Ugandans to always help other people to live their potential. Leading by example, Rt. Hon. Oulanyah, a proud alumnus of Makerere University pledged UGX 10 million. “I was in Makerere University many years back. Makerere University made me. It shaped me. I call upon you, to always remember that in every situation we must build for the future. We must adapt the virus of Helping Other People Live their Potential-the HPLP virus,” he remarked.
Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) was born out of the Female Scholarship Initiative (FSI) established at Makerere University in 2001 with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and later in 2005 by the Government of Sweden through SIDA. The goal of FSF is to support bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access university education thus contributing to the increased female enrollment at the University.
According to the Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, the Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF) has enabled 1,160 Ugandan women to obtain University Education at Makerere. She noted that the Resource Mobilisation dinner is one of the ways of renewing Makerere University and stakeholders’ efforts to sustain the Scholarships through mobilizing resources nationally and internationally.
“Helping others, especially those less disadvantaged than us is one of the key virtues that defines us as human beings. We appreciate all the various partners who have supported us since 2001 and we appeal to you to donate generously for the cause of empowerment of women though university education. We pledge our commitment to utilize whichever resources we will generate and those generated for the purpose for which they have been mobilized and we shall do it with integrity and transparency,” said Dr. Baine.
She appreciated other partners such as; The Carnegie Corporation of New York, MS JD Global Education Fund, DFCU Bank, Joshua Mugyenyi Foundation, The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Uganda and individuals of good will for their support towards the Foundation.
Dr. Jessica Norah Aguti, Chairperson of the GMD Scholarship Selection Committee commended the Guest of Honor, University Management, alumni and well-wishers for honoring the invitation to the FSF Resource Mobilisation Dinner. "With your presence, you have demonstrated that you support Makerere University's strides to support young women to access university education."
Speaking at the same function, Ms. Agnes Baluka, on behalf of the 1,160 female students who have been supported so far through the Female Scholarship Initiative (FSI) and Female Scholarship Foundation (FSF), applauded Makerere University, development partners and individuals for giving them a worthwhile gift in the form of University education that has transformed their lives and the lives of other people.
The overjoyed Ms Baluka shared that after her graduation, she embarked on a career journey in the academia that enabled her to educate her siblings, educate other female students who were struggling with fees at the Secondary and University levels as well active participation in community programmes.
Watching the FSF Video, the audience was amazed by the testimonies from some of the Scholarship beneficiaries who after their graduation have positively contributed to the transformation of communities and the well being of other people.
Important Message: To support this noble cause, please effect payment to: Account Name-Makerere University Female Scholarship Foundation, Account No. 01083501009628 , Bank-DFCU Bank, Makerere University Branch.
Article by: Ritah Namisango and Esther Joy Nakibombo, Mak Public Relations Office.
Related Article
Mak FSF Dinner Raises Over UGX90m in Cash & Pledges
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
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