A delegation from the King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language confirmed the Centre’s preparedness to establish a fully-fledged Institute of Arabic Language at Makerere University. This was revealed during a meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Dr. Umar Kakumba on 13th January 2020. H.E. Mr. Bandar Al Faifi, Chargé d'Affaires of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Uganda accompanied the delegation.
In the 2015/2016 academic year, King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language donated USD $90,000 towards the teaching of Arabic at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels to students in the College of Education and External Studies and College of Humanities and Social Sciences over a three-year period.
During the meeting, Dr. Sulaiman Alangari, the Head of the delegation announced the Centre’s approval to continue with the scholarship programme and establish an Institute of Arabic Language at Makerere University.
“The Institute once established will create space for students to learn and master the Arabic culture and norms, explore the historical background of Arab countries and lead to the promotion of Arabic both nationally and internationally. I call upon both Muslims and non-Muslims to take up the Arabic language course,” said Dr. Alangari.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe extended his gratitude to King Abdul Aziiz International Centre of Arabic Language for the generous support aimed at supporting the University’s core function of teaching and learning. He reflected on Uganda and Saudi Arabia’s historic background when he noted that the first traders to come to Uganda were Arabs.
“To trade, relate and communicate with the people from Arab countries, we have to study their language first. I therefore thank the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language for funding the study of Arabic language at Makerere University. The Institute will not only promote the teaching of Arabic but also other aspects of cultural significance such as architecture, music and art,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Dr. Umar Kakumba, said that the Institute for Arabic Language at Makerere University will lead to the visibility of Arabic language both locally and internationally, strengthen Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Makerere University and also promote cultural integration.
In his remarks H.E. Mr. Bandar Al Faifi, noted they are looking forward to seeing graduands utilize Arabic to develop and transform societies. He added that Makerere University is ranked highly globally thus the best University to collaborate with.
Dr. Ebraheem Ssali, Co-ordinator Arabic Language applauded the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Uganda, King Abdul Aziiz International Centre for Arabic Language and Makerere University for their support towards the Programme.
“The project has benefitted 67 students, 52 Undergraduate and 15 Postgraduates. I thank King Abdul Aziiz International Centre of Arabic Language for renewing the three year grant to enable students in the Department of European and Oriental Languages to study Arabic. The study and teaching of Arabic has enhanced communication and friendship between the people of Uganda and the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Dr. Ssali.
Article by: Esther Joy Nakibombo VolunteerMak Public Relations Office
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.