General

Mak 70th Grad PhD Citations Session 4

Published

6 years ago

January 17, 2020

Mark Wamai

The Head, Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF)-Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza and her students lead the Academic Procession out of the Freedom Square on Day 3 of the 70th Graduation, 16th January 2020, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)

BAKYAYITA Grace Kizito

Batch Sorption Studies of Aqueous Cadmium and Lead from contaminated Water onto Selected Biosorbents

Mr. Bakyayita Grace Kizito’s study focussed on assessment of groundwater and surface water from Lake Victoria basin, Uganda and batch remediation of cadmium and lead from contaminated water using biosorbents. He used the Biomet tool and potential risks to toxicity effects of Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in the surface water and groundwater studied. He characterized selected biosorbents and he used models to deduce optimal operating conditions, interionic competition effects, uptake kinetics and mechanisms. He concluded that both untreated and treated biosorbents from Albizia coriaria, Coffea canephora, Cyperus papyrus, Erythrina abyssinica and Musa spp were potential alternative materials for uptake of trace metals from contaminated water. This knowledge will benefit the design of fixed bed reactors for biosorption of trace metals from contaminated water. He recommends detailed risk assessment of water sources and pilot applications for biosorbents. This study was funded by Sida-Makerere Bilateral Research Corporation (Phase 3) and was supervised by Associate Professor Ann-Catrine Norrström and Dr. Robinah Kulabako N.

MENYA Emmanuel

Preparation and Evaluation of Activated Carbons from Rice Husks in Uganda for Removal of Humic Acid from Water

Mr. Menya Emmanuel developed an optimum route for valorization of rice husks into activated carbon to address the disposal problem of rice husks, as well as to provide a sustainable solution for removal of humic acid from water. His study revealed that upland rice husk varieties are more suitable precursors for activated carbon than lowland varieties. By alkaline pretreatment of the rice husks, followed by phosphoric acid (30wt%) impregnation, and activation at 400 ^oC for 30 min, activated carbons with a carbon yield and total specific surface area as high as 46.9% and 2258.4 m²g^-1, respectively, were obtained. The study further revealed that, humic acid removal efficiency and maximum adsorption capacity of 69.23% and 27.2 mgg^-1, respectively, can be obtained by employing the rice husk-derived activated carbons in water treatment. The adsorptive properties, and consequently the performance of the resultant activated carbons were comparable to those of the activated carbons found on the market. The findings of this study pave way for utilizing rice husks in Uganda as activated carbon precursors, avoiding the environmental problems associated with the open dumping and/or burning of rice husks, while at the same time providing a sustainable solution for water treatment. This study was funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, and was supervised by Dr. Peter W. Olupot, Dr. Henning Storz, and Dr. Michael Lubwama.

KEKIMURI Joan (Ms)

Embedded meanings of traditional art forms in cultural practices of Baganda

Ms. KEKIMURI Joan’s study focused on the meanings embedded in traditional art forms used in Baganda cultural practices. Art forms play a pivotal role in strengthening community connections yet modern technological advances threaten their existence. Using ethnography and benchmarking the theory of culture and behavior, Kekimuri through visual narratives established how traditional art forms used in Baganda cultural practices developed, examined their embedded meanings, and the influence of modernization on these practices. The findings revealed that the embedded meanings in cultural practices enabled communities to function, that modernization hampers the use of cultural practices, and communities are forsaking the practices for modern ideologies. This study recommended support of indigenous practices for cultural identity and posterity. The study was funded by Kyambogo University, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule and Prof. Baguma Peter.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS)

JOCK BANY MADING Samuel

The role of religion in conflict and peace in Sudan: a historical perspective (1989-2011)

Mr. JOCK BANY MADING Samuel’s research examined the religious conflict, which had divided the Sudan citizens between Muslims and non-Muslims, Arab and non-Arabs and subsequently resulted in division of the largest country in Africa into Sudan and South Sudan. The islamization program which became a rigid ideology in the Sudanese leadership caused sanction against the country, regionally and internationally, and made a great economic setback. The study found fear that if the Sudanese leadership continues with such an ideology, it may lead other parts that feel marginalized politically, economically and ethnically to continue demanding for similar criteria as the South. The research findings implore the Sudanese leadership to change the one-sided ideological program in order to reform the social integration and development. This study was self-funded, and was supervised by Dr. Catherine Jendia and Dr. Paddy Musana.

MUGAMBE Mpiima David

Gender relations in the access to and use of mobile phones and radios in agricultural production in Apac District, northern Uganda

Mr. MUGAMBE Mpiima David investigated the gender relations in the access to and use of mobile phones and radios in agricultural production in Apac District. Gender relations were found to mediate mobile phones and radios uptake. Farmers using agricultural information from these technologies experienced positive changes in gender power relations, gender roles, social status and incomes. The study recommended that technological interventions should be sensitive to interactions between men and women, and that agricultural extension officers should be sensitized on gender relations so that men and women can fully benefit from agricultural interventions. This study was funded by Makerere-Sida Bilateral Research Corporation, and was supervised by Dr. Henry Manyire, Assoc. Prof. Consolata Kabonesa and Dr. Margareta Espling.

NAJJEMBA Harriet (Ms)

Indigenous agricultural knowledge and food production in Uganda: Buganda region from 1860s to 1997

Ms. NAJJEMBA Harriet’s research analysed why some indigenous agricultural practices have become resilient and still inform crop production despite western scientific agricultural knowledge. She found that mulching reduces moisture loss, curbs weed growth and provides organic manure thus reducing effects of climate change. Intercropping, crop rotation, paspalum bunding, catch-pits, and fallowing maintain soil fertility. Select agricultural machinery aligned to tropics, topography and soil type enhances crop yields. The research established that these indigenous practices are still relevant and affordable, and NARO needs to deliberately encourage their use. This study was funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York through the NGAA Project and the African Humanities Programme (AHP), and was supervised by Dr. Simon Peter Rutabajuuka and Dr. Deo Katono Nzarwa.

NAKANGU Bugembe Barbara (Ms)

State Craft in the Natural Resources Management Structure of Uganda

Ms. NAKANGU Bugembe Barbara examined the historical and political circumstances in which the natural resources management structures were established. Nakangu situated the natural resource management within the political context of successive post-colonial regimes. Reforms in natural resource management link to the political orientation of various governments especially their ideas on the management of society. Nakangu showed why attempts at strengthening the resource management structures by the NRM government were unable to address the ecological challenges. Ecological disasters arose at moments when there was imbalance of power between the state or society. Conservation actors needed to re-establish the balance of power between the state and the society to address the declining ecological conditions. This study was funded by Norhed and Carnegie through Makerere Institute of Social Research, and was supervised by Dr. Lyn Ossome.

ODONGOH Stevens Aguto

Polluted boundaries, contested sociality: tracing the Acholi homestead after LRA war and displacement in northern Uganda

Mr. ODONGOH Stevens Aguto demonstrated an understanding of borders/boundaries beyond the usual territorial or geographical perspective. By exploring the return of displaced Acholi people to post-conflict Acholi sub-region in northern Uganda, he argued that: When the Acholi who were held captives by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), or were living in exile returned and society accepted them, in a sense, they were socially received but had to ritually or religiously cross different boundaries to regain belonging and sociality. Crossing such boundaries led to contestations of gender roles, identity and values. His analysis offers perspectives on resettling returnees, the human need for boundaries/borders during uncertainty and the capacity to cross them, and signifies how people draw boundaries or separate themselves in periods of uncertainty. This study was funded by NORHED under the Borderlands Dynamics Project of East Africa, and was supervised by Dr. Wotsuna Khamalwa and Dr. Andrew Ellias State.

OPESEN Chris Columbus

Trans-border cultural and reproductive health traditions: an ethnographic study of the Pokot female genital modifications at the Kenya-Uganda-Border

Mr. OPESEN Chris Columbus examined the lived experiences of women with trans-border cultural and reproductive health (CRH) traditions using female genital modifications (FGM) at the Pokot Kenya-Uganda border as his ethnographic case. Based on the inductive analysis he conducted, he observed that one’s experience with cultural and reproductive health traditions like FGM is an outcome of many factors including the nature of tradition undergone, the technology used, the skillfulness and experience of the surgeon. Notwithstanding, some exceptions, he argued that the life-long experiences of women that undergo extreme CRH traditions like FGM especially, infibulation, are synonymous with pain, violence and risk. To successfully eliminate FGM, he recommends supporting the current FGM-law enforcement with a soft approach targeting the software of this tradition using meaningful stakeholder engagements. This study was funded by the NORAD East African Borderlands Project, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Stella Neema and Dr. Fred Henry Bateganya

WELDESENBET Netsanet Gebremichael (Ms)

Topographies of reminiscences: Asmara as historical representations and deliberations

Ms. WELDESENBET Netsanet Gebremichael examined “neither war nor peace” (1998-2016) moment of historico-political raptures between Eritrea and Ethiopia from reminisces of Asmara – the capital city of Eritrea from Ethiopia in what appears to be a moment of rift. Foregrounding a context of non-movement, the dissertation asked: what happens to conventional historical methods in a moment of raptures? The dissertation opened methodological possibilities on how history could be done in moments of rift by mobilizing popular memory productions in form of oral–accounts with popular cultural productions such as autobiographies, memoirs, songs, novels and poetry. These reminiscing practices were conceptualized deliberations on popular political desires of the present. These accounts can further inform going peace-building efforts between the two countries. This study was funded by Carnegie through Makerere Institute of Social Research, and was supervised by Prof. Mahmood Mamdani.

School of Law

TUSASIRWE Benson

The judicial enforcement of the rights to freedom of political assembly and association in Uganda

Mr. TUSASIRWE Benson investigated the state of rights to freedom of political assembly and association in Uganda and the role that courts have played in their enforcement. The study found that although the concept of human rights has achieved reasonable normativity, on the ground the state of those rights remains precarious due the ideological character or content of the rights, and the political and socio-economic environment. While the courts of judicature have made bold decisions in defence of the rights, these have not gone far enough. It is contended that in the absence of a fundamental change in the political and socio-economic order, courts will not conceivably act as consistent guardians of the rights. The study was funded by Makerere University and SHUREA project, and was supervised by Frederick Jjuuko and Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango.

Please click the links below to navigate to the PhD Citations for the respective Sessions.

< Director’s Message | Session 1: Part1: Part2 : Part3 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 >

#Mak70thGrad

General

Strengthening Partnerships for Transformative Education: Makerere University Hosts Delegation from University of Malmö

Published

1 day ago

October 28, 2025

Mak Editor

Prof. Sarah Ssali, the DVC AA, at the Centre, having a photo moment with the delegation from the University of Malmo and some Makerere University Staff. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali hosts delegation from the University of Malmö, Sweden, marking another milestone in the growing collaboration between the two institutions 28th October 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By Caroline Kainomugisha}

This morning, the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, hosted a delegation from the University of Malmö, Sweden, marking another milestone in the growing collaboration between the two institutions.

The delegation comprised Catrin Stensson, University Lecturer; Dr. Dorota Lembrér, Assistant Professor (Senior Lecturer) in Mathematics Education; Magdalena Sjoestrand Oehrfelt, Senior Lecturer; and Therese Lindgren, Senior Lecturer.

During the meeting, Prof. Mugaga Muwanga traced the genesis of the partnership, noting that it began when Mr. Peter Ssenkusu, a lecturer at Makerere University, participated in a mobility programme at Malmö University focused on competence-based learning. That initial engagement has since blossomed into a strong and fruitful collaboration, illustrating how individual academic initiatives can grow into institution-wide partnerships that drive innovation in higher education.

With over 60 years of experience as a leading teachers’ college in Sweden before attaining university status five years ago, the University of Malmö brings a wealth of expertise in teacher training and pedagogy. This positions it as a strategic partner for Makerere University’s College of Education and External Studies (CEES) in its mission to enhance the training of educators and strengthen Early Childhood Education in Uganda.

Through this partnership, Makerere University has launched two landmark programmes: the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and the Master of Early Childhood Development. The response to these programmes has been overwhelming, with over 500 and 1,000 applications received respectively. Due to resource constraints, 200 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate students were admitted in the inaugural intake.

Beyond these academic programmes, the partnership continues to create broader institutional benefits. CEES currently hosts 11 PhD candidates whose research focuses on Early Childhood Education a direct outcome of strengthened academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between Makerere and Malmö.

Left to Right; Mr. Peter Ssenkusu, Therese Lindgren, Catrin Stensson, Dr. Dorota Lembrér, Magdalena Sjoestrand Oehrfelt. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali hosts delegation from the University of Malmö, Sweden, marking another milestone in the growing collaboration between the two institutions 28th October 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Left to Right; Mr. Peter Ssenkusu, Therese Lindgren, Catrin Stensson, Dr. Dorota Lembrér, Magdalena Sjoestrand Oehrfelt.***

With the launch of these two programs, Makerere University reaffirms its position as Uganda’s and the region’s premier institution for shaping the future of Early Childhood Education. The partnership has not only fostered academic exchange and faculty mobility but has also contributed to shaping national policy in Early Childhood Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports and looking to the future, other institutions of higher learning.

Prof. Mugaga Muwanga, together with Mr. Peter Ssenkusu and Mr. David Kabugo, have been instrumental in steering this collaboration to success. Their leadership underscores the power of faculty-led partnerships in translating Memoranda of Understanding into tangible outcomes that transform teaching, learning, and research.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to expanding strategic partnerships that advance the University’s academic mission and global reach. “Partnerships such as this not only strengthen our teaching and research capacity but also inspire shared innovation and learning that shapes the education systems of the future for all involved,” she said.

A photo moment at the Makerere University Press. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali hosts delegation from the University of Malmö, Sweden, marking another milestone in the growing collaboration between the two institutions 28th October 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***A photo moment at the Makerere University Press.***

Looking ahead, the partnership will strategically focus on expanding student and faculty mobility, fostering joint research and publications, and introducing taught PhD programmes in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), complementing existing research-based options. Plans are also underway to establish an ECCE Resource Room and a fully-fledged Department of Early Childhood Care and Education at Makerere University, further strengthening the University’s capacity to lead in this critical field.

As Makerere University continues to position itself as a regional benchmark for Early Childhood Education, its partnership with the University of Malmö demonstrates the transformative potential of collaboration, bridging institutions, nations, and disciplines to nurture educators who will shape generations to come.

Caroline Kainomugisha is Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.

General

Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumna, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education

Published

4 days ago

October 25, 2025

Bernard Butare

Akwara Malvin on her graduation Day in January 2023. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Malvin Akwara obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, specialising in English Language and Literature, from Makerere University in 2023, with support from the Mastercard Foundation. Since graduating, she has developed a passion for helping young people with disabilities access education at both secondary and university levels.

Who is Malvin Akwara

Malvin was born on 22^nd November 1998 in Tororo, Eastern Uganda, into a family of six children (three girls and three boys). Shortly afterwards, the family moved to Kampala, where her father worked as an accountant. In 2009, her father lost his job, marking the beginning of a difficult period for the entire family. When her father who was the only breadwinner lost his job, the family returned to Tororo because they could no longer afford the high cost of living in the city.

Early Education

At the age of three, Malvin began her early childhood education at Clever Junior School in Kitintale, a Kampala suburb, where she attended Nursery School through Primary Three. Here, life was quite good, and she enjoyed being dropped off and picked up by her father, as was typical of most Kampala middle-class families. Unfortunately, it was not long before life took a different twist when her father lost his job and the family moved back to Tororo. In Tororo, she joined Morukebu Primary School, where she sat for her Primary Seven Leaving Examinations. Unlike her experience of a reasonably good life at school in Kampala, she had to walk long distances to and from school (14 kilometres each way) with her siblings, because her father could no longer afford to take them. The family had taken to subsistence farming to earn a living. The family worked together on the farm to grow food for home consumption and to sell some to pay school fees.

Pursuing Secondary Education

With her hard-earned 15 points from the Primary Leaving Examinations, Malvin embarked on her journey towards secondary education. She attended St. John’s Wakitaka in Jinja for her O-level from 2013 to 2016. However, in 2015, just before sitting her Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations, her father passed away due to peptic ulcers. His death devastated the already struggling family, and life became even harder. Left in the care of her single mother, with no steady source of income, Malvin and her siblings’ prospects looked bleak. Her father’s passing significantly affected her final results; she scored 39 points, which was poor compared to her earlier performance. With support from her paternal uncle, she later joined Budini Boarding Secondary School in Kaliro district, where she scored 14 points in History, Economics, Literature, and Divinity in 2018. By then, her other siblings had dropped out of school due to lack of fees, as their mother could not afford to keep them in school. To make matters worse, family disputes arose when her father’s relatives evicted her mother from the family land, leaving them homeless and with only enough land to grow food for their own consumption.

Pursuing University Education

With 14 points in her 2018 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, Malvin was hopeful about pursuing her university education with the support of her paternal uncle, who had helped her through A-level. Unfortunately, that hope was short-lived when her uncle shared the difficult news that he could not afford to send her to university because he needed to support his own children financially. The news was a significant setback to her dreams of being the first girl in her family to attend university. Unable to join a university at that time, Malvin embarked on a journey to find small jobs to support her mother and help the family.

It was during her job search that she came to Kampala to work for a family as a house help, mainly caring for her boss’ mother, who was in her sickbed at Kiruddu Hospital. During the three months she spent in the hospital as a caretaker, she learnt about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University through one of the family’s children, who was studying there.

Joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University

Armed with the necessary information about the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Malvin applied in 2019 and was delighted to be selected. Soon after, she was given the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specialising in English Language and Literature. While at university, Malvin did not forget her family back home in Tororo. She allocated part of her stipend to support her mother and to ensure her siblings returned to school. During her second year at university in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck the world, bringing everything to a halt, including education at the university.

Malvin and her colleagues during her time at the Scholars Program. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Malvin and her colleagues during her time at the Scholars Program.***

When Malvin was grounded at home, just as all her colleagues were, she didn’t let the misery that came with COVID-19 break her down; instead, she used it as an opportunity to support people in her community who were facing social and economic barriers to opportunities. Using her little savings, she started a piggery project to help single mothers in her community by giving them piglets to rear, multiply, and distribute to others experiencing similar challenges.

The piggery project helped several single mothers send their children to school. It is through this piggery project that Malvin came across Omukaga Samuel, a young person living with a disability who had been out of school because his parents could not afford to pay his school fees. With support from the piggery project, Malvin worked together with Samuel’s parents to help their son return to school. This experience with Omukaga Samuel ignited Malvin’s passion for supporting learners living with disabilities to access education.

Malvin with Omukaga Samuel, one of the young person's with disabilities she supported to get back into school. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Malvin with Omukaga Samuel, one of the young person’s with disabilities she supported to get back into school.***

Life After Makerere University

Upon graduating in 2023, Malvin immediately found a position teaching English Language and Literature at Elite High School, one of Kampala’s top secondary schools. At this school, Malvin has grown into a professional teacher, career advisor, and mentor to many young people both within and outside the school.

Through mentorship, she has focused on supporting young people living with disabilities to return to school by helping them secure bursaries for secondary education and apply for scholarships to access university. For example, she assisted Omukaga Samuel in applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Adult and Community Education, as well as Patricia Namiwanda, who is presently studying for a Master’s degree in Human Rights at Makerere University, all thanks to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Samuel Omukaga, a Makerere University student and a Scholar of Mastercard Foundation. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Samuel Omukaga, a Makerere University student and a Scholar of Mastercard Foundation.***

Malvin has also used her resources to build a decent house for her mother, where she now lives with her siblings in Manafwa District, Eastern Uganda, restoring hope after the family lost their home due to land disputes.

Malvin with her mother. In the background is the decent home she constructed for her. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Malvin with her mother. In the background is the decent home she constructed for her.***

Impact on the Community

As the first-generation girl to achieve a university education, Malvin has inspired many young girls in her home district of Tororo to pursue further studies and has continued to support them through peer mentorship. Although she works and resides in Kampala, she travels home every Friday to meet and mentor young girls in secondary schools, encouraging them to stay in school and avoid early marriage, which remains a significant challenge for many young girls in Tororo and across Eastern Uganda.

Malvin with some of the young people she mentors at schools in Tororo. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Malvin with some of the young people she mentors at schools in Tororo.***

In addition, her piggery project has expanded across the entire district, improving the economic well-being of many participants in her community.

Looking into the Future

Malvin is optimistic about a bright future ahead, judging by the progress she has made in her life. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Languages at Makerere University. She aspires to specialise in curriculum development and work with the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) to design an inclusive curriculum that will help young people living with disabilities access meaningful education in Uganda. She also envisions building a school in her community that will specifically support young people living with disabilities to attain inclusive, quality education.

Malvin having an interview with Mr. Buteera recently at Makerere University where she is pursuing her Masters degree. Impact Stories: Meet Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumnus, who is dedicated to promoting inclusive education, October 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Malvin having an interview with Mr. Buteera recently at Makerere University where she is pursuing her Masters degree.***

Message to Fellow Young Women

Malvin urges young women not to despair or give up in the face of difficult situations.

“I urge my fellow young women not to give up or despair when faced with difficult situations. They should always challenge themselves to emerge stronger from such circumstances.” Malvin shares.

Words of Gratitude

Malvin expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for the support that enabled her to attain a quality university education at Makerere University.

“If it were not for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I wouldn’t have attained a university education. I am therefore grateful and humbled for the opportunity extended to me and other Mastercard Foundation Scholars through this life-changing program.” Malvin remarked.

Malvin further urged the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team at Makerere University and other Mastercard Foundation partners to reach out to distant areas so that more young people facing social and economic barriers can also access university education.

Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

View on Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

General

Mak Endowment Fund 3rd Board of Trustees Inaugurated

Published

6 days ago

October 23, 2025

Eve Nakyanzi

Seated: Mrs. Lorna Magara (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali (Left) and Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi (Right) with other officials (Standing) after inauguration of the 3rd MakEF Board on 23rd October 2025. The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) officially inaugurated by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, 23rd October 2025, Council Room, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The 3^rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) has been officially inaugurated in a ceremony presided over by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council on 23^rd October 2025, and moderated by the Secretary to the Board, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike

In her address, Mrs. Magara commended the outgoing board, led by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, for their remarkable stewardship that saw the Fund grow from UGX 8.66 billion in 2021 to UGX 14.54 billion in 2025. She underscored the Endowment Fund’s vital role in ensuring the University’s financial sustainability amidst fluctuating public funding, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to providing policy and institutional support. Mrs. Magara further urged the incoming Board to uphold transparency, strengthen alumni engagement, and pursue innovative investment strategies to expand the Fund’s impact as Makerere continues to build for the future.

Mrs. Lorna Magara addresses the meeting. The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) officially inaugurated by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, 23rd October 2025, Council Room, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mrs. Lorna Magara addresses the meeting.***

Board composition

The newly inaugurated 3^rd Board of Trustees (2025–2029) brings together a team of distinguished professionals whose expertise spans business, academia, finance, governance, and social advocacy. Notably, some members have been reappointed in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to the Fund’s growth during the previous term. The Board is chaired by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, a seasoned business leader and former Executive Director of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). She is joined by accomplished members including Ms. Jennifer Mwijukye, CEO and founder of Unifreight Cargo Handling Limited; Mr. Ninsiima John Chris, Director of Programmes at NUDIPU and member of the Makerere University Council; Mr. Kenneth Mugambe, former Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance; Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Makerere University’s Academic Registrar and Professor of Forestry Resource Economics; and Mr. Sam Ayesiga, a governance and investment expert with vast experience across Africa. Their diverse backgrounds and renewed commitment are expected to steer the Fund toward even greater stability, innovation, and impact in the years ahead.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the outgoing Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund for their exceptional service marked by growth, innovation, and accountability. She noted that the growth of the fund to UGX 14 billion is a clear testament to strategic vision, prudent management, and confidence in Makerere University’s long-term sustainability. Prof. Ssali praised the Board for initiatives that have united thousands of alumni, staff, and partners, notably through the Makerere Run, which has supported disability inclusion and empowerment.

The Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali. The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) officially inaugurated by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, 23rd October 2025, Council Room, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***The Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali.***

She also recognized the introduction of the MakAdvance digital platform as a milestone in promoting efficiency and transparency. She welcomed the incoming Board, and challenged the new team to grow the Fund beyond UGX 25 billion through deeper engagement, innovative fundraising, and stronger partnerships. She reaffirmed Management’s commitment to supporting the Fund within robust governance frameworks that inspire stakeholder confidence, emphasizing the shared vision of building a financially resilient Makerere University.

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, the Chairperson, reflected on the remarkable progress achieved under the 2021–2025 term, noting the Fund’s growth from UGX 8.66 billion to UGX 14.54 billion — a 68% increase despite global economic challenges. She highlighted key milestones including the institutionalization of the Makerere Run, establishment of the Makerere Gift and Souvenir Shop, launch of The Legacy e-newsletter, and the creation of the Jawaher Fund for the Advancement of Women’s Education, supported by NAMA Establishment in the UAE. Dr. Kigozi expressed gratitude to the outgoing Trustees and reaffirmed her commitment, alongside the new Board, to advance transformative projects such as the construction of the Makerere University Students’ Centre and development of the Makindye land. She emphasized that the Fund’s goal remains to build a financially sustainable Makerere University capable of supporting innovation, research, and academic excellence for generations to come.

Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right) with Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi and her award for her previous tenure as Chairperson. The 3rd Board of Trustees of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) officially inaugurated by Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, 23rd October 2025, Council Room, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mrs. Lorna Magara (Right) with Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi and her award for her previous tenure as Chairperson.***

At the inauguration, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta underscored the Fund’s central role in ensuring Makerere’s financial sustainability and institutional legacy. He described the Endowment Fund as a cornerstone of the University’s vision—an instrument through which Makerere secures its future, strengthens its independence, and sustains strategic investments in teaching, research, and innovation. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Board, chaired by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, for their dedicated service and strong leadership that fortified the Fund’s governance, fundraising, and asset management.

Welcoming the new Board, he congratulated the members on their appointment and urged them to continue expanding and mobilizing resources with integrity and innovation. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to providing administrative and financial support to ensure that the Fund thrives beyond annual budgetary constraints, contributing meaningfully to Makerere’s vision of becoming a research-led, financially resilient, and globally respected institution.

The Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) was established to secure the University’s financial sustainability by mobilizing, investing, and managing resources to support its core functions of teaching, research, and innovation. Originating from donations made as early as the 1930s, the Fund has evolved into a strategic vehicle that aims to reduce dependence on public funding. It is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the University Council, responsible for overseeing investments and resource mobilization. Through initiatives like alumni engagement, digital giving, and events such as the Makerere Run, the Fund continues to grow and strengthen Makerere’s vision of being a research-led and financially resilient institution.