General
Katikkiro of Buganda Lauds Mak on Muteesa II Museum
The Katikkiro of Buganda Ow’ekitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga on Thursday 16th July, 2020 visited Makerere University to hand over a cheque worth UGX 70 million to support the ongoing renovation and beautification works aimed at developing the former Muteesa II House into the Sir Edward Muteesa II Museum.
The Muteesa II Museum presents to Makerere University a golden opportunity to honour and immortalize Sir Edward Muteesa II in perpetuity. Sir Edward Muteesa II, the 35th Kabaka of Buganda and first President of the post-Independence Republic of Uganda was a student of Literature at Makerere University from 1943 to 1945. Quarry House No. 95 was constructed in 1944 as a befitting on-campus private residence of Ssekabaka Muteesa II, his official palace being only a few kilometres away in Mengo. To preserve this unique and historic site, the Makerere University Management in December 2019 kick started the renovation works with specific adherence to maintaining its original architecture.
Following a guided tour of the Museum, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba welcomed the Katikkiro, an alumnus and former resident of University Hall back to his alma mater. The Katikkiro was accompanied by the Second Deputy Katikkiro and Buganda Minister of Finance and Economic Planning-Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa and the Chairman of Buganda Twezimbe Committee-Omukungu John Fredrick Kiyimba.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor thanked the Katikkiro for readily responding to the call to support the establishment of Muteesa II Museum as part of the Greater Makerere University Museum. "In this museum, Makerere University will celebrate the life and times of Ssekabaka Muteesa II, an alumnus, Ugandan Nationalist, Pan-Africanist and one of the founding fathers of modern Uganda."
"We are proud that we have been able to preserve this house in its original state. I thank the University Council for approving this renovation and colleagues in Management and the Estates and Works Directorate in particular for working hard to restore the building" added the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe further commended the Makerere University Museum Committee for collecting valuable materials about Ssekabaka Muteesa II. "As Makerere University, we will do all that is necessary to ensure that this Museum satisfactorily completed and that it becomes a landmark for our University and Country through which we shall remember the life and works of Ssekabaka Muteesa II."
Speaking on behalf of the Makerere University Museum Committee, the Assistant Chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule noted that the establishment of the Muteesa II Museum marks the beginning of rigorous process of researching into the legacy of Ssekabaka Muteesa II especially as Kabaka and President.
"For example, he is remembered as the first President in post-Independence Africa to donate his salary to the development of Karamoja region, which by the time of our independence had been neglected by the colonial establishment" remarked Assoc. Prof. Kasule.
He added that museums today are required to be living institutions which are relevant to not only the present but also future generations. "Muteesa II Museum will not only honour the memories and life of Ssekabaka Muteesa II but will also turn those memories into living realities from which the present generation will be inspired to find solutions to emerging national and global challenges." 
The Katikkiro of Buganda applauded the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for being an instrumental figure in the renovation of the Muteesa II House. He was equally glad that the restoration maintained its original beauty and respected its original architecture; a demonstration of Prof. Nawangwe's good sense of history. "It is perfect that the renovation is in line with maintaining the tradition of Sir Edward Muteesa II, the student and Kabaka of the times. All great academic institutions should jealously guard their historic landmarks."
"The hearts of academic institutions are the academic exploits and achievements they make. However, the character and soul of these institutions are its historic landmarks and the kind of personalities that have walked through their gates. As Makerereans you should be very proud that the alumni of this University have made great contributions to humanity through the ages" expounded the Katikkiro.
Owek. Mayiga further said that a good sense history is an essential precursor for a good understanding of the present and solid preparation for the future. "So to renovate Muteesa's residence is to acknowledge and preserve history for Makerere, the Kingdom of Buganda and for Uganda."
The Katikkiro reminisced that the Kingdom of Buganda made a significant contribution to Makerere's founding. Owek. Martin Luther Nsibirwa the Katikkiro then played a key role in the allocation of land on which the University stands today and it was a privilege to have his grandson, Owek. Waggwa Nsibirwa present at the unveiling ceremony. "So we should together preserve the heritage between the Kingdom of Buganda and Makerere," emphasised Owek. Mayiga.
He paid tribute to the Museum Committee and all eminent persons that had made significant contributions to the restoration of Muteesa II House and thereafter presented a cheque of UGX 70 Million on behalf of Buganda Kingdom. In addition to the Assistant Chairperson, other Members of the Makerere University Museum Committee present and recognised were; Assoc. Prof. George William Kyeyune-Chairperson, Prof. Phillip Kwesiga, Mr. Joseph Ssematimba, Dr. Rita Nabuyungo and Ms. Ritah Namisango.
The Vice Chancellor presented a plaque and an art piece to the Katikkiro in appreciation of the contribution by Buganda Kingdom towards the Muteesa II Museum project. In addition to the gallery, artifacts such as three statues capturing the life of Ssekabaka Muteesa II as Kabaka, President and a Makererean will be set up in the Museum gardens.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
-
General1 day agoCall for Applications: Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship 2026/2027
-
General1 day agoAdvert: Admissions for Diploma/Degree Holders under Private Sponsorship 2026/27
-
Humanities & Social Sciences2 weeks agoMeet Najjuka Whitney, The Girl Who Missed Law and Found Her Voice
-
General1 week ago76th Graduation Highlights
-
Health2 weeks agoMakerere University School of Public Health Graduates First Cohort of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Short Course