A gallant alumnus and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Dr. (h.c.) Benjamin William Mkapa on Friday 24th July, 2020 completed his earthly race. Born on 12th November 1938 in Ndanda Town in the present day Masasi District, Mtwara Region, Southern Tanzania, H.E. Mkapa came to Makerere University – then a University College affiliated to the University of London – in the 1950s as a 19 year old youth.
In his own words, Makerere University was “a small institution then; enrollement was in the hundreds not thousands. There were four halls of residence, three for males and one for female students. Staff was predominantly British and a touch South African. Local, i.e. African, staff could be counted on the fingers of two hands.”
He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He went on to study at Columbia University in New York and graduated with a Master of International Affairs. He rose through the ranks of civil service in his home country to the highest position, being elected as the third President of the United Republic of Tanzania for two successive terms which ran from 23rd November 1995 to 21st December 2005.
In recognition of his outstanding record of excellence in diplomacy, journalism, administration, governance; regional and global politics, his alma mater Makerere University on 27th November 2009 awarded H.E. Benjamin William Mkapa an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.
He also holds Honorary degrees from Sōka University-Japan (1998), Morehouse College-USA (1999), The Open University of Tanzania (2003), National University of Lesotho (2005), Kenyatta University-Kenya (2005), University of Dar es Salaam-Tanzania (2006), Newcastle University-UK (2007) and University of Cape Coast-Ghana (2008).
We thank God for the life and legacy of H.E. Dr. (h.c.) Benjamin William Mkapa and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
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.