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VC Brief on the Case Between Mak and NIC

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1. In June 2005, the Government divested 60 percent of its shares in NIC. These shares were acquired by Industrial and General Insurance Company Limited of Nigeria.

2. Following the divestiture, Makerere University staff through MUASA demanded to withdraw their savings from NIC, which was managing Makerere’s pension scheme.

3. Neither Makerere nor NIC knew the amount held by NIC on behalf of the University staff.

4. Government requested the Auditor General to conduct an independent assessment to ascertain the amount held by NIC on behalf of Makerere University staff.

5. Meanwhile, NIC paid to Makerere the sum of UGX10 billion which was agreed on in the interim at a meeting of the parties chaired by H.E. President Museveni.

6. Acting on behalf of the Auditor General, PWC submitted a report which advised that as at August 31, 2010, the fair value of the Fund was estimated at UGX 26.88 billion. The report was based on an actuarial valuation of the Fund.

7. NIC insisted that they owed only UGX 10 billion and paid that amount to the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS).

8. Government paid the balance of UGX 16.8 billion to MURBS and directed MURBS and Makerere to sue NIC to recover the money.

9. MURBS jointly with Makerere University sued NIC for recovery of the balance of UGX 16.9 billion, which Government had paid to MURBS.

10. NIC vehemently opposed liability for Ugx 26.88 billion based on the PWC report. NIC contended that the value of the Fund was in terms of the Deed, solely to be determined by actuaries appointed by NIC; and that NIC could not be bound by the PWC report because it never appointed PWC to conduct an actuarial valuation of the Fund. NIC presented to court another actuarial report showing that the estimated value of the Fund was Ugx 16.88 billion.

11. NIC contested the figure of Ugx 26.88 billion and only acknowledged liability to the extent of Ugx 16.88 billion of which NIC had already paid UGX 10 billion, leaving a balance of UGX 6.88 billion and Makerere University did not even have evidence to the contrary. A judgment on admission in respect of the amount (UGX 6.88) was entered against NIC.

12. When MURBS AND Mak sued NIC, there was no guarantee that court would award the full amount claimed by MURBS and the University in the suit. The University’s claim was not watertight since the University was also in breach of the terms of the Deed by inter alia failing to remit the sums due to NIC on time. NIC relied on the said breach and filed a counter claim against the University and MURBS seeking relief on the said ground. The University was also unable to trace the Master Statement and Schedule upon which inter alia, the claim was founded.

13. In 2018 NIC proposed an out-of-court settlement and offered a property on Kampala Road valued at UGX 8.9 billion.

14. MURBS, represented by their lawyers and Mak, represented by our external lawyers, (Kateera and Kagumire Advocates), the University Secretary and the Directorate of Legal Affairs negotiated with NIC and, a consent judgment in that sum of UGX 8.9 billion was made. Needless to say, the VC and other members of Management provided support during the negotiations.

15. The compromise arrived at under the Consent Judgment was the most prudent outcome in the circumstances since the value of the acquired property (UGX 8.9 billion) was higher than the judgement on admission (UGX 6.88 billion).

16. It should be noted that the recipient of the money from Government and hence the primary party in the suit was MURBS, an independent body corporate supervised by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) and not Makerere University and any claim of the University Management causing a financial loss to Government does not arise.

17. The allegations being peddled in some blogs and tabloids that some members of Management caused a financial loss to the Government by signing the consent judgment is unfounded as the amount recovered is as a result of a court ruling. Moreover, Mak was not the primary party in the suit against NIC.

18. Claims that some members of Management were forced to sign the consent judgment are baseless. In any case the judgment would still be valid even if Makerere had not signed, since we were not the primary party in the suit.

19. Any aggrieved party on this matter is free to apply for a judicial review.

20. It is worth noting that, recently it has become a habit by some scrupulous elements within our community, to sustain ferocious campaigns conducted through the social media and tabloids aimed at damaging the image and reputation of the University.

Date: 7th August 2020

PROF. BARNABAS NAWANGWE,
VICE CHANCELLOR

 

Mak Editor

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Notice: Makerere Disability Scheme 2025/26 Medical Review Exercise

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Person with special needs at the 73rd Graduation Ceremony

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites persons with disability who applied for admission to public universities under the Disability Scheme for 2025/2026 academic year to appear for medical/review exercise at Makerere University, Senate Building, Level Two (2) in the Telepresence Centre.

Note: Only those who have the minimum entry requirements of at least two principal passes at A’ Level and at least five (5) Passes at O’ Level or the equivalent will be interviewed.

Only candidates candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible for admission.

The exercise will be conducted on 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th May, 2025 respectively from 9.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m. each day.

Important:

a)If you fail to appear on any of the given days above, there will be no other chance for you.

b) Applicants who are beneficiaries of other Government Scholarships are not eligible for admission through the Disability Scheme.

Mak Editor

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Mak Inducts Newly Appointed Staff

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and Mr. Amon Muteganda pose for a group photo with new staff during the induction ceremony on 15th May 2025. Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, Senate Conference Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi addresses new staff during the induction. Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, Senate Conference Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi addresses new staff during the induction.

“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.

The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.

“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.

Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni (2nd Right) responds to a question as Left to Right: Mr. Amon Muteganda, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike listen. Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, Senate Conference Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni (2nd Right) responds to a question as Left to Right: Mr. Amon Muteganda, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike listen.

In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.

Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.

Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”

Mr. Amon Muteganda congratulated the new staff upon their respective appointments. Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, Senate Conference Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Amon Muteganda congratulated the new staff upon their respective appointments.

The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.

“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.

Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.

Mr. Yusuf Kiranda made a presentation on University Governance and Key Offices. Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, Senate Conference Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda made a presentation on University Governance and Key Offices.

Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.

“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.

The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.

Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.

Mark Wamai

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Pre-entry Exam Results for Bachelor of Laws 2025/2026

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The office of the Academic Registrar has released the results for Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination 2025/2026 held on Saturday 12th April, 2025.

Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.

Those who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.

The list includes the different categories of applicants namely: A-level, Diploma Holders, Degree Holders and Mature-Age:

Mak Editor

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