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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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Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University

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Call for Research Support Applications from Master’s Students who have Completed their First Year of Taught Classes at Makerere University. Photo: Nano Banan 2

Makerere University, in partnership with Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Independent University of Bangladesh, Eduardo Mondlane University, and Pokhara University, with funding from Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED), is implementing a project: ‘Co-creating Knowledge for Local Adaptation to Climate Change in LDCs (COLOCAL).

The expected outputs of the project include strengthened educational and research capacity, improved knowledge on inclusive Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) and Community Based Adaptation (CBA) including delivering skilled knowledge co-creators, and partnerships to support needs-driven, locally-based and contextually sensitive adaptation. The outputs are anticipated to influence policy, planning and practice around LLA and CBA through collaborative learning and knowledge translation.

In line with targets and activities for 2026/2027, COLOCAL project is offering research support for three (3) Master’s students who have completed their first academic year of taught classes at Makerere University and are interested in undertaking research under one of the following thematic areas. The students MUST have undertaken the course offered under the auspices of the project on Disability, Social Justice and Climate Resilient Development.

Requirements:

  • A first degree from a reputable university in a field related to the focus of the project
  • Ugandan citizen below 35 years
  • Good command of English (spoken and written)
  • Demonstrated interest in inclusive and climate resilient development
  • Evidence of practical experience in conducting relevant research during and after undergraduate level
  • Evidence of full payment of all university fees for the first academic year
  • The Masters programme being undertaken MUST have explicit content on climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • Special consideration will be given to students with disabilities, financial challenges, students from ethnic minority groups, internally displaced students, among others

Scholarship and study/research conditions

Availability to complete all research activities in a maximum of 10 months.

Scope of the scholarship

The project will specifically cover stipends and support for field activities only. Support with tuition fees, for the research year, will be provided for students who will complete and submit the research thesis for examination within 10 months from the date of receiving the scholarship offer letter.

How to apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit the following documents: Application letter, research concept note of not more than 2 pages, academic transcripts/certificates, an updated CV (including contacts of at least two referees) and two recommendation letters.

Send applications via email to: colocal.caes@mak.ac.ug, not later than 20th May, 2026. This contact can as well be used for inquiries, where necessary.

Mak Editor

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Makerere University Waste Management Boosted by Centenary Bank

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) shakes hands with Centenary Bank's Mr. Sunday Julius (C) as L-R: Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Mr. Paul Agaba and SSP Kaheebwa Geoffrey applaud on 11th May 2026. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.

Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.

Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the 30 bins donated by Centenary Bank Makerere Branch.

Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.

Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony.

Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.

The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.

Mark Wamai

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Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination Results 2026/2027

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The office of the Academic Registrar has released the results for Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination 2026/2027 held on Saturday 18th April, 2026.

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.

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

Follow the links below for the candidate lists showing results of the categories of candidates respectively:

Mak Editor

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