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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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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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