General

MURBS Declares 10.01% Interest Rate Ahead of 10th AGM

Published

6 years ago

October 21, 2020

Mark Wamai

Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (4th Right) Representing Chairperson Makerere University Council, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Third Right) and Chairperson BoT MURBS-Dr. Godwin Kakuba (4th Left) with L-R: Mr. Bruce Twesigye, Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi, Mr. William Ndoleriire, Ms. Susan Khaitsa and Mr. Ssenyonga Cosmas after the meeting on 20th October 2020, CoBAMS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

The Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) has at a meeting held on Tuesday 20^th October, 2020 declared an interest rate of 10.01% on its members’ opening balances as at 1^st July 2019. The meeting held in the Conference Room, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was aimed at presenting MURBS’ performance for the Financial Year 2019/2020 to the Makerere University Council, Management and other stakeholders ahead of the 10^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) due to be held virtually on 22^nd October 2020.

Welcoming all parties, the Secretary – Board of Trustees (BoT), MURBS, Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi thanked the Chairperson Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, represented by Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Members of Management, Chairpersons of Staff Associations and service providers present for sparing time to attend the meeting.

He also introduced the new Chairperson – BoT, MURBS, Dr. Godwin Kakuba, elected to replace Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa who resigned from University service. Other members of the BoT present at the meeting were Ms. Dorothy Nannozi Kabanda, Mr. John Peter Okello, Mr. William Ndoleriire and co-opted Board Member; CPA David Ssenoga.

Dr. Godwin Kakuba in delivering his statement expressed the BoT’s sympathy to the University Council, Management and community upon the gutting of the iconic Main Building by fire on 20^th September 2020. “We pray that God may give you wisdom on how to handle all the challenges that have come out of this tragedy.”

He stated that MURBS had a total membership of 3,777 as at 30^th June 2020, of which 2,062 were active. He added that the scheme received contributions worth UGX 21Billion from Makerere University during financial year 2019/2020 and paid out benefits worth UGX 7Billion to retiring staff in the same period.

The Chairperson allayed his audience’s fears on what effects the COVID-19 pandemic might have had on the scheme’s performance when he announced that the MURBS fund value grew by UGX 31Billion from UGX 178Billion as at 30^th June 2018 to UGX 209Billion as at 30^th June 2020. This he partly attributed to the BoT’s decision to divest from the equity asset class and strategically invest in the property asset class.

“This decision shielded the part of our portfolio held in land from the volatile behaviour of the equity markets during these uncertain times” explained Dr. Kakuba. He went on to state, ”As such, the net return on investments undertaken by the Scheme this year was UGX 22.3Billion compared with UGX 11.1Billion last year. It is this return that is being distributed to members in form of interest this year.”

Dr. Kakuba also shared that MURBS emerged winner in the Retirement Benefits Sector category of the Financial Reporting (FiRe) Award Competitions 2019 after beating 20 other schemes. MURBS also took the FiRE Award for Most Improved Reporting. “MURBS has now emerged winner in the Retirement Benefits category for three consecutive years.”

The Chairperson Council in her remarks read verbatim by Dr. Nambalirwa Nkabala congratulated MURBS upon declaring a competitive interest rate of 10.01% and commended the Government of Uganda for liberalizing the pension sector that has enabled various schemes to flourish. She congratulated MURBS upon wining two FiRe awards in the November 2019 competition and commended the University Management for providing an environment that is conducive for the scheme to thrive and offer a decent retirement for University employees.

“On its part, Council has provided a home for MURBS on the University Campus free of charge. Council also continues to engage Government not only on enhancing staff salaries, which increases the monthly contributions to MURBS, but also on the payment of the only outstanding debt” read the Chair Council’s remarks.

The Chairperson Council’s remarks in conclusion urged the BoT to exercise even more caution and wisdom as they make investment decisions, especially now that the fund value is now more than UGX 200Billion. “Keep in mind that the wellbeing of the university employees in retirement, and consequently the smooth running of Makerere University, to some extent, depends on what is happening in the Scheme.”

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor commended the Trustees upon working hard to reduce the number of members with retirement packages below UGX 50Million from 1,308 as at 30^th June 2017 to 768 as at 30^th June 2020. In the same period, the number of members with retirement packages between UGX 150 Million and 200Million grew from only two to 425.

“This is remarkable! This shows that Makerere University is among the best employers in Uganda and we thank the Government of Uganda for prioritizing the remuneration of University staff” he enthused.

Prof. Nawangwe thanked the University Council for its decision to run an independent Retirement Benefits Scheme for university employees, noting that this has enabled members’ benefits to grow at rates above inflation over past financial years. MURBS has over the last two financial years declared interest rates of 10.6% and 17% for 2018/2019 and 2017/2018 respectively.

The Vice Chancellor concluded his remarks by stating that Makerere as the premier University in Africa owes it to Uganda to make best use of all resources allocated by the Government. “The Government continues to handle many challenges including providing quality higher education to a growing number of young people in Uganda. We are doing our best to support Government in this respect and are committed to ensuring that Makerere University plays a strategic role in solving this challenge, especially at graduate level.”

The meeting was also addressed by Mr. Ssenyonga Cosmas-Senior Supervision Officer who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA)-Mr. Martin A. Nsubuga. He thanked the Sponsor-Makerere University for remitting employee contributions to MURBS on time and the Trustees for providing accountability for the work done over the past financial years.

“Our regulator’s report clearly indicated that Makerere University is one of the biggest schemes in Uganda and when you look at the indicators such as efficiency and profitability compared to peers in the sector, they have been improving over time and we commend the Board of Trustees” added Mr. Ssenyonga.

He said that schemes in the sector have been able to improve in terms of governance, prudent investment and administration thanks largely to URBRA’s ability to enforce standards. “The sector assets have increased from UGX 5Trillion in 2013 to 15.2Trillion as at the end of the last financial year.”

The URBRA official noted that the sector’s current assets are based on contributions from approximately two million employees. “If we had most of the working population contributing towards their retirement, we would probably be talking about UGX 30Trillion today.”

Citing the MURBS example where over 80% of assets are invested in Government securities, Mr. Ssenyonga observed that retirement benefits schemes are capable of accumulating domestic resources that can be used by the Government to finance various development projects. He added that sector has over the last five years achieved an average increase in assets of 20.6% per annum, which has enabled it to earn an average interest of 9% and accord members an average interest of 9.6%. All MURBS declarations at the meeting were above the regulator’s averages.

As is now the MURBS tradition, the meeting was moderated by the Secretary – Board of Trustees (BoT), MURBS, Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi assisted by a member of Administrative staff, in this case, Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango.

Article by Public Relations Office

Up Next

Synthesis Report: RUFORUM Webinar 10 – Policy Perspective-Engaging African Universities in Agriculture

Don't Miss

Guidelines for printing provisional admission letters

General

Undergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

Mak Editor

Students in discussion groups at Freedom Square.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.

Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.

The cut-off points points can be accessed by following the link: https://mak.ac.ug/study-mak/cut-points

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

Government Sponsorship
Private\Self Sponsorship

Update 3rd July 2026

International & East African Applicants

Mop-up Lists

Government Sponsorship – Mature Age Entry Scheme

General

Makerere Launches Strategic Plan 2030, Aligns with Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Agenda

Published

2 days ago

July 2, 2026

Betty Kyakuwa

Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities.

The launch brought together senior government officials, university leadership, and development planners, including the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, and a representative from the National Planning Authority (NPA), alongside the University Vice Chancellor.

Hon. Henry Musasizi unveils the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030). Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Hon. Henry Musasizi unveils the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030).***

A Vision Anchored in National Transformation

Speaking at the launch, the Vice Chancellor underscored the University’s ambition to significantly expand graduate training and strengthen its contribution to national development. He noted that the institution is targeting a return to pre-COVID enrolment levels and a substantial increase in postgraduate numbers by 2030, with a focus on producing highly skilled graduates, innovators, and researchers.

He emphasized that the Strategic Plan positions the University as a key driver of Uganda’s transformation through knowledge generation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aligned with national priorities.

“The staffing distribution is shown here. Under the approved establishment, we intended to have 419 Professors, but we currently have only 75. We planned for 473 Associate Professors, but currently have only 144. This clearly demonstrates that we still have considerable room for growth in strengthening our academic staff profile,” the VC said.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.***

The VC appreciated researchers and research centres, that continue to attract substantial research funding. He highlighted the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and the Makerere University Walter Reed Project which attracted approximately US$70 million in international research funding into Uganda.

“When you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” he said.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional roadmap, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”

She noted that the Plan marks “the launch of Makerere University’s next chapter,” adding that decisions taken over the next five years will shape not only the future of the institution, but also Uganda’s development trajectory through graduates, research, innovations, and leadership.

Dr. Lorna Magara. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Lorna Magara.***

Dr. Magara emphasized Makerere’s unique national role as Uganda’s premier public university, entrusted with public resources and public confidence.

“Every investment made in Makerere must produce measurable value for the people of Uganda,” she said, underscoring the need for accountability, integrity, and impact.

Ambitious Targets for Transformation

The Council Chairperson and the Vice chancellor outlined bold performance targets under the Strategic Plan, including doubling postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM enrolment from 30% to 55%, improving PhD completion rates from 10% to 35%, and more than doubling peer-reviewed research output, alongside a significant rise in patents and innovations.

Dr. Magara stressed that these targets are not aspirations alone but binding commitments against which institutional performance will be measured.

Hon. Henry Musasizi (3rd R) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2rd L) display an autographed dummy of the signed Strategic Plan as L-R: Hon. Kadondi Gracious, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Dr. Lorna Magara, H.E. Mubiru John Bosco and Prof. Sarah Ssali witness. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Hon. Henry Musasizi (3rd R) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2rd L) display an autographed dummy of the signed Strategic Plan as L-R: Hon. Kadondi Gracious, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Rt. Hon. Daniel Kidega, Dr. Lorna Magara, H.E. Mubiru John Bosco and Prof. Sarah Ssali witness.

“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.

Call for Stronger Governance and Legal Reform

Dr. Magara also highlighted the need for reform of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap. 262, noting that the current legal framework has not kept pace with the evolving realities of university governance and innovation.

She called on Government and Parliament to support a timely review of the Act to enable universities to better optimise knowledge systems, productive assets, and innovation capacity in support of national development.

Government Endorsement and Strategic Alignment

Hon. Henry Musasizi commended the University for developing a forward-looking Strategic Plan aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which serves as the foundation for the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.

He explained that Uganda’s ambition to grow its economy from about USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion requires accelerated growth driven by productivity gains, innovation, and strong human capital development.

Hon. Henry Musasizi. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Hon. Henry Musasizi.***

“Universities are central actors in national transformation. They are engines of knowledge creation, innovation, and human capital development,” he said.

The Minister stressed that government priorities include strengthening research, promoting industrialization, and ensuring that knowledge generated in universities is translated into practical solutions that support economic growth. He further highlighted the importance of accountability, efficiency, and value for money in public investments in higher education.

Universities as Drivers of the Tenfold Growth Strategy

In his presentation, the Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, Samuel Kasule, emphasized that the Strategic Plan is firmly anchored in Uganda’s comprehensive development framework under Vision 2040 and NDP IV.

He noted that the Tenfold Growth Strategy seeks to accelerate Uganda’s economic growth into double-digit territory, enabling the country to achieve structural transformation and reach upper middle-income status.

Mr. Samuel Kasule. Official launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, marking a major milestone in its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and human capital development in line with Uganda’s national development priorities, 2nd July 2026, Main Hall, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Samuel Kasule.***

Kasule underscored that universities play a critical role in this transformation through labour productivity, research, and innovation. He pointed out that priority sectors such as agriculture, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, and ICT depend heavily on skilled graduates and strong research ecosystems.

He also highlighted the importance of competency-based education, alignment of academic programmes with national human resource needs, and strengthening postgraduate training and research outputs.

A Shared Commitment to Transformation

Across all speeches, a strong message emerged: universities are central to Uganda’s development agenda and must evolve into research-intensive institutions that directly contribute to economic transformation.

The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 was widely commended for its focus on innovation, industry collaboration, digital transformation, and the commercialization of research outputs.

Government leaders reaffirmed continued support for higher education institutions through research funding, innovation ecosystems, and strengthened university–industry partnerships.

Conclusion

The launch of the Strategic Plan 2030 signals a renewed commitment to positioning the University as a key partner in Uganda’s development journey. With strong alignment to national priorities, the Plan is expected to accelerate research, innovation, and skills development necessary for achieving Uganda’s long-term economic ambitions. The Strategic Plan may be accessed at: https://mak.ac.ug/about/strategic-plan

General

Press Statement: Makerere University Launches Ambitious Strategic Plan 2026–2030

Published

3 days ago

July 2, 2026

Mak Editor

Launch of the Makerere University Strategic Plan (2025-2030), 2nd July 2026. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Visionary Blueprint to Drive Excellence, Innovation, and National Development.

Kampala, Uganda – July 2, 2026. — Makerere University today officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining a bold roadmap for academic excellence, research innovation, and transformative impact on Uganda and the region. The high-profile launch event, held at Makerere University Main Campus, brought together government leaders, university stakeholders, development partners, and academia.

The Chief Guest, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presided over the official launch. In his presentation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas highlighted the University’s past achievements and the new Plan’s strategic vision. “This Strategic Plan builds on our rich legacy while positioning Makerere University as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges through cutting-edge research, quality education, and innovation,” he stated.

The Plan was developed through an inclusive process led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, with input from across the University community. It aligns closely with national development priorities, as affirmed by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority.

University Council Chairperson Dr Lorna Magara emphasised the Council’s oversight role and commitment: “The University Council is fully committed to providing the strategic leadership and oversight necessary for the successful implementation of this Plan. It will strengthen Makerere’s role as a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensure we remain a beacon of excellence in higher education across Africa.”

Development partners, Vice Chancellors from other public universities, college principals, deans, professors, and student representatives attended the event, underscoring broad stakeholder support.

Key Pillars of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 include enhancing excellence in teaching and learning, advancing research and innovation, strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and deepening engagement with industry and government. Following the formal proceedings, guests participated in a networking breakfast and media engagement session.

Additional Quotes:

“Makerere University remains Uganda’s flagship institution. This Strategic Plan will further harness our intellectual capital to contribute meaningfully to the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.” — Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

“We are excited to embark on this new strategic journey. With the support of our dedicated staff, students, alumni, and partners, we will achieve even greater heights in the next five years.” — Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University

About Makerere University

Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1922. It is a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and cross-disciplinary innovation. With over 35,000 students and a strong alumni network, Makerere continues to shape leaders and solutions for Africa and beyond.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Deputy Chief, Public Relations

Makerere University

Email: inquiries@mak.ac.ug | Tel: +256-414-531202

Website: www.mak.ac.ug

The full Strategic Plan document may be accessed at the link below.
https://mak.ac.ug/about/strategic-plan

END

Makerere-Press-Statement-Launch-of-Strategic-Plan-2025-2030-2nd-Jul-2026 Download