General
MURBS Inaugurates New Board, Shares Accomplishments
The Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) Board of Trustees (BoT) on Friday 26th March, 2021 inaugurated two new members to replace those whose terms are set to expire on 31st March 2021. Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) representative Ms. Dorothy Nannozi Kabanda will be replaced by Ms. Franco Angida Mugyema while the National Union of Education Institutions (NUEI)’s Mr. John Peter Okello will be replaced by Mr. Joseph Ikarokok.
The two will join existing BoT Members; Dr. Godwin Kakuba (current Chairperson), Mr. Wilber Grace Naigambi (Current Secretary) and Mr. William Ndoleriire (University Council Nominee). Dr. Kakuba joined the current Board as Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) representative in the place of Dr. John Kitayimbwa who retired from University Service. He remains eligible to serve on the incoming BoT’s term which will run from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2025.
Welcoming the audience, Mr. Naigambi said that change in leadership of the BoT occurs every four years as mandated by Clause 7 of the MURBS Trust Deed dated 17th April 2015. He added that the handover was in line with Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA) Act provisions of service for Trustees (not exceeding four years but subject to renewal for a maximum of two terms).
He recognized the presence of the URBRA Director Legal-Mrs. Ritah Nansasi Wasswa who represented the CEO Mr. Martin Nsubuga, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Dr. Josephine Nabukenya as well as Council Members-Dr. Tumps Ireeta, Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala and Mr. Jackson Byamukama. Also recognized were the Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Chair MUASA-Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi, Chair MASA-Mr. Vincent Abigaba, Chair NUEI-Mr. Bruce Twesigye, College Ambassadors as well as MURBS Service Providers. These included; Stanbic Bank, Octagon Africa, GenAfrica Asset Managers, ICEA Uganda and Arcadia Advocates.
The Chairperson BoT in his remarks thanked the audience for attending the handover ceremony, which signified their interest in MURBS’ vision to deliver “outstanding service and retirement security for members – today and tomorrow”. He thanked the outgoing BoT Members for working tirelessly and efficiently to ensure that the Scheme’s vision is realized.
“When the outgoing Board of Trustees took over in 2017, our fund value stood at UGX 140 Billion and today, it stands at over UGX 210 Billion. The outgoing Board has added almost half of the standing value of the fund and I thank our Sponsor Makerere University and all our service providers for this achievement” Dr. Kakuba commended.
Other accomplishments attributed by the Chairperson to the outgoing BoT included:
- Streamlined Governance: The BoT standardized 12 policy documents which have enhanced the Scheme’s operations
- Improved Collections: Thanks to; timely contributions by the Sponsor Makerere University, clearing half of the outstanding debt owed to the scheme by the Government as well as continuing efforts to clear the balance
- The Ambassadors Programme: Introduction of a rigorous and vibrant Ambassadors Training Programme which has enabled members to gain in-depth knowledge and skills to manage their retirement, and improved information flow between the BoT and Scheme members.
- Consistent winning of the Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards: MURBS has won top honours in the FiRe Awards’ Retirement Benefits Scheme (RBS) category for the last 4 consecutive years (2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020).
- Timely Payment of Benefits: Reduced period of receiving retirement benefits upon submission of completed applications by members from 10 to 7 days
- Investment Diversification and Consistent Return on Investment: Pursued prudent means of growing member funds, Awarded an average interest of 12% to Members over the last four years (Interest awarded never went below 10%) and diversified investments into real estate by establishing Ivory Estate Sonde.
- Introduced Board Evaluation: Outgoing Board hired an independent professional external evaluator to appraise its performance and received an approval rating of 80%
Nevertheless, the previous Board tenure was not without its challenges. Dr. Kakuba noted that the BoT needs to do more to sensitize its members. “Members need to start planning for retirement early, and not when they get the six months to the end of their service notification from the Human Resources Directorate.
“Furthermore, Members should also ensure that their human resource records are up to date as any inconsistencies lead to delays in paying out their retirement benefits” explained Dr. Kakuba.
According to the Chairperson, going forward, the BoT will invest more in training human resource and use of Information Systems so as to continue strengthening the Scheme’s governance. The BoT will also create new products so as to increase options for retirees. MURBS already has in place an Annuity Arrangement courtesy of ICEA Uganda.
He also made known plans by Trustees to work with the Sponsor to expand the Scheme’s Office space beyond the current Lincoln Flats B4 premises. “And in terms of growth of benefits, currently over 48% of Scheme Members have savings above UGX 150 Million.
“We expect that over the next four years, the majority of members will have savings above UGX 150 Million and the fund value will grow to over UGX 400 Billion” concluded the Chairperson.
Preparing the audience for the official handover ceremony, the Principal Pensions Office (PPO) Ms. Susan Khaitsa thanked outgoing Trustees Mr. John Peter Okello and Ms. Dorothy Nannozi Kabanda for their dedication to the Scheme’s success during their tenure. “We thank you for your service, guidance and leadership as Trustees and as the Secretariat, we are honoured to have worked with you.”
She then introduced Ms. Martha Timugiibwa from the Scheme’s Lawyers Arcadia Advocates to preside over the handover ceremony. As part of the proceedings, outgoing Trustees signed their deeds of discharge and incoming ones signed their deeds of appointment. Incoming Trustees also had to audibly voice their willingness to serve on the new Board, a procedure that greatly amused the audience, given the expectation that contesting in itself is sufficient demonstration of readiness to serve.
According to Ms. Khaitsa, the New MURBS Board will meet next week to appoint a new Chairperson, Secretary and assign various responsibilities to Trustees.
Successfully discharged, it was a lively moment as the Ag. University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and URBRA’s Mrs. Ritah Nansasi Wasswa handed over plaques of recognition to the outgoing Trustees. Speaking on behalf of the duo, Mr. John Peter Okello expressed happiness that they had successfully served until their official discharge from the Board of Trustees.
“I thank the team we have worked with during the previous tenure and say to the incoming members, the Board of Trustees is not a bed of roses, don’t ask many questions but instead look for many answers” counseled Mr. Okello.
Speaking on behalf of the new Board of Trustees, Ms. Angida Mugyema thanked and praised God for this far He has brought the Scheme and for the grace granted to incoming Trustees to serve MURBS. She appreciated her predecessors’ efforts to lay a strong foundation based on the Scheme’ values of; Ethics, Stewardship, Transparency, Accountability and Client Focus.
The incoming Trustee equally thanked the Secretariat led by the PPO Ms. Susan Khaitsa and her team; Assistant PPO-Ms. Juliet Nabukeera, Office Administrator-Ms. Rhona Asingwire and Mr. Marvin Kakuba, for the excellent support rendered to the BoT.
As a member of the first cohort launched on 27th February 2018, Ms. Angida Mugyema was all praise for the rigorous MURBS Ambassadors Programme, whose financial literacy models and other assessments helped her appreciate what is expected of a Trustee.
“If we were told to start today, we are more than ready and willing to work hard, thanks to the preparation we have received” reassured Ms. Angida Mugyema. The Ambassadors Programme serves as a succession strategy for the MURBS BoT. Any Scheme Member interested in contesting to become a MURBS Trustee must be a qualified Ambassador.
On 1st April 2009, MURBS was established under irrevocable trusts by the Sponsor, Makerere University Council. Speaking on behalf of the Sponsor and University Management, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda said he was extremely honoured to witness a seamless transition of leadership of an entity at the level of MURBS.
“As a member of the Scheme, I am happy to wake up each and every day knowing that my retirement benefits are safe and growing as shown by not only the interest declared but also activities that successive MURBS Boards of Trustees undertake to grow our funds” remarked Mr. Kiranda.
Reflecting on the previous year, the Ag. University Secretary noted that the countrywide shutdown on 20th March 2020 marked the beginning of a difficult period for Makerere University and other employers. Recalling the layoffs and salary cuts that followed with other employers, Mr. Kiranda paid tribute to the Government of Uganda for continuing to pay staff wages on time and enabling the University to recruit new staff as well as make the mandatory 10% contribution to retirement benefits despite COVID-19.
“It is now our turn as Makerere University to thank the Ugandan taxpayer by recognizing that they stood with us during the COVID-19 lockdown and it is now time for us to stand with them as their children report back to Campus to study” he remarked.
Mr. Kiranda congratulated the outgoing Trustees upon successfully completing their tenure and being celebrated by colleagues. To the incoming Trustees he cautioned that stewardship of public funds is extremely difficult as it attracts a lot of scrutiny – shortcomings are heavily criticized and accomplishments are rarely recognized. He therefore prayed that God would enable them to fulfil their obligations to MURBS and its members.
Concluding the day’s remarks, Mrs. Nansasi Wasswa congratulated the outgoing Trustees upon a job well done in keeping MURBS’ light shining brightly. “MURBS is one of the model schemes that URBRA as a regulator is proud of; the fund value has grown, and the Board of Trustees has put in place structures and polices that ensure good governance.”
She equally expressed happiness that the Board of Trustees had retained three of its members, noting that this was good for the Scheme’s continuity. Taking note of the functions of a trustee as outlined in the URBRA Act, 2011, Mrs. Nansasi Wasswa commended the Board for appointing qualified and experienced service providers, who will ensure that they fulfil the legal and other requirements that come with their roles.
The URBRA representative reiterated the regulator’s commitment to support the new Board to continue stewarding and growing the scheme. She accordingly thanked the Sponsor Makerere University Council and MURBS service providers for ensuring that the scheme continues to thrive.
As is the MURBS tradition to honour God at all its gatherings, the opening and closing prayers were led by incoming Trustee, Mr. Joseph Ikarokok and MURBS College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Ambassador, Prof. Donald Kugonza respectively. The event was moderated by Assistant PPO, Ms. Juliet Nabukeera.
Article by Public Relations Office
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During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.
The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.
The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.
She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.
Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.
She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.
Students urged to aim for first-class results
The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.
They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.
The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.
Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct
Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.
They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.
The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.
The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.
Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.
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