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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MURBS Declares 10.6% Interest, Launches Annuity Arrangement & Property Project
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, September 4, 2026 — Makerere University and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have explored new opportunities for strengthening academic, research and innovation collaboration between Uganda, Japan and other African countries, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, materials and remote sensing, food value chains, energy, water and climate change.
The discussions took place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Makerere University Main Building in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room, during a visit by a JICA delegation led by Dr. Okano Takasei, Senior Advisor, Human Development Department of JICA.
Makerere keen to deepen collaboration with JICA
Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, highlighted Makerere University’s long-standing tradition of research, international collaboration and contribution to knowledge generation in Uganda and beyond.
Prof. Ssali noted that Makerere has built a strong global research footprint through partnerships with institutions around the world, observing that the University is well positioned to deepen international collaboration as emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, continue to transform research and higher education.
“Uganda has a very long history of doing research, and particularly it has informed research findings in the areas global health research,” Prof. Ssali said, pointing to Uganda’s historical contribution to global scientific knowledge.
She cited the country’s contribution to medical and biological research, including early research on sleeping sickness, noting that Uganda’s unique research environment continues to offer opportunities for scientific discovery.
Prof. Ssali said Makerere’s history of collaboration with Japan is particularly significant, noting that Japanese cooperation has contributed not only to academic and research activities but also to infrastructure development and other sectors in Uganda.
She cited the establishment of the JICA building at Makerere, describing it as one of the visible symbols of Japan’s long-standing partnership with Makerere University.
According to Prof. Ssali, the building, which houses College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) disciplines of geology, petroleum studies and administrative offices, was constructed during her undergraduate years and completed within a remarkably short period.
Prof. Ssali said the long-standing relationship between Uganda, Makerere University and Japan provides a strong foundation upon which new areas of collaboration can be built. She encouraged the visiting JICA delegation to explore the University and identify areas where existing partnerships could be strengthened or new areas of cooperation developed.
“Please take time and explore and see where either you already have a footprint, where you’ve ever had a footprint, or where you could explore new areas,” she said.
Prof. Ssali added that Makerere was privileged to host the JICA delegation and expressed optimism that the visit would lead to meaningful and sustainable partnerships.
Strengthening Joint Collaboration through AJ-ASPIRE
Dr. Okano, in his remarks as leader of the delegation said the visit formed part of a broader JICA initiative aimed at promoting academic and research collaboration between Japanese and African universities.
He explained that the initiative was launched on the occasion of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama in September 2025, with the objective of strengthening academic and research partnerships between Japan and Africa.
According to Dr. Okano, the initiative is intended to benefit both African and Japanese universities by providing platforms for internationalisation, collaborative research and the exchange of knowledge, researchers and students. “We would like to play a role of facilitator between universities in Japan and Africa and Uganda as well,” he said.
He explained that JICA is currently promoting the initiative through three African hub universities where JICA already has ongoing projects and experts on the ground.
The three institutions are Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) in Egypt, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya, and Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
Dr. Okano said the selection of the three institutions was informed by the presence of ongoing JICA-supported projects and experts who can facilitate collaboration between the hub universities and institutions across Africa and Japan.
The hub universities are currently coordinating research with Japanese universities in strategic areas, with E-JUST focusing on energy, JKUAT leading work on food value chains, and Stellenbosch University focusing on water and climate change.
Dr. Okano said JICA was particularly pleased to explore collaboration with Makerere University under the African-Japan Initiative for Research and Education Partnerships, known as AJ-ASPIRE.
He outlined three major avenues through which Makerere could participate in the initiative.
The first is participation in existing research programmes hosted by the three hub universities. He added that Makerere researchers could join ongoing research on energy, food value chains, water and climate change, thereby creating opportunities to work with Japanese and other African researchers.
“We would like to explore opportunity for researchers from Makerere University to participate in these ongoing research activities and expand collaboration with Japanese and African partner institutions,” Dr. Okano said.
The second area is the development of new research networks in artificial intelligence and aerospace engineering. Dr. Okano said JICA was planning to establish new research groups focusing on the two areas and would be interested in having Makerere researchers participate in the emerging networks. “We would like to also invite researchers from Makerere University to join these networks and implementation of future collaboration in these two research topics, aerospace engineering and AI,” he said.
The third proposed avenue is increased collaboration between Makerere University and E-JUST, which Dr. Okano said offers fully funded scholarship opportunities for African students through a programme jointly supported by the governments of Egypt and Japan.
He noted that a number of Makerere graduates have already benefited from the programme, including researchers who have pursued doctoral studies and research opportunities in Egypt and Japan.
Dr. Okano cited the example of Mr. Abdonoor Kalibala, a Makerere alumnus whom he recently met in Hiroshima, Japan, following completion of PhD in Mechatronics and Robotics engineering at E-JUST. Mr. Kalibala conducted research in Japan for up to six months under the supervision of a Japanese professor as part of his doctoral programme.
Dr. Okano said such programmes could help strengthen the movement of researchers between Uganda, Egypt and Japan and create lasting institutional partnerships.
He added that JICA is also providing small research grants to alumni of the programmes to help them maintain and expand research collaboration involving Japan, E-JUST and African institutions.
He said Makerere could leverage such opportunities to increase the participation of its students and researchers in international research networks.
AI, Materials and Remote Sensing and International Relations Set the Pace
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships at Makerere University, said the visit followed an online engagement held a few weeks earlier between Makerere University and JICA, during which several areas and units within the University were identified as potential points of collaboration.
Prof. Wamala said these included the Makerere University AI Lab, the University’s International Office and researchers working in space engineering, particularly in materials and remote sensing.
He welcomed the transition from online discussions to physical engagement, saying the visit would allow JICA representatives to interact directly with researchers, academic units and University authorities. “This interest is being followed up through an in-person visit, which provides us an opportunity for JICA to engage directly with the relevant units and researchers at Makerere University,” Prof. Wamala said.
For Makerere, he added, the initiative provides an opportunity to connect the University’s research strengths with Japanese universities, research institutions and development partners to address shared development challenges.
Prof. Wamala said the University was particularly interested in identifying practical areas of collaboration that could move beyond general discussions to concrete research partnerships, joint projects and opportunities for students and researchers.
He noted that the JICA delegation’s on-campus interactions scheduled to take place throughout the day would enable the two sides to identify specific areas of mutual interest. “We hope these engagements will help us identify specific areas of future interest and provide a basis for developing concrete areas of collaboration under the AJ-ASPIRE,” Prof. Wamala said.
He reiterated Makerere’s commitment to strengthening international research partnerships and thanked JICA for its continued interest in the University.
Dr. Okano, was accompanied by Mr. Ito Idomu, Research and Advisor at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Osaki Mistuhiro from JICA headquarters, Ms. Eric Maeda from JICA Headquarters, and Ms. Ruth Mbabazi from JICA Uganda.
JICA follow-up meetings with Makerere research units
Following the high-level meeting in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room, the JICA team, together with the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships, proceeded to engage with key research and administrative units at Makerere University identified as strategic to the proposed areas of collaboration.
The delegation held meetings with the Makerere University AI Lab, led by Dr. Joyce Nabende of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (COCIS), to explore opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence and related emerging technologies.
The team also met officials from the Makerere University International Office, led by Mr. Mathias Ssemanda, where discussions focused on opportunities for strengthening international academic linkages, mobility and institutional partnerships.
A further engagement was held with the Department of Geomatics and Land Management, focusing on materials and remote sensing, led by Prof. Lydia Kayondo from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).
The engagements provided an opportunity for the JICA team and Makerere researchers to move from broad discussions on collaboration to more specific conversations around research interests, expertise, existing projects and potential areas for joint work.
The visit marks an important step towards strengthening Makerere University’s engagement with Japanese and African research institutions under AJ-ASPIRE, while opening opportunities for researchers and students to participate in emerging international networks in artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, remote sensing and other strategic areas of science, technology and innovation.
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