L-R: Country Director NBL-Mr. David Valencia, Principal Education Officer MoES-Mrs. Mercy Mugoowa, DVCFA-Dr. Josephine Nabukenya and Legal & Corporate Affairs Director NBL-Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit at the Equality Scholarships Handover ceremony, 29th April 2021, Luzira, Kampala Uganda.
Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has extended financial support worth UGX 80 Million to 30 University students under its Equality Scholarship Programme. Received by the Principal Education Officer from Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) Mrs. Mercy Mugoowa and Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (DVCFA) Assoc. Prof. Josephine Nabukenya on behalf of students, the money will be allocated towards students’ tuition and welfare expenses for the academic year 2021/ 2022.
The Equality Scholarship is an annual programme initiated in 2011 by Nile Breweries Limited as one of its Corporate Social Responsibility activities. The programme is geared towards supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4; Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The Programme supports academically excellent but financially disadvantaged students who have succeeded in their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) but lost hope of continuing with studies due to financial constraints. With a total of 72 beneficiaries supported from Senior one (S1), Nile Breweries supports 30 students that are currently at University and 42 students that are still in secondary school.
Mr. David Valencia addresses the media at the NBL Equality Scholarships Handover ceremony
According to the Country Director Mr. David Valencia, the Equality Scholarship Programme doesn’t only fulfil the company’s commitment towards society improvement but also help NBL to recognize the catalytic role of education in promoting human security by fulfilling the academic dreams of a Ugandan child.
The Equality Scholarship Programme targets rural primary schools in the districts that grow sorghum and Barley for Nile Breweries Limited. These include; Budaka, Bukedea, Buikwe Bundibugyo Dokolo, Hoima, Isingiro, Kabarole, Kamuli, Kanungu, Katakwi, Kiryandongo, Kisoro, Kitgum, Kween, Lira, Mubende, Nebbi, Ngora, Ntungamo, Oyam, Soroti and Zombo.
“Students are supported from senior one until they finish university, with the current enrollment costing the company 300M per year. Approximately UGX 3bn has been invested in students from senior one till completion of their undergraduate studies,” Mr. Valencia noted.
Dr. Josephine Nabukenya congratulated graduating beneficiaries and reiterated Mak’s committment to promote gender equality
Of the 30 university beneficiaries, 14 are Makerere University students placed at the respective colleges. Speaking at the colorful ceremony on 29th April 2021 at NBL Company Offices in Luzira, the DVCFA Assoc. Prof. Josephine Nabukenya congratulated the pioneer beneficiaries John Ochom, Ivan Subile and Emmanuel Okello upon successfully completing their studies at Makerere University. The students are graduating with Bsc. Biochemistry, Bsc. Industrial Chemistry and Bsc. Sports Sciences respectively.
In the same spirit, she congratulated the beneficiaries from other respective Higher Institutions of Learning that are soon graduating. She urged the beneficiaries to make most use of the scholarship opportunity to study, and participate in community empowerment activities that will transform lives. She also encouraged them to utilize the networking platforms well and find solutions to problems that affect communities.
Assoc. Prof. Nabukenya, applauded Nile Breweries for uplifting individuals and creating positive difference in the lives of students, families and communities through supporting access to education. She also thanked the Government of Uganda for creating a favorable environment that has enabled strong partnerships especially in the education sector.
L-R: Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit, Mrs. Mercy Mugoowa, Mr. David Valencia and Dr. Josephine Nabukenya hand over the dummy cheque to representatives of the beneficiaries
“As outlined in the Gender Equality Policy, Makerere University is committed to the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment where all students, academic, administrative and support staff, female and male enjoy equal opportunities. We are therefore thankful to be part of this achievement as we support the girl and boy child on equally accessing education,” she noted.
“Furthermore, the University Council during the 147th Meeting held in August 2019, approved the Affirmative Action Policy providing for a 40% enrollment quota for female students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It is therefore, gratifying to learn that three (3) of the four (4) females in the cohort of continuing students at Makerere University are perusing STEM-based Programmes,” she added.
The Principal Education Officer at Ministry of Education and Sports appealed to students to use the positive attributes that education provides to build solutions to community challenges. “Education is a trigger to individual and national development. It remains the most important force that enables a person to pursue development goals with requisite knowledge and capabilities.”
Mrs. Mercy Mugoowa (2nd L) addresses participants at the handover ceremony
She called for more support from the private sector towards Uganda’s education development. And, urged the private sector to support students during internships, field attachments as well as initiating vocational skills among the students.
The Corporate Affair Director at Nile Breweries Limited Mr. Onapito Ekomoloit noted that given its role as a major player in Uganda’s economy and community, Nile Breweries Limited’s mandate is to bring people together for a better world.
Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:
Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.
THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;
Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
One Passport size photograph.
A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.
Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/
You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD
For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:
Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728 Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug
The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.
Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.
Courses by Level
Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Online
TOPIK
Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com
Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.
Registration:
To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704
Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester
For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)
See downloads for Class Timetable
The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.