Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (R) flanked by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) delivers his acceptance speech after receiving the Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) during Day 5 of the 71st Graduation held on 21st May 2021 in the Freedom Square, Makerere University.
The President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University.
The honor is in recognition of his distinguished contribution to Science, research and academic leadership; Reform and thought leadership; Catalysing Africa’s social and economic progress; Partnerships, networks and advocacy for development.
The award ceremony was held during the fifth and last session of the Makerere University 71st Graduation Ceremony on Friday 21st May 2021 at the Freedom Square.
Dr. Adesina flew to Uganda to physically receive the prestigious award accompanied by a nine–person delegation.
The delegation comprised of Mr. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan-Country Manager, Mr. Modibo I. Toure-Special Envoy, Shareholder Relations (Africa), Mrs. Nnenna Nwabufo-Director General, RDGE and Mr. Olajide Oyewusi-Special Assistant to the President.
Other delegates that accompanied Dr. Adesina were Ms. Phanice Kwambok-Bank Consultant, Mr. Djibril Moussa-Protocol Officer, Mr. Franck Eric Yao-Security Officer, Mr. Guy-Roland A. Tayoro-Audiovisual Technician and Mr. Paul Mutha-Protocol Officer.
Accompanied by his delegation, Dr. Adesina paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor and the Chancellor Makerere University where they discussed strategic issues of importance to the university and thereafter, joined the academic procession from the Central Teaching Facility 1 (CTF1) to the University Freedom Square.
In his address to the congregation, the Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Ezra Suruma extended a warm welcome to Dr. Adesina and thanked him for accepting the invitation to physically attend the ceremony.
“We thank Dr. Adesina for the excellent work he is doing to uplift the African people and for honoring us with his presence today. As the African countries struggle to overcome the huge negative effects of COVID 19, I am sure that they will find a vital and sympathetic ally in the African Development Bank”, said Prof. Suruma.
Please see Downloads for the detailed speeches and citation.
The recording of Live proceedings from the Fifth and final Session of the 71st Graduation Ceremony may be accessed by clicking the embedded videos below.
PART 1 #Mak71stGrad Day 5, 21st May 2021, Freedom Square, Makerere University
PART 2 #Mak71stGrad Day 5, 21st May 2021, Freedom Square, Makerere University
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.