The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara (R) hands over a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize (L) who received it on behalf of Outgoing Chairperson, Dr. Martin J. Aliker at the MakEF Board Inauguration on 30th September 2021, CTF2 Auditorium, Makerere University.
The Outgoing Chairperson, Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) Board of Trustees, Dr. Martin J. Aliker has in his handover speech reported that the Inaugural Board grew the onshore fund from scratch to UGX 1.2 Billion by the end of their tenure in 2019. This was at a function presided over by the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara on 30th September 2021 in the Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF2) Auditorium to inaugurate the new MakEF Board.
Dr. Aliker’s remarks read on his behalf by member of the Pioneer Board, Mr. Barnabas Tumusingize reported that this growth was made possible through several income generating activities including the MakEF Run (MakRun).
“The onshore return on investment during our tenure was 14.5 percent. All this investment was undertaken through treasury bills, bonds, equities and cash deposits. Our Board considered investing in securities as the primary approach to growing the Fund through capital appreciation” read Dr. Aliker’s speech.
During their tenure, the Inaugural Board appointed a fund administrator, fund manager and custodian for the efficient management of the onshore endowment fund. The onshore fund is complemented by an offshore fund managed in the United Kingdom (U.K.).
Dr. Aliker nevertheless noted that despite its popularity in the global north, the idea of university endowment funds was nascent in Makerere and the African continent. “For instance, there are a few studies that have been conducted to examine the utility and systematic trends that bear useful lessons for the Board and other stakeholders” he added.
He concluded by wishing the incoming board chaired by Professor Maggie Kigozi success. “We commit our availability for consultations as and when the need arises, as We Build for the Future.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who was represented by the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Dr. Eria Hisali in his remarks extended sincere gratitude to the outgoing MakEF Board for the pioneer efforts and dedication, despite the fact that the concept of endowment funds is yet to be fully appreciated in this part of the world.
Prof. Nawangwe commended the outgoing board for;
Identifying and entering into contract with two fund managers; GenAfrica Asset Management Limited for the onshore fund and Crown Agents Investment Management for the offshore fund based in the UK.
Their oversight that enabled prudence in investment that resulted in a commendable return on investment. The onshore fund grew from nothing in 2014 to the current UGX 1.5 Billion, while the offshore fund is now valued at 1.5 Million GBP (approximately UGX 7.1 Billion)
Popularising MakEF through various activities such as the MakRun held in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Reaching out and encouraging Colleges at the University to contribute to the fund. CoBAMS positively responded by establishing a college fund.
Reaching out to institutions affiliated to Makerere University such as Makerere College School and encouraging them to contribute to the fund in response to a resolution by the University Council.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that whereas endowment was still in its infancy, the Management looks forward to a future where MakEF would be able to support; the University’s academic endeavours, financial aid to deserving students from humble backgrounds, the University’s research agenda and the University’s long-term strategic planning.
“I would like to start by inviting everyone to join me in appreciating the contribution of Dr. Martin Aliker and the members of the outgoing Board of Trustees, whose dedicated service has led us to this day” remarked Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of Council as she commenced her address.
The Chairperson of Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara (6th R) with the New Chairperson-Prof. Maggie Kigozi (7th R) as well as incoming and outgoing members of the MakEF Board of Trustees and Staff after the Inauguration ceremony on 30th September 2021, CTF2, Makerere University.
The Board chaired by Dr. Aliker was also made up of; Ambassador Edith Sempala, Mr. Martin Owiny, Mr. Barnabas R. Tumusingize, Mr. Grace Isabirye, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu and Hon. Gerald Karuhanga.
She observed that it was over seven years since the University Council established MakEF at its 130th Meeting held on 20th February 2014, motivated by the dream to build a sustainable financial base for Makerere and diversify revenue beyond the reliance on student fees and Government subvention.
“The motivation to set up Makerere University Endowment Fund is much more critical today than it was then. The financial demands of the University will continue to rise following the current and future ambitions in research and innovation, along with the need to implement new technologies for teaching and learning” remarked the Chairperson Council.
She added that although MakEF was still modest in comparison to the initiatives of Makerere’s international peers, she was confident that the Fund was on the right path, thanks to the strong foundation laid by Dr. Aliker and the pioneer Board of Trustees.
“It will be up to the new Board to pursue the multiple opportunities available amongst alumni, local and international philanthropists, the private sector, government and development partners to raise the Fund to greater heights” added Mrs. Magara.
She congratulated the new Board upon their appointment and wished them a fruitful tenure. “It is my greatest honour to inaugurate the new Board of Trustees, as We build for the Future” she concluded.
In her acceptance speech, Prof. Maggie Kigozi admitted that it was a great honour to serve as the second Chairperson of Board of Trustees of MakEF, following in the footsteps of Dr. Martin J. Aliker and the commendable work done by his pioneer Board.
“ Makerere University is not only a premier institution of higher learning in Africa but also my alma mater.” Professor Kigozi enthused before adding, “It was truly an honour and a privilege to have been selected. So many people would have loved to be with us here and so we do not overlook the privilege of having been given those years to study at Makerere.”
Professor Maggie Kigozi, the New Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) Board of Trustees.
Turning to the Mrs. Magara, the first female Chairperson of Council in Makerere’s history she said, “To be here working with you will be such an honour and the young girls out there watching us, watching you, watching me are motivated. They know they can aim for the highest.”
Prof. Kigozi shared that the incoming board would deliberate and agree upon a robust visibility and mobilization campaign hinged on the following;
A digital platform to profile alumni from all over the world and mobilize them to contribute to ongoing activities such as the MakRun
Increasing MakEF’s online presence through a dedicated website that highlights the Fund’s projects and various ways through which contributions can be made
She added that her board would develop an investment plan for the purpose of diversifying MakEF’s investment portfolio so as to grow the asset selection and minimise potential investment risks.
“From my experience in the investment world, I am aware that an investor’s asset allocation decision has a strong bearing on portfolio performance of a Fund. Together with my colleagues, we will review the asset allocations and in consultation with existing policies, determine the best options for the Fund” pledged Prof. Kigozi.
As she concluded her remarks, the Incoming MakEF Board Chairperson highlighted that there was a lack of empirical studies specific to the nascent endowment fund terrain on the continent, which made it difficult for institutions like MakEF to systematically examine trends in the endowment sector as a whole. She therefore implored the university to invest in research in this area, which would eventually benefit both the Board and MakEF’s portfolio.
The new members of the MakEF Board of Trustees are;
Professor Maggie Kigozi – Chairperson
Associate Professor Umar Kakumba – Member
Mr. Martin Owiny – Member
Ms Anne Juuko – Member
Mr. Kenneth Mugambe – Member
Mr. Barnabas R. Tumusingize – Member
Mr. William Ndoleriire – Member
Please see Downloads for brief profiles of the new MakEF Board and Speeches from the event.
The Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda Her Excellence Maria Håkansson has emphasized the need to fully engage men and boys in all the initiatives geared towards achieving Gender Equality in Uganda and other parts of the world. She said this on 28th November 2023 at a press conference organized by the Embassy of Sweden in close collaboration with Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, UN Women and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to unveil the National Orange Pledge campaign and officially launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The press conference was headlined by a Ugandan rapper and record producer Daniel Lubwama Kigozi, popularly known by his stage name Navio and his fellow from Sweden Jason Michael Bosak Diakité popularly known as Timbuktu. Over 200 students both male and female from Makerere University and other institutions of higher learning attended the press conference at Makerere University Rugby Grounds.
According to Her Excellence Maria Håkansson, Gender Equality cannot be achieved without involving men and boys to take their responsibilities and be the drivers of change. “For real change to happen, we need to change attitudes and norms that might cause Gender Based Violence, one of the social ills in Uganda and an extreme of gender inequality that occurs at all levels of society,” she said.
Swedish Envoy to Uganda Her Excellence Maria Håkansson.
Referring to the national survey conducted in 2020, the Ambassador was concerned about the escalating burden of gender based violence in Uganda when she said, “the Survey highlighted that 95% of women and girls experience physical or sexual violence since the age of 15.”
She therefore emphasized the Global 16 Days of Activism as key international movement to increase awareness and advocate for an end to Gender Based Violence. The Ambassador also mentioned that preventing and responding to Gender Based Violence is a cornerstone for Sweden’s commitment to promote democracy, human rights and gender equality and this is done as an investment in a society that upholds the principles of equality, dignity and justice.
She acknowledged the full participation of university students in all campaigns and activities geared towards achieving gender equality as well as ending Gender Based Violence when she said, “You are the leaders of tomorrow and you have an opportunity to build a future where everyone can thrive. So please use today to take an active stand against Gender Based Violence.”
Every year Uganda joins the rest of the world to enhance the global campaigns on 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and also add a voice to the call for an end to violence against women and girls. These campaigns run from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until 10th December of the Human Rights Day.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 initiative calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to help end all types of violence against women and girls. This year 2023, the UNiTE campaign theme is; Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls.
UN Women Country Representative Paulina Chiwangu
Over the years, Makerere University through its Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and School of Women and Gender in partnership with UN Women and many other partners have been at the fore front to support the campaign on 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence in Uganda. This has been done through debates, theatre forums, student dialogues, thematic artistic presentations, media exposures, drama and music skits presentation, and student peer led discussions and quarterly competitions.
This year 2023, the University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden, UN Women and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) unveiled the Orange Pledge. According to Eric Tumwesigye the Senior Gender Specialist at Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, this campaign calls upon government, policymakers, activists, civil societies, academicians, students and all members of community from all parts of the country to make their heartfelt pledges towards ending Gender Based Violence in Uganda and the rest of the world.
The UN Women Country Representative Paulina Chiwangu recognized the investment Makerere University, the Embassy of Sweden and UNFPA have made to end violence against women and girls. “Thanks to our collective efforts, the silence that used to shroud violence against women has now been broken” said.
In the same spirit, she acknowledged the progress Makerere University has made in establishing and implementation of the University’s Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment to protect students and staff from potential abuses of power and conflict of interest. She also applauded the increased support and training for students and the strengthened mechanisms for investigations that allow students and staff to anonymously report sexual misconduct.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
“We are however, aware that despite this, sexual harassment is still happening in the university and that not many students report to the authorities when they experience it. It is therefore, our humble appeal to the university leadership to continue monitoring the implementation of the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, take all allegations of sexual harassment and violence seriously, ensure that all personnel have information on available support services and take action to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.”
Reaffirming the University’s position in fighting GBV and particularly sexual harassment, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe was highlighted the various measures Makerere University has put in place to prevent and respond to Gender Based Violence. To him, the Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment; the appointment and capacity building for the Vice Chancellor’s Roster of 100 eminent people from the various colleges and administrative units; recruitment and training of the Gender Mainstreaming Programme Student Peer Trainers and setting up Sexual Harassment Investigation Committees are bigger milestones to celebrate.
He appreciated the move by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and all the partners to embrace entertainment and artistry as a critical advocacy and awareness tool to reach several communities especially the youth.
“We firmly believe in the transformative power of music and the arts in promoting social change. Music and art does serve as a powerful medium to advocate for the world free from violence especially violence against women,” said to Mr. Dainel Alemu, the UNFPA Deputy Country Representative.
“It is heartening to see artists like Navio taking a stand and using their influence to challenge harmful norms. As we revel in the beats and melodies, let us not forget he underlying message that everyone , regardless of gender, has a role to play in fostering a world where everyone is free from shackles of gender based violence,” he added.
Speaking at the Press Conference at Makerere University Rugby Grounds, Navio said that for the 20 years he has been an activist of Gender Based Violence, he has faced the reality of many young girls and women in Uganda being victims of sex and physical abuse. He therefore sent a huge condemnation to men especially artists that who are perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and called for serious government action and clear policies and laws against such injustices.
Navio applauded the women and men who have stood tall over the years to fight against Gender Based Violence in Uganda when he said, “ As we launch the 16 days activism in Uganda and through these pledges we are making, let us be accountable for our actions. For long in our cultures, men have considered force and violence as power and protection. They have been tough to their children hence instilling fear to the extent that the children cannot freely interact with them on serious matters such as abuse and torture.”
Eric Tumwesigye
He applauded all families that have adopted the new parenting model of free conversations and interaction hence encouraging children to freely open up whenever they have challenges. Navio also acknowledged the role of his mother Mrs Maggie Kigozi as a human rights activist and a champion in fighting against Gender Based Violence in Uganda.
Jason Michael Bosak Diakité popularly known as Timbuktu from Sweden appreciated the wider platform provided by the music industry globally for artists to act as role models and champion of change. The rapper highlighted the need to respect women for their roles and support towards community development.
“I am a son and it is extremely important for me to respect my mother and all women. Also being a father to a beautiful daughter, I am always eager and looking forward to seeing the best future for her. I want daught to grow up in the world where she is able to feel safe and be allowed to freely associate without being discriminated or threatened because of her gender,” he said.
On Saturday 2nd December 2023, all roads led to Achukudu Community Primary School in Napak District, Karamoja sub-region, as the Scholars and Alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University commemorated their Scholars’ Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback). The 2023 Scholars Annual Day of Community Service was held at Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District in the Karamoja sub-region. Established in 2013, Achukudu Community School serves two ethnic communities—The Iteso and Karamojong.
With a total population of 1,097 pupils only three government-paid teachers, and nine community-paid teachers, the School faces a plethora of challenges. Key among the challenges is the lack of Classrooms, decent Ventilated Pit Latrines, and Desks. Therefore when the Scholars identified the School as one that deserved to be given a gift of a classroom block, it was a befitting choice!
The Scholars with support from the alumni, the Program Team, Members of the Steering Committee, and partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University intervened by constructing a two-classroom block, which was supervised by one of the alumni who is an Engineer. Alongside the classroom block, the Scholars also provided 40 desks, helping the school meet UNEB Center eligibility criteria.
Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, the area MP (Right) who was the chief guest, addressing the gathering.
While presiding over the event, the area member of Parliament, Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, thanked the Scholars and alumni community at Makerere University for supporting the young pupils of Achukudu Primary School and the entire community by gifting them with a two-classroom block.
“Thank you Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University for the Christmas gift of a classroom block to the young people and the entire community of Achukudu. This classroom block will go a long way in improving the learning environment of the young children of Achukudu primary school.” Hon. Ngoya pointed out.
Hon. Ngoya called upon other people to emulate the Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation in embracing the spirit of giving back to the vulnerable people in the community. On his part, he donated One Million Five hundred shillings (1,500,000/=) to help the School purchase more desks, and he had earlier contributed One million shillings (1,000,000/=) towards the construction of the classroom block.
Ms. Joyce Nakoya, the District Education Officer, Napak District.
The District Education Officer (DEO) for Napak District, Ms. Joyce Nakoya, praised the Scholars Community for embracing and practicing the spirit of giving back to other people at an early age.
“Thank you Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere for embracing the spirit of giving back to other people at such an early age. If all people gave back to the less privileged in our communities, we would have a better world for everyone.” Ms. Nakoya pointed out.
Ms. Nakoya further pointed out every child deserves to study in a decent environment, therefore it was a befitting cause for the Scholars to construct a classroom block for the young pupils of Achukudu community primary school, who were studying in open grass thatched classrooms.
Ms. Jolly Okumu, the Program Manager of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The Program Manager of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Ms. Jolly Okumu who led the team of Scholars, alumni, and staff to Karamoja thanked the community of Achukudu for supporting the Scholars to deliver the class block by contributing to the construction sand.
“We come here today to join with you as a community driven by a shared commitment to education, empowerment, and ethos of giving back. Today is a historic occasion as we celebrate the completion and commissioning of the classroom block, which is a remarkable testament to the transformative power of education and our unwavering spirit of community service.” Ms. Jolly remarked.
The President of the Scholars Association, Mr. Godfrey Okello, thanked all the Scholars and alumni, and all stakeholders who contributed to the construction of the classroom block, which was a dream that became a reality.
The new classroom block and desks that were donated by the Scholars and Alumni of Mastercard Foundation.
“I would like to thank my colleagues and people of goodwill who supported us to realize our dream of constructing this classroom for our young brothers and sisters of Achukudu Primary School. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our fellow young people in Uganda and Africa as a whole.” Mr. Okello remarked.
The Headteacher of the School, Mr. Eryebu Raymond, who was visibly very excited was full of praises for Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation, for what he termed as an iconic classroom block they had gifted to his School.
“This day is very special to us, we will not see this day again. We are delighted to receive the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation from Makerere University, thank you for considering supporting our School” Mr. Eryebu excitedly remarked.
Mr. Raymond Eryebu, the Headteacher of Achukudu Primary School addressing the gathering.
The Headteacher revealed that one of the major challenges the school was facing was an acute shortage of classrooms for his 1,097 pupils. He was therefore grateful to Mastercard Foundation Scholars for choosing to construct a two-class block for the School.
“This donation of a classroom block and Desks is a testament to your commitment to education and empowering the lives of the vulnerable people in the community. This classroom block and desks will go a long way in improving the quality of teaching and learning at our school.” Mr. Eryebu further remarked.
The 2023 Scholars Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback) was punctuated with a lot of joy, pomp, and fanfare, as the pupils and the entire community of Achukudu danced and ululated at the commissioning of the classroom block. The construction of the classroom block and purchase of desks for Achukudu Community Primary School was made possible by generous contributions by the Scholars, alumni, the Program Team, and members of the Steering Committee.
The old grass thatched structure that the pupils were using as their classroom block.
Among the Partners who made financial contributions towards the class block construction included; DFCU Bank, Post Bank, URA, Katumba Estates, Footsteps Furniture Ltd, and Sion Travels Ltd.
The Scholars and Alumni Day of Community Service (Give back) is an annual event, where Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation go out into the community to give back by providing solutions to challenges that a particular community is facing. Over the years Scholars have given back to the communities in numerous ways that range from offering professional services and erecting major projects like classroom blocks.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) conducted a Research Dissemination of two studies aimed at the Development of Materials for point of use water treatment systems.
The investigations were conducted by a team of researchers comprised of P. W. Olupot, H. M. Kalibbala, E. Menya, G.M. Wangi, J. Jjagwe, J. Wakatuntu, M. Turyasingura, R. Walozi, C. Kanyesigye and R. N. Kulabako.
The dissemination event held on Wednesday 29th November 2023 follows the successful completion of two MakRIF supported Research projects namely; Development of rice husk based granular activated carbon for point-of-use water treatment systems and Development of zeolite-based nanocomposite filters for drinking water treatment.