Connect with us

General

Mak & Semmelweis Sign MoU to Deepen Collaboration

Published

on

Makerere University and the Medical University of Budapest, “Semmelweis”, Hungary on Monday 25th October 2021 held discussions and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration between the two institutions. The MoU was signed on behalf of Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and on behalf of Semmelweis by the Rector, Prof. Béla Merkely and Vice Rector, Prof. Attila Szabó. The visiting delegation was accompanied by the Ambassador H.E. Dr. Janos Tereyi and Staff from the Embassy of Hungary in Uganda.

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe observed that the visit and MoU signing were timely, as Makerere embarks on the year-long celebrations to mark 100 years of contributing to building the region’s human resource among other milestones.

“We have also recently embarked on the implementation of our 10-year strategic plan which seeks to make us more research-led and so as to contribute to national development and produce more innovations and spinoffs to provide employment for our growing population” remarked the Vice Chancellor.

L-R: Prof. Attila Szabó, Prof. Béla Merkely, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Dr. Umar Kakumba during the discussions prior to the MoU signing.
L-R: Prof. Béla Merkely, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Dr. Umar Kakumba during the discussions prior to the MoU signing.

Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere, given its location in the tropics, is a vibrant centre for research in the clinical disciplines particularly infectious diseases, with malaria posing some of the greatest challenges. “Just this morning I addressed ten universities meeting in Entebbe, leading a consortium to eradicate malaria in Africa.”

He added that with funding from the Government of Uganda, Makerere was conducting a lot of research on COVID-19 and had been instrumental in the supporting government’s management of the disease in the country. The Vice Chancellor clarified that despite the dominance by health sciences, the University’s research output cuts across all disciplines such as agriculture, engineering, veterinary medicine, the arts and humanities, among others and is renowned for producing some of the best writers.

Semmelweis University Rector-Prof. Béla Merkely thanked Makerere University Management for the warm welcome.
Semmelweis University Rector-Prof. Béla Merkely thanked Makerere University Management for the warm welcome.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation the Rector, Prof. Béla Merkely thanked the Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for the warm welcome to the world renowned Makerere University. Continuing from where Prof. Nawangwe had left off, he added that his University equally played a key role in Hungary’s fight against COVID-19 and as Rector, he is the Main Advisor to the Prime Minister in that field.

The Rector shared that Semmelweis’ staff and student COVID-19 vaccination ratios stand at over 90%, including international scholars who make up over 31% of the total student population, and 52.9% of students in the University’s Faculty of Medicine. Hungary has to date vaccinated 6million (63%) of its population.

Prof. Merkely is a clinician who still performs diagnostic coronarographies, pacemaker, Mitraclip and other implantations reported that Semmelweis University is ranked among the top 100 institutions in the “Cardiology and Cardiovascular System” field.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Prof. Béla Merkely (L) show off the signed MoU aimed at deepening collaboration between Makerere University and Semmelweis University.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) and Prof. Béla Merkely (L) show off the signed MoU aimed at deepening collaboration between Makerere University and Semmelweis University.

“Semmelweis University achieved the best ranking this year and improved twenty-five places to become the 87th best higher education institution in the world in this field” added the Rector.

Prof. Merkely shared that Semmelweis University had in the past worked with the Uganda Heart Institute and supported the Hungarian Goverment to implement a project to modernise the Cardiology Department of Mulago National Referral Hospital.

In terms of potential collaboration, Prof. Merkely said that Semmelweis has a strong PhD programme and has over the years developed a lot of innovations in the health sciences and trained the majority of its staff in specialised fields of medicine. This, he attributed to the presence of a University-owned 2,100-bed teaching hospital that offers continuous professional development to staff.

Dr. Umar Kakumba (R) and Prof. Attila Szabó (L) chat after the MoU signing ceremony.
Dr. Umar Kakumba (R) and Prof. Attila Szabó (L) chat after the MoU signing ceremony.

Prof. Nawangwe concluded the discussions by acknowledging that we had the rare opportunity to collaborate with a Rector who is a clinician. He added that the Government of Uganda was fully aware of the importance of Makerere University having its own teaching hospital and was keen to address the matter.

Present during the discussions and MoU signing ceremony were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Dr. Umar Kakumba, University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Director Human Resouces-Dr. Davis Malowa Ndanyi, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, and Academic Registrar-Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah.

Also present were the Director Internal Audit-Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Director Research and Graduate Training-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Dean of Students-Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Ag. Director Quality Assurance-Prof. Sarah Kiguli, Manager Procurement and Disposal Unit-Mr. Paul Agaba, Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences-Prof. Isaac Kajja and Principal Legal Officer-Ms. Esther Kabinga. The visit was coordinated by the International Relations Officer-Ms. Martha Muwanguzi.

Mark Wamai

General

Makerere University Fees Waiver for 40 First Year Female Students 2025/2026

Published

on

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:

  1. Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
  2. 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.
  3. Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
  4. Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
  5. Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
  6. 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;

  1. Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
  2. One Passport size photograph.
  3. A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
  4. Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
  5. 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).
  6. A copy of the admission letter to Makerere University.

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.

Euzobia Mugisha Baine (PhD)
Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Korean Language Courses-Semester

Published

on

Students walk into the Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education

Published

on

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) and Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) on 9th July 2025 at Makerere University. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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.

Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.
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.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending