Seated [L-R]: THe Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, His Grace The Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu and the Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng. Standing: Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe - Chaplain St. Francis Chapel (R) together with some of the mobilisers from across different Units of the university after the Love Gift handover ceremony on 20th December 2021, CTF1, Makerere University.
Members of the Makerere University University Community from all denominations responded to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe’s call and together, made a resounding contribution of approximately UGX 80 Million in favour of the Church House Fundraising Campaign dubbed “Yes, We Can!”. The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu who launched the Fundraising Campaign on 6th June 2021 visited Makerere University on 20th December 2021 to officially receive Mak’s contribution from the Vice Chancellor. The Archbishop was accompanied by the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng.
Welcoming the Archbishop on his first official visit to Makerere, the Vice Chancellor thanked His Grace for standing with the University through good and bad times, by ministering twice at St. Francis Chapel and visiting the Main Building site following fire of 20th September 2020 respectively.
“I want to thank you for that great show of solidarity and being the first major religious leader to visit us as far as the tragedy of the burning of the Main Building is concerned. We do not take that for granted, it shows that we are in your prayers” echoed the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe informed that Archbishop that Makerere launched celebrations to mark 100 years of impacting society on 25th November 2021 and extended an invitation to him to the climax of the celebrations in October 2022. Turning to the purpose of the visit, the Vice Chancellor said:
“You appointed me coordinator of efforts to mobilise the UGX 200 Million quota from all academic institutions towards the Love Gift for the emancipation of the Church House. I have contacted most of the Vice Chancellors and they are supportive” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor informed the Archbishop that the leaders had agreed to each bring their institutional contribution on a separate occasion, hence the day’s meeting.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) hands over the Love Gift mobilised from members of the Makerere University Community of all denominations to His Grace The Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu (R) on 20th December 2021.
“Today, Makerere University is very privileged to receive you because although we had requested to come to your Office, you graciously asked to come to the Campus in person and we want to very sincerely thank you for that” remarked the Vice Chancellor to thunderous applause from the audience.
Present during the meeting with the Archbishop were some of the coordinators appointed by the Vice Chancellor to reach out to the Makerere University Community on his behalf. They included; Rev. Can. Onesimus Asiimwe-Chaplain St. Francis Chapel, Dr. Chrisitine Mbabazi Mpyangu-College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda-College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga Tamusuza-CHUSS, Dr. Robinah Kulabako-College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Dr. Helen Byamugisha-University Librarian, Prof. Florence Mutonyi D’Ujanga-College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Prof. Moses Joloba-College of Health Sciences (CHS).
The Vice Chancellor thanked the coordinators present for accepting the assignment, noting that this display of solidarity was clear evidence that the targets set by the Church House Fundraising Drive can be achieved.
“Let me begin by appreciating God, from whom all blessings flow and to thank Him for the gift of life He has given us, especially when oxygen has been acknowledged as a very precious gift from God.
“My friend the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, I want to appreciate you for accepting the call to be part of the mobilisers of the resources we need to clear our debt, but also, by God’s grace for appointing very capable co-mobilisers. Thank you very much” commenced the Archbishop as made his acceptance remarks.
He appreciated the Chaplain, Rev. Can. Asiimwe and staff present for the oneness exhibited not only during the Fundraising Campaign but also other in aspects such as teaching the students.
The Archbishop prayed that all the plans to restore the iconic Main Building would be successfully executed, owing to the nostalgia that it evoked from visitors to Makerere, especially during graduation ceremonies, as it towers over the Freedom Square.
“We thank God for saving lives, because lives could have perished in the fire” he added.
The Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng (R) moves a vote of thanks to the Vice Chancellor and members of the Makerere University Community.
Reading from 1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building
1 Corinthians 3:9, New international version (NIV)
For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building.
The Archbishop reminded all present that we are co-workers in God’s service. “Can you imagine? Isn’t that great? Who am I to be a co-labourer with God and we are joint promoters… Isn’t this really a privilege?” pondered His Grace as his audience chorused “yes” in agreement.
Turning to Isaiah 6:8, the Archbishop further reminded his audience that God who sent them to do His work is the One who rewards.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8, New International Version (NIV)
“When you are sent to do an assignment, not everyone will be happy, especially the business of collecting resources… and so may God bless you so much for the good work you have done” remarked the Archbishop. “When you take time out to do God’s work, God also takes time to attend to your things as well, and that is my prayer for you, that God will attend to your many things” he added.
After the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Can. Captain Ongeng had moved a vote of thanks to the Vice Chancellor and Members of the Makerere University community, the Archbishop led his audience in the words of How Great Thou Art and thereafter, said the benediction.
The Government of Uganda and AFRISA in Collaboration with Makerere University invites applicants for Diploma and Certificate programs tenable at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (COVAB).
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Maggie Kigozi shows her support for #MakRun2025.
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
Mr. Mark Muyobo makes his remarks at the press conference.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
Runners get flagged off for an evening run after the unveiling ceremony.
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) and Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) pose with the signed MoU.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in conjunction with CARTA’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub and the East–Spark Project completed a two days Doctoral (PhD) academic supervisors training under the theme: “Empowering Academic Supervision Training in Eastern Africa: Sparking Potential, Advancing Research, and Knowledge (EAST-SPARK).”
The training took place between 2nd and 3rd July 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences’ (COBAMS) School of Business conference hall.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the team to set clear and manageable objectives for graduate students under their supervision so that they can complete their doctoral studies on time.:
“Set expectations at the beginning of the research journey of PhD students under your supervision. Resist working with students that are not objective. Set a time frame with in which the student is able to do their research so that they are able to finish their doctoral studies on time.”
He added, “The issue of supervising graduate research is very vital because there needs to be seamless progression of the graduate students.”
Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that the target in the strategic plan is to have 30% graduate students enrolled in the next five years. Currently, it is about 17%.
“We need to get everything right in this training. Our biggest issues are in the supervision process flow of the graduate students. Graduate supervisors need to listen to students and equally the students need to listen to the supervisors. The graduate supervision journey is simple with open communication and immediate feedback between the two parties.”
This will help us in creating a new breed of academia and researchers that Makerere university and the country as a whole need.”
Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma
Prof. Kikooma further added “Take the excellence you have to represent the university. Ensure you have all they policies on your fingertips so that you guide the students well.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu (representing the Principal, COBAMS) said that such a training was necessary and it was a right move towards standardization of doctoral training in the region.
“What does it take to standardize doctoral and graduate studies? We need to create unison in the region and learn by doing. Doctoral studies are vital and cannot be taken for granted. We need to continue creating critical thinkers ready to nature research programs. These trainings are enablers in this journey.”
He added, “Let us blend the old and young birds in this training so that we share knowledge and experience to nature and grow the dreams of the doctoral students. Nature the inner person, not imposing yourself on to the student. Enable them to open up while doing their research and they will have a good and seamless doctoral academic journey.”
Prof. Ibrahim Okumu
Dr. Drago Kato Charles, a trainer and a senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at CoVAB said, “These trainings are continuous professional development programs aimed at refreshing doctoral supervisors every now and then. They are vital and needed by the mixture of the young, intermediate and senior supervisors.”
He added, “These senior supervisors share knowledge and experience on what is going on in the world of education. The young come to learn from old supervisors. The goal is to increase completion and quality of the PhD output. In totality, such a training aims to improve quality and mentorship on how to facilitate and handle graduate student supervision.”
He added that the trainees were taking the obtained skills to their schools and colleges to produce more quality doctoral and graduate students which would lead to growth of economies since every country needs PhD researchers to drive economic transformation and policy developments as well as implementation.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Foundations and Curriculum studies in the School of Education said, “The training modules are extensively researched. The areas covered are very pertinent for doctoral supervision.”
Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, a facilitator and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies in the School of Statistics and Planning at COBAMS added, “The vision for Makerere University is to be a research led institution. To be research-led university, we need to promote graduate teaching and learning. To achieve this, graduate students need supervisors that are well trained and skilled. We will also continue to do retooling for experienced supervisors.”
Dr. Byaruhanga Micheal Bruce from the Department of Biochemistry and Tourism, a lecturer and a participant said, “Whoever thought about this training did something very important. I thought all I was doing in supervision was normal until this training came. I did not know that some issues I knew would let the students off the course while others would keep them on. I want to ensure that all I have learnt is put into action. The modules have been very enriching. We need more of such trainings, probably for more than two days.”
Dr. Tukae Mbegalo, a guest trainer from Mzumbe University in Tanzania said, “The training is very relevant considering the diversity of the participants which include the young and senior researchers because of sharing the experiences which include delays and the relationships between supervisors and supervisees.” He added, “As supervisors, our emphasis is on scientific writing which we should instill in the students. Scientific writing leads to consistency right from problem setting, objectives, methodology and aligning it to the results so that we improve the quality of the doctoral outputs.”