Number of continuing students under the different granting portfolios of RUFORUM. Source: RUFORUM Secretariat Quarterly Report
1st October-31st December 2021.
This report highlights key achievements and progress made during the period 1st October-31st December 2021 (the second quarter of the Financial Year 2021/2022, the fourth year of implementing the Operational Plan-2018-2022 of RUFORUM Vision 2030). The Operational Plan is designed around four (4) flagship programmes underpinned by activities to support regional collective action and learning. The flagship programmes drive the achievement of the RUFORUM vision for vibrant transformative universities catalysing inclusive agricultural development to feed and create prosperity for Africa. The four flagship programmes are:
Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev) seeks to transform African agricultural universities and their graduates to better respond to developmental challenges through enhanced application of science, technology, business and innovation for rural agricultural transformation. This flagship programme is largely supported by the Mastercard Foundation.
Cultivating Research and Teaching Excellence (CREATE) seeks to realign universities’ research and teaching functions into a more integrated model with a focus on problem solving and enhancing the capacity of the entire university academic practice and outreach system mainly.
Regional Anchor Universities for Higher Agricultural Education (RANCH) seeks to escalate the setting up of a network of linked universities as African anchor universities/African centres of excellence and academic leadership in agricultural higher education and learning.
Knowledge Hub for University Networking, Partnership and Advocacy (K-Hub) builds on RUFORUM’s convening power and facilitates the creation, capture, organising, sharing and refining of information and content across teams and geographic locations – thus increasing access to latest evidence based information and knowledge.
Key highlights for the Quarter were in light of the Seventh Africa Higher Education Week and RUFORUM Triennial Conference held 6th-10th December, 2021, namely:
The Conference attracted a total of 2401 participants from 46 countries with 901 physical (40% female) and 1,500 virtual participants. The event further involved 23 pre-Conference meetings and side events. It was officially opened by the Hon. Abdoulaye Bio Tchane, Minister of State in charge of Development and Coordination of Government Action, Benin. Her Excellence Madamme Chabi Talata, Vice President, Republic of Benin was the Chief Guest for the session on Promoting Inclusivity in Research and Development. Invited keynote speakers included Her Excellency, Prof Ameenah Gurib, former President of Mauritius.
RUFORUM facilitated dialogue of Ministers responsible for Agriculture, Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa to review progress and map out a pathway for the operationalisation of the Cape Coast Ministerial Communiqué and other continental initiatives for universities to contribute to the regional and global agendas. The meeting approved the Action Plan developed by Technical Experts from the Countries of Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo and Uganda.
The 17th Annual General Meeting held on 10 December 2021 (a) elected a new RUFORUM Board Chair – Prof Theresia Nkuo-Akenji, Vice Chancellor-University of Bamenda, Cameroon and will be deputized by Vice Board Chair Prof Avlessi Felicien, Vice Chancellor, University d’Abomey Calavi, Benin; (b) admitted 17 new member universities bringing the network membership to 147 member universities in 38 African countries; and, (c) appointed Ernst & Young Uganda as RUFORUM External Auditor for the period 2021/2022.
In collaboration with the African Development Bank and Mastercard Foundation, dialogue on academia-policy partnership for transformative institutional leadership, skills development and youth employability was held on 6th December 2021. The Global Dialogue provided an opportunity for joint learning and sharing of successful models such as the university-research institutes-industry linkages model of Korea and EARTH University of Costa Rica and, the Science and Technology Backyard (STB) and RUFORUM TAGDev Model.
Convened a session on 9th December 2021 on Promoting inclusivity in research and development which brought together a high-level panel of female leaders in policy and agricultural higher education. The session highlighted strategies to enable policy makers at university and public sector level promote inclusive participation in research and development.
Seventeen (17) senior policy, higher education leaders and researchers were recognised for their distinguished contribution to agriculture, education and science development in Africa. Additionally, five (5) young scientists and three (3) farmers from the Republic of Benin and twenty two (22) young innovators from across the continent were recognised for excellence.
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.
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.