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Mak Laptop Loan Scheme Launched

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The long-awaited Laptop Loan Scheme for Students and Staff at Makerere University finally got underway on Thursday 10th March 2022 at ceremony presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Stanbic Bank Uganda (SBU) Chief Executive (CE), Ms. Anne Juuko. On hand to witness the ceremony was the Guild President H.E. Shamim Nambassa and Speaker Rt. Hon. Gatuya Mucyo.

The Scheme will enable students and staff to access an unsecured loan to the tune of UGX 5million payable over a period of three years or less, at an interest of 13% per annum. The monthly payments which start from as low as UGX 71,000 will also cover insurance for the laptops against theft and damage. The launch follows the signing of an MoU between Makerere and Stanbic on 15th February 2022.

“The documentation has been kept very simple” remarked Sam Mwogeza, Head, Consumer and High Net Worth, SBU. “We’ll have a very simple application form, a nomination form and detail of the parent’s account for where payments will be settled. Our team at the branch (Makerere) are fully available to walk you through these consultations” he added.

According to the vendor HGZ Technologies represented by Simon Nkuyahaga, the laptops will come in three categories based on processing power. The basic ones will have two (2) cores/processors, mid-range ones will have four (4) cores/processors and the high-end ones will have eight (8) cores/processors. Each laptop will also have a battery life of eight (8) to ten (10) hours, extendable to fourteen (14) hours using an extra backup battery.

“We’ll have Microsoft 356 for students for one year so that all your documents are automatically stored in the cloud… we also give a one year warranty meaning we will have a team here to support technical issues with the laptop, at the same time we will train some students from Computer Science through internship with us so that they can support you” added Simon Nkuyahaga.

Additionally, all laptops purchased through the scheme will be automatically connected to the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) for WiFi access to educational websites. For students who live in areas with irregular access to electricity, add-ons such as solar bundles may be purchased to provide up to 24 hours of backup power.

“We are proud to be working with you to provide real solutions to real problems and I want to start by thanking you Professor (Nawangwe) for giving us a chance to work with you and your team. Through this partnership we say that ‘Impossible is nothing'” remarked Ms. Anne Juuko.

The Chief Executive shared that the Scheme has been structured with the students at the centre, so as to enable them achieve their academic and professional goals. She therefore urged the student body to give timely feedback that can SBU work with the vendor to further refine customer support and service delivery.

Ms. Juuko said that the scheme is an answer to SBU’s observation that brilliant young people all over Uganda lack the necessary tools such as computers to help them embrace opportunities in digital spaces. She nevertheless asked the students to take good care of their laptops so as to make the most of their parent’s investment, noting that the devices can serve them well for up to five years.

“So that long after you have paid pack the loan, you can still use this device. But beyond that, if you do it well, you enable us to continue to provide this service to other people out there. This is a volume game; the more of you subscribe, the lower the unit cost” explained Ms. Juuko.

Addressing himself to the students, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe concurred with the SBU CE’s assertion that Africa is on the move largely due to its young people.

“You are the cream of Africa because you are in the top University and this top university takes the cream. And so the future of Africa is in your hands; you either make Africa better or you break it” counselled the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Nawangwe expressed his gratitude to Stanbic and the CE in particular for the vibrancy exhibited in addressing issues that affect Uganda’s development. “The initiative you took to ensure that the Education sector comes back to life is extremely important.”

Earlier, Ms. Juuko had shared that SBU, in a bid to revive the education sector follow the devastating effects of COVID-19, had forgiven schools a full year of interest for 2021 on all loan repayments.

The Vice Chancellor furthermore thanked SBU for, without hesitation, agreeing to fund the Laptop Loan Scheme with favourable terms that cover insurance and servicing. “Stanbic has made this so affordable.”

Prof. Nawangwe therefore called upon the Guild Leadership to sensitise the student body about the unique offer. “One thing you need to understand is that with a computer and with data, you are a truly global citizen; you can attend classes anywhere in the world, get notes from any university if you want to compare and broaden your knowledge, and apply for jobs after university anywhere in the world… Take up the opportunity and look boldly into the future.”

H.E. Shamim Nambassa on her part shared that closure of the University due to COVID-19 marked a particularly tough time for students, due to limited access to laptops. “We kept demanding and asking for where the laptop bank is, but little did we know that Stanbic Bank would bring us the laptop bank. Thank you so much.”

The Guild President particularly thanked Stanbic Bank for redefining the education sector by ushering students into the digital era at an affordable cost. This, she noted, would help them become true agents of the transformative society that Makerere University seeks to build as she celebrates 100 years of existence this year.

“I want to thank the University Administration for bringing this forward for us as a student fraternity, and I want to call upon each and every student in Makerere University and let you know that the cry is over” H.E. Nambassa summed up.

Addressing guests at the launch, Guild Speaker, Rt. Hon. Gatuya Mucyo reiterated the Students’ appreciation to Prof. Nawangwe and the University Management for initiating the partnership, as well as Ms. Anne Juuko for thinking about and giving back to her alma mater. He equally thanked the Student Leadership for embracing the idea and the student body for exhibiting great willingness to participate in the scheme since the MoU was signed in February.

He nevertheless requested SBU to avail more opportunities to students in form of internships beyond the proposed on-campus laptop service centres. He reassured the gathering of the Student Guild’s readiness to mobilise and sensitise the student body about the Laptop Loan Scheme.

To secure your laptop, visit Stanbic Bank Makerere or any other branch with your parent/guardian and fill out the required forms.

For further enquiries call +256 312 224600 or 0800 250250 (Toll Free)

Mark Wamai

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2025 K-POP Festival: Online Auditions

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2025 K-POP Festival, 8th November 2025, Yusuf Lule Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda is organizing the 2025 K-POP Festival in Uganda. K-POP stands for Korean Popular Music and this festival will include a K-POP singing or dancing contest open to both individuals and groups. There will be online auditions and a grand festival open to the public.

1. Eligibility

  • The contest is open to all Ugandans
  • Participation is as an individual or in a group

2. How to apply

Record a video of yourself of about 3 minutes of dancing or singing to a K-POP song. Upload the video on your Social Media or YouTube with the hashtag #2025KPOPUG and copy and paste the link to the video in the application form at https://han.gl/kE1xN. The application deadline is 17th October 2025.

The GRAND K-POP FESTIVAL will be held on 8th November 2025 starting 1:00PM at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University.

There will also be a K-POP Random Play Dance Event and everyone is invited to participate and watch.

Mak Editor

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Makerere University Council and Top Management Convene Strategic Planning Retreat

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Members of the University Council together with Management in a group photo at consultative meeting towards the formulation of the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026–2029/2030.

The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.

Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.

He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.

Mrs. Lorna Magara

In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.

“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.

She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.

She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”

Participants in a group discussion

The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships

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Prof. Anthony Mugagga (Left), Principal of MakCEES exchanging the MoU with Mr. Elijah Okuyo, Country Director, IRC

Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.

Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee,  Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.

According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.

Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.

At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.

To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025  involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER),  and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.

Mak CEES and IRC partnership meeting in progress

The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator,  Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.

The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.

In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.

Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.

Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of  Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.

“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”

Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.

Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga  said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”

[L-R] Dr. David Kabugo, Deputy Director (MITER), Mr. Vincent Wanyama (IRC), Prof. Anthony Mugagga (Principal, MakCEES), Mr. Elijah Okeyo( Country Director-IRC), Ms. Janet Nambuya (IRC), Mr. Richard Omasette (IRC) and Ms. Ritah Namisango, PCO (MakCEES)

Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.

On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.

About IRC

Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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