Connect with us

General

Mak Laptop Loan Scheme Launched

Published

on

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

General

Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

Published

on

The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:

Elias Tuhereze

Continue Reading

General

Makerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science

Published

on

Seated Left to Right: Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Dr. Jonathan Leape, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Prof. James Wokadala with other officials (Standing) after the MoU signing on 27th August 2025. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.

EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.

The partners show off the signed MoU. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The partners show off the signed MoU.

Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.

The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.

Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape. Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 27th August 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.

The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University Hosts Delegation from Ghent University Association

Published

on

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) presents a Makerere Coffee Table book to Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe during the visit on 27th August 2025. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.

He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.

The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor's Boardroom. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.

The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.

Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.

She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association where a student exchange agreement was signed, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences, 27th August 2025 Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance.

During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.

The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.

The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

Continue Reading

Trending