General
Advisory Board for the EfD-Mak Centre-Uganda Inaugurated
Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Centre) Uganda on 14th April 2022 inaugurated its Advisory Board to guide the operations of the Centre.
The Board inaugurated at the Centre’s Conference Hall at Makerere University, is chaired by the Deputy Vice chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba.
While inaugurating the Board, the Director, EfD-Mak Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale said everyone in Uganda has been affected by the environment hence the need for joint efforts to address environmental challenges.
Prof. Bbaale applauded the Vice Chancellor Makerere University for appointing Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba to be the main driver of the Advisory Board saying, this is a sign that the Centre is heading in the right direction.
“I wish to also applaud the different government entities for having entrusted us with their officers to be part of the Advisory Board, “he said.
The Advisory Board is constituted by representatives from government Ministries, Departments and agencies including the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Planning Authority (NPA), Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development(MoFPED), Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF), Wakiso District Local Government (DLG) Parliament, ACODE, Swedish Embassy and the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Makerere University.
Prof. Bbaale said, the Board is aimed at helping in realizing the Centre’s missions, vision and goal and is key in providing and steering strategic direction with guidance from the strategic plan.In order to realize these, the board will sit once every Quarter but the frequency may be adjusted in case of need and urgency of the business.
He highlighted that the board will be responsible for visualizing the EfD-Mak Centre, mobilizing resources and popularizing the centre for Sustainability. It board will establish a roadmap for the centre, building from the Global hub efforts and financial support.
The Board will also play an oversight role in terms of planning and guidance in the implementation of the centre’s activities, set the agenda for each meeting and ensure that agendas and supporting materials are delivered to members in advance of meetings.
In addition, the board is responsible for checking that the Centre is aligned with the National Public Investment Management and other development strategies as well as policies and directions across government and actively participate in meetings and review of minutes, papers and other steering committee documents.
The Principal College of Business and Management Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali observed that since the inception of the Centre, there has been a number of achievements recorded.
“This is a center which is already vibrant and committed to doing a lot related to environment conservation and policy direction. You can continue asking for our full support now that you have a strong team led by an advisory Board.
We now have a chance to benefit from a number of senior colleagues and we look forward to exploiting you to the fullest”, he said.
Assoc. Prof. Hisali called for integration of the centre in activities related to the review of the environmental policies to enhance sustainability.
The interim Board Chair Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba, said the Board intends to foster the strategic objective of the Centre as a research, knowledge and innovation hub on issues to do with environmental research, environmental advocacy and environmental policy.
“As you are aware, environment is something that can never be ignored by any economy. Environmental degradation and vagaries of climate change and variability has affected the economies of the world so much in terms of agricultural food production, but also in terms of creating health disasters which have led to a lot of emerging infectious diseases and other environmental dangers.
As a Board, our role is to provide oversight, continue to grow the confidence of the international partners like the SIDA that has supported the centre to run various activities related to research, capacity building and training for governmental, local authorities and middle level officers.
We also want to show how research can create solutions and policies that can help to protect and safeguard our environment in addition to fostering institutionalization”, Dr. Kakumba explained.
Members speak out on the launch
The Deputy Director, EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Johnny Mugisha who attended virtually said, the Advisory Board was long overdue and expressed happiness that despite the challenges, it was achieved.
Wakiso District Environmental Officer Ms. Rebecca Sabaganzi observed the need to embed the Centre to the National Development Plan III and make the strategic plan measurable to holistically address issues of environment.
She implored the Centre Secretariat to integrate the private sector into their day-to-day operations saying, this will enhance quick customer responsiveness.
“As government we are slow in acting but the private sector is very first. So, including them would make a very big impact,” Sabaganzi said.
The Assistant Commissioner Statistics Macroeconomic Policy Department in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Sam Mugume Koojo, expressed the need to institutionalize the center in order to make it more relevant and attract government support.
The Assistant Commissioner wetlands in the Ministry of Water and Environment Stephane Mugabi, expressed the need for advocacy for sustainability if Environmental conservation and protection is to be realized.
General
Makerere University Convocation Graduation Luncheon Honors CEDAT Staff and Outstanding Students
Several staff members from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) were recognized for their exceptional contributions in research and teaching during the Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon, held on Friday, January 17th, 2025. The event celebrated the achievements of top students, teachers, and researchers, with special awards presented to CEDAT staff for their outstanding performance and dedication.
Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Okello and Mr. Ayor Andrew Semakula received the Teacher of the Year Award, acknowledging their exemplary contributions to education and their significant impact on students. The recognition highlights the commitment and excellence of CEDAT staff in advancing the fields of engineering, design, art, and technology.
The Senior Career Award went toProf. Kirabira John Baptist, Prof. Olupot Wilberforce and Assoc. Prof. Michael Luswataall from the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Dr.VianeyYiga, Dr. SemiyagaSwaib, Mr. Manga Musa got the Mid-Career Award, while Ms. Namuju Dona Lillian, Ms. Wesonga Racheal and Ms. NamakulaHidaaya received the Early Career Award. At the same event, thirty of the best performing students were also recognized.
The Makerere University Convocation 75th graduation luncheon celebrated outstanding achievements, with a strong emphasis on recognizing excellence through awards. Colonel Edith Nakalema, Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, delivered a keynote address focused on integrity and creativity for graduates.Col. Nakalema stressed the need for graduates to uphold high moral standards and professionalism, urging them to focus on creativity and integrity, especially in the age of AI, to achieve true success.
The event, themed “Celebrating Excellence and Creating Path to Success,” honored the top performers from each college. Col. Nakalema congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of making positive contributions to society. Other speakers, including Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, emphasized the role of universities in socio-economic transformation and the importance of research.
Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principle Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology
By the Program Communication Team
On Friday, January 17, 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars celebrated a significant milestone as they graduated from Makerere University. The day was filled with enthusiasm and pride as 36 dedicated students completed their Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program journey. This achievement reflects their hard work and commitment and paves the way for new opportunities in their future endeavours.
At the event, Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation Uganda and the chief guest, encouraged the new graduates to create jobs for their peers rather than solely seeking employment for themselves.
“As fresh graduates, your first step shouldn’t be simply searching for jobs. Instead, focus on creating job opportunities for your peers. The university degree you have earned puts you in a unique position. The knowledge and skills you’ve gained and the experiences and connections you have made empower you to thrive in this country,” Mr. Bukenya remarked.
Mr. Bukenya further expressed his gratitude to Makerere University‘s leadership and acknowledged the profound relationship the University shares with the Foundation. He emphasized that the partnership with Makerere University was essential to the Foundation.
“The Mastercard Foundation values its partnership with Makerere University, as the university continues to produce exceptional talent essential for Uganda’s development. The country would struggle to achieve its national aspirations without this contribution,” noted Mr. Bukenya.
Mr. Bukenya emphasized the core mission of the Mastercard Foundation, which is to alleviate poverty in areas where it is most prevalent and to enhance access to education. He pointed out that the Scholars Program is a fundamental component of this initiative. He noted that earning a degree is a valuable tool and a testament to an individual’s ability to learn, perform tasks, and achieve results within structured and organized frameworks.
He further stressed the Foundation’s commitment to empowering young people to lead and transform Africa.
“The Mastercard Foundation has made a strategic commitment to focus uniquely on Africa, home to the world’s youngest population. Through its ‘Young Africa Works’ strategy, the Foundation supports entrepreneurship and enterprise development among young people, empowering them to shape the future of their communities and the continent.” emphasized Mr. Bukenya.
Speaking on behalf of the University Management, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, congratulated the program for achieving an impressive 94% graduation completion rate.
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University has graduated 964 scholars—78% female and 22% male—representing 94% of the 1,032 recruits from Phase One. We expect to achieve 100% graduation for all Phase One scholars at the 76th Graduation Ceremony next year.” Prof. Buyinza remarked.
Prof. Buyinza expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its ongoing support of the university, which has significantly added value, particularly in educating young people from vulnerable communities.
“We sincerely thank the Mastercard Foundation for partnering with Makerere University to educate and empower the next generation of leaders and change-makers. The statistics regarding the number of young people supported and the impact that the program’s alumni have made in society are a testament to the energy and potential of young individuals when provided with the right education, guidance, and support.” Prof. Buyinza pointed out.
Program Director Prof. Justine Namaalwa emphasized her team’s commitment to ensuring the successful operation of the Scholars Program at Makerere University for years to come.
“Makerere University and the nation greatly appreciate the Mastercard Foundation for its generosity and foresight, which continue to transform human capital in Africa. There is no doubt that your vision for Africa is being realized. We are committed to this mission, even as we enter phase two of the program,” noted Prof. Namaalwa.
Prof. Namaalwa expressed gratitude to the University Management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe, for their support and commitment to the Scholars Program. She pointed out that the strong backing from the university management has enabled the Program to meet its goals and succeed at the University.
“I sincerely thank the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and the entire University Management and the governing structures of the Program for their effective leadership, which continues to yield positive results from our strong partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed out.
Prof. Namaalwa equally appreciated the graduates for helping achieve the Mastercard Foundation’s goals, which aims to educate and empower the next generation of African leaders. She noted that Makerere University has begun implementing the second phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which will span the next ten years. In this phase, the Mastercard Foundation has committed to providing scholarships to 1,000 academically talented youth facing economic hardships, enabling them to access quality education at Makerere University.
She asserted that the Mastercard Foundation prioritizes three key transition pathways: formal employment, entrepreneurship, and further education. She urged the graduates to remain active on all the program’s social media platforms, especially the Alumni WhatsApp platform, as it will be a vital channel for sharing ongoing opportunities from the Mastercard Foundation and other partners.
Ms Aida Aol, the mother of graduate Mr Okello Godfrey, expressed gratitude on behalf of parents and guardians. She thanked the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for providing her son and other vulnerable young people with the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in Uganda. Ms. Aol highlighted that she had lost hope for her son’s university education due to financial constraints.
“I cannot thank Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University enough for providing our children with the opportunity to attend one of the best universities in the country. Many of us parents could not afford to send our children here because we did not have the resources to pay for their education,” Ms. Aol remarked.
Ms. Aol stated that she lost her husband when her son was only four years old, and she had since committed herself to ensuring he completed both elementary and high school. However, she reached a critical point where she could no longer afford to support his university education.
Graduates speak out
Awien Rose Madot, a Journalism and Communication graduate, expressed her gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for transforming her life. The program enabled her to achieve her academic goals and instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility to use her degree to create positive change in the world.
“Accessing higher education can often feel like a distant dream for refugees like me. However, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has served as a powerful beacon of hope. It clearly demonstrates that education is a vital tool for empowerment and transformation, even in the face of adversity. The Program has provided us with financial resources, as well as invaluable mentorship, guidance, and a strong support network for all the scholars involved,” said Madot.
Dr. Raphael Kasuku, a dental surgery graduate, pledged to continue the spirit of giving back to his community by offering dental services. He urged his fellow graduates to utilize the knowledge and skills they acquired through their education to uplift their communities.
“To my fellow graduates, this moment marks not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of an exciting new journey. The world ahead is vast and brimming with opportunities that we are ready to seize. It won’t always be easy, but we must remember that the resilience, determination, and passion that brought us here will continue to propel us forward as we strive to serve our communities.” Dr. Kasuku remarked.
The colourful event was a vibrant gathering held in the gardens of the University Guest House, bringing together a diverse community of program stakeholders. Attendees included members of the University management and the Steering and Selection Committees. Mentors of the Scholars Program, parents and guardians, and alumni also contributed to the inspiring atmosphere. Additionally, representatives from the Mastercard Foundation and program partners joined the celebration, along with numerous well-wishers who continue to support the Program’s mission.
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