General
MCF Scholars Program Honours Mentors, Builds Momentum for Phase Two
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Program (MCFSP) at Makerere University on Thursday 12th May, 2022 held a symposium at Hotel African during which Mentors were honoured for their role on the program and briefed about the upcoming Phase Two of the same. The symposium was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Chairperson MCFSP Steering Committee, Prof. Umar Kakumba. On the same occasion, Mrs. Susan Opok Tumusiime, the Executive Director, Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda chapter delivered a keynote address on staying inspired during the mentoriship journey.
The Program Coordinator, Dr. Justine Namaalwa informed participants that the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University started in 2013 and has to date recruited 1,032 beneficiaries. 438 of these have so far graduated and approximately 58 are set to graduate during the 72nd Graduation Ceremony later this month.
“I extend our sincere personal gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for the invaluable thoughts and generosity to the African child. This initiative is leading to transformative change in hundreds of African children, their parents, and we their teachers and mentors” remarked Dr. Namaalwa.
She added that over the last eight years MCFSP has upheld the pillars of; identifying the vulnerable, recruiting them into the university and providing them with valuable education.
“Beyond the education they receive, we are supposed to prepare them for the world of work, and that is where you our dear mentors have played a significant role. You are their instructors; you participate in providing their education, but are also the mentors that prepare them for their professional careers.
“We chose this day to publicly express our appreciation. I know we have always done this electronically but today, we are here to share a meal and appreciate you but above all, to create fresh momentum for networking because we haven’t seen each other in close to two years” added the Program Coordinator.
Briefing mentors on the upcoming Phase Two of the Program, Dr. Namaalwa shared that the Vice Chancellor had appointed a special seven member committee headed by Professor Emeritus Nelson Sewankambo from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) to oversee the expression of interest. The new phase is expected to commence in August 2023.
She added that the Phase Two expression of interest proposes to double the number of beneficiaries from 1,000 to 2,000. And in the spirit of inclusivity, 25% of the slots will be allocated to refugees, while 15% will be allocated to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and 7% to international students.
Furthermore, in the spirit of supporting scholars who have excelled and are desirous of pursuing a career in academia or research, 3% of the slots will be allocated to support graduate training. Another 30% will be allocated to beneficiaries drawn from vulnerable populations as defined by the Uganda Vulnerability Map of 2020. The 30% will also cater for minority tribes such as the Benet, Ik and Batwa, among others. The remaining 20% will be availed to any other vulnerable youth in Uganda including the urban poor.
“I am sharing this early enough to prepare you as mentors. We have been in a phase of 1,000 (scholars), a phase of no special categories, but we are walking into a different phase… I welcome you dear mentors to roll up your sleeves and together, we are going to co-create this phase” reassured Dr. Namaalwa.
Speaking on behalf of the MCF Steering Committee, Prof. Mulumba Bwanika Mathias the Dean School of Education, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) applauded the Program Coordinator, Implementation Team and Mentors for the support that enables the scholars to achieve their goals.
“In about two weeks’ time, the majority of our scholars in their final year are going to graduate and the credit goes to you the mentors. We are aware that you frequently interact with our scholars and most importantly, you maintained this during the most difficult time of the lockdown when we had the COVID-19 pandemic. We really do appreciate the kind of work you do” said Prof. Bwanika.
Touching on the upcoming Phase Two, Prof. Bwanika said, “we have submitted the proposal and highly believe that it will go through and we look forward to remaining with you our mentors because we value you. The kind of work you have done to guide these young men and women is massive, and we would like to encourage you and support you in any possible way to ensure that you continue doing this great work.”
The symposium itinerary would have been incomplete without voices from MCFSP Mentors, Scholars and Alumni. These came in from Mentors – Dr. Nina Olivia Rugambwa and Mr. Aloysius Kwitonda, Alumna – Ms. Marion Apio and Scholar – Ms. Sandra Mukoya.
Some of the lessons shared by the Mentors from their experience included;
- It takes understanding, broad knowledge and patience to mentor scholars
- Mentees need sound financial advice to help them adopt a saving culture and avoid wasting their stipends on expensive items
- Mentees are under a lot of pressure to support their families back home and in some cases are viewed as sole providers of school fees for siblings owing to the stipends they receive.
- Scholars are very knowledgeable especially about technology and should never be underestimated
- Mentors should always have a listening ear and never be quick to judge
- Mentors should relax their own boundaries to facilitate interaction and encourage mentees to open up
- Where possible, mentors should invite mentees to celebrations of personal goals achieved as a way of inspiring them
The Alumna, Ms. Marion Apio appreciated the Mastercard Foundation for sponsoring her education and giving her a platform through which she can reach out to other underprivileged girls. She heartily thanked her mentors for being patient with her endless ’emergencies’. Marion is the CEO of Girls Alive Uganda, an initiative aimed at addressing the lack of sanitary materials for girls in rural communities as well as Head of the Debunk Show, a programme aimed at fact-checking news reports under the Media Challenge Initiative.
Scholar, Ms. Mukoya a finalist of the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration. Programme equally expressed her appreciation to the MCFSP, wisely noting that “everyone is a product of mentorship”. She added that mentorship does not only impact the immediate beneficiary but in the long run, helps build a nation. She paid tribute to her mentor for being everything she could have ever asked for in a father.
Prior to delving into her address, the Keynote Speaker Mrs. Opok Tumusiime painted a shocking picture of the state of teenage pregnancy occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns.
“As FAWE we undertook a study and what came through is the increase in pregnancy of girls aged ten (10) to twenty-four (24) at 22.5% in the three months of March to June of 2020. And when we were looking at the ten (10) to fourteen (14) year olds, the incidence of pregnancies had increased by 366.5%. This is our country, what are we doing?” she pondered to the hushed audience.
To help prevent this grim reality from getting worse, Mrs. Opok Tumusiime urged participants to actively contribute to the “Protect the Girl, Save the Nation” campaign that was initiated by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. “As FAWE, we are fundraising and would like to send 2,000 girls back to school.”
Turning to the day’s theme, the Executive Director shared that mentors can become more motivated by;
- Passion: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle” Steve Jobs, former Apple CEO.
- Self discovery through helping others
- Seeking knowledge especially in areas not otherwise known and deep-diving in areas known.
- Fostering close relationship, trust and communication at all levels. Communication is not instruction but ought to be guided by cordiality.
- Being self aware and knowing how to present what needs to be presented.
- Celebrating mentees’ advances (however small) along the journey to attaining the full goal.
Mrs. Opok Tumusiime concluded by urging mentors to be the change they want to see. “You and I are responsible for this country and to make our young people better, and whose potential can be attained.”
Acknowledging the Keynote Speaker’s delivery, Prof. Umar Kakumba emphasised that “it is important for everybody to have a mentor in life, regardless of your age, regardless of what stage you are, even post-retirement, you still need a mentor.”
Sharing his own touching story, Prof. Kakumba paid tribute to the mentor who steered him back to the path of education, when the temptation to drop out of school was intense, despite the fact that his family could afford to meet all the associated costs.
“My mother passed on when I was seven…but even back then, there were many challenges that young people faced staying in school, in my case it had nothing to do with fees, money or provision… but today I am a Professor and Deputy Vice Chancellor thanks to the words of some people that touch our lives.
“One of those people, an old man said to me, ‘young man, your mother may have passed away but it was her heart’s desire that you and your siblings should go to school and get a good education’, I felt that I should share this to make all of us appreciate the role of mentorship” counseled Prof. Kakumba to rousing applause from the audience.
He therefore paid tribute to they symposium organisers for creating a platform where mentors could be honoured and further sharpened through sharing life-changing experiences on mentorship.
“I would therefore like to thank the Mastercard Foundation for the generous support, without which we would not have been here today. I extend special thanks to the Program Implementation Team for the wonderful work done in managing our young people” added Prof. Kakumba.
In the words of the day’s emcee, the Principal Public Relations Officer, Member of the MCFSP Steering Committee and Mentor, Ms. Ritah Namisango, “good mentors never tire or retire”. In appreciation of their tireless efforts, the MCFSP presented certificates to the mentors, who are drawn from the ten colleges of Makerere as well as organisations outside the University. They include; DFCU Bank, FAWE, BRAC Uganda, Refugee Law Project (RLP), Family Life Network (FLN), ACCA Uganda, Africa Careers Network (ACN), among others.
An appreciation award was also presented to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, in recognition of his outstanding and strategic leadership that has enabled the Program Implementation Team to deliver effectively and efficiently.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali on 15th July 2026 commended the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program, describing it as the perfect hands-on intervention for the future workforce. She made the comments while on a guided tour of RENU’s on-campus Lab facility where ten undergraduate students from Makerere and other Universities are undergoing a two-month practical training.
Origin of tour
The tour was prompted by a 24th June 2026 meeting with a RENU delegation led by CEO, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa, aimed at broadening the existing partnership with Makerere University beyond internet service provision to supporting teaching, learning and research activities. During the said meeting, Prof. Ssali expressed Makerere‘s desire to produce graduates that are not only academically grounded but also cognizant of the needs of the job market.
In his response then, Mr. Mbonimpa expressed RENU’s readiness to continue advancing digital transformation through advancing resilient connectivity, research infrastructure, and innovative initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and research. He shared that the Senate Building’s computer network had been revamped in line with advancing resilient connectivity, and the initiative would be expanded to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) buildings and other premises subsequently.
The RENU CEO further highlighted that resilient connectivity forms a good basis for the proposed Open Radio Access Network (RAN) Architecture deployment set to be done within six months, so as to boost training of students in 5G and other technologies. Other initiatives discussed included training staff and students on acquisition of Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) to improve visibility of their publications and research output.
Training Program Lauded
Addressing student interns during the 15th July guided tour, the DVCAA who was accompanied by the 92nd Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi urged beneficiaries to harness all the technical and social opportunities accorded by the Program. “Not all students in your respective academic programmes had the benefit of being exposed to this kind of training so please make the most of it and utilize skills gained here beyond the classroom setting”.
The 2026 Industrial Trainee Program is equipping students with skills on how to diagnose and repair ICT equipment based on old and disused stock.
Prof Ssali was also toured the makerspace where solar-powered routers are manufactured and deployed to extend internet connectivity to both rural and urban locations. In 2023, RENU partnered with Mesh++, a Chicago-based connectivity solutions manufacturer, to manufacture solar-powered internet routers in Uganda. Since inception, over 200 units have been manufactured and deployed across various sites in Uganda, while over 80 units have been shipped to various African countries such as Malawi, Rwanda and South Sudan under the RENUMESH Technologies joint venture.
Partnerships Inspiring New Prototypes
The RENU CEO nevertheless pointed to a long turnaround time for shipping parts from the U.S. as one of the drawbacks hindering the product’s rapid deployment. As a result, RENU, in response to the Ugandan Government’s call for import substitution and local capacity development is developing a solar-powered internet router with some of the components sourced from Ugandan companies Innovex and Chloride Excide.
“Innovex will supply the Internet of Things (IoT) component to help RENU remotely monitor and control the router while Chloride Excide will provide the batteries” Mr. Mbonimpa explained. He added that some of the current lot of trainees were already running simulations on the prototype and proposing how the device can be further refined so as to increase its portability and reduce its price.
A call for Expansion
At the conclusion of the tour, Prof. Ssali who commended the use of modular Ugandan components for the prototype thanked the RENU team to exposing students to real-world technological deployments. She nevertheless urged the CEO and his team to expand the program’s intake beyond ten trainees and duration beyond the current two months so as to give students a richer experience.
The CEO RENUMESH Technologies Mr. Brian Masiga thanked the DVCAA for following up their 24th June meeting with the visit, which demonstrates that the University Management values students’ development of practical skills. He equally thanked Prof. Ssali for Management’s support to RENU activities and pledged to further refine the prototype to produce a cheaper and more portable proudly Ugandan product.
General
Makerere University Launches First Writing Summer School to Strengthen Professional Writing Skills.
KAMPALA, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA| July 6, 2026.
Makerere University has officially launched its inaugural writing summer school, a week long professional development program aimed at equipping students, graduates, researchers and staff with practical writing skills required for academic excellence and success in today’s competitive job market. The program jointly organized by the Makerere University Writing Centre and Makerere University Press (MakPress), reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates with not only academic knowledge but also the communication skills needed to thrive professionally.
Held virtually, the launch attracted more than 280 participants from Makerere University and other higher education institutions, demonstrating the growing demand for structured writing support beyond the classroom.
Building the Next Generation of Writers.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of Makerere Writing Press, Prof. William Tayeebwa, said the summer school represents an important investment in developing writers before their work reaches publication.
“The press has traditionally focused on publishing books, journals and scholarly work. Today, we are expanding that mission by helping and develop the writers who will produce tomorrow’s publication.
He noted that MakPress continues to support the publication of books and scholarly works produced by members of the Makerere Community. Using recently published books authored by a member of staff and a student as examples, he encouraged participants to submit manuscripts for publishing support rather than relying solely on self publication.
Writing as a Foundation for Academic and Professional Success.
Chairperson of the Makerere University Writing Centre, Prof. Frederick Muyodi, said the center was established to strengthen the writing competences among students, researchers and university staff.
” The Writers Center is here to support every stage of the writing process from CVs and application letters to research manuscripts, grant proposals, reports and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in writing.”
He explained that the Centre supports writing across multiple disciplines and professional contexts, adding that its long term vision is to extend writing support beyond Makerere University to institutions across Uganda and the East African region.
Equipping Graduates for the Labour Market.
Officially launching the summer school, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, described the initiative as a strategic investment in preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive labour market.
She observed that while universities successfully impart disciplinary knowledge, many graduates leave campus without the practical writing skills required to secure employment and other professional opportunities.
“We teach content very, but many students are never taught how to write an effective CV, application letter, motivation statement or scholarly essay. Yet these are the documents that often determine whether someone secures an opportunity.”
Prof. Ssali said the writing summer school would bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice by equipping participants with market ready communication skills.
Reaffirming her office’s commitment to the initiative, she added:
“My office is pleased to support this initiative as we institutionalize the Writing Summer School to ensure that Makerere graduates leave not only with degrees but also with practical competencies needed to thrive professionally,”
She officially declared the inaugural Writing Summer School open and expressed optimism that future editions would attract even more participants and resources.
Participants Gain Practical CV Writing Skills.
The first technical session was facilitated by Mr. Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences within the School of Bio sciences at Makerere University, a Senior Fisheries Officer with Luweero District Local Government, and the founder and director of the ANL Foundation, an organization that supports youth employment and capacity building.
During the session, he guided participants on developing competitive CVs tailored to specific professionals and employer expectations. He emphasized that applicants should customize their CVs to suit each opportunity instead of submitting the same document for every application. Participants also learned how effectively present their education, work experience, leadership roles technical competencies and professional achievements, while avoiding unnecessary personal information. Practical demonstrations using professional specific CVs provided participants with hands on examples of preparing competitive job application documents.
Looking Ahead.
The Writing Summer School continues throughout the week sessions on application letter writing, responsible use of artificial intelligence, professional communication and other essential writing skills aimed at improving academic productivity and employablity.
Through initiatives such as the Writing Summer School, Makerere University continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are not academically accomplished but also equipped with practical communication skills that enable them to compete and lead in today’s global workplace.
General
Makerere Launches Strategic Plan 2025-2030 to Drive Research, Innovation and National Development.
Kampala, Uganda East Africa.
Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, reaffirming its commitment to advancing research, innovation, academic excellence and human capital development in support of Uganda’s national transformation agenda.
The Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, provides a road map for strengthening the University’s contribution to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the production of highly skilled graduates.
The launch, held at the University’s Main Hall, brought together government officials, members of the University Council, management, development partners, staff and students to witness what leaders described as the beginning of Makerere University’s next phase of institutional transformation.
Positioning Makerere for National Transformation.
Delivering his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the Strategic Plan reflects Makerere University’s ambition to become an even stronger research led institution that responds directly to Uganda’s development priorities.
He noted that the University intends to restore student enrollment to pre COVID levels while significantly increasing postgraduate training to produce more researchers, innovators and professionals capable of addressing national challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted the University’s growing research portfolio, commending researchers and research centers that continue to attract substantial international funding.
“when you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” He said.
The Vice Chancellor also pointed to the need to strengthen the University’s academic workforce, noting that although progress has been made, more investment is required to fill approved academic positions, particularly at professor and associate professor levels.
Strategic Plan Sets Ambitious Institutional Targets.
Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional document, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”
She said the Plan outlines measurable commitments that will guide the University’s performance over the next five years, including expanding postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM participation, improving doctoral completion rates and strengthening research productivity.
“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.
Dr. Magara emphasized that every investment in Makerere University should translate into tangible benefits for society through research, innovation, leadership and skilled graduates.
She also called for reforms to Uganda’s Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act to strengthen university governance and create an enabling environment for innovation and knowledge production.
Government Reaffirms Support.
Launching the Strategic Plan, Hon. Henry Musasizi commended Makerere University for aligning its institutional priorities with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He observed that universities remain central actors in national development because they produce the knowledge, innovation and skilled workforce required to transform Uganda’s economy.
“Universities are central actors in national transformation. they are engines of knowledge creation, innovation and human capital development,” he said.
The Minister emphasized government’s commitment to supporting research, innovation and stronger collaboration between universities and industry to ensure that knowledge generated within higher education institutions contributes directly to economic growth.
Universities Critical to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Presenting the national development perspective, Samuel Kasule, Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, explained that the Strategic Plan aligns closely with the Uganda’s long term development framework.
He noted that achieving the country’s ambitious economic growth targets will depend heavily on universities producing competent graduates, expanding research and strengthening innovation ecosystems that support priority sectors including agriculture, tourism, ICT, minerals, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
Kasule further underscored the importance of competency based education and post graduate training in building the human capital required for sustainable national development.
A Shared Vision for the Future.
Throughout the launch, speakers emphasized that Makerere University’s future lies in becoming an increasingly research intensive, innovation driven institution that responds to national and global development challenges.
The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines priorities that include strengthening research excellence, promoting innovation and commercialization, expanding digital transformation, enhancing partnerships with industry, and producing graduates equipped to drive socioeconomic transformation.
Its launch marks a renewed commitment by Makerere University to remain at the forefront of knowledge generation and to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s long term development aspirations.
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