The DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (2nd R) and MTN Uganda CEO-Wim Vanhelleputte with L-R: CEO Mak@100 Secretariat-Mr. Awel Uwihanganye, Manager PR/Logistics Mak@100 Secretariat-Ms. Hawa Ndagire Kajumba and MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)-Mr. Somdev Sen at the unveiling of UGX180million support by MTN in favour of the Centenary Celebrations on 4th May 2022. Courtesy Photo.
MTN Uganda has today announced its commitment to support Makerere University’s centenary celebrations through a sponsorship worth UGX180million.
The sponsorship by MTN will be dedicated towards supporting the events organized by Makerere University in celebration of 100 years of its existence which include an exhibition showcasing the journey of Makerere at 100.
MTN’s support to Makerere University is an embodiment of the telecom’s core values of achieving shared growth and value as highlighted in MTN’s ambition 2025 strategy.
Wednesday 4th May, 2022-Kampala, Uganda: MTN Uganda has today pledged its commitment to support Makerere University’s centenary celebrations through a sponsorship worth UGX180million.
The sponsorship by MTN will be dedicated towards supporting the events organized by Makerere University in celebration of 100 years of its existence which include an exhibition showcasing the journey of Makerere at 100.
The exhibition which is scheduled to take place from27th September to 10th October, 2022 at the Freedom Square, Makerere University will be held under the theme: “A Century of Service to Humanity.”
Speaking during the announcement ceremony held at MTN Headquarters, Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer said as one of the leading employers in the country, MTN has taken the opportunity to appreciate the esteemed institution for its contribution to educating a sizeable population in the job market.
“This support to Makerere University is also very important to MTN as it is synonymous with our core values anchored on empowering and skilling youth to achieve sustainable societies, which is a key pillar of our organization strategy,” he said.
The commitment by MTN follows a stakeholder mobilization event organized by Makerere University in November 2021 during which a strategy for rallying key
stakeholders to support and participate in the year-long anniversary celebration was launched.
Opening its doors to 14-day students in 1922, Makerere University has grown to become one of the most prestigious learning institutions in Africa.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe lauded MTN for its support, noting that the company’s dedication to supporting youth in Uganda was of mutual interest to the institution.
“Makerere University welcomes MTN Uganda’s support through this partnership that will benefit both the students at Makerere University and the youth in Uganda as a whole. This gesture acknowledges that you cannot talk about Uganda’s development and socio-economic transformation without involving the youth. Makerere and MTN are both in the business of giving the youth a platform to achieve their full potential. This partnership will therefore inspire our students and the youth in general to innovate and contribute significantly to the transformation of Uganda,” he said.
Professor Nawangwe highlighted that the sponsorship from MTN Uganda is aligned to the Makerere University’s strategic plan (2020-2030), focused on making the institution research-intensive. “MTN Uganda’s support to the Makerere@100 exhibition will in addition to enhancing the visibility of our research and innovations attract more partners from the private sector and business community to bolster our efforts to commercialise these research outputs.”
MTN Uganda for years has championed progress of the youth through various initiatives including creation of the MTN Pulse App, the telecom’s youth platform devoted to addressing the unique lifestyle needs of the youth in the country.
Through MTN Pulse, MTN provides youth with a plethora of opportunities, discounted products and services including data and voice calls.
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About MTN Uganda
MTN Uganda is a leading telecoms company in Uganda with a primary objective of carrying on the business of a national operator of a telecommunications network pursuant to the NTO license granted by the UCC. Among our offerings are network services, digital and financial technology services, interconnect and roaming, sale of mobile devices and MTN Mobile Money (which is conducted through subsidiary MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited). MTN has a presence in all 134 districts of Uganda. MTN services are delivered through a network of 119,077 Mobile Money agents, 200 service stores and 13 main distributors. At end of June 2021, MTN Uganda had 14.9 million subscribers, 8.6 million MoMo users and 4.7 million active data users.
This celebration marks the end of a century of excellence, and offers a chance to look beyond, and see how to participate in “Leveraging the 100 Years of Excellence in Building a Transformed Society”
For more information, please contact:
MTN Uganda Press Office: mediadesk.ug@mtn.com
Rhona Arinaitwe: Rhona.Arinaitwe@mtn.com or 0772 123 067
Prisca Baike: prisca.baike@tbwa-uganda.com or 0782 654 083
Hawa Ndagire Kajumba, Manager PR/Logistics, Office of the Vice-Chancellor – Mak@100 Secretariat: kajumbahawa@gmail.com or 0777 209 559
Ritah Namisango, Principal Public Relations Officer, Makerere University Email: pro@mak.ac.ug or 0702 944 224
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.
The Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) in conjunction with CARTA’s Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) Research Hub and the East–Spark Project completed a two days Doctoral (PhD) academic supervisors training under the theme: “Empowering Academic Supervision Training in Eastern Africa: Sparking Potential, Advancing Research, and Knowledge (EAST-SPARK).”
The training took place between 2nd and 3rd July 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences’ (COBAMS) School of Business conference hall.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma challenged the team to set clear and manageable objectives for graduate students under their supervision so that they can complete their doctoral studies on time.:
“Set expectations at the beginning of the research journey of PhD students under your supervision. Resist working with students that are not objective. Set a time frame with in which the student is able to do their research so that they are able to finish their doctoral studies on time.”
He added, “The issue of supervising graduate research is very vital because there needs to be seamless progression of the graduate students.”
Prof. Kikooma further highlighted that the target in the strategic plan is to have 30% graduate students enrolled in the next five years. Currently, it is about 17%.
“We need to get everything right in this training. Our biggest issues are in the supervision process flow of the graduate students. Graduate supervisors need to listen to students and equally the students need to listen to the supervisors. The graduate supervision journey is simple with open communication and immediate feedback between the two parties.”
This will help us in creating a new breed of academia and researchers that Makerere university and the country as a whole need.”
Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma
Prof. Kikooma further added “Take the excellence you have to represent the university. Ensure you have all they policies on your fingertips so that you guide the students well.”
In his remarks, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu (representing the Principal, COBAMS) said that such a training was necessary and it was a right move towards standardization of doctoral training in the region.
“What does it take to standardize doctoral and graduate studies? We need to create unison in the region and learn by doing. Doctoral studies are vital and cannot be taken for granted. We need to continue creating critical thinkers ready to nature research programs. These trainings are enablers in this journey.”
He added, “Let us blend the old and young birds in this training so that we share knowledge and experience to nature and grow the dreams of the doctoral students. Nature the inner person, not imposing yourself on to the student. Enable them to open up while doing their research and they will have a good and seamless doctoral academic journey.”
Prof. Ibrahim Okumu
Dr. Drago Kato Charles, a trainer and a senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at CoVAB said, “These trainings are continuous professional development programs aimed at refreshing doctoral supervisors every now and then. They are vital and needed by the mixture of the young, intermediate and senior supervisors.”
He added, “These senior supervisors share knowledge and experience on what is going on in the world of education. The young come to learn from old supervisors. The goal is to increase completion and quality of the PhD output. In totality, such a training aims to improve quality and mentorship on how to facilitate and handle graduate student supervision.”
He added that the trainees were taking the obtained skills to their schools and colleges to produce more quality doctoral and graduate students which would lead to growth of economies since every country needs PhD researchers to drive economic transformation and policy developments as well as implementation.
Dr. Peter Ssenkusu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Foundations and Curriculum studies in the School of Education said, “The training modules are extensively researched. The areas covered are very pertinent for doctoral supervision.”
Dr. Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, a facilitator and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Population Studies in the School of Statistics and Planning at COBAMS added, “The vision for Makerere University is to be a research led institution. To be research-led university, we need to promote graduate teaching and learning. To achieve this, graduate students need supervisors that are well trained and skilled. We will also continue to do retooling for experienced supervisors.”
Dr. Byaruhanga Micheal Bruce from the Department of Biochemistry and Tourism, a lecturer and a participant said, “Whoever thought about this training did something very important. I thought all I was doing in supervision was normal until this training came. I did not know that some issues I knew would let the students off the course while others would keep them on. I want to ensure that all I have learnt is put into action. The modules have been very enriching. We need more of such trainings, probably for more than two days.”
Dr. Tukae Mbegalo, a guest trainer from Mzumbe University in Tanzania said, “The training is very relevant considering the diversity of the participants which include the young and senior researchers because of sharing the experiences which include delays and the relationships between supervisors and supervisees.” He added, “As supervisors, our emphasis is on scientific writing which we should instill in the students. Scientific writing leads to consistency right from problem setting, objectives, methodology and aligning it to the results so that we improve the quality of the doctoral outputs.”