The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) and the President Karolinska Institutet Prof. Ole Petter Ottersen (R) display the MoU signed to establish the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH) after the virtual ceremony on Friday 29th January, 2021.
You are celebrating your first centennial close to what I hope will be the end of the current pandemic. One hundred years back in time the world had just emerged from the devastating Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918, also called the Spanish flu. Since then, research and education have made great strides and significantly advanced health on the global scale.
Long way to go
But still, we have a long way to go. Pandemics tragically kill but they also dramatically unveil. They reveal and deepen prevailing inequities, between nations and within. After Dr Martin Luther King Jr received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 he gave a speech in Chicago famously saying that “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” His words still ring true. Had he been among us today he would have been shocked by the fact that Africa still has to import more than 98% of the vaccines that the continent needs. He would have gasped in astonishment and dismay if confronted with the grave technology and knowledge divides that we see in today´s world. We – as academics must rise to the challenge. We must shape a more equitable world, implement knowledge into new policies, help bridge the technology gap, and we must do this with due attention to the principles of reciprocal innovation and respect. I am proud to say that this is very much on the agenda of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health that we have established with you – our colleagues at Makerere University. We regard this Centre as a flagship project and an essential follow-up of our Strategy 2030 that says that KI must strive for a better health “for all”. Please read an earlier blog post about this: Welcome to the launch of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health
Inspirational
The word “all” is small but hugely inspirational. It tells us that we as academics should promote health by working across geographical borders, across socioeconomic strata, but also across generations. We have an obligation and responsibility not only for those who inhabit our planet today, but also for those who will inhabit our planet tomorrow. This is the thinking that is embodied in our term “sustainable health” – we must realize that the health of the individual is inextricably intertwined with the health of our planet. This interdependence is epitomized by the climate change, but extends far beyond that. Among other things we are talking about pollution, biodiversity, and undue exploitation of natural resources.
Richness of perspectives
Meeting the challenges ahead requires a richness of perspectives. A richness of perspectives, in turn, requires global collaboration. For almost 20 years we have seen how the collaboration with you – our colleagues at Makerere University – has enriched our perspectives. We do hope that you share our experience in this regard. And we do hope that we can continue to develop long-term collaborative projects that not only will generate new knowledge but also translate into new policies for a better health for all. Knowledge is important, but knowledge implementation – responding to current needs – is key to progress. I am happy to note that this is clearly reflected in your vision:
Makerere University is committed to providing transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs
Working together, celebrating together: we will have joint events in Kampala in the beginning of May. Please look out for more information on this.
Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:
Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.
THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;
Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
One Passport size photograph.
A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.
Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/
You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD
For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:
Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728 Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug
The Application deadline is Monday, 8th August 2025 at 5:00pm.
Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.
Courses by Level
Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Online
TOPIK
Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com
Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.
Registration:
To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704
Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester
For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)
See downloads for Class Timetable
The Korean Corner is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.