General
Rt. Hon. Kadaga Sensitises Mak on EAC Integration Agenda
On 16th June 2022, Makerere University welcomed the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community (EAC) Affairs Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga to her Alma Mater to deliver a Keynote on the EAC Integration Agenda. The Speaker Emeritus of the 9th and 10th Parliament of Uganda and distinguished Alumna of the School of Law was received upon arrival by Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala who represented the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of EAC Affairs (MEACA) Mrs. Edith N. Mwanje, Members of Council, Senate and Management, Principals and College Academic Leadership, as well as Professors and the Student Guild.
Originally founded in 1967 by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, the EAC was dissolved in 1977. It was revived on 7th July 2000 after the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community came into force. The EAC is made up of six Partner States namely; Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. On 29th March 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was admitted into the EAC as its seventh member and is expected to be full member by September 2022 after completion of the ratification process.
Rt. Hon. Kadaga in her Keynote address noted that the strategic importance for EAC integration is guided by four factors namely;
- Creation of a Large Regional Market
- Strengthening the Security of the Community
- Enhancing Fraternal Relations
- Political Unity
Furthermore, she outlined the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union and Political Federation as four pillars of the EAC. She shared that apart from Political Federation, each of the other three pillars has a signed Protocol that provides a framework of cooperation. The Minister nevertheless said that the Partner States are in the final stages of discussing the critical aspects of Political Confederation as a transitional stage of Political Federation.
To date, the following have been achieved in line with the Political Confederation.
- A regional team of constitutional experts is drafting the EAC Political Confederation Constitution
- The EAC has continued to Monitor and observe elections in all Partner States
- National Early Warning Centres have been put in place
- Women and Youth have been engaged in peace and security initiatives in line with EAC Youth and Gender Policies
- A major EAC Armed Forces Integrated Field Training Exercise is conducted annually
Rt. Hon. Kadaga concluded by stating that the expanded membership of the EAC will provide a big market that will not only increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) but also employment opportunities especially for the for the youth. Additionally, the integration would lead to better management of shared natural resources of Partner States such as Lake Victoria, Mountain Elgon and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Furthermore, the First Deputy Prime Minister noted that integration would lead to adoption of the new Common External Tariff that will increase protection of local industries. Citing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Project as an example, she added that integration will help exploit economies of scale and combine resources to invest in transboundary infrastructure. Estimated to cost USD 3.55 billion the 1,443km EACOP Project will ferry crude oil from Kabaale, Hoima in Uganda to the Indian Ocean Port of Tanga in Tanzania.
She concluded by noting that most importantly, integration will give Partner States a bigger voice when negotiating with giants like China, the European Union (EU) and Russia on matters such as mitigating the negative effects climate change.
In her remarks, Dr. Nkabala thanked Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga for commencing her Ministry’s senstisation programme at her alma mater and paid tribute to the leadership of the EAC Partner States for their vision and commitment to integration and federation.
She shared that through her College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University was contributing to the Integration Agenda by training men and women in the armed forces on the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325, 1820 and 2250. UNSCR 1325 urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts while UNSCR 1820 condemns the use of sexual violence as a tool of war. UNSCR 2250 emphasises the importance of youth as agents of change in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
Dr. Nkabala concluded by underlining Makerere University‘s readiness and willingness to undertake a formal agreement with MEACA to carry out research that informs responses to challenges that we are facing as a regional bloc.
Please see below for the full Keynote Address
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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”.
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. 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. 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.
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.”
#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.
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.
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