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Chinese Ambassador awards 24 Scholarships to Mak Students

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By Ritah Namisango

“When he entered the room, they looked at him with beaming smiles, an expression of the sincere gratitude deep within. A true friend, he was representing a generous People and Country that saved them from dropping out of Makerere University!”

That was the mood on Tuesday 26th July, 2022 when the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Uganda, H.E. Zhang Lizhong entered the Tele-Presence Centre at the Senate Building to officiate at the Scholarship Award Ceremony.

A total of 24 Makerere University students who are academically gifted, but challenged with raising tuition and functional fees received financial support to continue and complete their studies courtesy of the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship programme.

H.E. Zhang Lizhong presented the scholarship package worth UGX 83 million to Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at a colourful award ceremony witnessed by the beneficiaries and invited guests.

The 24 scholarship recipients currently in their third year of study were identified and supported during the second year of study, following documented evidence that they had performed well in the first year of study, but were struggling with payment of tuition and functional fees to move on to the next level. The Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship programme is coordinated by the Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD).

H.E. Zhang Lizhong (C) presents the dummy cheque to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) as Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha (L) witnesses.
H.E. Zhang Lizhong (C) presents the dummy cheque to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) as Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha (L) witnesses.

In her remarks, the Director GMD, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine welcomed Ambassador Zhang Lizhong to Makerere University and commended him for continuity of the scholarship programme started by his predecessor. She thanked the Ambassador and the People’s Republic of China in general for the scholarship programme aimed at transforming lives of the scholars through provision of access to university education.

Providing an overview, Dr. Mugisha Baine pointed out that Makerere University signed the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship contract in 2018 when the then Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China presented the scholarship programme as a sign of friendship and cooperation between the people of Uganda and China.

“In 2018, the Chinese Ambassador offered 30 scholarships to students who are academically talented, but economically disadvantaged to study at Makerere University. In 2020, the Chinese Embassy renewed this scholarship offer by supporting an additional 24 students with scholarships categorized into two – the Friendship Award and Excellence Award.

“To date, 54 scholarships have been awarded to students studying various programmes in the different Colleges at Makerere University. The first cohort started with the Academic year 2018/2019. Out of the 30 scholars in the first cohort, 26 had graduated as at May 2022. The second cohort of 2020/2021 are now in the third year of study and are 24,” highlighted Dr. Mugisha Baine.

She was happy to note that the scholars have continued to excel in their studies. “We are delighted that three (3) of the 26 graduates obtained first class degrees, fifteen (15) obtained second class upper degrees and the rest second class lower degrees. The remaining four (4) are pursuing programmes that are more than three (3) years and are expected to complete studies this semester.”

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe underscored the value of education by quoting a line from the speech delivered by President Nelson Mandela on 16th July 2003 at the launch of the Mindset Network in South Africa.

Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine; that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.”

Nelson Mandela

Prof. Nawangwe informed the audience that although many people in Uganda value education, not everyone can access university education. He provided an account of telephone calls that he regularly receives from different parts of the globe requesting for scholarships to study at Makerere University. He also noted that every year, more than 1,000 students drop out of school due to lack of fees.

Based on this lived experience, Prof. Nawangwe saluted the Ambassador and People’s Republic of China for the generosity extended to students pursuing studies at Makerere University supported by the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship programme.

Upholding the fact that there are many more students who would wish to receive such scholarships, the Vice Chancellor implored the lucky scholars to concentrate on their studies and use the knowledge acquired to contribute to the transformation of communities, Uganda and the world at large.

“Education will enable you to be a better person. Always remember that as a beneficiary under the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship, you have a duty to create a positive change in your life, your families and communities. When you become a better person, we expect you to uplift your families and communities,” he said.

Prof. Nawangwe re-echoed to the students that Makerere University by virtue of a number of collaboration activities/programmes involving the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese companies, the Confucius institute, and memoranda of understanding with universities in China accords them a number of golden opportunities to further their education.   

H.E. Zhang Lizhong, Ambassador of People's Republic of China to Uganda.
H.E. Zhang Lizhong, Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Uganda.

Presenting the dummy cheque worth UGX 83 million to the Vice Chancellor, H.E. Zhang Lizhong congratulated the scholars on being awarded the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship for Excellence and Friendship. The Ambassador pointed that for five consecutive years, nearly 100 students have received financial support to fulfill their dreams through the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship, with some graduates already active in all walks of life in Uganda. He thanked the Vice Chancellor and staff of Makerere University for promoting education and cooperation between Uganda and China.

H.E. Zhang Lizhong disclosed that people-to-people exchange is an important component of the China-Uganda Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership. He was therefore happy to witness the fruitful results brought by the cooperation in the education field among China, Makerere University and the Ministry of Education and Sports.

The Ambassador acknowledged the Confucius Institute at Makerere University for the instrumental role played in cementing the relationships at different levels and partnerships involving Uganda and China. The Confucius Institute has facilitated classes and cultural exchanges that have enabled many Ugandans to learn Chinese.

“The first phase of language training has been completed successfully and 100 Ugandan teachers for Chinese language are able to teach Mandarin in schools in Uganda, and the second phase of 500 is in good progress,” he highlighted. He also stated that for the past five years, China has provided 5,000 training opportunities and government scholarships to Ugandans.

H.E. Zhang Lizhong (L) and Professor Barnabas Nawangwe (R) chat after the Award Ceremony.
H.E. Zhang Lizhong (L) and Professor Barnabas Nawangwe (R) chat after the Award Ceremony.

In line with the Ambassador’s address, the Director of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University, Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe called upon the scholars to create time and participate in activities undertaken by the Institute. He also expressed readiness to work with the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate to come up with a schedule that would enable the scholars to learn the Chinese language and culture.

On behalf of the students, Ms. Daphne Naudho who is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences profoundly thanked the Ambassador, the People’s Republic of China and Makerere University for according them the golden opportunity to complete their studies. 

“Your generosity has inspired us to help others and give back to the community. Thank you for putting our feet on the path of true greatness and setting us on the path of true discovery,” remarked Naudo amidst applause from scholars.

The Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango moderates the Award Ceremony.
The Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango moderates the Award Ceremony.

Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer of Makerere University moderated the Scholarship Award ceremony as well as discussions between the Ambassador, the Vice Chancellor, the Confucius Institute, staff, scholars and the media.

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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