General
Mak Press launches Nine Books, 40 in the Pipeline
The atmosphere was festive on the warm Tuesday afternoon of 28th June 2022 as the Makerere University Press (MUP) presented its bumper harvest of nine (9) scholarly titles to the public. And, as any proud “parent” would, the Managing Editor, MUP, Dr. Samuel Siminyu took time to carefully introduce each of his “children”; the book titles and their respective authors. But first, he profusely thanked the authors for entrusting MUP with their intellectual property, an act he partly attributed to the reputation Makerere has earned itself over the century of existence.
“Makerere University Press is basing on that historic achievement to also make a name for you, for itself and for Makerere in the scholarly publishing arena” Dr. Siminyu praised. “Working with you personally has extended our circle of acquaintances and deepened our comradery” he added.
The nine books launched that afternoon were;
- Runyakitara Language Studies: A Guide for Advanced Learners and Teachers in Runyakitara edited by Oswald K. Ndoleriire,
- Contemporary Issues in Educational Research and Policy in the Global South edited by Connie Ssebbunga-Masembe and Samuel N. Siminyu,
- What I Saw When I Died by Jimmy Spire Ssentongo,
- Moving Back into the Future: Critical Recovering of Africa’s Cultural Heritage edited by Dominica Dipio,
- Countering Violent Extremism in Uganda: An Assessment of the History, Philosophies and Strategies by Veneranda Mbabazi and Others,
- Lulu ya Bara by Innocent Masengo,
- HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Achievements and Challenges edited by James Kiwanuka-Tondo,
- Statehood on Trial: Thoughts on the 1966 Uganda Political Crisis by Joseph Bossa, and
- (Mis) Management of sub-Nationalism and Diversity in “Nations”: The case of Buganda in Uganda, 1979-1980 by Godfrey Asiimwe
Author appreciation
After his brief appreciation to the hardworking Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire and his team for their book Runyakitara Language Studies: A Guide for Advanced Learners and Teachers in Runyakitara, Dr. Siminyu pondered, “if we cannot publish to promote and immortalise the study of our local languages, who will?” He was nevertheless happy to announce that relatedly, MUP had received and was processing manuscripts in and about Kiswahili, Luganda, Luo, Ateso and Lusoga.
Turning to Sr. Dominica Dipio, he thanked the prolific author, filmmaker and Professor of Literature and Film for not only transferring her book Moving Back into the Future: Critical Recovering of Africa’s Cultural Heritage from an international publisher to MUP but also reminding his team of our collective obligation to reach out to the whole world with our African voice.
Dr. Siminyu then thanked Prof. Connie Sebbunga-Masembe for reminding us all that higher education is not just the concern of educationists at the College of Education and External Studies. Describing the book Contemporary Issues in Educational Research and Policy in the Global South as “a rich mosaic of ideas that could help propel higher education in our region to another level,” he was happy to share that it had already been warmly received and labelled by scholars of higher education as “very informative”.
“As a public intellectual, Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo endeared us to the common man on the street with his sweet satire – What I Saw When I Died. We have had to ship his popular title across the country and into neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania on taxis, buses and boda-bodas” complimented the Managing Editor.
Dr. Siminyu then thanked Dr. Veneranda Mbabazi and her team for showing through their book Countering Violent Extremism in Uganda: An Assessment of the History, Philosophies and Strategies that researchers can subject even fields as intimidating as terrorism to scholarly reflection. “We hope that their findings will contribute to our understanding of and fight against terrorism.”
He then described working with the late Joseph Bossa on his book Statehood on Trial: Thoughts on the 1966 Uganda Political Crisis as a journey of discovery. “Can you imagine an Acting President of the former ruling party coming to see you all by himself – without a bodyguard or personal assistant?…a UPC leader who can pinpoint faults in Obote’s performance as a political leader and also see some positive traits in Yoweri Museveni’s performance?…Bossa was an enigma! He beat every stereotype and stood out as an independent thinker.”
Of the next title (Mis) Management of sub-Nationalism and Diversity in “Nations”: The case of Buganda in Uganda, 1979-1980, Dr. Siminyu said, “When you read Dr. Godfrey Asiimwe’s work, you feel like telling the gentleman to stop talking and just concentrate on writing! His writing is so deep and sweet. He looks at what many other authors have already written about and comes up with fresh revelations.”
Dr. Siminyu described Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo’s book HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Achievements and Challenges as “another gem that was retrieved from another publisher and given to us as a statement of faith in Makerere and what it is capable of doing… Through these works, James has re-issued some pieces published in world-class journals, making them accessible and affordable for our local readers. This is a model that should be emulated.”
“Can you imagine a Ugandan writing Kiswahili poetry?” pondered Dr. Siminyu with reference to Dr. Innocent Masengo’s Lulu ya Bara (The Pearl of the Continent). “We are waiting to hear what our Kiswahili-speaking regional neighbours will say. They have previously alleged that Kiswahili was born in Tanzania, died in Kenya, and was buried in Uganda.” he humorously added.
Keynote address
In line with the yearlong centenary celebrations, the Keynote address was appropriately titled “100 Years of Scholarly Publishing at Makerere“. It was delivered by Prof. J. Robert Ikoja Odongo, a gallant alumnus, former Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), currently serving as Vice Chancellor of Soroti University. The Keynote Speaker expressed happiness at being back home, where his destiny was shaped.
From the outset, Prof. Ikoja sought to distinguish scholarly publishing from other forms of publishing such as; book publishing, trade publishing, journal publishing, newspaper publishing, magazine publishing, self-publishing and music publishing.
“Scholarly publishing is one branch of publishing that specializes in publishing for an academic and professional or scholarly market or scholarly community and the public with interest in a particular area of research” he said.
Prof. Ikoja further clarified that the outputs of scholarly publishing are researched material that are disseminated in universities, at conferences and during seminars and symposia. Post dissemination, they may be published as proceedings or in refereed journals as articles. He clarified that monographs or books belong to this category.
Chronicling the journey of publishing at over the last 100 years, Prof. Ikoja paid tribute to Sir Philip Mitchell who served as Governor of Uganda from 1935 to 1940, for championing and forecasting Makerere University to be an icon of education in the region and recommending the establishment of the Press. Subsequently, in 1945 a production unit called the Printer was established in the basement of the Main Administration Building and University Managers at the time sent one Yeko Mukasa to Britain, to be equipped with skills to run the Printer.
Following its establishment the Printer began publishing titles such as Commercial law in East Africa by John W. Katende, Medical statistics, Psychiatry, and African indigenous education by Prof. Jakayo Peter Ociti. Prof. Ikoja further cited Professors such as David Rubadiri, Margaret Donohue, George Kanyeihamba, Fredrick Kayanja, John Mbiti, Austin Bukenya, Mahmood Mamdani, Ali Mazrui and Okot p’Bitek among others who wrote and published many books and monographs.
The keynote speaker elaborated that publications by Makerere researchers were done both within the University and abroad. “The reason for outside publishing was political safety in some cases, economic emancipation in some while in others, an inability of Makerere to handle their works internally and on time.”
In particular, Prof. Ikoja pointed to the period between 1940 and 1960 as one of growth of African nationalism, with Makerere becoming a hive of militant students. “African strand of students started a writing scheme from which Makerere harvested many story book manuscripts that were later published including those published under the Crow Press of the East African Literature Bureau.”
Detailing Makerere‘s history of Journals, Prof. Ikoja outlined the; Makerere Medical Journal (MMJ) 1964, Mawazo 1968, Makerere Law Journal 1975, Journal of African Religion and Philosophy 1989, East African Journal of Rural Economy, African Crop Science Journal, 1993, Dialogue 1994, African Journal of Peace and Human Rights 1995, Makerere Journal of Higher Education 1998 as evidence that Makerere had been engaged in journal publishing.
Despite this rich and vibrant history, Prof. Ikoja took issue with his Alma Mater’s limited usage of its own books and journals in teaching and research. He nevertheless called for more planning, recognition and enthusiasm to reverse the dominant use of foreign literature. He added that MUP could contribute to solving local problems by publishing well-illustrated manuals for farmers as well as artisans such as welders, builders, etc. and translating these into various local languages.
Furthermore, he called for the enactment of a publications policy to guide planning, financing, and book development among other activities and the elevation of MUP to the status Directorate. The Keynote speaker equally tasked MUP to work closely with the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) to scope for publishable theses or dissertations.
Prof. Ikoja challenged MUP to work together with other local, regional and international Presses such as; African Book Collective, Southern African Bibliographic Information Network (SABINET) and the Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) to develop marketing for Makerere University imprint.
Additionally, he encouraged MUP to; consider co-publishing with Presses on other continents or partner with them to include book reviews in the lists. He reiterated the need for MUP to explore translations as a means expand their market, and take advantage of ICT for e- scholarly publications and online marketing.
Panel discussion
The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion graced by the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Josephine Ahikire and Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo from the Department of Philosophy, CHUSS.
Moderated by Mr. Isaac Tibasiima from the Department of Literature, CHUSS, the panel discussion was a moment for the College to bask in the spotlight of scholarly publishing, as most of the books to be launched were authored by fellow faculty.
Key highlights from this session were;
- The need for Makerere to create demand for knowledge by promoting multidisciplinary publication and content that speaks to all aspects of our human nature, be they spiritual, material, social, philosophical etc.
- Writers ought to go beyond simply paying attention to producing new knowledge to caring about who is actually reading and making use of it. Academics should also never shy away from promoting their own works
- The need to examine how favourable our scholar incentive structure is to the book writing and how policies on promotion have contributed to or disincentivised the same.
- The need to decolonise publication and knowledge production in our promotion processes. Unwarranted extra scrutiny of articles published in local journals during promotion processes pushes authors to publish in international ones that don’t attract as much scrutiny.
- The need to promote writing in our local languages as a political act. Furthermore, there is need include more of our writers in teaching and research course content as a way of motivating the younger generation to write and expand knowledge in our context
- The culture of always seeking to go beyond the comforts of what we have achieved, what we know and what is celebrated by our society and peers as true success should be strongly encouraged.
- It is our responsibility as inheritors to grow the body of knowledge beyond what already exists
Concluding remarks
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Chairperson of the MUP Editorial Board, Prof. Umar Kakumba in his remarks sincerely appreciated the authors for having faith in the Press to publish their work. “I am also delighted to note that we have over 40 manuscripts in the pipeline under the Makerere University Press, which is a great sign of confidence in this institution.”
He appreciated the Vice Chancellor for entrusting him and the MUP Editorial Board and staff with the responsibility to promote scholarly publishing. The MUP mandate, he said, is in line with the core thrust of the Makerere Strategic Plan to make the University research-led.
Prof. Kakumba further noted that the cost recovery model employed by MUP unlike the return on investment model employed by other publishing houses would ensure that authors’ publications hit the market at a competitive cost, which will enable more people to purchase and read their works.
Prior to inviting the Chief Guest to officially launch the books, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed great pride at being at the helm of Makerere at a time when the University is progressing towards its goal of being a vibrant research university. He congratulated the authors upon investing time and energy in scholarly publishing and being good role models for other staff.
“My main objective as Vice Chancellor is the emancipation of our people from mental slavery. And so it makes me very happy to see authors beginning to publish about the issues that affect Uganda and Africa” remarked Prof. Nawangwe. He congratulated Prof. Kakumba and the Editorial Board as well as Dr. Siminyu and the MUP staff upon this achievement.
Prof. Nawangwe challenged the younger generation in the room to always remember that their continent and its people are marginalised. He added that it is the responsibility of youth to fight and overcome the present state of affairs.
The Chief Guest at the Book Launch was the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, who was represented by Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Member of Staff at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) currently serving as the Ministry’s Leader of the Engineering Economy.
Commending the scholars on their impressive publications, the Minister nevertheless warned that the race is far from over if this knowledge does not add value to society, make peoples’ lives better, create a conscious and transformed society, as well as contribute to reorientation of mindsets, value systems and policy.
Hon. Dr. Musenero nevertheless commended Makerere University for establishing a viable Press, which will serve as an example to other Ugandan Universities. “We are proud of the quality of publications that we have witnessed today and we encourage you to do more; it is important that we strive to maintain international quality standards in our scholarly publications.”
Furthermore, she challenged the University to ensure that most of her publications are availed electronically. “A small spark can light a fire and cause conflagration capable of consuming forests of intellectual ignorance. Today, electronic media are the chief enablers of this conflagration.”
Hon. Dr. Musenero concluded by thanking the Vice Chancellor and University Management for nurturing and supporting the spirit of innovation. She expressed the Government’s anticipation to seeing more publications in varied disciplines as well as from beyond the gates of Makerere.
Upon officially launching the nine (9) books, Dr. Mwikirize accompanied by the Vice Chancellor and Members of Management autographed dummies of the books and had a photo moment with the authors and their families. Mr. Tibasiima, assisted by the Principal Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ms. Ritah Namisango moderated the days proceedings.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and Members of Management on September 28, 2026 welcomed H.E. Ambassador TAKAHASHI Misako and her delegation in the Council Room at Main Building to discuss ways of deepening their academic and technical collaboration.
H.E. TAKASHASHI is the Director-General/Assistant Minister for African Affairs, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
In the session, VC acknowledged and appreciated the long-standing partnership between the University and Japanese institutions; both private and government.
“The university has had good relations with the Embassy of Japan, with JICA, and with several other Japanese institutions… When we returned to normalcy after turbulent political years, the Government of Japan was among the first ones to come to revive our excellence… so Uganda has had a very long and friendly relationship with Japan” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
He further emphasized the historical impact of this support saying “I want to claim that it could have been because of the support that was given to the Department of Geology at that time, that the discovery of oil became possible in Uganda.”
Contributing to the discussions, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Professor Sarah Ssali shared areas such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as Neurosurgery, where Makerere could benefit from Japanese expertise. She added that the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) currently enjoys a collaboration with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
Adding on the outstanding partnership, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCF&A) Professor Henry Alinaitwe highlighted traffic management as one of the key areas supported, he said “Japan has helped Uganda in the management of traffic…”
Expounding on this, HE. TAKASHASHI said “I just visited the control center for traffic in Uganda. It was built by a Japanese aid… as of today, they are controlling 31 junctions of traffic signals in Kampala City. They are supposed to boost up their activities to cover the entire Kampala city’s traffic systems” a project, she said, the Japanese Government remains committed to.
Continuing, Professor Alinaitwe highlighted Japan’s resilient and strong structures that can withstand earthquakes. He shared that “Japanese are helping us in developing the standards for earthquake design and management.”
Picking it up from here, H.E. TAKAHASHI acknowledged Japan’s proneness to earthquakes, which has led the country to develop leading global expertise in their management. Although Uganda is not comparatively prone to earthquakes, she reaffirmed that “Japan is deliberately thinking about the sustainable development of Uganda”, as a symbol of their friendship with institutions and the young people of Uganda.
She said the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) where “President Museveni is a long-standing participant” is a vital platform for addressing Japan’s various interests in Africa. She also talked about the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FIOP) Principle, and Japan’s three pillars for Africa.
“The three pillars of Japanese foreign policy towards Africa include; realising a continent of peace in Africa, creating a virtuous cycle of growth between Japan and Africa, and finally realising a society where everyone can feel genuine prosperity through empowering young generation for co-creation,” H.E TAKAHASHI noted.
Professor Julius Kikooma the Director for Graduate Training, expressed a need to leverage the partnership further in graduate student supervision, “our biggest area for collaboration should be capacity strengthening through trainings and working together to boost co-supervision of doctoral programs.”
Agreeing with Professor Kikooma, the Principal College of Veterinary and Animal Resources, Biosecurity Professor Clovice Kankya appreciated the support from Japan, particularly in the training of staff.
“A number of our staff have moved to universities in Japan for staff exchange for competence-based kind of training, but also to mention our Japanese counterparts have given a lot of technical support, not only to Makerere College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, but also to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. This kind of collaboration has resulted to advancing some of the veterinary reference laboratories” Prof Kankya elaborated.
Appreciating H.E. TAKAHASHI’s visit, Prof. Nawangwe expressed gladness that the brief session had brought forth a number important issues for discussion, which will enhance collaborations between Makerere University, the Embassy of Japan, and the people of Japan in general.
Some of the key areas with existing collaborations include;
- Engineering and Infrastructure
- Traffic Management
- Health and Veterinary Sciences
- Students and staff exchange
- Space science
- Disaster prevention
- Capacity building and volunteers
- Library and cultural resources
Makerere currently partners with a number of Japanese Universities including; University of Kobe, University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tottori University, among others.
The University Management appreciates the government of Japan for an impactful collaboration over the years as “We Build for the Future.”
Photos by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Kampala – Braving the morning downpour, participants started gathering as early as 5:00 AM. University roads were awash with green and gold kits clad by thousands of runners who gathered at the Hill to participate in the 6th edition of the Makerere Marathon that took place on September 27 2026.
Attendance was representative, with students, alumni, corporate teams and distinguished guests present to run under the featured race categories including the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, alongside a 3km wheelchair race. These options gave persons of different abilities and fitness levels the opportunity to take part.
All races were officially flagged off at the Makerere Main Building parking lot by various dignitaries from Makerere, and partnering institutions led by the Chief Runner, the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth. He was joined by the Chancellor of Makerere University and Second Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga.
The other dignitaries that accompanied the Speaker included; Dr Lorna Magara the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mr. Mark Anthony Muyobo CEO NCBA Bank Uganda, Mr. Phrase Lubega Managing Director of MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited, and Dr Maggie Kigozi, the Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF). Representatives from partner institutions and sponsors for this year’s Marathon were also present to witness the lively flag-off ceremony.
Welcoming the dignitaries who convened in the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s Boardroom, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe echoed Makerere University‘s commitment and deep appreciation for the high-level government and private sector support received during the Marathon.
He reiterated that the institution feels privileged to host the Speaker of Parliament and the Chancellor, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, thanking them for their dedication to flagging off the runners despite the heavy downpour.
The same dedication was on full display throughout all race categories up to the finish line. Large crowds lined the university road sides, cheering wildly, blowing trumpets, and waving flags as the runners made their final sprint. Tired but smiling runners crossed the finish line one after the other, raising their hands in victory.
Impact of the Mak Marathon on Disability Support Centre
The Marathon serves as more than just a sports activity, it comes in as a conduit for institutional progress and student empowerment.
During the Speaker Rt. Hon. Oboth’s guided tour of the Disability Support Centre, the Manager, Ms. Elizabeth Rwabu acknowledged that so far, proceeds from the Marathon have directly transformed their services.
She elaborated, “the Makerere Marathon has been the primary driver of our growth as a centre, allowing us to support approximately one hundred and fifty-five students who rely on our services.”
The highlight of the delegation of distinguished guests and runners visit was a guided tour of the Center’s facilities, where technologies so far secured were displayed and existing as well as future needs were put forth.
She pointed out an all-in-one printer, explaining, “this printer is special because it has regular print. We also use it for large print… and scanning.”
She highlighted the machine used for tactile learning, saying, “we have an embosser here. And when students have their soft copy and hard copy notes, they bring them to the center, and we transcribe them to braille format.”
She also described the emergency solution for mobility, stating, “we also procured electric wheelchairs, which students with disabilities can actually borrow and use.”
Among students who added their voice to Ms. Rwabu’s was Ms. Catherine Nakibuuka, Chairperson of the Makerere University Disability Students Association. She is a student with visual impairment pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) who volunteered to explain to the Speaker how important some of the machines current in use are;
1. Eye Magnifier – This is a complex machine used to magnify small prints. It assists students who have visual impairments and rely on large print to read.
2. Focus Blue 40 – This is a modern device used for taking notes. It replaces older, large, and noisy Braille machines. It is portable enough to fit in a bag, making it suitable for use in meetings or courtrooms. Additionally, it can connect to a computer to display the Braille information on a screen, allowing sighted individuals to see what the user is reading.
Ms. Nakibuuka expressed deep gratitude for the support received through the Endowment Fund, Makerere University, and the organizers of the Marathon.
She stated, “We love these things,” noting that the Makerere Marathon’s goal to support the center makes education more inclusive.
The sharing by staff and students at the centre moved Dr Maggie Kigozi, who in turn appreciated them noting that “I’m glad to hear we are being useful as the Makerere Endowment Fund” and pledged that the Fund “will continue to work with the centre until they achieve more.”
Institutional Vision
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Council Dr. Lorna Magara acknowledged that the current Student with Disability Support Centre space may not be enough for the entire university.
In the spirit of remedying this, she shared that, “one of our goals is to have these centers in every other department of the university.”
“If we can have four or five or even maybe in every Hall of Residence, a smaller unit like this, then students with disabilities don’t have to walk long distances, that’s our target,” Dr. Magara explained.
Rt. Hon. Oboth Commends Makerere for the Marathon and Inclusivity
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth thanked the leadership for the Marathon, stating, “we want to thank the leadership of this university for innovative leadership that has brought the sixth Makerere Marathon to fruition.” He added that it is “gaining traction and momentum” and is “going a long way in creating awareness for persons with disability and its other yearly themes.”
While touring the Disability Centre at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Rt. Hon. Oboth addressed the students with disabilities, and emphasised a distinction between sympathy and compassion, noting, “what the students with disability need is not our sympathy. you need our compassion. You need the support. Sympathy will not help because it varies, but compassion remains.”
Regarding Parliamentary support, the Speaker made an individual contribution and also pledged, “as Parliament of Uganda, we are here to support the cause.”
He specifically invited the University to partner with Parliament for future events, saying, “we want to further pledge that for the next Marathon, please work with us through the Clerk of Parliament, so that we can take center stage.”
On a lighter note, he encouraged the students with disability to persevere, remarking, “after all, Makerere University is built on a hill, so every day you climb the hill, you are breaking a barrier. So take those barriers as a hill you are breaking.”
Makerere Marathon from a Student with Disability’s Perspective
Nalumansi Sharon, a student with disability in her third-year pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Psychology secured first place in the 3-kilometer wheelchair race. Beyond her athletic success, Sharon is a passionate advocate for fellow students with disabilities.
In an interview with Makerere Public Relations team, Sharon confessed that her personal motivation to participate in this event was the appreciation of challenges faced by persons with disabilities and desire to contribute to causes that support her peers.
“It feels good to be part of this mobilisation because I also have a disability, and I feel good if I do something that will help my other colleagues,” Sharon confessed.
She added that Makerere University‘s hilly terrain makes mobility difficult but with resilience, students with disability can overcome. She urged donors to contribute toward electric wheelchairs, which would significantly improve students’ ability to study and navigate campus.
Sharon therefore appreciated the Makerere University Endowment Fund for bringing together sponsors and the general public to raise funds for the betterment lives of students with disability at Makerere.
As the conversation deepened, Sharon praised the Makerere Disability Support Center for providing an environment where students with disability can complete coursework, receive guidance, and access printing services, allowing them to focus on their studies without unnecessary distractions.
She concluded by praying that God blesses all who pool their resources for the good of Persons with Disability.
Sponsors’ Inspiration to partner and support Mak Students with Disability
Speaking at the launch on July 1, 2026, Mr. Mark Muyobo, the Chief Executive Officer of NCBA, the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere Marathon, highlighted that the partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of education to shape the future.
He said “our partnership with Makerere University is founded on a shared conviction that education remains one of the greatest investments any nation can make. For generations, Makerere has produced leaders, innovators and professionals who continue to shape Uganda and Africa. Supporting its future is an investment in our country’s future.”
In an interview, the Managing Director Mr. Phrase Ronald Lubega emphasized that MTN Mobile Money is driven by the belief that every Ugandan deserves the benefit of a modern quality of life.
He stated that MTN aims to positively impact communities within Uganda, ensuring they are healthy, supported, and progressing. By focusing on these areas, the company believes they help communities serve the country more effectively.
Beyond their core mobile money services, Lubega highlights the importance of connecting people through initiatives like sports, which help individuals integrate and network. He explained that these connections are essential for innovation and moving forward.
Organised through the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) together with partners, this 6th edition will equip Makerere University’s Disability Support Centre and provide students with disabilities with assistive equipment that enables them to read, type, and hear university assignments and participate more fully in academic life.
This initiative reflects Makerere’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not become a barrier to accessing quality university education.
Photography by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
View Flickr Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD68fW
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