General
MURBS Trustees Declare 11.05% Interest on Members Balances for the FY 2021/2022
The Board of Trustees for the Makerere University Retirements Benefits Scheme (MURBS) has declared an interest of 11.05% on members’ balances for the financial year starting 1st July, 2021 to 30th June, 2022.
The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Godwin Kakuba made this declaration during the Presentation of the MURBS Performance for the Financial year ending 30th June 2022 to members of the University Council and Management at a meeting held on 18th October 2022 at Makerere University Telepresence Centre, Senate Building. The meeting was graced by Makerere University Council Members, the Vice Chancellor and members of management, the CEO Uganda Retirements Benefits Authority Mr. Martin. A Nsubuga, the CEO of the Insurance Company of East Africa and leaders of staff associations. Other members present were Trustees of MURBS, MURBS departmental Ambassadors, staff of Makerere university and MURBS among others.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Kakuba highlighted that given what has been happening on local and international market and the impact caused by the COVID pandemic, the declared interest is above the inflation rate implying that members contributions have been well preserved. He revealed that for 1,116 members of staff, the interest generated through the scheme investments and credited on their accounts is more than contributions received from the university.
The Board also confirmed that Makerere University remitted all the contributions that were due for the entire Financial year. Members funds grew from UGX 255bn to 299bn supported by the increase in contributions and positive returns from investments and is projected to hit a trillion by 30th June 2026.
Dr. Kakuba reported that the schemes accounts were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Certified Public Accountants who issued unqualified opinion on the financial statements. He said the scheme membership increased by 1000. As at 30th June 2022, the scheme had 7, 162 (active 3,093 and Deferred -4,069) members compared to 5,984(Active -2007 and Deferred -3907) as at 30th June 2021.
“The Trustees collected contributions totaling UGX 33.5bn as compared to UGX 24.5bn for the FY 2020/2021. Out of the 33.5bn, UGX 29.4bn was paid in respect of staff of Makerere university on main payroll except UGX 82.5m. The Trustees appreciate this compliance and are also grateful for the plans drawn to settle the difference. The Trustees thank the Makerere University for honouring these obligations,” he commended.
Dr. Kakuba appreciated the University Management for the progress made towards debt recoveries. The Trustees recovered UGX 6.5bn in respect of the In-house debt and thus, combined with UGX 5bn paid by Government on 20th May 2021, the scheme recovered UGX 11.5bn by 30th June 2022. Dr. Kakuba reported that on 4th August 2022, the Government paid UGX 1.5bn, bringing the cumulative amount recovered to UGX 13bn representing 51% total debt recoveries expressing hope that the balance of 12.4bn will also be cleared.
“The members’ funds grew from UGX 255bn at the start of the FY 2021/2022 to UGX 299bn at the end. This growth was supported by the increase in contributions and positive returns from investments. During the year, trustees approved investments in Unit Trusts which created an avenue for the scheme to maximise opportunities for daily cash contributions. The scheme’s strategy to significantly divest from equities continues to cushion our assets against volatility.” part of the statement reads.
Reporting on the effect of Fund value and return on investment on individual members, Dr. Kakuba noted that MURBs now has a member holding benefits in excess of UGX 400m while the average of the top five holdings exceeds UGX 398m. He promised that the Trustees will strive to push the member with the biggest member holding to hit 0.5bn mark over the next 12 months.
Kakuba also reported that for the past years the scheme has been voluntarily participating in Financial Reporting competitions to gauge its standard of financial reporting as compared to other financial institutions in the country with emphasis on the disclosures made in the report, governance, sustainability, communication and presentation of the accounts.
“With respect to the 2020 Annual report, MURBS again emerged winner in the Retirement Benefits Sector category. These awards are a confirmation that MURBS is on the right course. We are proud to have our scheme as a leader of the pension scheme,” said Dr. Kakuba.
Chairperson of Council satisfied with the interest of 11.05%, cautions staff on Mid Term
Access
In a speech read by Prof. Frank Mwine, the Chairperson Makerere University Council Mrs. Magara congratulated MURBS upon its consistent commitment on accountability to the stakeholders, subjecting the books accounts for auditing by a reputable firm, participating in the Financial reporting competitions and winning five awards.
The Chairperson of Council commended the Trustees for the positive performance indicators, a growing fund and membership, diversified investments, the growing net return on investment and competent return on investment. As leaders in the pension sector, the Chair implored the scheme to keep the position and support other retirement benefits schemes in Uganda to improve.
“I have noted that you have declared less interest this year than last year., but considering the economy and market conditions during the 2021/2022 Financial Year, I am satisfied that the interest 11.05% is a good return. So, our Trustees have done very well and as Council, we agree that this performance has added value on each members holding in MURBS.”
The Chairperson of Council reminded the Trustees to be aware that handling mandatory contributions requires a great deal of care. She implored the Trustees to take the highest level of due diligence as they work with service providers in the sector noting that there is no greater pain to an employee than to be told some of the money was lost in some not-so-clear investments.
In her speech, Mrs. Magara also encouraged staff and retirees not to spend a big part of the retirement package and to take advantage of the MURBS Annuity program in order to have a comfortable retirement. She reasoned that given the rate at which the scheme fund is growing, and the benefits they have, it’s likely that annuity pay-outs will soon be able to match a retirees exit salary for many members. She asked Trustees to sensitize members on the benefits of annuities.
The Chairperson of Council reminded MURBS members that there has been early access to retirement benefits before in Makerere and this has been one of the main reasons senior staff may be still having smaller packages for retirement and some members ending up accusing the university for giving them peanuts at the end of service.
Mrs. Magara cautioned and expressed concern about whispers of MURBS members getting early access to and part of their retirement money on the pretext of hardships faced during the lockdown years of COVID 19.
“I am not convinced this is a good idea for the members of MURBS since the university was able to pay full salaries during that time. The idea of midterm access coming out of a one–time event called COVID 19 should not become entrenched into long term scheme rules. I will therefore caution you to be very careful with this idea and sensitize members of MURBS,” she guided.
MURBS performance-a relief and in line with Council’s objectives – Mak VC
Describing MURBS as the brain child of the Makerere University Council established 12 years ago, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the purpose was to ensure that staff lived decent lives in retirement. Prof. Nawangwe reported that the status of the scheme was last year boosted when the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development exempted the University from mandatory contributions to NSSF, making handling of mandatory retirements benefits easier and adding value to the university employees.
Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the Trustees upon the excellent performance saying, the good results presented met the original objectives of the University Council. “It is so gratifying to hear that there are more than 60 employees whose retirement packages are over 300m but are still working and some still below 50 years. This was unthinkable a few years ago. It is good to hear that over 1000 individuals have received more interest than their contributions in this financial year. This is a big achievement for a University that used to suffer negative publicity on the basis of retirement packages of her employees,” Prof. Nawangwe stated.
Prof. Nawangwe recalled that 12 years ago MURBS started with less than UGX 20bn but now holds, over UGX 300bn and receiving monthly contributions over UGX 2bn. He reminded participants that this is part of the potential he was referring to while starting his first term as Vice Chancellor.
“You may also recall that unlocking the potential within Makerere University was top of my agenda. In the case of social security of staff, this is being done every month when more than UGX 2bn is invested by our own scheme and for repayment of university debt. In addition, I promised to prioritise repayment of university debt.”
The Vice Chancellor, expressed happiness that the University with support from Government completed paying all debts for the period between 2005 and 2011 and has now repaid UGX13bn of in-house debt pledging that the balance is expected to be cleared in less than two years.
Vice Chancellor challenges staff to face the challenges of the century squarely
Turning to the staff, the Vice Chancellor stressed that with the completion of celebrations of 100 years of excellent service to humanity, Makerere University has a firm foundation on which to build.
“It is now time to face the challenges of the century squarely. We owe it to the Ugandan tax payer and to the Government of Uganda to come up with innovations that will solve the problems that our people are facing,” Prof. Nawangwe said adding:
“The Government has consistently been increasing funding towards universities. So, Universities too, and Makerere in particular, need to support government development programmes for the country by finding real solutions that impact lives and transform society. Let us nature the good relationship that exists between Government and Makerere university,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe commended the University Council and Management for the support accorded to MURBS saying, they have worked with the Trustees over many complicated matters and were going to continue working together in other matters such as the amendment of the Trust Deed of MURBS as the new dispensation requires.
MURBS has a formidable team and experts –CEO UBRA
The Chief Executive Officer Uganda Benefits Regulatory authority, Mr. Martin A. Nsubuga congratulated Makerere University upon holding the centennial celebrations successfully. Mr. Nsubuga also congratulated the MURBS for the wonderful performance.
“For people in this Market, declaring the interest of 11. 05% in the era of COVID and the market dynamics that were present, I really have to congratulate you. You have a very good formidable team with very good experts.”
Re-affirming the position of the Trustees on the interest declared and investments made, Mr. Nsubuga said: “On our side, we can only confirm that the numbers that have been declared are consistent with what we had anticipated. Just to confirm to you when we came here we know where your money is invested with almost 80 % in fixed assets and we know how they are trading, we had an idea and we would have been disappointed if they had declared anything less than 10%.”
Mr. Nsubuga commended MURBS Trustees for upholding good governance standards saying, they are reliable, the reason why they were recommended to become an in dependent pension scheme.
He said as a regulator, they were proud of MURBS credibility in her Financial statements describing the performance as unrivalled as far as the standard, disclosures and the returns are concerned.
He appreciated the University Management and Council for the support rendered to the scheme, fulfilling the contribution obligation and enabling the scheme to operate and perform without influence.
Mr. Nsubuga also commended the schemes foresightedness. He implored staff and Trustees to make an arrangement to work with ICEA and and purchase annuities so that they can receive monthly payments throughout their lifetime.
By: Jane Anyango and Ritah Namisango
General
Meet Sedrick Nuwagaba, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni Contributing to Uganda’s Oil & Gas Industry
Sedrick Nuwagaba, a 35-year-old petroleum engineer, is actively contributing his expertise to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, which regulates the oil and gas sector. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production from Makerere University in 2021, an opportunity he accessed through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Sedrick’s educational qualifications and professional responsibilities exemplify his commitment to advancing Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
Who is Sedrick Nuwagaba?
Sedrick was born on February 1, 1990, in Kashari, located within the Mbarara district of Western Uganda. He spent his early childhood in a large family, where he faced many challenges that shaped his resilient character. By the age of 14, Sedrick had become the primary breadwinner for his immediate family, comprising his mother and two sisters. His unwavering commitment to their well-being remains evident to this day.
To support his family during these formative years, Sedrick took on a variety of jobs in his community. These early experiences cultivated in him resilience and tenacity, qualities that have significantly contributed to his success as a petroleum engineer.
Following these family challenges, Sedrick and his immediate family relocated from Kashari to a new area in what is now Lyantonde district, where they continue to reside. His journey not only reflects personal growth but also underscores a steadfast commitment to uplifting those around him.
Early Education
The implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda in 1997 was a pivotal development for Sedrick, facilitating his enrollment at St. Martin Lyantonde Primary School at the age of seven, which was conveniently located near his residence. Sedrick expresses deep appreciation for this initiative, commenting, “Without UPE, I might not have had the opportunity to pursue my education. It truly opened the door for me to attend school and engage in learning.” Despite confronting considerable challenges, including a lack of necessities such as food, Sedrick distinguished himself academically. He achieved top candidate status among UPE schools in his district, earning an impressive seven aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations—a remarkable accomplishment given the adversities he faced.
Pursuing Secondary Education
Sedrick faced significant challenges after earning 7 points in the Primary Leaving Examinations, as he was unable to secure a bursary. At that time, alternative arrangements for Universal Secondary Education were limited, which made it difficult for him to continue his education. However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, Sedrick sought work at 14 to fund his secondary education. Through his determination and resourcefulness, he enrolled at Victoria Western College, a small private school in his area, where he attended for three years, reaching Form 3.
Although financial barriers hindered his progress to Form 4, Sedrick’s journey shows his dedication to education and his ability to overcome adversity. Fortunately, his elder half-brother, a businessman in the neighbouring town of Mbarara, reached out and helped him enrol in Form 4 at Kashari Secondary School in Mbarara in 2007.
Embarking on a Journey to Iraq in Search of Opportunity
In 2008, facing difficulties in pursuing his education, Sedrick made the brave decision to take up a security job during the conflict in Iraq between 2003 and 2011. At that time, many young Ugandans were recruited to provide buffer security support to the U.S. military in Iraq. During his time in Iraq, Sedrick not only earned a stable income to support his family but also cared for his mother and funded his two sisters’ education, ultimately improving their lives. Unfortunately, his contract ended in 2010, and he had to return to Uganda to write the next chapter of his life.
Joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
Upon returning to Uganda after his experience in the Iraq War, Sedrick recognised that education was the key to transforming his life. With a determined mindset, he committed himself to his studies, understanding the long-lasting impact they could have on his future. Thanks to his perseverance and the relationships he had built, Sedrick obtained a bursary from a religious organisation, enabling him to resume his high school education six years after his last time in school.
In 2015, he completed his high school education at Namirembe Hillside, where he studied Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. With 15 points in his final exams, he was admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
“Participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University significantly changed my life. For the first time, I was free from the constant worries about necessities like food and shelter. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provided me with a supportive environment that allowed me to focus on my education and personal growth,” Sedrick shared.
Life After Makerere University
In 2020, after graduating, Sedrick had the opportunity to intern at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) in the Reservoir Engineering section. During his internship, he demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in the oil and gas sector. His performance led to his promotion to a Graduate Trainee, which provided him with valuable experiential learning and expanded his exposure within the industry. This experience ultimately paved the way for his recruitment as a Petroleum Engineer at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, where he now contributes to the regulation of petroleum exploration activities in the country.
Impact on the Community
Upon graduating from university, Sedrick took a proactive approach that set him apart from his peers. He launched Kleanerman, a social venture project designed to have a positive impact on his community. This initiative provides valuable short-term, on-demand domestic services—such as home cleaning, laundry, and babysitting—catering to the needs of busy city residents. Through Kleanerman, Sedrick has successfully created employment opportunities for several young men and women in his community of Kanyanya, fostering both economic growth and personal development.
Due to his own challenges during his educational journey, he has developed a deep commitment to helping other young people facing difficulties with school expenses. To date, he has successfully supported seven young individuals in his Lyantonde community, guiding them from primary through secondary education. His long-term goal is to establish a charitable organisation dedicated to providing young people facing barriers to education with the resources they need to access quality education.
Looking into the Future
Sedrick is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. He, along with his colleagues, is focused on ensuring that Uganda achieves its inaugural oil production by 2026.
“Each day, our collective efforts are directed toward successfully introducing Uganda’s first oil into the market by the end of 2026, and expanding the country’s petroleum resource base by discovering more oil reserves,” Sedrick states with evident pride. He is also committed to advancing his career in the oil and gas industry. From his earnings, he has enrolled for a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geosciences at Makerere University to deepen his skills and expertise in the sector.
Message to his fellow young people
Sedrick urges the current Mastercard Foundation Scholars enrolled in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, as well as those at other universities, to make the most of the support provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He emphasises the importance of engaging in capacity-building sessions, skill development programs, mentorship opportunities, and psychosocial support. Sedrick asserts that this comprehensive support framework has been instrumental in transforming his life and shaping who he is today.
He references a quotation that has become a guiding principle in his life: “Until death, all defeat is psychological.” Through this quotation, he seeks to inspire his peers to persevere, emphasising the notion that individuals can always recover and succeed despite the myriad challenges they may encounter in their initial endeavours.
Words of Gratitude
“The impact of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program on my life is profound and transformative. I am sincerely grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and to the Mastercard Foundation as a whole. It is my hope and prayer that the Foundation continues to make a positive difference in the lives of numerous young individuals, particularly within the African continent.” Sedrick emphasises.
His supervisor speaks out
Sedrick’s immediate supervisor, Mr Derrick Katusiime, the Senior Petroleum Engineer in the Directorate of Exploration at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, was full of praise for him both at work and outside.
“Sedrick is very sociable and gets along well with everyone here at work, and his technical skills in just two years are impressive,” Mr. Katusiime pointed out.
Mr Katusiime further revealed that Sedrick champions values of integrity, active listening, and being an excellent team player. He goes the extra mile to complete tasks, takes on multiple responsibilities, and demonstrates humility and eagerness to learn.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
A few weeks shy of celebrating a decade of advancing lung health for all through research, training and patient care, the Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI) on 4th November 2025 unveiled a landmark expansion project, set to provide world-class care and contribute to global lung health research. The proposed six-level facility will house the Centre for Advanced Pulmonary and Intensive Care (CAPIC), Centre for Clinical Investigation (CCI), and Centre for Capacity Enhancement (CCE). Upon completion these units will deliver advanced respiratory care, cutting-edge research, and specialist training for pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and respiratory scientists. MLI’s year-long celebrations of a decade of existence will culminate in a grand event to be held on 27th and 28th November 2025.
Officials laud MLI Milestones
Addressing officials at the site handover ceremony who included the Executive Director, Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH)-Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Chairperson MLI Board of Directors-Prof. Charles Ibingira, Founder and Director MLI-Prof. Bruce Kirenga among others, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended MLI on milestones such as treating 20,000 patients to-date. “Thank you Prof. Kirenga for having the vision to start and grow the Lung Institute, and to hear that you have already raised some of the funds to commence this phase of the project is commendable,” Prof. Nawangwe lauded.
The MLI Expansion Project (MEP) is valued at UGX 66.84Bn (US$18.06M) comprising of construction of a 5,139sqm building valued at US14.04 M, specialist training valued at US$ 1.43M, and equipment valued at US$2.59M. It will be located on Mulago Hill on land allocated by the MNRH Board of Directors, a gesture the Vice Chancellor sincerely appreciated the Executive Director Dr. Byanyima for.
“Thank you for offering this land Dr. Byanyima. Makerere University and Mulago National Referral Hospital as top institutions our country must work together because if Makerere succeeds at conducting research, the hospital benefits” added Prof. Nawangwe.
MLI’s Role in Advancing Lung Health
Dr. Byanyima in her remarks acknowledged that it was during the CoVID-19 pandemic that the importance of lung health and the role played by MLI was brought to the fore. “But I’m glad that (pandemic) made the Lung Institute grow stronger and on the Hill (Mulago) when we have a unit growing stronger, we have an obligation to support it, not that we abdicate our responsibilities, but we know that it is shared responsibility.”
She therefore thanked Prof. Kirenga for his foresightedness in always thinking of projects that benefit the public. “Mulago Hill does not expand; there are many needs and as MNRH we are looking for land elsewhere. So for the Lung Institute to have been given an opportunity to get a few square metres is because you showed justified cause,” complimented Dr. Byanyima.
The Chairperson MLI Board acknowledged that the Lung Institute has not only received support from MNRH but from its mother Ministry of Health, and other Government entities such as the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, which is supporting MLI’s Clinical Trials Centre and the current expansion project. Prof. Ibigira equally thanked the University for the good policies that facilitate the creation and growth of centres of excellence.
“As the board, we pledge to ensure that this expansion project is executed with excellence, transparency and timeliness, and look forward to a facility that will stand as a beacon of hope in innovation and global excellence in lung health” remarked Prof. Ibingira.
In his remarks, Prof. Bruce Kirenga noted that it is critical that centres of excellence such as MLI are located around MNRH so as to synergize general and specialized healthcare services offered to the public. He therefore thanked Dr. Byanyima and the MNRH Board for not only allocating land for MLI’s expansion but also the two buildings within the Hospital complex that have boosted Institute operations since its founding in 2015.
“These two buildings house the Clinical Trials Ward and the Vaccine House, which is the biggest cold room for vaccines in the country apart from National Medical Stores. This has enhanced our capability in research, storage of vaccines, and most importantly, we can also store a large amount of investigational vaccines, and right now we are being profiled as a centre for stockpiling investigational vaccines on the continent” Prof. Kirenga elaborated, before adding “and we have the largest specialist clinic in the region for treating people with complex lung diseases.”
Scope of works
According to Eng. Ezra Sekadde, Head of the Project Management Team, the construction phase of the MEP has been divided into three stages; 1a to renovate an existing onsite structure for MLI operations, 1b to construct the six-level facility, and 2 to complete internal and external finishes as well as concrete paving and access road works.
Construction will be undertaken by CK Associates within a period of seven months. The Fundraising Committee for the MEP will be chaired by Prof. Tonny Oyana, the Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
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