General
Prof. Nawangwe applauds the partnership between Makerere University & Mastercard Foundation
By Bernard Buteera
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has applauded the partnership that exists between Makerere University and Mastercard Foundation. He said this during the Networking luncheon he hosted in honour of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere, who won the Resolution Fellowship project at Baobab summit in Kigali.
“Mastercard Foundation is one of the biggest partners for Makerere University and we are so proud of this partnership which has borne a lot of fruit” Prof. Nawangwe said.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for being creative and innovative, and for making Uganda and Makerere University proud, when they won 6 out of the 9 Resolution projects that were given grants at the Baobab summit in Kigali.
“I would like to thank the young people whom we are celebrating today, who made me proud as the Vice Chancellor of Makerere, when they swept almost all the awards at the global stage” Prof. Nawangwe said. He further revealed that during the summit in Kigali, they kept reading Makerere University during the awarding of projects, and at some point he pretended not to be happy, because he was in the company of other Vice Chancellors, but inside of him he was beaming with joy.
”The Resolution social venture projects are extremely important in many ways; Firstly, they encourage young people to be creative and innovative, so that they are able to come with initiatives and projects, which enable them to create their own jobs, instead of moving around looking for jobs which have become fewer, while the population is growing.” Prof. Nawangwe emphasised.
On his part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, and also the Chairperson of the Steering Committee of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Umar Kakumba, applauded Mastercard Foundation for the support it renders to young people not only in Uganda and Makerere University, but also all over the world.
Prof. Kakumba further enumerated the different initiatives Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University which had created profound effect to the young people in Africa and Uganda in particular.
“As a country and specifically as Makerere University, we cannot run away from the idea of developing young people, because they are the current and next generation of leaders, innovators and change makers. We have a duty to skill, mentor and provide them with the continuous capacity to innovate and create economic opportunities for themselves and other young people.” Prof. Kakumba said.
Prof. Kakumba called upon the Makerere University community to emulate what Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program was doing in terms training and skilling the young people at Makerere University.
”The rest of the university faculty should emulate what Mastercard Foundation ScholarsProgram was doing, for instance every student of Makerere University should have a mentor, and also undergo entrepreneurship training.” Prof. Kakumba pointed out.
Prof. Kakumba further revaled that going forward Makerere University was going to adopt a strategy where the University would make Entrepreneurship as a first choice career pathway.
”We are all aware of the challenges of youth unemployment in Africa and Uganda in particular. As an institution of learning, Makerere University needs to normalize entrepreneurship as a first choice career pathway for all the graduates.” Prof. Kakumba said.
The Country Director, Mastercard Foundation – Uganda, Mr. Adrian Bukenya, revealed the Foundation was happy with the partnership with Makerere University, which dates back to 2013 with the establishment of the Scholars Program.
”Mastercard Foundation is proud of the partnership with Makerere University, which began with the Scholars Program in 2013, that has educated and empowered over 1000 young people to study at Makerere University.” Mr. Bukenya said.
Mr. Bukenya pointed out that the Foundation was happy to support young people beyond the Scholars Program, to ensute that every young person transitions to diginified and fullfilling work.
”As a Foundation we want a world where young people are included and are thriving and their leadership and contributions matter. A future where young people are driving transformative change and achieving their full potential.” Mr. Bukenya said.
Ms. Pauline Gangla,the Head of the Scholars Program, Eastern and Southern Africa Partner Network at Mastercard Foundation, thanked Makerere University for both the academic and entrepreneurship the university had imparted on the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.
“I would like to thank the University for the Academic Support and entrepreneurship training given to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation, here at Makerere University. During the summit it was evident in the way the Scholars pitched their projects, the level of confidence they exhibited was very high.” Ms. Gangla revealed.
Ms. Gangla pointed out that the Foundation was very keen on safe guarding measures, to ensure safety and security of the young in the University.
“The Foundation was keen on safe guarding measures, where there is zero tolerance to any form of misconduct against young people. Young people should be treated with respect and dignity within the University and their communities.” Ms. Gangla pointed out.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, thanked the University and the Foundation for the visionary partnership which has created profound impact in the University and the country in general.
“We are here to celebrate innovation and creativity exhibited by Mastercard Foundation Scholars over time since 2017, when Scholars started competing in the Resolution Venture Challenge, and all these are fruits of the visionary partnership between Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University.” Prof. Namaalwa revealed.
Prof. Namaalwa pointed out the Scholars Program at Makerere University was proud of the 21 Resolution Social Venture (SVC) projects and 46 Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund (SEF) which Scholars has established and were making profound impact in their communities. She further revealed that projects had created both personal social development for the Scholars and their communities. She thanked the Vice Chancellor and the entire management, the Steering Committee, the Mentors and all other stakeholders who had supported scholars to grow their projects.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
General
Minister Janet Museveni Lays Foundation Stone for School of Graduate Studies Building, Commissions the School of Law Building and the renovated Lumumba Hall
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has laid the foundation stone for Makerere University’s School of Graduate Studies building, whose construction is now underway.
The Minister laid the foundation stone for the USD8 million project during a brief function held on Wednesday 18th December 2024 at the site opposite Makerere University’s Lumumba Hall. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, University Council Chairperson Mrs. Lorna Magara, and Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
Others in attendance included Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Professor Henry Alinaitwe; Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi; University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda; Dean of Students Winfred Kabumbuli; Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba; and the Vice Guild President, Joy Eve Serunjogi among others.
The building is a donation (in-kind) from the late Hasmukh Patel, an industrialist and former Chairman of Tororo Cement who passed away on August 29, 2024, after a short illness. The journey to this befitting donation to Makerere University started in December 2022, when Hasmukh Patel accompanied by some members of his family and friends visited the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe to declare his donation. From December 2022, a number of meetings were convened involving the Minister of Education and Sports, the University leadership, Mr. Hasmukh Patel, his family and Tororo Cement regarding this donation. Living true to his commitment during those meetings, his family and Tororo Cement are implementing his wishes to construct the building, which will house the School of Graduate Studies at Makerere University.
Before laying the foundation stone for the School of Graduate Studies building, Hon. Janet Museveni first unveiled a plaque to officially open the new building for the School of Law. She then headed to Lumumba Hall, where she unveiled another plaque marking the completion of its renovation.
The First Lady, who had initially laid the foundation stone for the School of Law building on May 17, 2022, returned to the main campus to officially open the completed structure. Funded by the Government of Uganda to the tune of UGX 7.3 billion, the new three-storeyed building features lecture rooms, tutorial and seminar rooms, a library, a moot court, offices, a cafeteria, a lactation room, and other teaching and learning facilities. Construction was undertaken by M/S CK Associates, with Symbion serving as a consultant.
The renovation works for Lumumba Hall commenced in June 2023, with the site handed over to the contractor, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). Funded by the Government of Uganda to the tune of UGX 9 billion, the project involved extensive renovations to restore Lumumba Hall to its original splendor. Lumumba Hall now accommodates about 725 students.
Lumumba Hall was the first hall of residence to undergo renovation, followed by Mary Stuart Hall, which has also been handed over to NEC for refurbishment. These renovations, which began last year, are a result of the Government of Uganda’s efforts to improve the nine (9) halls of residence at the main campus.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Janet Museveni thanked the University Council and management for their dedication to rebuilding the institution. She expressed confidence that the physical restoration efforts would also rebuild the character of young people.
“There is a restoration of dignity that comes to an institution or a community when we choose to rebuild and it is not only physical, there is a spiritual restoration that comes as well. For Nehemiah, it was not just the rebuilding of a physical wall it was the rebuilding of broken lives and a broken covenant. It was the rolling away of the reproach they had suffered as a nation,” she said.
Adding; “I therefore salute the Council and the management of Makerere for your dedication to the rebuilding of this University. I am confident that as you rebuild physically, you are rebuilding the character of our young people. My prayer is that the physical restoration is translating into the spiritual restoration of this great institution.”
The first lady, Hon. Janet Museveni recalled her earlier visit to Makerere University, where she observed the dilapidated state of the halls of residence, which prompted her to initiate the renovation works.
“I remember taking a tour of the halls of residence in this University and Kyambogo University in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. My heart bled when I saw the state of the halls of residence. Like Nehemiah, I took my burden to the Lord and now see what the Lord has done! Commissioning of the refurbished Lumumba Hall today is a testament to the faithfulness of our God. It is even more gratifying to know that other projects are ongoing and these include: the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall, the construction of the Perimeter Wall, and improvements at the University Hospital, including setting up an operating theatre and ICU.” She said.
Hon. Janet Museveni also expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, for his leadership, which facilitated the realization of the Tororo Cement project. “This Project would not have been possible without the guidance and leadership of the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Nawangwe, who drew my attention to this offer by Tororo Cement, and requested me to endorse this Project, which will be named after Mr. Hamukh Patel,” she said.
Adding: “I am informed that the construction of this building is estimated to cost 8 Million US dollars and will consist of: lecture and seminar rooms, smart classrooms, laboratories, an innovation space, a conference hall, offices and other facilities. We remain forever grateful for this donation, which will increase access and contribute to improving the quality of postgraduate education.”
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe commended Hon. Janet Museveni for prioritizing the development of Makerere University, which has seen remarkable progress under her leadership. “Hon. Minister, from the time you took over the Office of Minister of Education and Sports and the Higher Education Sector, Makerere University in particular has transformed tremendously. Most notable is the infrastructure revolution at Makerere. On several occasions, you have come to Makerere to lay the foundations for new buildings and to open completed buildings, including our iconic Main Administration Building,” he said.
“When you inspected the halls of residence in 2021, I could see the frustration in your eyes, looking at the dilapidated state the halls were in, especially Lumumba, part of which had been condemned for 2 years,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
“Hon. Minister, I am sure that today, after seeing the glamorous new building for the School of Law and the glittering renovated Lumumba Hall, you are in a completely different mood compared to that visit in 2021. We are as delighted as you must be and your efforts are the reason for our happiness today. Our law students and professors can now comfortably study, work and conduct research in the best building for any school of law that I have seen,” Prof Nawangwe added.
Reflecting on the Graduate School Building, Prof. Nawangwe recalled when he received a proposal from Mr. Hasmukh Patel in 2022 who had initially intended to donate the Main Administration Building, which had been destroyed by fire, but opted to donate School of Graduate Studies Building after finding that the main building reconstruction had already started.
“Hon. Minister, in the morning of 13th December 2022, a miracle happened in my office in the Frank Kalimuzo Building. General David Muhoozi and Major General Apollo Gowa walked into my office with the Late Hasmukh Patel. Gen. Muhoozi introduced Mr. Hasmukh Patel as the Chairman of Tororo Cement, who after learning about the destruction by a fire of our Main Administration Building, expressed the wish to reconstruct that iconic building. On reaching Makerere, Mr. Hasmukh Patel found a contractor already on site, and he told us, that he would all the same donate a building to Makerere University as a gift on our 100th anniversary,” Prof Nawangwe said.
“He said it in such a simple way, that I thought I was dreaming. That evening, at the invitation of Mr. Patel, I visited the building that Mr. Patel had built for a school at Bukoto and I told him that a similar building for Makerere would be just what we needed for our School of Graduate Studies and Research that we needed. The University Council unanimously voted to thank Mr. Patel for his magnanimous offer and, you, Maama Janet graciously endorsed the project. I later visited Mr. Patel in Mombasa and was amazed at the humanitarian work he was doing among the communities. He was such a rare human being,” Professor revealed.
“Today we are here to witness the laying of the foundation stone for this, the largest academic building at Makerere University, and the first such donation I know by an African philanthropist to a university in Africa. The building will have lecture and seminar rooms, a conference hall, innovation spaces, PhD student rooms, computer and other laboratories, a restaurant, staff offices and other facilities. I thank Tororo Cement and the family of the Late Hasmukh Patel for honoring his wish and I wish to assure Mr. Patel, who must be in heaven smiling at us, that we will honor his legacy in this building and that we will put the building to its best use in the service of humanity, which is what Mr. Patel lived for,” Prof Nawangwe added.
On her part, the state Minister for Primary Education, Honorable Joyce Moriku Kaducu acknowledged Hon. Janet Museveni for prioritizing the Education sector in her leadership, which has led to the tremendously development of the sector.
“On behalf of the education sector, we want to thank you as the mother of the nation, indeed you are a big gift and a blessing to the nation and education at large, all this achievement would not have been possible if it was not under your visionary leadership and the guidance you have offered,” Minister Kaducu said.
Hon. Kaducu also hailed Makerere University for playing a very critical role in sensitizing, disseminating knowledge, and raising awareness to the public on the message of the Parish Development Model, which is intended to create wealth among citizens.
“As President Museveni is preaching the message of wealth creation, I want in a special way to thank Makerere University for playing a very critical role in sensitizing, disseminating knowledge, and raising awareness to the public on the message of the Parish Development Model (PDM), and they have a committee that monitors and informs government. They are indeed part of the team promoting wealth creation in this country,” she said.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Council said that the construction of the Graduate studies building speaks to the University’s mission of being a research-led institution because it comes as a dedicated building to house the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, which marks the resolution of a critical gap in our institutional framework
“At the heart of Makerere University’s current strategy is the promotion of a research-led institution, with a strong focus on graduate training. The establishment of a dedicated facility for the School of Graduate Studies, which also houses the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, marks the resolution of a critical gap in our institutional framework. The late Patel’s timely and generous contribution will undoubtedly advance graduate training and research for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional support,” she said.
Mr. Manish Varsani who represented the Patel family took the first lady through how Mr. Hasmukh Patel started the idea of donating the building to Makerere. He explained that, Mr. Patel intended to present a gift that was coming from the bottom of his heart, and he teamed up with General Muhoozi who led him to Prof. Nawangwe’s office.
He also recalled when Mr. Patel met H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Museveni in Bukoto where he (Patel) had donated a building to a school and told the President that he would want to donate the same building to Makerere University as a gift to the First Lady Janet Museveni because he loved her so much, and in response, the President said he would take the message back to the First Lady.
The Guild President Lubega Vincent Nsamba asked the First Lady to consider constructing another hall of residence for the female students to solve what he described as an accommodation imbalance.
“Maama Janet Museveni, allow me to report to you that we still have only three halls of residence gazetted for female students against the six halls of residence gazetted for male students. These halls of residences were built back in colonial and independent times when the female students were fewer compared to their male counterparts, and to me Maama, this accommodation imbalance is something that should be addressed,” he stated.
“To me Maama, this speaks to the sense of how there is a dire need to invest in another additional hall of residence for the girl child here at Makerere University, and Maama, without any fear of contradiction, we humbly request that you consider building an additional hall of residence named after you in recognition of the contribution and honor of the service you have made for this country as a mother and as an educator,” he said.
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