General
292 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Graduate at Mak 73rd Graduation
By Bernard Buteera
It was pomp and fanfare as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCFSP) at Makerere University celebrated the graduation of its highest number of Scholars, during the 73rd Graduation ceremony at Makerere University. The Program held a grand celebration on 17th February 2023 at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala for the 292 Scholars who completed their academic programmes in 2022. This brings the total number of MCFSP alumni to 788.
Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, the Chairperson of the MCFSP Advisory Board and Vice Chairperson of Makerere University Council who presided over the ceremony called upon the graduates to be humble, honest, hardworking and focused in order to achieve their goals. “Humility will open doors for you on top your academic credentials” Rt. Hon. Kidega remarked.
He further appealed to the graduates to strategically redesign their career journeys with a focus on five Ps- purpose, people, performance, practice and partnerships.
“There are many things that will make you succeed in life but critical among them is focus; if you go everywhere and follow everyone, you will end up nowhere” Rt. Hon. Kidega counseled.
He reminded Scholars that education was a powerful weapon which they can use to change the world. “As Mastercard Foundation Scholars, this is the opportunity for you to change the world; make all the years of education and empowerment count by transforming your communities, country and the continent of Africa.” Rt. Hon. Kidega remarked.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, in a speech read for him by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba, applauded the Mastercard Foundation for the support it renders to young people not only in Uganda and Makerere University, but also all over the world.
“I applaud the support of the Mastercard Foundation that has enabled over 1,000 young people to realize their education dreams at Makerere University, as well as other young people across the world through other partner universities” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
Prof. Nawangwe, called upon the graduates to make good use of the knowledge and skills they acquired through their respective academic programmes to transform the world.
“You have been equipped with the relevant skillset and determination to make a real difference in a world that is in desperate need of young, energetic and innovative change agents. As you transition into the world of work, seek to remain responsible and compassionate leaders committed to social and economic transformation.” Prof. Nawangwe urged.
On his part, as the Chairperson of the MCFSP Steering Committee, Prof. Umar Kakumba, urged graduates to tap into the various opportunities that the Scholars Program presents to them both during and after their University.
“The Scholars Program is uniquely designed to provide the Scholars with holistic support which includes Mentorship and career guidance, Entrepreneurship, Psychosocial support, Counseling and social support services, as well as experiential learning through volunteerism, Graduate internship opportunities, and job placements through its network of partners. I urge our graduates to make use of these opportunities” Prof. Kakumba remarked.
The Country Director, Mastercard Foundation – Uganda, Mr. Adrian Bukenya noted the partnership with Makerere University since 2013 has been outstanding.
”Mastercard Foundation is proud of the partnership with Makerere University, which began with the Scholars Program in 2013, that has educated and empowered over 1,000 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 ensure that every young person transitions to dignified and fulfilling 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.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, informed the gathering that the graduation celebration was not mere merrymaking, but a moment of tangible accountability to the stakeholders of the Scholars Program.
“This day is an opportunity for us to congratulate 292 Scholars (243 Females and 49 Males) upon successfully completing their undergraduate studies, reflect on their journey as they pursued their degree programs, and a great moment to provide tangible accountability to our partner- Mastercard Foundation.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa further revealed that the Scholars excellent academic performance during the 73rd graduation ceremony was clear testimony that there is no correlation between academic brilliance and economic barriers.
“Economic barriers have no correlation with brilliance. All that the youth in economically constrained environments need is an opportunity to access education and they shall be able to contribute to transforming society,” Prof. Namaalwa summed up.
Speaking on behalf of their fellow Scholars, the three representatives; Mr. Ngobi Ambrose, Ms. Juliet Namukhula and Ms. Ajok Mary Valentino, expressed gratitude to Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for the visionary partnership, which had enabled them to attain university education. They called upon their fellow Scholars to continue with the values of Mastercard Foundation, especially the spirit of giving back to the community.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University graduated 292 Scholars out of which 14 attained First Class honours in their respective academic programmes.
This brings the total number of graduates to 788, which is 76% of the 1,032 Scholars who were recruited on the Program.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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