Hon. John Bosco Ngoya (7th Left), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (4th Right), Prof. Justine Namaalwa (Left) with raffle draw winners and officials at the Open Day on 2nd September 2023.
On Saturday 3rd September 2023, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University held its 2nd edition of the Annual Community Open Day. The event took place at the Freedom Square, Makerere University. The Community Open Day is an annual event that brings together all Scholars, Alumni, Staff, Mentors, and Partners of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the entire Makerere University Community, to network and deliberate on ideas for uplifting vulnerable communities.
While addressing the gathering, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, pointed out that the Community Open Day was a platform for the Scholars Program to connect with the community.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Program Coordinator.
“The purpose of the Annual Community Open Day is to bring together the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation and the entire University Community to push the agenda of transforming our vulnerable communities.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed out.
Prof. Namaalwa further spelled out the objectives of the Annual Community Open Day as;
To create a platform for Scholars and Alumni to meet and Network.
To provide a platform for young Entrepreneurs to showcase their enterprises, market their products and motivate other young entrepreneurs.
Fundraise for Community give back and community service.
Create awareness about the Scholars Program activities and ethos at Makerere University
Encourage individual alumni and Scholars to give back to their communities.
Some of the exhibitors during the event.
Prof. Namaalwa further highlighted a number of community-transforming initiatives that Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University had carried out in the recent past just to put a smile on people in vulnerable communities.
She singled out a borehole construction project that Scholars and alumni gifted the community in Iganga district, which previously never had access to clean water. She also highlighted the construction of classroom blocks at Kibaale Primary School, in Mityana district, and St. Katherine Primary School in Agago district.
Some of the alumni who graced the event.
Prof. Namaalwa then pointed out that the 2023 Community Open Day was a pitch to raise funds to construct a class block as well as purchase desks, and chairs for Achukudu Community Primary School, in Napak District, Karamoja sub-region.
“Our pitch today is to ask all people of goodwill to join us to raise funds to construct a classroom block for the young children in Karamoja so that they can have the opportunity to learn in a friendly environment.” Prof. Namaalwa pleaded.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration (DVCFA).
On his part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, who represented the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, congratulated the Scholars Program and the Program team for coming up with initiatives like the Community Open Day, which aim at uplifting the lives of vulnerable people.
“On behalf of the University Management, I would like to congratulate and thank the Scholars Program community and the Scholars Program team for initiating such events, which aim at uplifting the lives of the vulnerable people in our communities.” Prof. Alinaitwe remarked.
Hon. John Bosco Ngoya (2nd Right), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (2nd L), Prof. Justine Namaalwa (Right) and another official tour the exhibition.
He further thanked Mastercard Foundation as a whole for the continuous support it has offered to young people in Africa to enable them to attain quality education across different universities including Makerere University.
Prof. Alinaitwe was particularly thrilled by the idea of constructing a classroom block for the young people in the Karamoja sub-region.
A member of the Alumni (Standing) interacts with Scholars.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation for the foresight and championing such community transformation, especially the project of constructing a class bock for the vulnerable young people in the Karamoja sub-region.” He remarked.
Prof. Alinaitwe urged the Scholars Community and the Program team to ensure that quality work is done when the construction of the classroom block commences, and he made a cash contribution of Four hundred thousand shillings (400,000/=) towards the cause.
Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, Member of parliament for Bokora County, Napak District.
The Member of Parliament for Bokora County- Napak District, Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, who was the Chief Guest at the Open Day thanked Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for the visionary partnership that has changed the lives of many vulnerable young people in Uganda and Africa.
“I would like to thank Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for the visionary partnership that has transformed the lives of many vulnerable young people in Uganda and Africa.” Hon. Ngoya remarked.
A member of the Alumni interacts with some of the exhibitors during the event.
Hon. Ngoya further thanked the Scholars and alumni Community of the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University for choosing to construct a class at Achukudu Primary School in Napak district.
“You have chosen the right community to support, Achukudu Primary School is located at the extreme end of Napak district, which serves over 40,000 people and is shared by three districts” Hon. Ngoya pointed out.
Mr. Okello Godfrey, President of the Scholars Association addressing the gathering.
Hon. Ngoya called upon all other good Samaritans to emulate the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University in touching lives and transforming communities.
The honorable Member of Parliament made a personal pledge of One million shillings (1,000,000/=) towards the classroom block construction.
Some of the alumni who graced the event show their passion.
The event was graced by a number of Scholars, Alumni, Mentors, University staff students, and Partners. Among the Partners who made financial contributions towards the class block construction included; DFCU Bank, Post Bank, URA, Katumba Estates, Footsteps Furniture Ltd, and Sion Travels Ltd.
The event was punctuated with a lot of activities and fun which included; Aerobics, a treasure hunt, fun games, exhibitions, and a raffle draw in which guests won different prizes. The next Community Open Day will take place in September 2024.
One of the raffle draw winners receives her prize.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The Office of the Academic Registrar,Makerere University has released lists for the recommended for change of course/ programme for Degree/Diploma Scheme and Direct entry for Private/Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026.
The lists released can be accessed by following the respective links below:
Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), has signed an open Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This MoU is one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global collaborations and research partnerships.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s recent centenary celebrations as a testament to its long and influential history in Africa. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serious, research-driven collaboration, noting Makerere’s aspiration to become a leading student-centered research university that develops solutions to regional challenges.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks ahead of the MoU signing.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere’s research addresses critical issues such as widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture, rapid population growth, and political interference in production. These challenges, he explained, call for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger health systems to address emerging diseases, and more inclusive governance. He further observed that Africa’s ambitious goal of producing one million PhDs in the next decade remains constrained by inadequate supervision capacity across the continent, stressing that collaborations like this MoU are key to bridging that gap.
EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Sewanyana, described the signing as particularly significant for EPRC and its Board of Directors as they embark on a new five-year strategic plan (2025/26–2029/30). She explained that the plan strongly emphasizes strategic collaborations, with this partnership serving as a prime example of leveraging collective strengths to deepen impact. She underscored EPRC’s role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development, aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
The partners show off the signed MoU.
Prof. James Wokadala, Acting Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized that the collaboration seeks to preserve and expand vital human knowledge while strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and global research networks. He noted that these networks are instrumental in advising legal and policy professionals, as well as aligning research agendas with both national and corporate priorities. He expressed pride in the extensive efforts of the School of Economics that have expanded these activities in recent years. He pointed to significant accomplishments that have been achieved in collaboration with IGC, including hosting a 2025 high-level international conference on mobile money payment systems, which positioned Makerere University as a thought leader on critical African economic issues. He also celebrated the successful bid by the School of Economics to host the ‘Africa Meeting of the Econometric Society’ in 2027, further demonstrating its contribution to impactful scholarship and policy influence.
The Acting Principal further emphasized that the new partnership with LSE will build on these achievements, offering immense benefits such as expanding capacity-building opportunities for faculty and students, especially in research and Public Infrastructure Management (PIM). The collaboration will also provide platforms for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue, while addressing pressing socio-economic and health challenges. Ultimately, he said, formalisation of the partnership amplifies CoBAMS’ commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of LSE’s International Growth Centre (IGC), Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Leape expressed delight at formalizing the long-standing collaboration with Makerere and EPRC. He highlighted current joint projects, including research on the impact of the 2020 gender-based vaccine program on women’s skills and learning, studies on reforms in STEM education, and investigations into barriers limiting business growth for entrepreneurs. He stressed that the core mission is to bring researchers and policymakers together to address pressing policy challenges with robust, reliable evidence and innovative solutions.
Prof. Nawangwe presents a souvenir Mak Necktie to Dr. Jonathan Leape.
The event, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, Country Director for Uganda and Rwanda (IGC); Dr. Nhial Kuch, Senior Country Economist (IGC); and Mary Teddy Nakyejwe, IGC Programme Officer. Also present were the Director of Research, Dr. Ibrahim Kasirye and other members of EPRC leadership.
Makerere University has hosted a delegation from the Ghent University Association, led by Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe, Vice Rector of Ghent University. The delegation included representatives from Howest University and Hogent University of Applied Sciences.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the team and highlighted Makerere University’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges in the region. These include climate change, which continues to hinder investment, and Uganda’s rapidly growing population that has surged from 5 million in the late 1940s to nearly 50 million currently, creating socio-economic challenges such as high youth unemployment.
He emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda focuses on understanding the fast-growing population, tackling health challenges, advancing governance and human rights, and fostering peace through initiatives such as the Rotary Peace Center—the only one of its kind on the African continent. Research at Makerere also seeks to provide solutions to youth unemployment in one of the world’s youngest nations.
The meeting of Members of Management and the visiting delegation in session in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that Makerere University teaches and conducts research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, organized into colleges including Agriculture, Business and Management, Computing, Education and External Studies, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine. The university also hosts over 60 specialized research centers, among them Centers of Excellence such as the Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, which works to enhance food security, manage pests and diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Another key institution is the Infectious Diseases Institute, which leads research on HIV/AIDS. With these initiatives, he added, Makerere continues to expand its research footprint while strengthening global partnerships.
Prof. Van Herreweghe provided an overview of Ghent University, founded in 1817 and ranked among the top 100 universities globally for decades. With its motto “Dare to think,” Ghent University has built a strong international reputation. It also holds the distinction of being the only Belgian, and currently the only European, university with a campus in South Korea. Established in 2014, the campus offers bachelor’s programs in applied biotechnology.
She highlighted Ghent’s joint PhD programs, which are structured as sandwich programs to support African universities. Under this arrangement, PhD candidates spend two years funded at Ghent University and another two years at their home university (such as Makerere), with joint supervision from both institutions. These programs, she noted, are a strategic way of fostering international collaboration.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof. Mieke Van Herreweghe pose for a group photo with members of their respective teams at the Main Building entrance.
During the visit, Ghent University signed a Student Exchange Agreement with Makerere University to complement the existing Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will pave the way for more joint initiatives and strengthen collaboration in the years ahead.
The delegation also included Mr. Lieven Theys, International Coordinator for Business Management at Howest University, who explained that Howest clusters its programs into three key domains: Design and Technology, Human Well-being and Health, and Business and Organization. Dr. Robin Stevens represented Hogent University of Applied Sciences, which runs programs across nine schools including Business and Management, Computer Sciences, Biosciences, Industrial Technology, Teacher Training, and Healthcare.
The visit, held on 27th August 2025, was attended by Makerere University officials and members of various colleges, among them Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Prof. Tonny Oyana-Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Moses Musinguzi-Principal College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Julius Kikooma-Director Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Richard Idro-Deputy Principal College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Manager of the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod).