General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Continues to Touch Lives & Transform Vulnerable Communities
By Bernard Buteera
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.
Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.
Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.
The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.
The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.
Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.
Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/
By Gerald Ochwo
On Monday, 20th April 2026, the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and his Senior Management Team (SMT) convened to witness the official handover of office within the Senate Division. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit, marked an important moment of transition and continuity in the University’s academic administration. The outgoing Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Senate Division, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi, formally handed over office to Ms. Gladys Khamili, who assumes the role in an acting capacity.
In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi underscored the significance of the transition, situating it within a broader institutional context. He observed that the Department of the Academic Registrar has, over the years, experienced a steady wave of retirements, particularly among senior staff. He noted that this trend is expected to continue, with a considerable number of experienced personnel due to retire within the next two years.
While acknowledging the institutional gaps created by these departures, he reassured staff that the University is actively addressing the situation to ensure the continued efficiency of the Department.
“You will agree with me that the Department has, over the years, witnessed the retirement of many senior colleagues. Their departure leaves behind a significant institutional gap. However, the University is fully aware and will address it through targeted recruitment,” he stated.
In her detailed handover report, which she delivered verbatim, Mrs. Patience Mushengyezi reflected on her tenure with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment. She paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, in his capacity as Chairperson of the University Senate, for his steadfast guidance and support throughout her service. She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership.
“I remain deeply grateful for the support from the Vice-Chancellor and all members of Senate for the trust they accorded me. I equally thank the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza, for his results-oriented approach to administration. His support enabled us to achieve remarkable progress under the DARP (Digitalization of Academic Records and Processes) Project, including the successful digitalization of Senate minutes, some dating as far back as the 1990s, which are now easily retrievable,” she noted.
Her remarks painted a picture of dedication, progress, and institutional strengthening, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit the University.
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Gladys Khamili expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Academic Registrar for the confidence placed in her. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the role and pledged her commitment to upholding the standards and gains established by her predecessor.
She paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Mushengyezi’s exceptional service, noting that her impact within the Senate Division is both profound and enduring.
“I am truly honored by the trust bestowed upon me. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Mrs. Mushengyezi, whose remarkable contribution and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The ceremony not only marked the end of a distinguished era in the Department of the Academic Registrar, but also the beginning of a new phase, underscored by continuity, renewal, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic administration at Makerere University.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison and Communication Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
-
Law1 week agoPre-Entry Examination for Admission to the Bachelor of Laws for 2026/2027 AY
-
General6 days agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
Health1 week agoCourse Announcement: Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (CWASH) – 2026
-
General2 weeks agoCall for Participants: 2026 Hainan International Youth Cultural Exchange Program
-
General1 week agoA Graceful Exit: Makerere Celebrates Patience Mushengyezi’s 26 Years of Service