General
Mr. Yorac Nono Hands over Director Internal Audit Office, Receives Warm Sendoff
On Tuesday 31st October 2023, Mr. Walter Yorac Nono officially handed over the Office of Director Internal Audit to Mr. Patrick Akonyet at a ceremony presided over by the Acting Director of Human Resources, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni. Present at the ceremony were the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and Senior Auditor, Mrs. Joan Mutekanga.
Mr. Walter Yorac Nono officially took over from the Acting Director Mr. Benson Barigye on 12th February 2018. He thanked the University Management and Council for the support extended to the Directorate for over years and thanked his colleagues for the team work exhibited throughout his tenure. The outgoing Director asked Mr. Akonyet to take particular note of the Directorate’s role as Secretariat to the Audit Committee of Council as well as external membership to some Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) projects.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Patrick Akonyet thanked the University Leadership for nominating him to serve as Acting Manager until December 2023 as substantive appointment procedures continue. He thanked Mr. Yorac Nono for successfully steering the Directorate right from his appointment to the official hand over ceremony, and requested him to remain available for consultation.
“Expiry of your contract isn’t the expiry of your ability. Your skills and abilities shall still be required out there” remarked the incoming Director.
Mr. Akonyet expressed happiness to take over from Mr. Yorac Nono, accepted the list of assets as presented, and pledged to continue from where he had left off. He thanked Mr. Mujuni, Mr. Bainomugisha, Mrs. Mutekanga and the Public Relations Office for coming to witness the handover ceremony.
In his remarks, Mr. Bainomugisha admitted that it was a tough to witness the handover of a colleague, with whom he had worked cordially and whose leadership had helped shape and guide the Internal Audit and Finance Directorates.
“I thank you for exhibiting professionalism and dedicating time to do University work. Your technical and behavioural competences cannot be taken for granted and we thank God for having helped you to perform very well, and for where He is taking you. I know He is going to open another window for you” commended the University Bursar.
He asked the incoming Director, Mr. Akonyet to help provide solutions on how the University Management can overcome challenges and pledged to provide any information or documents he might need. Mr. Bainomugisha wished the incoming Director a successful term and urged him to carry on with the spirit of team work exhibited during Mr. Yorac Nono’s term.
The Acting Director of Human Resources thanked Mr. Yorac Nono for preparing an elaborate handover report and contributing to the University’s Audit function over the past five years. He acknowledged that the achievements registered by the Internal Audit Directorate had been as a result of motivation, team work and demonstrated competence.
“On behalf of Management, I wish to thank you for all that you have done for the function of Audit and request you to come and visit us. Management will be happy to support you,” added Mr. Mujuni, in reference to any recommendations Mr. Yorac Nono could need.
Turning to the incoming Director, Mr. Mujuni pledged Management’s readiness to continue extending the same support accorded to Mr. Yorac Nono to him. “Whatever work plan you have, please engage us and we will support you.”
The official handover was followed by a luncheon organized by staff from the Internal Audit Directorate at the Makerere University Guest House. It was heartwarming as speaker after speaker praised Mr. Yorac Nono for his professionalism, mentorship and being more than a supervisor by providing fatherly advice.
It was brought to the outgoing Director’s attention that his mentorship, had inspired some of his staff to take up positions of leadership. Notable among these are; Mr. George Turyamureeba, Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation and Member of Council, and Mr. Bennet Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA).
Speaking on behalf of the luncheon organisers, Mr. Amos Dembe Ashaba thanked Mr. Yorac Nono for his leadership that nurtured collegiality and team work. He noted that the luncheon was a small token of appreciation from the staff in recognition of the fatherly advice that Mr. Yorac Nono regularly dispensed, and the friendships he nurtured as a result. The lead organiser, Ms. Winnie Mbabazi thanked the outgoing Director for his mentorship and helping the team to become better professionals.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Yorac Nono thanked staff for the heartwarming messages and sparing time and resources to organise the surprise luncheon. “When I came for the official handover today, I did not expect this, (the luncheon) and so I thank you all very much for your contributions and sparing time to be here.”
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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