General
Scholars & Alumni of Mastercard Foundation light up Achukudu Community, Napak District
By Bernard Buteera
On Saturday 2nd December 2023, all roads led to Achukudu Community Primary School in Napak District, Karamoja sub-region, as the Scholars and Alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University commemorated their Scholars’ Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback). The 2023 Scholars Annual Day of Community Service was held at Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District in the Karamoja sub-region. Established in 2013, Achukudu Community School serves two ethnic communities—The Iteso and Karamojong.
With a total population of 1,097 pupils only three government-paid teachers, and nine community-paid teachers, the School faces a plethora of challenges. Key among the challenges is the lack of Classrooms, decent Ventilated Pit Latrines, and Desks. Therefore when the Scholars identified the School as one that deserved to be given a gift of a classroom block, it was a befitting choice!
The Scholars with support from the alumni, the Program Team, Members of the Steering Committee, and partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University intervened by constructing a two-classroom block, which was supervised by one of the alumni who is an Engineer. Alongside the classroom block, the Scholars also provided 40 desks, helping the school meet UNEB Center eligibility criteria.
While presiding over the event, the area member of Parliament, Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, thanked the Scholars and alumni community at Makerere University for supporting the young pupils of Achukudu Primary School and the entire community by gifting them with a two-classroom block.
“Thank you Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University for the Christmas gift of a classroom block to the young people and the entire community of Achukudu. This classroom block will go a long way in improving the learning environment of the young children of Achukudu primary school.” Hon. Ngoya pointed out.
Hon. Ngoya called upon other people to emulate the Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation in embracing the spirit of giving back to the vulnerable people in the community. On his part, he donated One Million Five hundred shillings (1,500,000/=) to help the School purchase more desks, and he had earlier contributed One million shillings (1,000,000/=) towards the construction of the classroom block.
The District Education Officer (DEO) for Napak District, Ms. Joyce Nakoya, praised the Scholars Community for embracing and practicing the spirit of giving back to other people at an early age.
“Thank you Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere for embracing the spirit of giving back to other people at such an early age. If all people gave back to the less privileged in our communities, we would have a better world for everyone.” Ms. Nakoya pointed out.
Ms. Nakoya further pointed out every child deserves to study in a decent environment, therefore it was a befitting cause for the Scholars to construct a classroom block for the young pupils of Achukudu community primary school, who were studying in open grass thatched classrooms.
The Program Manager of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Ms. Jolly Okumu who led the team of Scholars, alumni, and staff to Karamoja thanked the community of Achukudu for supporting the Scholars to deliver the class block by contributing to the construction sand.
“We come here today to join with you as a community driven by a shared commitment to education, empowerment, and ethos of giving back. Today is a historic occasion as we celebrate the completion and commissioning of the classroom block, which is a remarkable testament to the transformative power of education and our unwavering spirit of community service.” Ms. Jolly remarked.
The President of the Scholars Association, Mr. Godfrey Okello, thanked all the Scholars and alumni, and all stakeholders who contributed to the construction of the classroom block, which was a dream that became a reality.
“I would like to thank my colleagues and people of goodwill who supported us to realize our dream of constructing this classroom for our young brothers and sisters of Achukudu Primary School. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our fellow young people in Uganda and Africa as a whole.” Mr. Okello remarked.
The Headteacher of the School, Mr. Eryebu Raymond, who was visibly very excited was full of praises for Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation, for what he termed as an iconic classroom block they had gifted to his School.
“This day is very special to us, we will not see this day again. We are delighted to receive the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation from Makerere University, thank you for considering supporting our School” Mr. Eryebu excitedly remarked.
The Headteacher revealed that one of the major challenges the school was facing was an acute shortage of classrooms for his 1,097 pupils. He was therefore grateful to Mastercard Foundation Scholars for choosing to construct a two-class block for the School.
“This donation of a classroom block and Desks is a testament to your commitment to education and empowering the lives of the vulnerable people in the community. This classroom block and desks will go a long way in improving the quality of teaching and learning at our school.” Mr. Eryebu further remarked.
The 2023 Scholars Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback) was punctuated with a lot of joy, pomp, and fanfare, as the pupils and the entire community of Achukudu danced and ululated at the commissioning of the classroom block. The construction of the classroom block and purchase of desks for Achukudu Community Primary School was made possible by generous contributions by the Scholars, alumni, the Program Team, and members of the Steering Committee.
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 Scholars and Alumni Day of Community Service (Give back) is an annual event, where Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation go out into the community to give back by providing solutions to challenges that a particular community is facing. Over the years Scholars have given back to the communities in numerous ways that range from offering professional services and erecting major projects like classroom blocks.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
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