General
Presidents of Jigjiga & Samara Universities, Ethiopia Visit Mak, Discuss Collaboration on Dry Land Agriculture
By Gerald Ochwo
On Friday 31st May 2024, Presidents Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD) and Dr. Muhammad Usman Darasa of Jigjiga University, Ethiopia and Samara University, Ethiopia respectively and the First Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Makerere University, Prof. Umar Kakumba discussed the possibilities of research collaboration, staff and student mobility and exchanges as well as internationalization of higher education.
The meeting that was attended by Makerere University officials from the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Education and External Studies (CEES), and the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) centred on research collaborations in dry land agriculture including, areas of Pastoral Education, Extension and Animal Science, Climate Change and Mitigation, Engineering and Technology, Education and Applied Teaching, as well as Energy Research and Urban Development.
Welcoming the two Presidents to Makerere, Prof. Umar Kakumba presented the historical journey that the University has undergone in its 102 years of existence. He emphasized the evolution of the University from the faculty-based system, to a collegiate institution in 2011, which now houses 10 Academic Colleges with over 500 academic programmes at Undergraduate and Post-graduate levels. He reiterated that Internationalization is one of the key core strategic agendas of the University, and currently, more than 1,000 international students are pursuing different studies at Makerere University including, students from Ethiopia.
“Makerere has historically remained the top University on the continent and because of this historical dominance the University has continued to attract students from the continent and beyond. For instance, we currently have about 5 PhD students from Ethiopia at our College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and we have over the years, continued to work with visiting professors from the University of Addis-Ababa, who have supported our Academic, processes either as external supervisors or visiting lectures and this is the case with a number of other Universities that we partner with on the continent,” said Prof. Umar Kakumba.
Prof. Robert Wamala, the Acting Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) in his remarks reiterated that Makerere has a number of funded research partnerships all over the world, and the College of Health Sciences (CHS), currently tops the partnership ratings of the University. He further noted that, through the Government intervention, the University has established a research fund code-name, ‘MAK-RIF’, which receives an annual support of over US$ 8 Million from the Government of Uganda.
“We are grateful to the Government of Uganda for investing over US$ 8 Million, into the Makerere University research portfolio which currently is being housed at the MAK-RIF. This research fund attracts participation of researchers from the entire country and the research output and impact, is already commendable,” remarked Prof. Robert Wamala.
Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD), President of the Jigjiga University in his remarks noted that his visit was aimed at understanding the different research and collaboration interests that Makerere University espouses and, to also see how these research areas can be synchronized with the Jigjiga University research agenda. Their agenda, he said, currently focuses on areas of dry land agriculture, animal feeding systems, irrigation technologies, agricultural extension programmes, and petroleum Engineering among others.
“I can say that we are happy to be here in Makerere University, Uganda, which we recognize as one of the best and oldest universities on the African continent. Ethiopia as a Country, experiences long spells of drought and this has over the years pushed us into adopting dry land farming approaches and technologies. This is slightly different with Uganda which is green and receives rain throughout the year. The situation in Ethiopia can only be equated to the Karamoja regions in Uganda” Dr. Beshir Abdullahi (PhD) remarked.
On the other hand, Dr. Muhammad Usman Darasa (PhD), the President of Samara University, noted that his institution currently has more than 103 Undergraduate programmes in the areas of Tourism, Health Sciences, dry land agriculture, livestock mobility, and veterinary systems and over 50 Masters programmes with the future prospects of starting PhD programmes. He then asked a question on how the two institutions (Makerere University and the University of Samara), can partner to solve the problems that affect the common people in the respective countries. Some of the challenges that he highlighted include: climate change, peace and security.
In attendance, were Prof. Anthony Muwagga Muggaga, Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Prof. Robert Wamala, Ag. Director Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), who also represented the Principal of CAES, Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Ms. Ritah Namisango, Principal Public Relations Officer, and Mr. Gearld Ochwo, Manager International Relations Office/Senior Assistant Registrar in charge of Communications and Liaison in the Department of the Academic Registrar.
The visit was concluded with a guided tour of the University and specifically to CAES, where Dr. John Baptist Tumuhairwe took the visitors around the College and showcased a number of initiatives including the Soybean project. The Presidents also visited the UNDP-Makerere University Innovation Pod, where Dr. Cathy Mbidde, the Director, Makerere University Innovations Hub, highlighted the various student innovation accomplishments and shared the future prospects of the Pod.
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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