General
Mak, UNAM Renew MoU To Strengthen Collaborative Research
By Maureen Agena and Agaba Issa Mugabo
Makerere University (Mak) and the University of Namibia (UNAM), on 13 August, 2024, renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaborative academia and industry research.
The two partnering universities are both members of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), an organization of 170 universities in 40 countries across Africa hosted by the Government of Uganda at Makerere University.
The signing of the MoU was on the sidelines of the second RUFORUM Triennial Conference taking place from 12-16 August, 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia under the theme “Operationalising Higher Agricultural Education and Research Ecosystems for Innovation, Industrialisation, and Economic Development in Africa: A Call for Action.” The Conference is also a landmark celebration for RUFORUM’s 20th anniversary.
Relatedly, the African Union (AUC) and European Union (EU) have agreed on an EU-Africa strategy within the Global Gateway, which aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments through a team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its member states and their financial and development institutions. It seeks a transformational impact in the digital, climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research sectors. Part of that investment is an allocation of €978 million for intra-Africa mobility, open to all African universities and accessed on competitive basis.
For Universities in Africa, the main objective is to increase skills and qualifications across the African continent while collaborating with universities in Europe. This way, inclusive learning mobility opportunities will be promoted, the quality and relevance of Internationalisation of higher education, especially in Africa will be improved and unemployment among higher education students and trainees will be addressed.
The eligible consortium composition must have a minimum of four and maximum of six Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Sub-Saharan Africa with one HEI from one for the EU member states (EU technical partner). Only one HEI in Africa can be lead applicant/coordinator. Other organisations from Africa can participate as Associate Partners. In order to benefit from this, Africa must be represented by at least three of the five regions on the continent. For instance, if a University in Southern Africa applies for the grant, it must do so with one from East Africa, West Africa or North Africa and together must have an EU university. If a university has the capacity to, it must host students from another partner university for academic mobility to be achieved.
Makerere University and the University of Namibia will under this MoU take full advantage of what the project will offer. Each project will receive up to the tune of €1.8 million.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University confirmed an already existing collaboration with UNAM on a number of projects with a lot of their staff coming to Makerere University for exchange programs. He stated that Makerere was been instrumental in helping to set up UNAM’s School of Pharmacy with many students from Namibia coming to Makerere for training.
Prof. Nawangwe added that the solutions of Africa will be found within Africa and the work that the universities are going to do together will help move Africa out of poverty.
He signed the MoU in the presence of the Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Gorettie N. Nabanoga.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Windhoek, Namibia, Prof. Kenneth Matengo, the Vice Chancellor of UNAM said that for a long time, universities in Africa have had more research collaborations with universities in Europe and America than with their African counterparts, a position that must now change. “We need to focus on South to South Cooperation within the Context of Africa.”
Partnerships between RUFORUM member universities are envisaged to help strengthen foresight capacity at African universities and other partners and support capacity building in this important area to support planning and future implementation of key programs. Furthermore, they are projected to increase ‘academic mobility schemes’ and strengthens Centres of Excellence to enhance mobility, regional level training, and economies of scope as well as scale.
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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