General
“Strive to become valuable citizens,” Prof. Nawangwe tells Mastercard Foundation Scholars
By Bernard Buteera
Tuesday, August 20, 2024, was a joyful day for the 100 newly recruited Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, officially recognized them as scholars and confirmed their status at a vibrant Scholarship Award Ceremony.
During the lively event, Prof. Nawangwe didn’t just officiate, he inspired. He urged the new scholars to not just be students, but to strive to become valuable citizens of Uganda and the African continent.
“Makerere University is not just any university; it is one of the best in Africa. It is a top choice for many young people seeking higher education in Africa. Therefore, take advantage of this unique opportunity to be at Makerere and strive to become valuable citizens of Uganda and Africa as a whole,” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Nawangwe also expressed profound gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its transformative support of young people in Africa through higher education funding, a beacon of hope in the face of significant obstacles to accessing quality university education.
“I want to take this opportunity once again to thank our valued partner, the Mastercard Foundation, for providing scholarships for the second time as part of phase two. This support helps young people access quality university education at Makerere University. In the first phase, we exceeded the target of educating 1000 scholars by educating 1,032. This time, too, we should aim to surpass the target,” pointed out Prof. Nawangwe.
Speaking at the same event, Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation-Uganda, pledged continuous support to young people in Uganda and Africa through funding higher education and promoting financial inclusion.
“The Mastercard Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to supporting young people in Africa in two key areas: access to higher education and promoting financial inclusion through the Young Africa Works strategy. We are dedicated to empowering young people in these critical areas.” Mr. Bukenya reassured.
Mr Bukenya also expressed gratitude to the University for creating a safe and supportive environment for young people and for reasonable accommodation for those with disabilities.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Nawangwe and the university’s management for their efforts in creating a safe environment. They have ratified the safeguarding policy and provided reasonable accommodation for young people with disabilities by installing ramps in different buildings to facilitate access,” remarked Mr. Bukenya.
The Chairperson of the Selection Sub-Committee for the Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Ibrahim Okumu, highlighted the challenges faced while recruiting scholars. One of the biggest challenges was selecting a small number of scholars from a large pool of applicants.
“For the academic year 2024/2025, we received over 4,000 applications for 95 available undergraduate slots. Out of these, 1,809 applicants were admitted to Makerere University, with 1,236 being eligible for scholarships – 691 females and 545 males. It was challenging to select only 95 applicants from this pool of eligible candidates.” Prof. Okumu highlighted.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, congratulated them and encouraged them to take advantage of the Scholarship to achieve their dreams.
“I would like to congratulate each one of you and thank you and your parents for the efforts you put in from primary to high school, which have enabled you to get to where you are today.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa further pledged that the Program Implementation of the Scholars Program will ensure that Scholars are supported to achieve their dreams.
“Together with my colleagues, I am deeply committed to supporting scholars to ensure that they achieve their dreams and career aspirations.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed out.
Speaking on behalf of parents and guardians, Ms. Nakitto Teopista, a mother to one of the students with disabilities, moved the audience to tears as she lamented the struggles she had faced while ensuring that her daughter acquired an education, like all other children.
“I have no words to thank the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for this scholarship opportunity, which has given me hope and enabled my daughter to join the university after spending three years out of school,” Ms. Nakitto expressed gratitude.
The three scholars who spoke on behalf of the rest of the scholars, Mr. Nsamba Anthony, Ms. Laja Margaret, and Ms. Atayi Jackline, all expressed gratitude for the scholarship and pledged their commitment to using the opportunity to aspire to achieve their dreams.
The Scholarship Award ceremony is an annual event in which the Vice Chancellor formally hands out Scholarship award letters to newly recruited Mastercard Foundation scholars who will study at Makerere University.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the 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
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