General
MURBS Fund Value Grows to UGX 409.2 Billion
By: Ritah Namisango
Dr. Elizabeth Patricia Nansubuga, the Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS), has announced that the MURBS fund value has grown to UGX 409.2 billion as of the 2023/24 financial year.
Dr. Nansubuga made the announcement during the presentation of the MURBS Performance Report for the 2023/24 financial year, which ended on June 30, 2024. The report was presented to members of the University Council and Management at a meeting held on October 22, 2024, at the Makerere University Telepresence Centre, Senate Building.
The meeting, which preceded the Annual General Meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024, was attended by several key figures, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, and a representative of the CEO of the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), Cosmas Ssenyonga, among other dignitaries.
MURBS is the mandatory scheme for Makerere University staff. It was established under irrevocable trusts with effect from 1st April 2009. It was set up by Makerere University for the purpose of providing retirement benefits to employees of Makerere University upon retirement from the University.
In her address, Dr. Nansubuga emphasized that, over the last 14 years, MURBS has grown into the fourth-largest retirement benefits scheme in Uganda by fund value and is regarded as one of the best-managed schemes in the country.
She acknowledged the efforts, hard work, commitment and resilience of the past and current leaders for the continuous growth of the scheme.
“MURBS Trustees have worked through different challenges in the past years to make it a strong scheme. These challenges have also enabled the trustees to develop and establish good relations with different sector players and its principal stakeholders,” she said.
The Financial Year 2023/24 under review marked the beginning of the implementation of the Board’s new Strategic Plan (23/24 – 27/28) which is centered around four strategic pillars – Member satisfaction, Financial Sustainability, Institutional capacity, and Stakeholder satisfaction.
She explained that through this they have been able to grow the fund value of the scheme by 16.1% from last financial year. She explained that although they did not reach their goal of improving the fund value by 17%, they appreciate the stakeholders for the milestone reached.
“By 30th June 2023, MURBS had a fund value of 352.4 billion. The Trustees targeted Fund growth of 17%, and I am glad to inform you, that the fund value of MURBS, as per the Audited Financial Statements of 30th June 2024 is 409.2 billion, which is an increase of 16.1%, failing to hit the target by less than 1%. This achievement was made possible by strategic periodical activities undertaken by the Board and our fund managers, supported by the strong oversight committees of the Board,” she stated.
She further shared that MURBS was able to improve the funds’ value after having an impressive financial performance, recording a net investment income of UGX 44.6 billion, far higher than the UGX 34.4 billion was collected in contributions during the financial year.
“The Performance filters down to all members through the interest that has been declared for the Financial Year 2023/2024. The Trustees will declare the interest on members’ balances during the Annual General Meeting on October 24, 2024,” she said.
It is against this background that Dr. Nansubuga revealed that the interest that the Trustees are awarding with respect to the Financial Year that ended 30th June 2024 will be higher than the one awarded last Financial Year. The very figure will be declared at the members’ AGM on Thursday, 24th October 2024.
Dr. Nansubuga further revealed that in order to have members who are grounded in protecting the benefits of the members, the Trustee made a decision to train its staff in Tax, Corporate Governance, Digital Trust and Cybersecurity, Investment opportunities in the Downturn landscape, Data Protection and Privacy Awareness, among others.
“Aware that one of the most common risks to a retirement benefits scheme is having members of the Board of Trustees who are not fully empowered to undertake their responsibility of governing the Scheme, the Trustees set out to strengthen the Board of Trustees’ capacity in various skills during the year,” she said.
“The Scheme recruited staff to focus on project remittances but also maintained all its staff who crossed over from the 2022/2023 FY. The Trustees are glad that the impact of the training undertaken is reflected in the execution of the different officers’ roles,” added Dr. Nansubuga.
“As of July 2023, 1153 members had benefits above 100 million, and by June 2024, 1166 members held benefits above 100 million even after giving out Ushs11 billion in Mid-term Access benefits. In addition, the FY started with only one member having at least half a billion but we closed with four members having at least half a billion and a total of 538 members with benefits over Ushs250 million,” she said.
Dr. Nansubuga also informed the conference that MURBS received its 7th Fire Award in the category of Retirement Benefits Schemes this year in recognition of their continuing excellence. This award reflects MURBS’ performance in comparison to her industry counterparts.
Dr. Nansubuga also used the opportunity to express her gratitude to Makerere University management for their ongoing assistance in ensuring prompt remittance of all contributions.
“At this moment, allow me to appreciate the Sponsor for remitting all the contributions to the FY ended. In the same vein, MURBS appreciates Makerere University Council and the Government of Uganda for paying the final installment of the In-house debt. Going forward, the university is assured of very good publicity concerning its handling of retirement matters at Makerere University,” Dr Nansubuga said.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who first gave a history of the previous schemes that the University community used previously, underscored the importance of the scheme in giving confidence to the University’s staff.
“This scheme is extremely important to our staff because it is the only scheme which saves money for them, such that when they retire, they have a package. So, this is extremely important to our staff that even when they retire, they will live a normal life,” Prof. Nawangwe explained.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked the MURBS board of trustees for ensuring that the fund’s value grows by 40 plus billion shillings.
“I cannot thank the board of trustees enough, the managers, and administrators, for a job well done. I congratulate you for all those awards you have won, and it is just for Makerere to set the bar for the rest,” he said.
Professor Nawangwe called upon the MURBS Board of Trustees to consider investing in the Makerere Masterplan, which is seeks to develop the university’s territory around the country.
“I encourage MURBS to get interested in the Makerere University investment and development plans so that it is not just developers who have no connection that benefit, but the staff themselves who have worked for the University diligently for a long time, they can benefit from investments on this land,” he suggested.
On his part, Mr. George Bamugemereirwe, one of the board trustees thanked the University Management and Council for empowering MURBS.
“I want to commend the management of Makerere University for taking the initiative to think ahead, plan for people, and to invest for the future because retirement is a must,” he said.
“The danger of retirement is that it can be traumatic, some are lucky to have a full career, but I can tell you that there are very few jobs these days that can tolerate you for life. Contract jobs where you serve for a specific number of years are on the rise,” he added.
Mr. Bamugemereirwe stressed that retirement is very vulnerable for many individuals and therefore Makerere staff’s benefits should been safeguarded like it has been duly done by MURBS.
“Retirement is a very vulnerable time for many people and many actually fall victim to scammers’ loss, You’ll be vulnerable to a scammer who will come trying to advise on how to invest your money. So we thank MURBS that they have put measures to safeguard, and ring-fence workers’ money,” he said.
On his part, Mr. Cosmas Ssenyonga who represented the CEO of Uganda Retirements Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), thanked Makerere University management for always remitting contributions on a timely basis which has allowed the scheme to have that great performance.
“I want to thank the sponsors of this scheme which is the University management because without them I am not certain if the scheme would have had this kind of performance. They do remit contributions on a timely basis and that I can confirm because we receive quarterly returns on contributions,” he said.
Mr. Ssenyonga also praised the board of trustees for their adequacy in achieving their goal as a retirement benefit system, which is to ensure that their University staff enjoy a respectable life after they retire.
“I commend the board of trustees; they have done good for not only the scheme but the entire sector. When study the operations of MURBS, in terms of performance indicators especially, the efficiency indicator, they rank among the first two,” Mr. Ssenyonga added.
Ssenyonga hailed the board of trustees for implementing best practices, which prompted URBRA to examine MURBS as a model scheme when considering how to strengthen governance of such entities.
General
Makerere University Writing Centre holds second training workshop: Roots for standard University-wide templates in minute writing
By Chris Kaahwa and Ritah Namisango
Makerere University Writing Center (MakWC) has intensified efforts to improve the quality, consistency, and accuracy of official records across the institution.
In pursuit of this agenda, MakWC has lined up a series of writing training workshops targeting University staff in the various units. On 13th November 2025, 27 members of staff participated in the second training workshop, which highlighted the need for development of standardized templates, to guide the documentation processes within the University. This builds on the workshop for the first cohort where 24 members of staff were trained on 6th November 2025.
With over 50 members of staff so far trained, MakWC is building both the individual and institutional capacity in writing minutes, record keeping and presentation of official records.
Addressing the participants, Professor Fredrick Jones Muyodi, Team Leader, MakWC, described the Center as a transformative initiative committed to enhancing academic and scholarly writing, and publication capacities across the University. He shared that the Center continues to support faculty, staff, and students through mentorship and training on various forms of writing, including theses, dissertations, publications, project proposals and grants.
Noting the urge for professional development, Professor Muyodi acknowledged staff from the Department of the Academic Registrar, administrative units, colleges, and Makerere University Jinja Campus for embracing continuous learning. He highlighted the Centre’s deliberate plan to continuously use a comprehensive training and mentorship model, bringing on board specialists and mentors with extensive experience in writing, collaborative research, and publication to guide and support participants.
The Academic Registrar of Makerere University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi represented by Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, applauded the Writing Center for continuously providing practical support to staff who handle official documents and sensitive academic information. “This is the kind of support we all need in the various units. Many of us will benefit from this workshop,” she said.
Stressing the need for standardized templates and ethical writing practices, Mrs. Mushengyezi noted that minutes are important documents that must be accurate, confidential, and easy to reference. “Many of us handle sensitive information. A standard template will help us keep our records consistent and professional across all units,” she stated.
Mrs. Mushengyezi encouraged staff to take the training seriously pointing out that proper minute writing and documentation contributes to professional and institutional credibility. She tasked staff involved in writing minutes as well as documentation of university proceedings to ensure that official records conform to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
Guiding participants through the Roles of a Minute Taker, Mrs. Mushengyezi pointed out the different types of meetings, which included; Regular, Special, and Emergency, and urged them to have a solid understanding of the University’s operational framework in order to record such meetings accurately.
During a session on legal compliance, Ms. Esther Kabinga, Principal Legal Officer, explained that adherence to policies and regulations, which govern minutes writing, upholds the integrity of records and decision making process of institutions. “In addition”, she said, “Accuracy and objectivity, completeness and clarity, timeliness and confidentiality, compliance with organizational policies and procedure,” are among the key considerations that the staff should comply with while writing minutes.
She guided participants to desist from including personal opinions in writing minutes, stressing that in accurate or incomplete documentation may expose institutions and individuals to legal risks. “Proper documentation protects both the University and the decision-makers,” she said.
To ensure consistency across academic and administrative units, Ms. Prossie Nakayiki, Acting Deputy Academic Registrar (Examinations and Transcripts) advocated for the adoption of University-wide standardized templates. She explained that standard templates promote a uniform and consistent writing culture. She called upon participants to use simple, clear and official language while avoiding abbreviations and unnecessary jargons. She emphasized that each minute should accurately record the resolution made, indicate the person responsible for follow-up actions, and provide clear timeline for implementation. “Good minutes, reflect not just what was discussed, but also the discipline, clarity, and accountability of the institution,” she added.
In a virtual presentation, Professor Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IODeL) sensitized the participants on the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Underscoring AI’s growing transformative role in teaching, learning, research, and administration, Professor Muyinda urged participants to integrate AI tools into their daily work, and to conform to the University’s approved AI policy.
Supporting his submission, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, Head of the Department of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Deputy Director of IODeL, highlighted how AI and Online platforms provide automated accuracy, faster turnaround in work efficiency, and better accountability in writing and recording minutes.
He guided participants on preparing effectively for virtual meetings, including confirming the agenda, setting platform options (recording, captions, cohost), and preparing consent scripts.
Closing the workshop, Professor Ronald Bisaso, Assistant Team Leader, MakWC commended staff for their active participation, as well as, the facilitators for sharing the knowledge and expertise.
“As the Writing Center, we are profoundly honored that we started with a team entrusted with essential duties of this great institution. Standardizing minute writing is the next step toward improving the credibility and accountability of our academic records,” he concluded.
Makerere University has made a notable advance by officially launching the implementation of its Mentorship Policy. This initiative aims to strengthen support and guidance for students, fostering personal and academic growth within the university community. This was announced on Thursday, 13 November 2025, by Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, in her remarks delivered by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, during the annual workshop for mentors of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, held at the Fairway Hotel.
Prof. Ssali praised the university’s mentors for their outstanding work in supporting students.
“I am pleased to join my fellow mentors at this crucial capacity-building workshop organised under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University. It is important to recognise and commend your unwavering dedication to the holistic development of our Scholars. Your roles in mentorship, safeguarding, and fostering inclusion are essential, and together, we must continue to advance these efforts for the benefit of our Scholars,” asserted Prof. Ssali.
Prof. Ssali expressed her enthusiasm, noting that mentorship closely aligns with the shared mission: ensuring that all Makerere University students feel safe, thrive, and achieve their academic and personal goals.
“Our efforts in student affairs are incomplete unless we provide our students with the mentorship, guidance, and support they need to develop into responsible global citizens. Safeguarding, mentorship, and inclusion are not just programmatic themes; they are values that define the Makerere University community we seek to build,” Prof. Ssali remarked.
Prof. Ssali further praised the University Council and Management for adopting key policies, the Mentorship Policy 2025 and the Safeguarding Policy 2024, which are essential for the well-being of students and staff at Makerere University.
“I wish to commend the University Council and Management for approving and implementing the Makerere University Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy (2025) and the Safeguarding Policy (2024). These policies provide structure and accountability to our work, helping us strengthen systems that protect and support our students and staff,” Prof. Ssali noted.
Speaking in her role as the Dean of Students, Dr. Kabumbuli highlighted the importance of Mentorship, inclusion, and safeguarding as the critical areas in managing student affairs at Makerere University.
“Safeguarding reminds us of our duty to create and maintain a learning environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Career guidance and mentorship remind us that academic excellence must go hand in hand with personal growth, discipline, and preparation for life after university. Inclusive mentorship compels us to extend our support to every learner, including those with disabilities, those from refugee backgrounds, young mothers, and international students, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Dr. Kabumbuli asserted.
Dr. Kabumbuli urged the mentors to reaffirm their shared commitment to a student-centred approach, one that recognises the human dignity, potential, and diversity of every Scholar. She encouraged the mentors to continue exemplifying the values of integrity, professionalism, and compassion that embody the spirit of Makerere.
On behalf of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Climate Collaborative, Program Director Prof. Justine Namaalwa shared exciting news with the Program mentors about the recent recruitment of 191 undergraduate scholars and 41 graduate students. She highlighted the importance of providing mentorship and guidance to these scholars, who come from diverse backgrounds and possess various strengths and challenges. Prof. Namaalwa encouraged everyone to actively support these students as they embark on their academic journeys.
“We were excited to welcome 191 undergraduate and 41 master’s Scholars to the Programme this academic year. These talented individuals hail from diverse backgrounds and bring immense potential, and they need your active support and mentorship,” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa further requested that, as the University continues to recruit more mentors, it’s essential to recognise that effective mentorship goes beyond mere knowledge sharing. It involves actively listening, empathizing with the mentees, and empowering them to forge their own unique paths.
”Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and success for all our Scholars and students of Makerere University.” Prof. Namaalwa pointed.
The Annual Mentors’ Workshop, which was attended by over 70 mentors from different units of the University and others from other organisations, featured a range of activities designed to enhance mentors’ skills and understanding. Mr. Musa Mwambu from Light for the World, a partner of the Mastercard Foundation, led a valuable training session focused on inclusion, equipping participants with essential insights. Additionally, Mr Apollo Mulondo from the Refugee Law Project provided an in-depth training session designed to empower mentors to support students with refugee status effectively. The workshop also included opportunities for mentors to hear firsthand from young individuals, including a student with disabilities and two safeguarding champions, enriching their understanding and commitment to inclusive mentorship.
The writer is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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