General
Forget tribalism, Embrace the principle of Unity
Dr. Simba Sallie Kayunga, the Commissioner at the Electoral Commission, has urged University student leaders to embrace unity if they want to live in a peaceful society.
He made the remarks on Wednesday 4th December 2024, during the second day of training of finalists and Graduating former student leaders from different Universities in Uganda. The training was conducted by Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), at Makerere University.
While delivering his overview of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s Ideas and Ideals in relations to Peace and Conflict, Dr. Simba explained that in order to achieve peace, Mwalimu Nyerere believed that it was essential that women live on terms of full equality with men, as their fellow citizens.
Dr. Simba explained that in order to achieve peace, there must be equality because people cooperate more effectively if they are equals.
Highlighting Nyerere’s ideas on peace, Dr. Simba pointed out that Mwalimu Nyerere saw tribalism as one of the biggest dangers to African progress, unity and peace. He reiterated that Mwalimu Nyerere was opposed to racism. He was a great supporter of a multi-racial society.
“Let us desist from manipulating our ethnic and religious identities, or any other identity to our political advantage. Let us embrace the principle of Pan-Africanism. We must have been born differently, but all of us have a contribution to make to our mother Uganda, our continent called Africa. We must, therefore, value and respect each person’s contribution to society,” Dr. Simba said.
Mwalimu Nyerere at glance
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was born on 13th April 1922, to Nyerere Burito and Mgaya Nyang’ombe, at Mwitongo, a village in Butiama in Tanganyika’s Mara Region. He went to Native Administration School in Mwisenge, Musoma for his Primary and later joined Elite Tabora Government School, for his secondary Education.
Mwalimu Nyerere later joined Makerere University College in January 1943, to pursue a Diploma in Education. While at Makerere, he was an active member of the Makerere Debating Society.
Upon completing his education at Makerere University, he went to teach at St Mary’s Secondary School, Tabora. In October 1949, Nyerere joined the University of Edinburgh to study a Master of Arts. In 1952, he graduated with a Master of Arts in History and Economics and returned to Tanzania to teach.
In 1948, Mwalimu formally engaged to Maria Gabriel, and they officially married at Musoma mission on 24th January 1953.
Upon his return, Nyerere joined the Tanganyika African Association, becoming its President in 1953.
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere resigned as President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 5th November 1985, and handed over the presidency to Ali Hassan Mwinyi. He died on 14th October 1999.
Participants equipped with skills
During the second day of the training, over 60 participants listened were equipped with skills through presentations and practical sessions on team building for mediation, negotiation and resilience.
Ronald Ssazi, a Clinical Psychologist, presented the ethos that are crucial for creating an effective team culture.
“Start with investing into a team. When you have a team, go ahead and pay the price for team development. It helps with the growth of the team. Empower team members with responsibility and authority in order to groom and raise leaders for the team,” Ssazi highlighted.
Ssazi stressed that disagreements and conflicts are bound to happen in a team, but he guided on the need-to find healthy ways of handling them diplomatically.
Re-echoing the words of wisdom from Mahatma Gandhi, David Nyaribi, a representative from ActionAid Uganda encouraged the student leaders to always be the change they want to see in the world. Nyaribi urged them to be Servant Leaders who exemplify integrity and a great work ethic to transform Uganda and Africa.
Robert Muhangi, a Lecturer at Uganda Christian University-Mukono, called upon student leaders and the young people to always utilize indigenous ways to provide solutions to some of the problems they come across other than prioritizing external interventions.
“The best time to become a village champion is when you have just left University, let people look at you like a champion. When you solve conflicts by providing solutions, trust me, you will not look for a job, the job will look for you,” Muhangi stated. The practical session on Building Bridges for Peace and Security, focused on identifying the root causes of conflict, applying emotional intelligence, financial literacy and crafting strategies for community-based conflict resolution.
General
Makerere University commemorates 13 transformative years of partnership with Mastercard Foundation
On Friday, 27th February 2026, Makerere University proudly celebrated 13 years of a significant partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, a prestigious independent organisation headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Since its inception in 2013 with the launch of the Scholars Program, this collaboration has grown significantly, expanding to include two additional initiatives: The E-learning Initiative and the Africa Climate Collaborative. This long-term partnership underscores the shared commitment to fostering education, innovation, and sustainability in Uganda and across Africa.
The colourful event coincided with the 76th Graduation Ceremony, during which Makerere University honoured Ms. Reeta Roy, the Founding President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, with an honorary Doctor of Laws.
In her commencement speech, Ms. Roy thanked Makerere University for considering a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and for conferring upon her a prestigious honorary award.
“Mastercard Foundation is honoured to collaborate with this esteemed university, and I appreciate the recognition through this award. I am excited to be associated with Makerere University and look forward to actively embodying its values. Joining the broader community of alumni from this distinguished institution is a privilege, and I am eager to contribute to its legacy,” stated Ms. Roy.
During the reception in honour of Ms. Roy, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, acknowledged the invaluable support from the Mastercard Foundation. She emphasised the profound impact of the Foundation’s various initiatives, particularly the scholarships for disadvantaged youth, which enable them to access higher education and opportunities that might have otherwise been beyond their reach.
“On behalf of the Makerere University Council and the broader University community, I extend our sincere gratitude to Mastercard Foundation for its commitment to collaborating with Makerere University in various endeavours, especially for providing scholarships to our underprivileged young people who would never have stepped inside a lecture room at the University.” Dr. Magara stated.
Dr. Magara, in a special way, thanked Ms. Roy for her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting young people in Africa, citing her efforts to ensure young people get their voices heard.
“As a university, our business is with young people. We are therefore committed to providing the environment and education that deliver meaningful pathways. We will provide an environment that ensures young people have a voice and agency to create meaningful change in society.” Dr. Magara pledged.
Dr. Magara further congratulated Ms. Roy on her honorary Doctor of Laws from Makerere University, noting that it is the university’s highest honour for individuals who have excelled in their careers.
“On behalf of the Makerere University community, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your honorary Doctor of Laws. This esteemed recognition represents the highest honour our institution can bestow on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and excellence across various facets of their career.” Dr. Magara remarked.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Coordinator for all Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her appreciation for the thirteen-year collaboration between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. She highlighted that the partnership had yielded significant, impactful results.
“In 2013, Makerere University partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to educate the next generation of transformative African leaders who can positively impact their lives, their communities, and the economies of Africa. The partnership has had a significant impact. I thank the University Management and the Foundation team for this visionary collaboration,” remarked Prof. Namaalwa.
Prof. Namaalwa articulated that the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is primarily focused on empowering young people as agents of change for transformational leadership in Africa. She presented compelling statistics demonstrating the positive impact of the scholars’ program, highlighting the success of individuals who have completed their education and their subsequent professional experiences after university graduation.
“This partnership focuses on young people, aiming to create positive change in their lives. To date, the Scholars Program has graduated 974 alumni, with 48% securing formal employment, 18% starting their own businesses, 8% participating in internships, and 5% pursuing further education. Overall, 72% of Scholar alumni are actively engaged in employment or entrepreneurship,” Prof. Namaalwa stated.
The colourful event showcased a dynamic array of activities that highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of Scholars and alumni from the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University. Attendees enjoyed a mini-exhibition featuring innovative products from these ventures.
A video documentary illustrated the positive impact of the three Mastercard Foundation initiatives. The event also featured inspiring poetry recitations by Scholars and a lively atmosphere of music and dance, creating an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.
The high-level event was attended by senior University officials, led by the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Lorna Magara; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe; the Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy, and the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta. Mr Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary; and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar, among many other university officials graced the function.
The event was also graced by a high-level delegation from the Mastercard Foundation, led by Ms. Reeta Roy, the Founding President of the Foundation, and included the Mastercard Foundation Teams from the Country offices in Kigali, Nairobi, and Kampala; the Program partners; the Mentors, Scholars and alumni; as well as the Program staff of the three Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University.
At the end of the event, Makerere University honoured Ms. Reeta Roy with University memorabilia, including a pencil-drawn portrait, a pencil-drawn photo of the Ivory Tower, and other Ugandan crafts. Ms. Roy cut a graduation cake together with the 10 graduates of the 76th graduation ceremony from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF), Dr. Margaret Blick Kigozi, has urged graduands in Health and Life Sciences to uphold professional ethics and serve humanity with diligence and compassion.
Her appeal came during the passing out of graduates from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the School of Public Health (SPH) on Day Two of the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University.
“Class of 2026, you are now part of the Makerere legacy. Wherever you go clinics, laboratories, farms, boardrooms, or classrooms, you carry this institution with you. Serve your patients with skill and compassion. Care for animals and communities responsibly. Question boldly and keep learning,” Dr Kigozi, said.
Delivering the commencement address, Dr. Kigozi lauded the graduates for their dedication to careers that directly impact lives and communities. She encouraged them to use their knowledge generously and exercise their power gently.
“Your education has trained you to ask better questions. Your humanity must guide the answers. Never forget that behind every chart, every case, every animal, every experiment, there is life. And life deserves care, patience, and dignity. Give every person you come in contact with care, patience and dignity,” Dr Kigozi, noted.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, Dr. Kigozi emphasized the importance of cultivating basic business acumen and financial literacy to ensure sustainability in their work.
“You do not need to become accountants but you must be able to read the essentials: understand simple financial statements, budgets and key metrics so you can judge whether a clinic, lab, or program is sustainable. You are encouraged to start your business. There are numerous investment opportunities in your areas of training. You can provide services to our people and create jobs,” Dr Kigozi, said.
She shared candidly how, when she first stepped into leadership, she realised she did not understand balance sheets or budgets well enough. So, she returned to Makerere for short courses to strengthen herself.
“A well-run Hospital, clinic or lab delivers better outcomes, attracts staff, and secures funding. Business savvy is not only about profit, it’s about sustainability and the freedom to serve ethically and effectively. Carry clinical skill with business sense so your work endures and grows,” Dr. Kigozi, noted.
Quoting renowned writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, who once reflected that succeeding in one area of life can sometimes mean falling short in another, Dr. Kigozi encouraged women graduates to intentionally balance professional ambition with family responsibilities.
“When one area thrives, another is often under strain. When Navio was graduating from school I had to manage the Presidential Investor Round Table on the same day as Executive Director Uganda Investment Authority. I chose my job and delegated his siblings to attend Navios graduation. I learnt from this. I choose family always after that thing you achieve once and keep forever,” Dr Kigozi, said.
In his speech, the Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, informed the congregation that Makerere’s ranking on all university ranking platforms has remained stable, placing Makerere among the top 10 African universities and within the top 4.5% globally.
“In the Times Higher Education global ranking, Makerere University made a formidable jump from the 1200-1500 bracket to the 800-1000 bracket. This was no mean achievement and I congratulate all members of the Makerere Community on this stellar performance,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
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