General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni among top picks for global award
By Bernard Buteera & Carol Kasujja Adii
Moses Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University and the co-founder of a Kampala-based youth Fintech start-up Farmpawa, has been selected among the finalists for a prestigious global award for the project.
Farmpawa is a crowd-farming platform that connects investors with tangible farming assets, empowering farmers and driving sustainable agricultural growth.
The start-up had an opportunity to showcase its strategic plan, which, once realized, could benefit many young people from the region.
The contest, which sought to identify the most viable youth project with an economic impact on the community, attracted over 300 teams from 30 countries in Africa and the rest of the world.
Moses Eteku, 27, founded Farmpawa with two partners, Medard Mutatina and Osborn Gumoshabe, in 2023. The project was selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is designed to expand small businesses’ access to capital and financial services in emerging and frontier markets.
According to research, in 70% of emerging markets, SMEs are the primary source of formal employment, accounting for 70% of jobs.
Moses described the win as a miracle and an eye-opener, saying other participants presented world-class proposals.
“Most of my competitors were far advanced. I could not imagine I would be selected,” he said with a smile during the interview.
With this fund, Moses and his partners, Medard and Osborn, envision a future where agriculture bridges the gap, reduces inequality, and transforms the lives of farmers and individuals across Uganda and beyond.
Semi-finalists will participate in an Innovation Showcase at the Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on December 5 to 6, 2024.
Each semi-finalist team receives $100,000 in funding. Three teams will be selected to move on to the final round, where they will compete for the $1 million Grand Prize.
Who is Moses Eteku
Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni from Makerere University, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
His passion for changing the community has led him to start several projects, including giving the youth a chance to showcase their talents and connect them with relevant organizations and companies.
While at the University, he developed an interest in managing software. He repaired his classmates’ laptops and earned some money. In his third year, he decided to learn another skill. He teamed up with other members and built business solutions. He developed applications that improved the operations of organisations such as Makerere University Hospital, where he worked on the MakRTI mobile application.
One of his significant achievements was developing the MakRTI App, an Android-based mobile application designed to promote reproductive health awareness and improve access to treatment for students at Makerere University. The app provided critical information about reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and facilitated access to healthcare services through appointments and direct communication with specialists.
He also developed an app for students to access the Uganda Museum. Instead of going to the museum and waiting in line to pay, Students would book online, which eases access. At the same time, students can remotely access study materials like archives while at home.
Even when he completed University, he continued using various projects to educate youth on emerging issues.
Among his most impactful initiatives is Kauntabook, a financial record-keeping app targeting SMEs and individuals. The app simplifies financial management by offering tools to track income, expenses, and other bookkeeping functions. With over 800 users, Kauntabook continues to evolve based on user feedback, reflecting Eteku’s commitment to creating user-centric solutions.
Starting Farmpawa
Farmpawa was born from a shared vision among Moses, Medard and Osborn: to empower smallholder farmers in Uganda. Medard, then a Makerere University Business School student, Suggested to Moses and interested him in an idea he had seen in South Africa.
“I researched about it, and we decided to team up and pursue the idea,” Eteku said.
Together, they created a platform that connects farmers with investors, unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth in rural communities.
They aim to make agricultural investment accessible to all, enabling local economies to develop and foster shared prosperity.
“Since the launch of Farmpawa, we have established strong connections between investors and farmers that have directly led to job creation, community development, and wealth generation,” Eteku asserted. They started the business with friends and family who trusted and invested.
Benefits
Initially needing more solid information technology skills, Moses Eteku is now an IT expert.
His opportunities to interact with the Company’s Chief Executive Officers have helped him to improve his entrepreneurship skills.
Farmpawa offers key benefits by empowering smallholder farmers with access to capital, enabling them to expand their operations and improve their livelihoods. It provides investors with easy and transparent access to agricultural investments, promoting job creation, community development, and sustainable agriculture while contributing to economic growth and food security.
How Farmpawa works
Farmpawa enables users to invest in real farming assets while empowering smallholder farmers. Users begin by creating an account and funding their wallet through mobile money or bank transfers. With funds in their wallet, they can explore and select farming projects or assets, such as livestock, and purchase portions as shares added to their investment portfolio.
The platform has a dashboard where users can receive regular updates on project progress and asset performance, track deposit history, and receive tailored financial advice through a knowledge section. It ensures a transparent and efficient investment process while providing valuable farming insights.
Bernard Buteera and Carol Kasujja Adii form the Communications and Public Relations Team at Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University.
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
-
General4 days agoAdmission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26
-
General4 days agoChange of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026
-
General1 week agoProf. Sarah Ssali Commits to Strengthen Makerere’s Teaching–Research Nexus
-
General1 week agoMakerere, Stanbic Bank Set to Renew Strategic Partnership
-
General1 week agoMakerere Signs Open MoU with London School of Economics and Political Science