General
Chancellor Shares Vision for Makerere University during His First Graduation Ceremony
Published
2 years agoon

Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor of Makerere University, has laid out his vision for the institution during the 75th graduation ceremony.
Installed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chancellor of Makerere University on 2nd October 2024, the 75th occasion marks his maiden graduation ceremony as the titular head of this great institution.
A total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas during the 75th graduation ceremony (13th to 17th January 2025).
On the first day of the 75th Graduation ceremony, the following colleges presented students for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas: College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security and the School of Law.

The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet. K. Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports represented by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education congratulated the congregation upon attaining this major milestone.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I am grateful to the University Council, Senate, Management and all staff for their unwavering commitment towards preparing our students who have duly completed the requirements leading to the award of the academic qualifications they are receiving today” she said.
The Minister equally congratulated the University Management for ensuring that transcripts for all students graduating are ready for collection from their respective colleges, and urged the graduands to embrace the spirit of hard work and the desire to make the world a better place.
“I have no doubt that you will face the future with courage, creativity and conviction. There are plenty of opportunities out there, take advantage of the many opportunities to create jobs,” encouraged the First Lady and Honourable Minister of Education and Sports.

Furthermore, she commended the Students Guild for cultivating a cordial working relationship with the University Management and ensuring that matters affecting to students welfare in the University are handled amicably.
In his address, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga outlined several key areas that he aims to focus on as he steers the university forward. A proud alumnus of Makerere, Dr. Kiyonga reflected on the transformative power of education, emphasizing that Makerere’s role in national progress must extend beyond teaching to include research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.
Dr. Kiyonga revealed that enhancing the university’s research capacity is one of his primary goals. He praised the government’s allocation of UGX 30 billion to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), recognizing the importance of research in driving Uganda’s socio-economic growth.

“Makerere University is the oldest university in the country. Over the years the institution has built a strong stock of high quality human resources. The University is doing significant amount of research,” he said.
He noted that there is need for further support, saying, “More work is required to mobilize for an increment of funds in order to further support research work.”
He also emphasized that Makerere should play a leading role in generating knowledge to address pressing national challenges. “Research plays a very vital role in the development of any community,” he said, underscoring the importance of transforming research into actionable solutions.
In addition to research, Dr. Kiyonga highlighted the need forMakerere University to build stronger connections with both national and international industries. “We are generating innovations that should eventually be taken to the commercialization level,” he remarked. He proposed the creation of agro-industrial parks on land allocated by President Museveni, which would provide both practical training for students and contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.

“At this stage, more resources and infrastructure are needed to support our innovations,” he added, calling for formal partnerships with the investment community to scale up these efforts.
Addressing the issue of unemployment, Dr. Kiyonga urged graduates to leverage their education to create opportunities for themselves and others. “What is critical is sustaining the thinking that you can indeed apply your knowledge to create work in areas with demand within the population,” he said.
He also encouraged graduates to work together to innovate and start businesses, stating, “Partner with some of your friends to form teams, come up with an idea, and you could turn that idea into an innovation, business enterprise or product.” He emphasized that graduates should not limit themselves to seeking employment, but should embrace entrepreneurship as a means of solving societal problems.
Dr. Kiyonga proposed expanding Makerere’s community outreach efforts, particularly in the agricultural sector. “I propose formalized relationships with some medium to large scale farmers across the country,” he said, suggesting that students in the agriculture department could benefit from hands-on internships with these farmers. In return, students would assist with extension services, boosting productivity in smaller farms and contributing to food security.

“There are also gaps in some of the training of Ugandans abroad,” Dr. Kiyonga added, noting that Makerere University could collaborate with foreign universities to provide practical training for Ugandan students, especially in fields such as human medicine.
In line with President Museveni’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga also highlighted the importance of incorporating political economy into all university courses. “It is critical that we deeply appreciate socio-economic forces that determine forward movement or lack of it,” he said, explaining that understanding these forces is essential for preparing graduates to lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.
Prof. Nawangwe Highlights Achievements and Growth
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe celebrated Makerere’s progress, particularly in its transformation into a research-led institution. He detailed various innovative projects across the university’s colleges, including the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as the AI Health Lab’s malaria diagnostic tools, and initiatives such as the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod), which has incubated dozens of innovations.
“We are making steady progress on our strategic journey of a research-led university,” Prof. Nawangwe stated, revealing that Makerere has supported the commercialization of 15 projects, with a total of 157 projects now ready for integration into Uganda’s national economy.
Prof. Nawangwe also reflected on the institution’s ongoing infrastructure development, including the restoration of the iconic Main Administration Building and the opening of a new state-of-the-art Law School building. These developments, alongside initiatives such as the establishment of a Disability Support Centre, further underline Makerere’s commitment to improving both student and staff welfare.
Among the key statistics of the graduation ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted that 53% of the 13,658 graduands were female, and 491 graduated with first-class honors. He also spotlighted the achievements of specific colleges, including the College of Education’s initiatives to tackle youth unemployment through entrepreneurial training and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s efforts to develop vaccines and diagnostics for key diseases.

Further illustrating the university’s global reach, Prof. Nawangwe noted Makerere‘s collaboration with international partners such as Google and the European Commission, which has provided substantial funding for health and climate change-related projects. “The Government of Uganda provides Makerere University with a Research and Innovation Fund to support cutting-edge solutions,” he added.
In a powerful and inspiring commencement address, Professor LenkaBula Puleng, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), urged the graduates—especially women—to tap into their resilience, embrace their generational mission, and redefine their worth in shaping Africa’s future.
Reflecting on Makerere’s distinguished legacy, Professor LenkaBula praised the university as a beacon of academic excellence, whose contributions have been instrumental in Africa’s intellectual and social development. She highlighted its pivotal role as a cornerstone for both anti-colonial and post-colonial scholarship, underscoring the profound impact it has had on shaping the continent’s intellectual landscape.
“Makerere University, along with its sister institution-the University of South Africa, has been pivotal in the African struggle for freedom and unity,” said Professor LenkaBula. “It stands as a symbol of Africa’s intellectual resilience, a place where the seeds of transformation were planted during the colonial era and continue to grow today.”
Addressing the congregation gathered at Makerere’s historic Freedom Square, the Vice-Chancellor recognized the remarkable scholars who have shaped the African academic landscape through their work at Makerere, referencing figures such as Professor Dani Wadida Nabudere, Issa Shivji, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Mahmood Mamdani, and many others. These scholars, she said, were instrumental in cultivating a new generation of thought leaders who continue to challenge the status quo and lead Africa toward progress.
Highlighting the role of African women in these transformative processes, Professor LenkaBula reminded graduates of resilient women who have played key roles in Africa’s history, such as Queen Amina of Nigeria, Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana, and Wangari Maathai of Kenya. These women, she noted, not only fought against colonial forces, but have continued to shape the post-colonial era through their activism, leadership, and vision.
Professor LenkaBula’s address focused on the significance of women in reclaiming their generational mission. She emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and transformation, especially for young women.
“Education is not an elite indulgence; it is a public good,” she said, citing the words of feminist scholar Amina Mama. She urged the graduates, particularly the women, to remember their history and their mission in the ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and peace.

Her call to action was clear: graduates must not be prisoners of the past, but leaders who redefine the future. She challenged the new generation to take their place in fields such as medicine, agriculture, science, and technology, which are essential to Africa’s development. She encouraged them to forge a future of peace, sustainability, and inclusivity, underscoring the importance of creating a world that reflects their values and dreams.
Professor LenkaBula spoke to the youth about their responsibility to overcome the legacies of patriarchy and oppression, both within African societies and globally. She acknowledged that women, despite their significant contributions, continue to face disproportionate challenges, but she expressed confidence that this new generation of graduates—especially women—has the strength and determination to break these barriers.
“As graduates, you carry the mettle and the light to create more opportunities—for yourselves and others—to reclaim your mission and redefine your worth,” she said. “Africa is waiting for you, and you must rise to the occasion with the strength, courage, and vision to lead us into the future.”
In conclusion, Professor LenkaBula reminded the graduates that they are part of a legacy of change-makers and intellectual trailblazers, encouraging them to embrace their roles as the next generation of leaders who will drive the African Renaissance. She left them with an empowering message: “Reclaim your Generational Mission and Redefine your Worth as the new generation that Africa is waiting for!”
The 75th Graduation Ceremony at Makerere University marked not only the academic achievements of the graduates, but also a celebration of the university’s long-standing contribution to the African intellectual tradition and its continued role in shaping a better future for the continent. As the graduates left the Freedom Square, the call to action was clear: the future of Africa rests in their hands.
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Education
Makerere Celebrates Prof. Mbazira’s Law Scholarship at His Inaugural Professorial Lecture and Book Launch
Published
1 day agoon
November 13, 2026
Makerere University lauded Professor Christopher Mbazira’s excellent contribution to the legal practice and academia during his inaugural professorial lecture and book launch organised through the School of Law. The celebration provided an opportunity to introspect on the topic of the day; exercise of judicial power for constitutional transformation in Uganda.
The lecture held on November 12, 2026 at Makerere Main Hall began on a lively note as Prof. Mbazira called out the traditional Makerere chant, “Emakerere Oye!” drawing an enthusiastic “Oye!” from the audience. It was a fitting start to a presentation he described as both a privilege and an honour.
Central Message of Prof. Mbazira’s Inaugural Lecture
In his presentation, Prof. Mbazira framed his central message to highlight that Judicial power remains one of the most important instruments for constitutional transformation, but its effectiveness depends on how it is exercised and whether its outcomes are respected.
Empahsising this, he drew on international scholarship to define judicial role. He referenced South African academic Prof. Bertus de Villiers, who guides that “the Judiciary can be an essential agent in the transformative process of a country. This is because the Judiciary can breathe life into the dry text of the constitution.”

Acknowledging that courts do not automatically become transformative simply because a constitution gives them extensive powers, Prof. Mbazira drew a sobering reality check regarding the limitations of the courts.
He warned that the Judiciary can of course be an instrument of oppression, and a defender of the status quo. Therefore, for the better, he recommended that the Judiciary be independent, courageous, principled, and responsive to the constitutional aspirations of the people. To the Executive and Legislature, he encouraged they recognise that constitutional limitations are not obstacles to governance but rather foundations to legitimate governance. He mobilised legal professionals, academicians, civil society to remain engaged in defending constitutionalism.
Professor’s inaugural lecture themed, “Uganda@64 and the Exercise of Judicial Power for Constitutional Transformation: Examining the Gains and the Lost Opportunities,” typically challenged the audience to rethink the role of the Judiciary.
Beyond his academic achievements, Prof. Mbazira made room to celebrate his family that has accompanied him on his journey. He invited his daughter, Ms. Christabella Mbazira, an aspiring lawyer, to address the gathering.

In her remarks, Christabella described her father as a role model, expressing admiration for his legal intellect and, with a touch of humour, the financial rewards of his profession.
A Tribute to Prof. Mbazira from Makerere University
Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Sarah Ssali, congratulated Prof. Mbazira on this achievement, describing it as not merely personal but institutional; a source of pride and a reflection of the scholarship and intellectual excellence that Makerere University continues to nurture.
Contextualising the Lecture, Prof. Ssali noted that it is always an opportunity to reflect on the academic journey of research, teaching, service, and contribution to society. She expressed confidence that this lecture on the role of courts in promoting constitutional transformation offers solutions to Uganda’s constitutional development and democratic future.

Prof Ssali, praised Prof. Mbazira for his mentorship contribution, noting that through his role at Makerere School of Law, he has groomed lawyers and legal scholars capable of critically using the law as an instrument of justice and social transformation.
The Acting Dean School of Law, Dr Zahara Nampewo described the inaugural professorial lecture as “one of the most significant academic traditions of any university,” noting it allows professors to “share the intellectual journey that has shaped their scholarship, to reflect on the contribution of their work to society, and to engage the wider public on issues of national importance.”

She emphasised that at the School of Law, constitutionalism is not an abstract academic concern. It is rather central to their mission as the leading institution of legal education, research and public engagement in Uganda. Exemplifying this, she referenced the 2016 amicus curiae brief submitted by nine law lecturers, including Professor Mbazira, which “established a progressive precedent for admission of amici curiae.”
Amici curiae are non-parties to a lawsuit such as experts, advocacy groups, organisations, or government officials who have a strong interest or specialised knowledge in the subject of the case.
Official Launch of Prof. Mbazira’s Book
Launching the book titled “Judicial Power, Politics and Constitutional Transformation in Uganda: Walking in and outside the Constitution”, Hon. Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda and former Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs and faculty at School of Law highlighted her long-standing relationship with Prof. Christopher Mbazira.
She acknowledged first encountering Mbazira as a student with “Law Intellect” and later as a colleague. She therefore expressed joy addressing him as Professor of Law now.

As the foreword author, she appreciated his book for its ability to help the Judiciary “reflect on their work, introspect and think, how we can do better.”
Further commending his role in critiquing the Judiciary, she emphasised the importance of authorship, referencing Albert Schweitzer to describe how authors “light the flame within” others.

On behalf of the University, Prof. Ssali said the book demonstrates how scholarship can interrogate institutions, challenge established thinking, and contribute to national and international debates.
Professor Mbazira’s Journey – Academic and Professional
Born in Jinja in the 1970s, at a time when the town was a thriving industrial centre, Prof. Mbazira would later build a distinguished career in legal academia. His journey into teaching was not initially planned. After graduating from the Law Development Centre in 2001, he had hoped to establish himself in commercial legal practice.
However, his career took a different turn when he was appointed a teaching assistant at Makerere University‘s then Faculty of Law where he serves to date and has grown to a senior position.
His journey has since brought him into contact with generations of lawyers, judges, academics, students and policymakers, most of whom were present for his inaugural lecture.
The citation presented by Dr Zahara Nampewo, the Deputy Dean at School of Law detailed Professor Mbazira’s academic and professional journey as follows:
Education and Early Work
Born in 1975, he earned his LLB from Makerere in 1999, an LLM from the University of Pretoria in 2003, and a PhD from the University of the Western Cape in 2007. His doctoral thesis “set the course for a substantial body of scholarship on how constitutional and international human rights guarantees can be translated into effective remedies for people whose rights have been violated.”

Career at Makerere
He joined the faculty in 2001 and became a full professor in July 2020. He has served in various leadership roles, including Head of Department and Acting Principal.
Scholarship
His work centers on “economic, social, and cultural rights, constitutionalism, and democratic governance.” His publications include “Litigating Economic and Social Rights in South Africa” and “Budding Democracy or Judicialisation.”
Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC)
Since 2012, he has coordinated PILAC, which “helps advance a model of legal education that combines academic instruction with practical engagement in the justice needs of the communities.”

It was indeed a great day that honored not just the individual, but the ongoing struggle for a more just and accountable society in Uganda.
General
Advancing Makerere university’s Research Visibility and Impact: DRIP Spearheads Institutional ORCID Adoption
Published
2 days agoon
November 12, 2026By
Mak Editor
The Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) has conducted a series of training sessions aimed at equipping graduate students, researchers, and research administrators with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively use the Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID). These trainings are designed to strengthen researchers’ professional identities, enhance publication tracking, and improve the visibility and recognition of their research outputs.
On 11th November 2026, DRIP held an online engagement with Makerere Research Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). The engagement was attended by Grants Management Committee(GMC) and (Mak-RIF) Secretariat staff. The GMC members in attendance included Chairperson Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Vice Chairperson Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Dr. Dorothy Okello, Dr. Stephen Wandera and Prof. Robert Wamala. The members were sensitized on individual and institutional registration, and benefits of ORCID adoption in research administration.

The successful drive towards strengthening ORCID adoption at Makerere University has greatly benefited from the strategic leadership and unwavering commitment of Prof. Sarah Sali, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs). Her leadership and institutional support have been instrumental in positioning ORCID adoption as a strategic University priority, recognising its importance in strengthening researcher identification, enhancing the global visibility of Makerere’s research outputs, improving publication tracking and reinforcing institutional research management. Her commitment to embedding ORCID within the University’s academic and research systems provides an important foundation for building a more visible, accountable and globally connected research community. DRIP sincerely appreciates her visionary leadership and continued support towards advancing Makerere University’s research excellence and impact.

Prof. Sarah Sali, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs
The Deputy Coordinator (Mak-RIF) Mrs. Phoebe Lutaaya Kamya speaking on behalf of Mak-RIF secretariat commended DRIP – the organisers of the online workshop and pledged support to the integration of ORCID in Mak-RIF’s processes. Mrs. Kamya looked forward to the training which was to help improve their operations in administering the research fund. Other members of MaKRIF secretariat included Evelyne Nyachwo, Grace Ruto, Gloria Nagayi, Karungi Jancita, Julie Nabirye, among others.
In his remarks, the Director Quality Assurance Officer, Dr. Cyprian Misinde acknowledged the importance of ORCID and called on all researchers to embrace the tool for their own benefit and to improve the evaluation of institutional research ranking.
“Being a research-led institution, we are ranked, and our ranking is partly based on research we do. So, if our research is not known, then we lose credit and it affects our position internationally”, Dr. Misinde noted.

Mr. Brian Masiga speaking on behalf of the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU), praised Prof. Robert Wamala and his team at DRIP for their efforts towards improving the research ranking of Makerere University most especially in research outputs.
“ORCID is one of those digital identifiers that is sort of like a CV that tracks the work that has been done by the researcher over a period of time”, Mr. Masiga said.
During the training, Prof. Robert Wamala presented a report which was previously discussed by the University Central Management on research outputs. The report showed that there were only 24% of academic staff who could be identified by ORCID. It is by this revelation that management resolved to sensitise staff and also to ensure that all systems at Makerere University are integrated with ORCID. Prof. Wamala assured the participants that the requirement for ORCID registration in research management was to ease Mak-RIF’s work in tracking research identities against outputs.
“The biggest importance towards the University is that Makerere University can actually validate and affiliate that a professor who claims to come from Makerere University is actually from Makerere University. Once these ORCIDs are generated and given through a hub and managed by Mak-RIF, Mak-RIF doesn’t have to ask people for their publications, these publications are automatically fetched into a hub”, Prof. Robert Wamala reported.
Mr. Tamale Fredrick from RENU delivered a presentation on the registration, use and benefits of ORCID to both the institution and the researcher. He explained that it was possible to integrate research done before a researcher obtained the ORCID other than creating a new identity profile.
Mr. Juma Katongole, Deputy Chief – Directorate of ICT Support(DICTS) reported that they had commenced the integration of ORCID in some of the institutional information systems like Research Information Management System (RIMS)- a systems that tracks postgraduate students’ research, and Makerere University Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS) which manages university staff records.
Mr. Katongole commended the partnership with RENU that working the Uganda OSHID Consortium they were able to integrate the systems and report appropriately.
“Because this information belongs to a staff or a researcher, they can always revoke permission. However, we follow data acquisition guidelines. Our role is to connect and synchronize. Since there is a bit of change management required, I’m happy that Prof. Wamala has gone around orienting stakeholders”, remarked Mr. Katongole.
Dr. Stephen Wandera contributing to the discussion, was glad for university’s resolve to leverage the ORCID platform for research identification and journaling.
“We could encourage staff members to make sure that they have created the profiles with the Web of Science, and many others. We need to make sure that as scientists, we are located and positioned properly in the global space”, Dr Steven Wandera reported.
Dr. Wandera said that through ORCID registration, the university will have better rankings and the contribution as individual researchers and institutions are properly allocated.
Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, supplementing on the engagement, commended the initiative and the benefits towards the university and the research ecosystem.
Dr. Zahara Nampewo and others confirmed having an ORCID but may require further assistance on how to tag their publications. Similar to the views of other GMC members, Dr. Zahara Nampewo and Dr. Dorothy Okello thanked DRIP for organizing the training.

In his closing remarks, Chairperson MAKRIF, Professor Fred Massagazi Masaazi said that the topical conversation on the development was very important and the benefits of ORCID was evident and relevant to MAKRIF. He was delighted that Mak-RIF staff had joined the discussion. Prof. Masagazi Masaazi pledged support of MAKRIF in advancing Makerere University’s Research Visibility and Impact by championing ORCID adoption through MAKRIF.
General
Makerere-Rotary Launch Student Food for Peace Initiative
Published
3 days agoon
November 11, 2026
Through the Food for Peace initiative, the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport is stepping in to provide meals to over 200 students who struggle to afford meals, especially during the examination period.
According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, hundreds of students drop out of Makerere University every year due to financial constraints. The reality for those who remain is sometimes tougher, for they struggle to survive.
While addressing the media at a press conference held at Makerere University on November 11, 2026, Prof. Nawangwe shared that many of these students skip meals, a situation that is more frequent during examination periods, when the demands on the brain are much greater.
The University is aware of these reports and in his capacity as Vice Chancellor and President of the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport, Prof. Nawangwe lobbied the club to take action.

In preparation for intervention, a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted, inviting students to come forward and share their needs. About 200 students responded to the survey, indicating a pressing need for food support during examinations.
The findings birthed a legacy project code-named “Food for Peace”, targeting, for a start, 206 students at Makerere University, regardless of their sponsorship status, as long as they participated in the survey. The Makerere Rotary Peace Centre spearheaded the survey that helped identify the first cohort of those who will benefit from the initiative and guided that for a dignified experience, the beneficially names will remain in records and not disclosed.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasised that the core mission of this cause is to move a step up with efforts to ensure that economically challenged students at Makerere University do not go a day without a meal. Service providers in halls of residence will serve these students their food following a meal card.
Seeding the Project
The Guest of Honour, Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, the Rotary International Director (RID) for Zone 22, while launching the initiative shared his personal experience of facing challenges that almost barred him from attaining an education. He believes education is an equaliser in life and that everyone should have a chance to access it. He reminded those in the room that they were all there together because of education.
RID Katongole highlighted the importance of supporting people, both as individuals and as a community. He expressed pride in being part of the launch of this project because it is going to create many more “Emmanuel Katongoles” through the provision of a meal.
He therefore personally committed to contribute UGX 5 million annually, starting this year, for as long as he lives or until the project ends. He also pledged to remain part of the initiative.
92nd Guild Commends “Service above Self”

From a student perspective, H.E. Kadondi Gracious, the 92nd Makerere University Guild President, delivered a vote of thanks for the initiative. She noted that students had petitioned Parliament to intervene in the matter and were happy that solutions had started coming from within.
She framed this move not just as charity, but as a way of restoring hope to Makerereans who were unsure of how they were going to maneuver through the examination period without lunch. In appreciation, the Guild President commended Rotary for showing what it actually means to offer service above self.
Sustainability of the “Food for Peace” Project
Although the immediate intervention is directed towards fewer than 300 students who expressed a need for assistance, the vision is bigger and looking beyond the current examination season.
As the Rotary Passport Club President noted, “if this is going to be sustainable, it means we are going to look out for partners to create a fund to sustain this initiative.”

The Club Secretary, Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, explained that as a legacy project, it is not a one-off. She committed the services of the Passport Club to supporting this legacy project.
Grounding the sustainability move, RID Emmanuel Katongole set the pace by pledging annual cash and in-kind support towards providing consistent assistance to students throughout subsequent academic periods, thereby enhancing student welfare over the long term.

Dr Winfred Kabumbuli, the Makerere University Dean of Students, showed strong support for the initiative since it falls within the core mission of student welfare. She appreciated the collaboration with Makerere University Passport Club, and pledged to rally internal support.
Call to Action and Contributions
The Club President made an appeal to alumni, corporate bodies, development partners, individuals and institutions of goodwill to join this noble cause, intended to ensure that students not only remain at the University but also attain their full potential on a full stomach.
The immediate fundraising goal is UGX 10 million shillings, which is required to implement the initial phase of food support. Excess amounts collected will facilitate an increase in the number of beneficiaries and after the examination period, add to the kitty for subsequent semesters.

Support and assistance can come in the form of financial contributions, food supplies, corporate partnerships, logistical support, and long-term partnerships.
To facilitate support, the club, through its Charter Treasurer (C.T.), Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, shared the banking details as follows
Bank: NCBA Uganda Limited.
Account Name: Rotary Club of Makerere Passport
Uganda Shillings (UGX) Account Number: 228129200017
United States Dollar (USD) Account Number: 228129200027
SWIFT Code: CBAFUGKA
Bank Code: 36
Students were left with one final promise from the Chief Guest, “you are no longer alone. You have a partner in the Rotary Club of Makerere Passport.”
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