_{By the Program Communication Team}

A decade after graduating, Alex still exudes a warm and approachable demeanor. Despite his esteemed position, he carries no air of superiority. He is an accommodating and attentive listener, and our conversation about his journey flowed effortlessly.

“I don’t think I would have pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering if it had not been for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University,” Alex Mirugwe recalls.

Alex’s journey was one of purely humble beginnings, began 30 years ago in Kyotera District, where he was the third of six children born to the late Charles Kalimirwa and Margaret Nampija.

His academic path led him to Broadway High School for both O’ and A’ levels, where he studied Physics, Economics, Mathematics, and ICT.

Alex recounts that when his Senior Six results were released, he had scored 17 points, but was uncertain of the following steps since his family could not afford his university tuition.

“If it hadn’t been for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, my family would have struggled to raise my tuition,” he notes.

Faced with his results, Alex sought all possible opportunities to further his education. As luck would have it, while reading the New Vision Newspaper one day, he saw an advertisement for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

“I applied, got shortlisted, attended interviews, and I succeeded. That is how I gained the opportunity to join Makerere University,” he remarks.

The Program offers scholarships to bright but underprivileged children who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering.

Upon completing his first degree, he received another opportunity from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town to pursue his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Data Science.

After attaining his M.Sc. from the University of Cape Town, he returned to Uganda and began applying for jobs.

“When I returned, I relaxed for only three months, and in the fourth month, when I decided to send out my applications, I secured a job at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) project as a data scientist,” Alex pointed out.

When Alex landed his dream job, it was the perfect opportunity to continue researching something he has always loved; supporting the analysis of HIV data. His dream job exposed him to data from more than 1,600 health facilities across the country.

“It has been an intriguing journey; I am pursuing what I studied. I would advise people to seize postgraduate opportunities because, when I completed my Master’s, I encountered no obstacles in securing a job.” 

For now, he is focused on raising his young family. 

His story is a powerful reminder of the significance of education for all. His journey from a humble village upbringing to a national role has been driven by a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to creating a better world for everyone. 

Alex’s parting words, “Take your studies seriously, and learning never ceases.

“Continue to enhance your academic qualifications. You will transform your story.”

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 14th December, 2024.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

• Mature Age Entry Aptitude Exam Results -HUMANITIES
• Mature Age Entry Aptitude Exam Results -SCIENCE

Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has been honored with the African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award 2024 for his exceptional leadership in education. The prestigious award was presented to him at a grand ceremony held at the Marriott Casablanca Hotel in Morocco, by H.E. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Board. The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar.

In addition to this accolade, Prof. Nawangwe received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives in recognition of his remarkable contributions to education and leadership in Africa. The award, introduced by Representative Henderson-Myers and the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, celebrates his outstanding achievements as an educator and his pivotal role in transforming Makerere University into a research-intensive, globally competitive institution.

According to the House Resolution, Prof. Nawangwe has served as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University since August 2017, leading the institution through a significant transformation into a hub for research and technological advancement. Under his leadership, Makerere has strengthened partnerships with global institutions, driven investments in research and infrastructure development, and championed policy reforms aimed at addressing Africa’s developmental challenges. Notably, he played a key role in the establishment of Kiira Motors Corporation, Africa’s first electric vehicle manufacturing company, in which Makerere holds a 4% stake​.

Prof. Nawangwe also serves in leadership capacities on several international academic boards, including as Chair of the Alliance for African Partnerships, Vice Chair of the Australia Africa Universities Network, and Council Member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. His visionary leadership continues to shape the future of African academia, earning him recognition as one of the continent’s foremost education reformers.

Upon receiving the awards, Prof. Nawangwe expressed his gratitude, saying, “I thank the ALM and the South Carolina House of Representatives for these prestigious awards. I am deeply grateful to the voters across Africa who recognized my efforts, as well as the dedicated staff and students of Makerere University, whose hard work and commitment have made this achievement possible.”

The African Leadership Magazine Person of the Year Award celebrates individuals whose contributions have positively impacted Africa’s growth and development. The Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina House of Representatives highlights Prof. Nawangwe’s influence and dedication to advancing higher education in Africa. These honors not only celebrate his personal achievements but also elevate Makerere University’s global standing, reinforcing its legacy as a beacon of academic excellence and leadership.