General
Mastercard Foundation’s job creation initiative will provide valuable opportunities for Ugandan youth and help them build a brighter future
By Carol Kasujja Adii
By 2030, 4.3 million young people in Uganda will have access to dignified and fulfilling employment, with 70 per cent of these opportunities aimed at young women. Through the Young Africa Works Strategy in Uganda, the Mastercard Foundation and its partners will offer financial and business development support to youth-led enterprises in both urban and rural areas.
During the Young Africa Works Dialogue 2025 event at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation-Uganda, emphasized that the Foundation is focusing on agri-food systems, entrepreneurship and workforce development to ensure that young people can establish sustainable livelihoods.
“Over the past five years, Young Africa Works in Uganda has made significant strides, engaging over 3.8 million young individuals in gaining skills and accessing finance to start or grow their businesses. Of these, 1.3 million have successfully transitioned into work by securing employment, launching businesses, or expanding their economic opportunities,” Mr. Bukenya stated. He further noted that supporting young individuals, who constitute 78% of the population, will enhance their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.
“We are ensuring that all young Ugandans, regardless of their background, can engage in and benefit from economic opportunities. Together, we can unlock Uganda’s full potential by empowering its youth to lead, innovate, and thrive,” remarked Mr. Bukenya.
The dialogue united young entrepreneurs, policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to discuss how entrepreneurship can be a viable pathway to sustainable livelihoods. It also sought to understand what is effective and what is not to enable more young Ugandans to transition into dignified and fulfilling work.
In his address, Mr Godfrey Byamukama, the Assistant Commissioner of Privatization and Investment at the Ministry of Finance, representing the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and the Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Ramathan Ggoobi, expressed gratitude for the Mastercard Foundation’s model of promoting youth enterprises, stating that it effectively addresses the main challenges faced by Ugandan entrepreneurs.
He highlighted challenges such as access to finance, which is primarily hindered by the informal nature of many businesses. He urged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the financing options the Government of Uganda provided, particularly the various wealth-creation funds. According to Mr. Byamukama, the Mastercard Foundation’s programmes align with government objectives.
“We are encouraging youth to register their businesses with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to ensure their businesses are protected and to enhance their credibility,” Mr. Byamukama revealed. Entrepreneurial support has been a key pillar of the Mastercard Foundation’s work. It has assisted young individuals like Moses Eteku, an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, in scaling their businesses and improving their livelihoods.
“I thank the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for the entrepreneurial support, mentorship, and market linkages to grow Kauntabook, a financial record-keeping application for SMEs,” Moses Eteku, team lead at Shamos Solutions, stated during the Young Africa Works Dialogue. Eteku is self-employed and passionate about technology and impacting the community by creating easy and sustainable solutions using new technological trends. As Uganda continues its journey towards inclusive and sustainable growth, the Mastercard Foundation remains committed to unlocking the potential of its young people, ensuring they are at the forefront of the country’s transformation.
Youth Statistics
According to 2021 World Bank data, Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 78 per cent of its citizens under 30. The country is also home to over 1.7 million refugees and asylum seekers, the majority of whom are young people. For Uganda’s youth, access to education, skills, and economic opportunities is crucial for securing dignified and fulfilling work.
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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