General
Prof. Nawangwe encourages Mastercard Foundation Alumni to support each other in advancing their careers
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University held its inaugural scholar-alumni convening, themed “Building Bridges: From Scholars to Global Change Makers,” with great pomp and fanfare.
While representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi urged the Scholar-alumni to support one another and grow their careers together.
“Dear alumni, I encourage you to support one another, as it will help you grow your careers together. Education is a foundation, not just a destination. What you do after Makerere defines the true success of the Scholars Program. Wherever life takes you, stay curious, courageous, and committed to uplifting others as you rise. Prof Buyinza remarked.
Prof. Buyinza further reminded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University alumni to always remember that they are more than just graduates; instead, they should view themselves as a powerful force capable of changing Uganda and the world.
“I encourage all of you to value your connections within the university. As graduates of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you have the power to change Uganda and Africa. Makerere University supports the AlumNet Foundation, which we hope will partner with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Our mission is to educate, empower, and help you realize your bold dreams for meaningful change,” Prof. Buyinza emphasized.
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation Uganda, represented by Ms. Rachel Nandelenga, the Country Lead for Program Communications in Uganda, acknowledged the invaluable partnership with Makerere University, noting that the collaboration has made a substantial impact in the communities through the active engagement of Scholar alumni.
“The Mastercard Foundation is proud of its decade-long partnership with Makerere University, which has borne a lot of fruit and made a significant impact in the communities through the activities of the scholars and alumni, especially through the component of giving back to the community, ” Mr. Bukenya remarked.
Mr. Bukenya further urged the Scholar-alumni to leverage their extensive network worldwide to connect, learn from one another, and support each other in finding jobs or creating entrepreneurial ventures.
“I call upon you to take advantage of the extensive network of Mastercard Foundation partners around the world, especially for the opportunities created under the Young Africa Works strategy. I invite you to visit the Foundation’s website to explore these opportunities and connect with your peers who are working with the Foundation. I also encourage you to stay connected with your peers across the partner networks and your university. Lastly, I encourage you to live boldly by expressing your ideas.” Mr. Bukenya pointed out.
Mr. Bukenya encouraged the scholar-alumni to step out of their comfort zones and look beyond titles and descriptors that aim to belittle them.
“When I look around the room, I don’t see scholars or alumni; I see great thinkers, rising leaders, influential innovators, and quiet disruptors of the status quo. I see future ministers, parliamentarians, chief executives of Organisations, and quiet innovators of ideas that will change this world. Therefore, I urge you to look beyond titles and descriptors such as ” scholar-alumni,” Mr. Bukenya emphasized.
Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, Team Lead of the Alumni Association under the AlumNet Foundation, expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for their visionary partnership. He noted that this collaboration has immensely benefited many young people in Uganda and throughout Africa.
“I would like to first express our gratitude to the Foundation and Makerere University for their visionary partnership, which has enabled many young people to obtain a quality university education that most of us may not have otherwise attained,” Mr. Ruhweza stated.
Mr. Ruhweza reminded his fellow alumni of the importance of the convening as a vehicle to support them in achieving their shared visions and dreams.
“Colleagues we’re here today to commemorate our first Scholar-alumni convening for a reason. We are here today because we have a shared vision, we have dreams, and we can only achieve our dreams if we often share ideas, learn and support each other.” Mr. Ruhweza remarked.
Mr. Ruhweza encouraged his fellow alumni to take advantage of the resources the Foundation provided and the skills imparted by Makerere University, to enable them transition successfully to the next chapter of their lives.
“The Foundation provided all the resources we needed, Makerere University imparted the knowledge and skills; therefore, we have no excuse not to transition to any of the pathways: namely, Employment, Entrepreneurship, or further studies,” he added.
The Program Director for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, used the occasion to inspire the alumni to maintain the spirit of giving back to their communities, a core component of the Scholars Program.
“Dear Alumni, I encourage you to continue embracing the spirit of giving back to the community, as it has a profound impact and supports your peers. We are grateful for the significant project you completed in Buyende District in 2024. Now is the time to start planning for an even bigger project in 2025,” Professor Namaalwa stated.
Prof. Namaalwa further reminded the alumni not to focus too much on the class of degree they obtained; instead, they should concentrate on what they can accomplish and achieve with the education they received at Makerere University.
“The class of degree may not matter much; instead, what truly counts is what you can do with the education and skills you acquired at Makerere University. Do not focus solely on the paper; rather, what you are now and where you want to be is what truly matters,” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
The inaugural alumni convening was a vibrant event featuring a range of engaging activities, including panel discussions, meet-and-greet sessions, and lively music and dance performances. Organized by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, the Alumni Convening serves as an important annual platform for alumni to network and deepen their involvement in Program activities. By uniting Scholar alumni from different cohorts, the event fosters a strong sense of community and provides an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. This collaborative environment not only strengthens the Scholar Alumni community but also encourages ongoing engagement and support among alumni.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications & Public Relations OfficerMastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
The Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, has commended Makerere University for crafting a policy aimed at creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of the University community.
Speaking at the Launch of the Safeguarding Policy today (Friday, April 4,2025) at Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Nakadama, noted that the policy is more than just a document, it represents a commitment to change, a pledge to protect, and a foundation for the future.
“I applaud the Makerere University Council and Management for the openness to acknowledge the existence of safeguarding risks within the institution, and the commitment to enhance the safety and well-being of all Students, Staff and associated stakeholders,” remarked Rt. Hon. Nakadama.
In her speech, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering safer learning spaces in higher education institutions.
“We must collaborate to ensure its (the Safeguarding Policy’s) implementation and effectiveness. I urge all stakeholders, students, staff, Administrators, Partners and Government officials to engage in creating and maintaining a safe University Environment,” Rt. Hon. Nakadama, observed.
Makerere University has a duty of care to do no harm and promote the wellbeing of all students, staff, and other University community stakeholders. It seeks to enhance the learning environment to make it more secure, inclusive, and ethically sound for all stakeholders. In this quest, a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy was developed and approved by the University Council in April 2024.
The Policy is designed to detect, and swiftly act on safeguarding risks; prevent the occurrence of harm; provide mechanisms for reporting all allegations or incidents that have occurred; respond appropriately to all reported incidences; and, continuously monitor, evaluate and learn from practices and experiences of managing safeguarding concerns.
The University Council Chairperson, Mrs. Lorna Magara, pledged total commitment to make sure that the policy does not remain on paper.
“With this policy we reinforce our zero-tolerance stance on abuse and commit to building a community where equality and respect thrive, and where every individual feels seen, supported and secure. Today marks a new chapter. We expect Management to ensure that every Campus member understands and lives out these principles. Violations will be met with strong disciplinary and legal action and survivors will receive the support, care and justice they deserve,” Mrs. Magara, said.
Addressing guests, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice-Chancellor, reassured that the launch of the Policy is not just a ceremonial event but a call to action. He called upon staff and students to ensure that every member of the University community knows their rights and has access to channels where they can report cases without fear of retaliation.
“Makerere is an equal opportunities institution and we are intentional in maintaining a safe environment for our students, staff and visitors. On the African continent, we are pioneers in establishing the gender mainstreaming policy, the anti-sexual harassment policy, the policy on students with disabilities and others, and I want to assure you Your Excellency Mr. Ssentamu that this policy will be implemented,” Prof. Nawangwe pledged.
In his address prior to the Vice Chancellor’s remarks, H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu, the 91st Guild President had appealed to the University Management, to ensure that the policy does not remain in the filing cabinet but is put into practice. He had also requested Management to use the policy to guide in decision-making, disciplinary action, staff training, and student orientation. Prof. Nawangwe’s response therefore sought to promptly address the Student Guild’s prayer.
H.E. Ssentamu equally lauded the University Management, for developing a policy that aspires to create a safe space for everyone, especially women, students with disabilities, international students, and other vulnerable groups.
“This policy is a bold declaration that enough is enough. That silence is not an option. That every student matters. That every complaint will be taken seriously. That perpetrators will be held accountable regardless of title, status, or office,” His Excellency, Ssentamu, noted.
“To my fellow students: Safeguarding is not about punishing people; it is about protecting everyone. Speak out against misconduct. Support your colleagues. Educate yourselves about your rights. Use the reporting systems. Let us build a culture of respect,” the Guild President highlighted.
During the launch, students with disabilities, pointed out that with the policy in operation, they feel that Makerere University has created a framework for inclusivity.
“With the Safeguarding Policy in place, we have not been left behind. We now know where to report when we have challenges and also the MakSafeSpace, the online reporting system, can easily be accessed. We feel we are part of this prestigious Institutions,” Yasin Ikoza, a first-year student Social Work and Social Administration with visual impairement, said.
The MakSafeSpace platform, which incorporates accessibility features for differently abled users, provides a robust and confidential means of reporting any risk or harm that is likely to occur or has occurred during teaching, learning, research, and community engagements. This platform complements the other reporting channels, both digital and non-digital, provided by Makerere University.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa a member of the Safeguarding Steering Committee added that an Inclusion and Safeguarding Liaison Office has been established in the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) to track incidences. She equally requested members of the community to report incidences through the MakSafeSpace and other designated spaces so as to ease case tracking.
“When you report, the incidences will be channeled to the Safeguarding Liaison Office. The University Management is committed to have an annual audit; what is prevailing, what is most occurring, and what has come down. So if you don’t report through designated spaces, University Management cannot have data to act accordingly,” Prof. Namaalwa advised.
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students and Chairperson of the Safeguarding Implementation Committee informed the audience that her team has rolled out sensitization campaigns for both staff and students. The campaigns which began in Student Halls of Residence will proceed to affiliated hostels thereafter.
“The purpose of these sensitization campaigns is to educate students and staff about the importance of the Safeguarding Policy and how to identify, prevent and respond to safeguarding concerns. We have also trained staff and student safeguarding champions and we are confident that these individuals will promote a culture of safeguarding in our University community,” Dr. Kabumbuli added.
The introduction of the safeguarding policy aligns with the University’s broader mission to uphold the highest standards of Education and Institutional ethics. With this development, the University reaffirms its dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of all its stakeholders.
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