Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta delivers the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe's remarks at the dinner hosted in honour of the Makerere University Muslim Community on 2nd April 2025.
It was a warm and cordial evening on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hosted the Makerere University Community Muslim Fraternity to dinner in commemoration of their completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Held at the Okot P’Bitek Lounge in the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Gardens, the event was graced by Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) – Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta who represented the Vice Chancellor, University Secretary – Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, University Librarian – Dr. Ruth Nalumaga, Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja, Chairman University Mosque – Dr. Hussein Oria, and Director MISR – Dr. Lyn Ossome represented by Dr. Joseph Kasule among other officials.
The Vice Chancellor in his remarks noted that the self-discipline, generosity and devotion to faith exhibited by Muslim Fraternity during Ramadan was not only commendable but also a source of inspiration to the rest of the Makerere Community regardless of faith.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta addresses guests at the dinner.
“At Makerere University, we pride ourselves in fostering an environment of inclusivity, diversity and mutual respect. Our strength as an institution comes from our ability to embrace and celebrate different faiths, cultures and perspectives” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
He added that this diversity not only enriches academic scholarship but also prepares students to become global citizens, embodying tolerance, respect and integrity. “As we gather here tonight, let us reflect on the lessons learnt during this sacred period and carry them forward in our daily lives; let us continue to extend kindness to one another, work towards a more harmonious society and remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity and service” Prof. Nawangwe’s remarks further encouraged.
The Vice Chancellor further lauded the Muslim community for their great show of philanthropy by raising tuition for students who couldn’t afford to on their own, undertaking various works on the University Mosque and conducting community outreaches. He urged students present to take advantage of opportunities presented by the Student Work Scheme to both raise funds for their tuition and upkeep, as well as gaining work experience.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda appreciated the Vice Chancellor’s tradition of hosting the Muslim community to dinner.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda in his remarks appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the tradition of hosting dinners in the fraternity’s honour, which he added made the Muslims feel proud as members of the larger Makerere University Community.
“We notice that our contribution to the University in various ways is not only recognized but is also celebrated” said the University Secretary, who also added “I hope that one day Management takes interest to visit the Mosque. The Mosque has transformed significantly and the changes that have occurred there are initiatives that have been taken by the Muslim Community of this University.”
Dr. Hussein Oria addresses guests at the dinner.
Elaborating on the changes, the Chairman noted that the Muslim community has contributed to; roofing the University Mosque, installing CCTV cameras, renovating toilets. Dr. Oria added that the next projects the Muslim Community seeks to undertake are; expanding the Mosque to cater for the growing numbers and beautifying the grounds.
The Chairman University Mosque Board introduced other members present as; Vice Chairperson-Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Treasurer-Dr. Joweria Teera, Secretary-Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja, Vice Secretary-Deputy Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Musungule, and Patron Makerere University Muslim Students’ Association (MUMSA)-Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke.
Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja led prayers at the dinner.
Other Board Members introduced were; Representative of Female Alumni and former Vice Chair MUMSA-Hajat Shamim Namuddu, Representative of Male Alumni-Al-Hajji Abdul Ssekandi, Representative of Male Administrative Staff-Juma Katongole, Representative of Female Administrative Staff-Mariam Kasemiire, Chair MUMSA-Fahad Mukalazi, Chairlady MUMSA-Hanan Kuddiza, Minute Secretary-Advocate Sekalala and Chair Makerere Muslim Staff Association-Prof. Abasi Kiyimba.
Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja led prayers at the dinner, which was ably moderated by Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke.
Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke was the evening’s moderator.
The Makerere University Innovation Pod is thrilled to announce the launch of the E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda! This immersive one-year program offers exceptional Bachelor of Science and related discipline students (2nd-3rd year) the opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills in electric vehicle technology.
We are seeking motivated individuals from Physics, various Engineering fields, Industrial Art, Architecture, and Business (Marketing) with a strong academic record. Participants will engage in hands-on training, industrial immersion at Kiira Motors, and contribute to the development of the “Moonshot Project.”
Apply by September 1, 2025, to be part of this transformative skilling initiative. Female students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Invitation to bid for Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University. Proc. Ref. No. MAK/SRVCS/2025-26/00013
The Makerere University under Refugee Law Project has allocated funds to be used for the acquisition of Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
The Entity invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provision of the above consultancy services.
Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the open domestic bidding procedures contained in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003, and is open to all bidders.
Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below at 8(a) from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
The Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address at 2 above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of UGX. 100,000/= (One Hundred Thousand), only. The method of payment shall be cash payment after downloading Application Advice Slip from https://payments.mak.ac.ug/ and thereafter obtain a receipt from the bank before picking the document.
Proposals must be delivered to the address below at 8(c) at or before 10:00am on Wednesday 20th August 2025. All proposals must be accompanied by a proposal securing declaration which must be valid until 28th February 2026. Late proposals shall be rejected. Proposals will be opened in the presence of the consultants’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 8(a) at 10:15am on 20th August 2025.
I would like to extend warm congratulations from the University Management and myself to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Team for securing the Second Phase of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, which will run from 2023 to 2034. This achievement is commendable! Makerere University takes great pride in its long-standing partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which has yielded numerous valuable outcomes over the past decade. This collaboration has profoundly impacted the Scholars Program and various other initiatives.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many academic institutions shifted to online learning, the Mastercard Foundation played a pivotal role in enhancing our e-learning infrastructure through the E-learning Initiative project. This initiative has enabled the university to create high-quality, inclusive academic online content and support systems that benefit all Makerere University students and those from affiliated institutions across Uganda.
Additionally, Makerere University is working with the University of Cape Town and the University of Cambridge on another important Mastercard Foundation project: The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Collaborative. As part of this initiative, we will offer 40 PhD scholarships, 250 MSc scholarships, and skilling programmes for 500 youth. Moreover, 40 women- and youth-led green innovations will be supported, along with 30 postdoctoral scholarships. This demonstrates the immense value of our collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, and we are optimistic about continuing this partnership for many years.
Like the first phase, the second phase of the Scholars Program will focus on providing scholarships to vulnerable young people from various backgrounds. Special attention will be given to refugees, young people with disabilities, those from refugee-hosting communities, and other underserved individuals from hard-to-reach areas. This emphasis on inclusivity will further enhance opportunities for deserving youth.
I am pleased to share that Makerere University is progressing significantly toward fostering inclusivity for all students. We have established the Disability Support Centre on the ground floor of the Frank Kalimuzo building, designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for our students with disabilities and other vulnerable young individuals. Thanks to the contributions from the Mak Run 2024, the Centre is now equipped with vital ICT services, including screen readers, JAWS, Fusion, Braille services, and other essential amenities to ensure our students can easily pursue their studies.
Furthermore, I want to assure all our students, staff, partners, and the broader community that the University Management is deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment. With the University Council’s and partners’ invaluable backing, we have developed and launched the Safeguarding Policy. This vital framework outlines our measures to protect everyone from abuse and harm at Makerere University. We are building a community where everyone can learn, work, and thrive.
Makerere University remains a top choice for young people seeking higher education. The university’s vision is “To be a thought leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.” Its mission is “To provide transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research, and service responsive to dynamic national and global needs.” These aspirations place the university in a unique position, and it›s essential to uphold them always. As a University, we will continue to strengthen our efforts to focus on the key issues facing humanity and meet our obligations to a broader society beyond education and research.
In conclusion, we are grateful to our invaluable partner, the Mastercard Foundation. The renewal of the partnership with Makerere University for another 10 years of Phase Two of the Scholars Program is a significant commitment that will empower 1,000 young people in Uganda and throughout Africa. We sincerely appreciate the Foundation’s support and dedication to this mission. The University Management is committed to supporting the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to realize the vision and mission of Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation as We Build for the Future.