General
Makerere, Stanbic Bank Set to Renew Strategic Partnership
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Tuesday 26th August 2025 hosted a delegation from Stanbic Bank to strengthen their longstanding relationship and explore future collaborations. The delegation, led by the Executive Director of Stanbic Bank, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, included senior officials such as the Head of Personal Banking, Mr. Israel Arinaitwe, the Head of Affluent & Private Banking, Mr. Kiwanuka Arthure, and the Head of Client Coverage, Mr. Samuel Bulenzi.
In attendance were; the Acting (Ag) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Principal College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Chair Intellectual Property Management Board-Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Chair Convocation-Mr. George Turyamureeba, Manager Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod)-Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Director Research Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP)-Prof. Robert Wamala, Chief Advancement Officer-Mr. Awel Uwihanganye, and Deputy Manager Mak UniPod-Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma.
Other members of the Stanbic delegation included the Manager Mortgage-Ms. Kairumba Damalie, CIB Relationships Manager-Mr. Baziwe Alan, Stanbic Branch Manager Makerere-Mr. Hasule Umaru, Relationship Manager-Mr. Kali Ronald Kali, and Manager Business-Mr. Eric Kalayi.
Stanbic Bank has been a significant partner to the university, supporting digitization through the provision of computers under the Laptop Loan Scheme Agreement and funding several projects including the Albert Cook Library renovation and Makerere’s centennial celebrations. The two institutions have an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is due for renewal this year.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, noted that the university has undergone remarkable transformation, moving away from the state it was in decades ago. He emphasized Makerere’s deliberate shift towards research and innovation as a core mission, driven by the need to contribute to Uganda and Africa’s prosperity and stability in line with global development trends. He highlighted challenges such as climate change, rapid population growth, and especially youth unemployment, which he described as the most pressing factor in determining the continent’s stability. To address these, he explained, the university is focusing on research into food security, drought-resistant crops, and improved agricultural productivity.
Prof. Nawangwe proposed investment opportunities and collaborations with the bank, particularly in the commercialization of innovations and infrastructure. He stressed that such partnerships would not only support investment but also build capacity for the future generation of citizens.
Adding to his voice, the DVCAA, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, said the university seeks to transform research into products ready for the market. “We are good in science but we want to commercialise,” he emphasized.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, appealed to the bank to provide staff with resources that go beyond loan facilities. He also advocated for the solution to the University’s many accounts so as to ease transactions and monitoring.
Prof. Goretti Nabanoga invited Stanbic to partner with the university on Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, especially tree planting. She noted that Makerere is recognized as a “green campus” and such an initiative would enhance both the bank’s carbon footprint and visibility. She also encouraged investment in student accommodation, an idea supported by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli. Dr. Kabumbuli stressed that with only 10% of students in residence, 90% remain in need of housing. She added that such an investment would be mutually beneficial, as enrolled students would likely become loyal clients of the bank.
On her part, Dr. Cathy Mbidde, reported that the university generates numerous research outputs and innovations, with student and staff ideas developed into tangible products and services in the Mak UniPod maker spaces. However, she pointed out that scaling prototypes into large-scale commercial products remains a challenge. She highlighted at least five student companies already registered, including one developing a syrup for malaria treatment that has passed clinical trials and regulatory approvals. She appealed for support to commercialize such innovations to prevent innovators from being limited to selling on a small scale.
In his response, Mr. Mwogeza described the partnership with Makerere as “returning home,” commending the university’s leadership for pivoting towards commercialization, which he recognized as key for sustainability. He identified practical skilling as a critical intervention to address youth unemployment and outlined Stanbic Bank’s main focus areas as women in enterprise, agriculture, and youth empowerment. He further pledged the bank’s support towards completing the university’s indoor stadium as requested by management. He also underscored the role of the bank in supporting institutions with both financial and social capital, noting readiness to contribute to student accommodation and to leverage Makerere’s alumni network.
During the discussions, members of the Stanbic delegation recommended that the partnership also focus on business coaching and financial literacy, debt management, wealth transfer, and broader financial education. It was noted that equipping both students and staff with these skills would not only foster responsible financial behavior but also prepare graduates to better navigate personal and business finances, thereby contributing to long-term stability and prosperity. Stanbic Bank reaffirmed its long-standing partnership as the primary banker of the university, having supported various initiatives including a UGX 150 million donation towards Makerere’s centenary celebrations in 2022.
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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