Education
Mak staff and students tipped on Building Wealth, Securing the Future, Smart Investment and Retirement Strategies
October 16, 2025: “Salaries alone rarely make people wealthy. Financial growth comes from savings, investments, entrepreneurship and innovation. Those who invest collectively in ventures, saving clubs or small businesses, pool resources for projects, and often live comfortably and educate their children with ease,” said Mr. Sulaiman Kiggundu, the Director-Budget Office at the Parliament of Uganda, during a guest lecture at Makerere University.
Stressing that growing old is not an option, Mr. Kiggundu called upon Ugandans to build their income portfolio through savings and investments so as to enjoy retirement.
Themed, Building Wealth and Securing the Future: Smart Investment and Retirement Strategies for Every Stage of Life, the Lecture organized by the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support at the College of Education and External Studies, attracted both physical and online participants.
Held on 16th October 2025, the lecture presented to both staff and students, practical pathways to financial independence and retirement planning. The lecture provided a platform to gain essential knowledge on saving, investing wisely, and preparing for a secure financial future.
The Guest Presenter, Mr. Kiggundu delivered an inspiring keynote presentation, blending personal experience with tested and proven financial undertakings/ventures. Mr. Kiggundu is a Ugandan who has accumulated wealth through savings and investments. He is also an investment champion.
During the lecture, Mr. Kiggundu explained that wealth is broader than money-it is independence and choice. He highlighted four key drivers of wealth: Education and Skills, Savings and Investments, Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Discipline and Patience.
Reinforcing a vital message that true wealth is not merely earned, Mr. Kiggundu stressed that wealth is intentionally built through discipline, informed choices, and consistent planning.
“Uganda’s future belongs to those who plan wisely and invest patiently. Your future is determined by what you do today, not tomorrow,” he stated.
With reference to Kenya, Mr. Kiggundu revealed that every Kenyan belongs to a SACCO. However, it is a different scenario in Uganda. “Most Ugandans have a poor saving culture. They have a habit of spending all their income. This is the source of all problems. You must change your attitude,” he advised.
He challenged the participants to listen to the inner voice, and respond to the following questions: Are you insured? Is your house insured? Do you belong to an investment club? Do you have an automated saving system or a side hustle? Is there an idle piece of land that you could develop?
He urged Makerere University staff to join investment clubs, trusted saving groups, track and monitor their savings in mandatory retirement schemes, acquire investment advisors, and to avoid social obligations that overstretch their income.
He specified some of the common money traps to avoid, including: borrowing to impress, ignoring insurance, mixing family and business money, joining get rich schemes, and not having an emergency fund.
Articulating the importance of investment advisors, he noted that professors and professionals, always engage lawyers and consultants, but forget to hire investment experts, who would guide them on the most viable investments or businesses. Mr. Kiggundu called upon staff and students to emulate the people in Europe, and /or football players, who earn money, but have professional investment advisors.
Mr. Kiggundu highlighted some of the investment vehicles in Uganda. These include: Bank savings and fixed deposits (low risk, low medium returns), treasury bills and bonds (via Bank of Uganda and bond markets), Uganda Securities Exchange, SACCOs Village savings and Loan Associations and microfinance institutions, Real Estate (to let, plots for development) and agribusiness investment, Pension and retirement schemes (NSSF and private retirement plan), Unit trusts, investment funds, and fintech platforms (select regulator providers), digital skills and side hustles.
Reflecting on his career and life journey from a teaching assistant to his current role, Mr. Kiggundu emphasized that financial security is cultivated through disciplined saving, strategic investment, and thoughtful planning.
Mr. Kiggundu shared invaluable lessons on savings, investment, and retirement planning, stressing that financial literacy is a lifelong journey. He encouraged participants to adopt a mindset where income minus expenses equals savings and investments—allowing money to work for them. He cautioned against living beyond one’s means, highlighting that overspending erodes financial stability regardless of income. Budgeting, automated savings, and prioritizing long-term goals, he noted, are key to building wealth.
“Over the years, I have interacted with various professionals, including public servants and legislators. Some have transitioned into retirement successfully; others have struggled. The difference often lies in one’s mindset about money. Traditionally, people believe that income equals existence—you earn, spend, and survive. But the smarter mindset is that income minus expenses equals savings and investment. The goal is not to work for money alone, but to let money work for you.”
Highlighting the role of entrepreneurship, Mr. Kiggundu shared examples from his personal experiences with investment groups and collective ventures such as tree planting, which generated substantial passive income. He emphasized that while salaries provide stability, wealth grows through diversified investments and long-term projects, strategic land purchases, and real estate.
He offered practical advice to participants including starting small with savings, building emergency funds, joining investment clubs or SACCOs, and seeking professional guidance before committing to investments. He highlighted the need for insurance, writing wills, and separating personal/family from business finances as crucial safeguards.
To the young professionals, Mr. Kiggundu advised them to develop skills and take on side hustles, emphasizing independence and smart resource management. For mid-career individuals, he recommended consolidating finances and preparing for retirement while maintaining disciplined lifestyles-free of unnecessary debt. He underscored patience, consistency, and informed decision-making as pillars of sustainable wealth creation.
Some of the leaders who graced the lecture with their personal presence include: The Principal of the CEES-Professor Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Dean of the School of Education-Associate Professor Mathias Mulumba Bwanika, and the Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support-Dr. Dorothy Sebbowa.
Prof. Anthony Mugagga, CEES Principal shared a compelling story of how small, but consistent investments can yield life-changing results. He revealed that while at the university, as a student in the 1980s, he engaged in modest business ventures such as buying and selling reams of paper. These humble beginnings allowed him to purchase a plot of land in Namugongo for UGX 350,000 in 1990, now valued at over UGX 1.5 billion. “It was small money then, but it taught me the power of saving and investing early,” he revealed.
Prof. Mugagga reflected on financial disparities, contrasting the struggles of some highly paid professionals with the resilience of lower-income earners. “I have seen professors who worked with the World Bank and IMF returning home with dollars and pounds, only to struggle because they never invested wisely,” he observed. “Meanwhile, a primary school teacher earning 215,000/= manages to survive. The difference lies in discipline and planning.”
He candidly shared lessons from ventures that proved challenging, such as investing in the transport sector- owning taxis and boda-bodas, cautioning younger generations to make informed choices. “At my age, I have learned that wealth is built on patience, wisdom, and good advice. Younger people still have time to correct where we went wrong.”
Associate Professor Mathias Mulumba, Dean of the School of Education, underscored the universal relevance of the discussion. He emphasized that the session was valuable not only for those nearing retirement, but also for newly appointed staff, and students yet to begin their professional journeys.
He likened salaried employment to standing on a stage: a time of recognition, admiration, and responsibility, “but no one remains on that stage forever. What matters is what we have prepared for that moment.” He urged participants to take actionable steps from the guest lecture.
Dr. Dorothy Sebbowa, Director of CTLS and Senior Lecturer at CEES, acknowledged Dr. Charles Kyasanku and Dr. Badru Musisi for moderating the session.
Dr. Sebbowa stated that developing sound financial habits is crucial at every stage in life. She explained that the session aimed to empower participants with tools for long-term financial security.
“Understanding how to make informed financial choices and prepare for retirement at every stage of life empowers individuals and communities. Whether you’re starting your career, at mid-level, or approaching retirement, developing sound investment and financial planning habits is key to long-term stability and security.”
Dr. Sebbowa provided an overview of CTLS, describing it as an innovation hub dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning through learner-centered pedagogies and continuous professional development. The Centre promotes transformative teaching, entrepreneurship, communication skills, and soft skills development, aligned with Uganda’s national development goals, through partnerships both locally and internationally.
Dr. Sebbowa reaffirmed CTLS’s dedication to supporting educators, learners, and professionals with innovative and practical learning solutions. She commended the College leadership for their support and extended appreciation to participants for demonstrating commitment to continuous learning and responsible financial stewardship.
On Thursday 23rd April 2026, people from different spheres of life, filled the Makerere University Main Hall to the brim, while other friends, partners and admirers, followed the proceedings virtually in a display of love and continuity, in honour of the legacy of Professor George William Senteza Kajubi, a distinguished scholar and educationist.
Prof. George William Senteza Kajubi, respected for being the first African Fulbright Scholar, served as a Vice Chancellor at Makerere University from 1977 to 1979, and 1990 to 1993.
He passed away on 1st May 2012, but his good works, knowledge, vocation, continue to inspire countless individuals across the globe.
Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy
The 6th Annual Professor Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture brought onboard the family of the late, the US Ambassador to Uganda, senior government officials, the Vice Chancellor and members of the University Management, the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum, academics, staff, alumni, university and secondary school students, and international partners. All gathered for a detailed reflection on Uganda’s education system under the theme “Education Policy Reform as an Enabler of Student Success: The Kajubi Legacy.”
The lecture, organised by the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) at Makerere University in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda and the Fulbright Program, evolved into a wide-ranging policy dialogue on curriculum reform, student learning outcomes, teacher training, digital transformation, and the legacy of Prof. William Senteza Kajubi.
Speakers repeatedly cited Kajubi’s 1989 Education Policy Review Commission Report, which many described as the foundation of modern Uganda’s education architecture, including the 1992 Government White Paper on Education for National Development.
Senteza Kajubi was a pioneering intellectual and reformer
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe re-affirmed Senteza Kajubi’s intellectual depth and policy influence and shared personal reflections on his legacy.
“Prof. Senteza Kajubi was an exceptional intellectual. I had the opportunity to travel with him for two weeks—witnessing his depth of intelligence, clarity of thought, and remarkable generosity in sharing knowledge.”
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized Senteza Kajubi’s contribution to Uganda’s education policy framework. “Prof. Senteza Kajubi authored the 1989 Education Policy Review Commission Report—still one of the most comprehensive analyses of Uganda’s education system. Many reforms today echo his forward-looking recommendations.”
Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Senteza Kajubi’s leadership at Makerere, where he served as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University at critical moments, shaping the institution into what it is today.
On international cooperation, Prof. Nawangwe stated that the United States remains central to Uganda’s development. The Vice Chancellor, acknowledged the U.S for being a strong supporter of education and research at Makerere University. He then welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E William Popp, to address the congregation, at Makerere University Main Hall.
Education is a bridge between nations
The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William Popp, framed the lecture within the broader philosophy of international education exchange. “Education is one of the most powerful instruments for promoting relations between people and building bridges across cultures,” he said.
The Ambassador highlighted Senteza Kajubi’s historic role in the Fulbright Program: “Professor Senteza Kajubi was the first Fulbright scholar from Africa. He bridged two worlds and returned not only with knowledge, but with a vision for what Ugandan education could become.”
He emphasized education as a tool for transformation: “Education policy must serve students—the young people whose families and nations depend on them.”
He argued that education systems must prepare learners for an uncertain future: “Students must be prepared not only for today’s jobs, but for careers that do not yet exist.”
H.E. Popp stressed the dual nature of education: “The best education provides technical skills for employment and develops creativity, independent thinking, and problem-solving abilities” he said, adding “Let us honour the legacies of Senator Fulbright and Professor Kajubi not only in words, but in action.”
Senteza Kajubi remains the foundation of Uganda’s education reforms
Prof. Anthony M. Mugagga, Principal of CEES, described Prof. William Senteza Kajubi as central to Uganda’s education system design and reform trajectory.
“It is very hard to talk about education reforms in Uganda without mentioning the name William Senteza Kajubi,” Prof. Mugagga said. “For over thirty years, Uganda’s education system has had as its fulcrum the Kajubi Report (1989) and the resultant Uganda Government White Paper on Education for National Development (1992).”
He emphasized that Senteza Kajubi’s influence extended beyond policy documents into the broader transformation of Ugandan society. “His vision and dedication to education have had a lasting impact on Uganda, not only as an education system, but also on the entire Ugandan polity served by this system.”
Prof. Mugagga described Senteza Kajubi as a “beacon of academic excellence” and highlighted his leadership roles at Makerere University during periods of institutional and national crisis.
“His leadership, particularly during challenging times, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering a higher education system that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in responsibility, ethics, and civic engagement.”
He connected Senteza Kajubi’s philosophy to the current reforms in the education sector, which provide a transition to the competence-based curriculum.
Reflecting on Senteza Kajubi’s legacy, Prof. Mugagga stressed that universities must remain relevant by engaging in continuous policy dialogue. “The only way the College of Education and External Studies can justify its existence is by engaging in meaningful dialogue about education policy reforms from pre-primary to university level.”
“Implementation defines policy success”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, Executive Director of Uwezo Uganda, described Kajubi’s policy legacy as the backbone of Uganda’s education system. “A policy is as good as its implementation,” she stated.
She outlined the foundational principles of the 1989 Commission: “Education is for everyone, and education should produce responsible citizens.”
She explained that Senteza Kajubi’s reforms prioritized inclusion and equity: “The commission emphasized universal access, teacher training, foundational learning, and inclusion of marginalized groups.”
She warned that Uganda faces persistent learning gaps: “Even at Primary Seven, some learners cannot read basic texts.”
She criticized the overemphasis on enrolment over learning outcomes: “For too long, the focus has been on access rather than whether children are actually learning.”
Dr. Nakabugo called for systemic reforms: “We must strengthen school management, expand pre-primary education, and invest in inclusive learning systems.” She stressed: “If we are to honour Professor Senteza Kajubi’s legacy, we must ensure that every child not only enters school, but succeeds in it.”
Senteza Kajubi’s vision was holistic education for life
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVCF), offered a deeply reflective account of Senteza Kajubi’s philosophy of education, grounded in five core pillars.
He recalled first meeting Senteza Kajubi in 1960: “I first met Professor Senteza Kajubi when I was in Senior One at Makerere College School. He was among the top student teachers at the time.”
Prof. Lugujjo explained Senteza Kajubi’s core educational philosophy: “He emphasized that learning should involve and engage the learners. Students must be confident, know what they want, and express themselves clearly.”
To drive home the point, Prof. Lugujjo informed the audience in the Main Hall and those following the lecture virtually, that Prof. Senteza Kajubi always emphasized the need for student confidence: “He told us to look people in the eye when speaking. That built confidence in us.”
He outlined the five pillars of Kajubi’s education philosophy: “Learning to be, learning to know, learning to do, learning to learn, and learning to live together.”
He emphasized lifelong learning: “Learning should never stop, especially in developing countries where skills must continuously evolve”, and concluded by reiterating “Education should produce confident, skilled, adaptable, and socially responsible individuals.”
Technology must remain human-centred.
Dr. Richard Scott Nokes, a Full Professor of English at Troy University and currently a Fulbright Scholar in Uganda, situated education within historical technological transformations. “Technology must serve the human. The human must never serve the technology.”
He examined the evolution of education through three major shifts: the printing press, global mobility through Fulbright exchanges, and digital technologies.
On online learning: “Students can now learn across continents without travelling, but the classroom community has weakened.”
On artificial intelligence, he emphasized the need for balance:“We need AI that knows Uganda and the world—not one or the other,” he pointed out. “None of these technologies teach by themselves. They are tools we use to teach one another” he added.
Senteza Kajubi as a man of culture, humility, and access
Representing the family, Beverley Nambozo, Prof. Senteza Kajubi’s eldest granddaughter and founder of the Babishai Niwe (BN) Poetry, delivered a personal tribute.
“Professor Senteza Kajubi was a gentleman who carried much of the legacy of Africa’s Fulbright experience on his shoulders in the 1950s.”
She recounted his experience studying in the United States: “He spoke about long bus rides across Chicago and the challenges he faced as a young man abroad.”
She highlighted his support for education and literature: “Every time I published a book, he would buy at least five copies.”
She emphasised his inclusive philosophy: “He spoke to gardeners and household workers about their views on education” and concluded with a quote “Time stays and we go, but time cannot erase the legacy we create.”
During a panel discussion, moderator Dr. Leah Namatome-Sikoyo, a member of faculty at CEES, emphasized collective responsibility in education reform. “To realise transformative education, everyone has a role to play—government, policymakers, teachers, learners, parents, and citizens.”
The 2026 Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture reaffirmed Kajubi’s central role in shaping Uganda’s education system and highlighted urgent challenges in implementation, learning quality, inclusivity, and digital transformation.
The family of the late Prof. Senteza Kajubi and the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, commended the Organizing Committee chaired by the Deputy Principal, Prof. Ronald Bisaso for the excellent planning, coordination and execution.
Event Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCS7up
Education
Advancing Education Policy Dialogue through Partnership: Makerere Hosts the 2026 Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture
Makerere University continues to position itself as a hub for global academic exchange and strategic partnerships, as demonstrated by the successful hosting of the 2026 Professor William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture.
Now in its fourth edition since the revitalisation of the lecture series in 2022, the Kajubi Lecture has evolved beyond a commemorative academic event into a powerful platform for institutional collaboration, most notably between Makerere University and the United States Embassy in Uganda. This partnership, anchored in the shared legacy of Professor William Senteza Kajubi as the first African Fulbright Scholar, reflects a deeper commitment to knowledge exchange, diplomacy, and education reform.
The 2026 lecture, held on April 23 at the Makerere University Main Hall, convened a diverse audience of policymakers, scholars, Fulbright alumni, students, and development partners, underscoring the multi-stakeholder approach required to drive meaningful education reform.
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared belief in the transformative power of education and international exchange. In his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, emphasised that the Fulbright Program represents more than academic mobility; it is a bridge between nations, fostering mutual understanding and long-term cooperation. He noted that such exchanges strengthen both countries by creating enduring networks of collaboration and shared knowledge.
This partnership is not incidental but rather intentional. Through the Advancement and International Office, Makerere University has strategically aligned the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) with the U.S. Embassy to ensure that the Kajubi Lecture serves as both an intellectual platform and a diplomatic touchpoint. The lecture reinforces ongoing cooperation while also expanding opportunities for academic exchange, research collaboration, and alumni engagement.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, Executive Director of Uwezo Uganda, brought the discussion back to the core purpose of education policy: enabling student success. Her address traced the enduring influence of the Kajubi legacy on Uganda’s education system, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in access, quality, and relevance.
At the heart of her message was a return to Kajubi’s foundational belief: that education is both a basic human right and a tool for shaping responsible citizens. Education, she emphasised, must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to cultivate values, critical thinking, and a sense of civic responsibility.
A central critique in the keynote was the increasing dominance of technocratic approaches to education policy. While economic growth and workforce readiness are important, Dr. Nakabugo cautioned against reducing education to a tool for productivity alone. In doing so, systems risk neglecting the broader purpose of education, to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
This calls for a redefinition of student success. Success, she argued, should not be measured solely by enrollment or completion rates, but by meaningful outcomes: literacy, competence, retention, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. It is about preparing learners not just for jobs, but for life.
To achieve this, Dr. Nakabugo called for a renewed commitment to the Kajubi vision. This includes making education truly universal and equitable, investing in teachers and infrastructure, strengthening inclusive support systems, and reducing the financial burden on families. Equally important is the need to re-centre values such as critical thinking, citizenship, and accountability within the education system.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University further underscored this point, noting that education remains one of the most powerful instruments for building bridges between people and cultures. He expressed appreciation to the United States for its continued support, recognising the partnership as a critical contributor to Uganda’s development and to Makerere’s global outlook.
Before the Senteza Kajubi Memorial lecture, at a farewell cocktail session for H.E Ambassador. William Popp, the Vice Chancellor, expressed sincere appreciation to H.E. Amb. William W. Popp for his distinguished service and steadfast support to Makerere University during his tenure. He noted that the United States has remained a key partner in advancing the University’s global engagement, with a significant number of Makerere’s academic and institutional partnerships anchored in collaborations with U.S. universities. The Vice Chancellor commended Ambassador Popp for strengthening these ties and for his commitment to fostering academic exchange, research collaboration, and mutual understanding between Uganda and the United States.
Importantly, the Kajubi Lecture continues to serve as a convening space for Fulbright alumni, policymakers, and scholars, reinforcing a growing network of individuals committed to shaping the future of education in Uganda and beyond. This aligns with the broader objective of the lecture to initiate and sustain conversations on education policy reform while strengthening institutional and international cooperation.
As Makerere University advances its strategic priorities in internationalisation and alumni engagement, the Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture stands out as a model of how legacy, partnership, and purpose can converge to drive impact.
Kainomugisha Caroline is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
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