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Tag: Makerere University

  • Prudential Uganda Strengthens Uganda’s Insurance Talent Pipeline through PASS Programme at Makerere Graduation

    Prudential Uganda Strengthens Uganda’s Insurance Talent Pipeline through PASS Programme at Makerere Graduation

    Kampala: In line with its purpose of For Every Life, For Every Future, Prudential Uganda has recognised the fourth cohort of outstanding actuarial science graduates from Makerere University under the Prudential Actuarial Support Scheme (PASS), during the University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony.

    The initiative reflects Prudential’s long-term commitment to building local actuarial expertise and strengthening Uganda’s financial services sector for generations to come.

    The awards form part of PASS, an initiative launched in partnership with Makerere University to nurture Uganda’s next generation of actuaries through academic recognition, mentorship, internship exposure, and support towards professional actuarial certification.

    The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic excellence and professional qualification, strengthening the long-term capacity of Uganda’s insurance and financial services sector.

    The fourth cohort of PASS awardees includes Drake Kabuye, Kalyango Edgar Allan, James Kuteesa, Joseph Tumutendereze, and Bashir Hijoma. The students were recognised for their strong academic performance and demonstrated commitment to pursuing careers in actuarial science.

    Commenting on the milestone, Tetteh Ayitevie, CEO, Prudential Uganda noted that investing in actuarial talent is critical to building a resilient and sustainable financial services industry. Actuaries play a central role in risk management, pricing, product development, and long-term financial planning, making their contribution vital to the growth of Uganda’s insurance sector. Through PASS, Prudential Uganda continues to support high-potential graduates on their journey towards globally recognised actuarial qualifications, while also exposing them to real-world industry experience.

    The programme reflects Prudential’s broader commitment to human capital development and to supporting young professionals who will shape the future of the industry.

    Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of Makerere’s College of Business and Management Sciences, commended Prudential Uganda for its continued support, noting that programmes such as PASS inspire students to excel academically while preparing them for the realities and demands of the actuarial profession.

    Since its launch, the Prudential Actuarial Support Scheme has supported 19 actuarial students, helping to build a strong and growing base of locally trained actuarial professionals to serve Uganda’s financial services sector.

  • How Doctor Bagasha Peace attained her Doctorate of Philosophy in Medicine at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University

    How Doctor Bagasha Peace attained her Doctorate of Philosophy in Medicine at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University

    Today at Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony, the College of Health Sciences (CHS) of Makerere University Kampala presented a PhD in Medicine to Dr. Bagasha Peace, a senior doctor at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Prior to her PhD in Medicine, Dr. Peace attained Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and a Masters in Medicine from Makerere University.

    Dr. Bagasha Peace at MAK’s 76th graduation ceremony today where she received her PhD in Medicine

    Today Dr. Peace Bagasha, who is a specialist and a consultant in Kidney disease treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital and Kirrudu National Referral Hospital is being celebrated as one of the few who have attained the rare PhD class. The communities of MUST, Mulago, Kirrudu and family members are all excited to have an achievement from one of their own.

     

    Below is Dr. Peace’s research which led to her confirmation of attaining Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at MAK’s 76th graduation ceremony.

    Title: Quality Of Life Among Patients With Kidney Failure: A Mixed Methods Prospective Analysis, Exploring Dynamics, 12 Months Survival And Associated Factors.

    Kidney disease is increasing globally, with many patients in resource-limited settings presenting with kidney failure. High dialysis costs drive non-dialysis care, yet quality of life (QoL) and survival remain poorly understood. This mixed-methods cohort study assessed 12-month QoL, associated factors, and survival among Ugandan adults with kidney failure, comparing dialysis and non-dialysis care, and culturally adapted the KDQOL-SF tool.

    Dr. Bagasha Peace with some of her kids heading for graduation today

    In the quantitative arm, 364 patients were recruited (124 on haemodialysis, 240 non-dialysis). Overall QoL was extremely low, with 94.3% scoring below 50 and no significant differences between care groups. Twelve-month survival was poor (26.6%), with no clear survival benefit from dialysis. QoL improved in most subdomains over time but declined in social support, sleep, overall health, and staff encouragement. Qualitative findings highlighted heavy symptom burden, poor mental well-being, financial strain, declining social support, reliance on faith, and limited resources. The KDQOL-SF demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity for use in Uganda.

  • 2026 Updates: Kirabo Marion said she is ready to serve after scooping NUP flag bearer slot

    2026 Updates: Kirabo Marion said she is ready to serve after scooping NUP flag bearer slot

    Ms Kirabo Marion was yesterday officially confirmed as the Official flag bearer for the National Unity Platform (NUP) for LC5 Woman Councillor for Makerere University.

    After her confirmation, Kirabo said she is ready to serve the people of Makerere without fear or favor. She called on her supporters to join her and they bring the victory home.

    “Official flag bearer, Makerere University. Let us bring the win home,” Kirabo said after she was confirmed.

    Many see her as a tried and tested leader who should be given the slot to serve.

    Kirabo wants to see effective service delivery in Makerere as well as accountable leadership for the people she will be serving. Kirabo Marion truly deserved the flag

  • Prudential Uganda awards UGX 135 million to Top Makerere Actuarial Graduates

    Prudential Uganda awards UGX 135 million to Top Makerere Actuarial Graduates

    Kampala: Prudential Uganda has awarded UGX 135 million to the top five graduates of Makerere University’s Actuarial Science program as part of its ongoing efforts to grow actuarial talent in Uganda.

    The support is part of the Prudential Actuarial Support Scheme (PASS), launched in 2022 in partnership with Makerere University. The initiative recognizes academic excellence while offering mentorship, internships, and funding for professional exams to help top graduates become certified actuaries.

    Each graduate: Brendan Joseph Lule, Twinomujuni Gordon, Galabuzi Allan, Katana Daphine, and Inyangat Kenneth received USD 500 and full sponsorship for professional actuarial certification exams.

    “This investment secures the future of Uganda’s financial and insurance sector by nurturing the professionals who will drive it,” said Tetteh Ayitevie, CEO of Prudential Uganda. “Actuaries are essential for pricing, product design, and long-term financial sustainability.”
    Adding that, “These young professionals represent the future of the insurance and financial services sector in Uganda. By investing in their growth today, we are securing resilience, and innovation of our industry.”

    While demand for actuaries is rising, Uganda still faces a shortage of certified professionals. Through PASS, Prudential is guiding high-potential students to achieve global qualifications such as Certified Actuarial Analyst, Associate, and Fellow.

    The five recipients are already active in Uganda’s insurance sector. Speaking on behalf of the group, Gordon Twinomujuni said: “This is more than a reward, it’s a launchpad. The financial and professional support from Prudential has removed key barriers to my dream of becoming a certified actuary.”

    Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of Makerere’s College of Business and Management Sciences, applauded the initiative: “PASS motivates excellence and prepares our students for industry leadership.”

    Over the last two years, Prudential has supported 14 actuarial students, two of whom are now full-time employees. With each cohort, PASS strengthens Uganda’s capacity to build a self-sustaining actuarial profession led by homegrown experts.

  • Charles Mudiwa, dfcu Bank CEO, emphasizes the value of education as a pillar of legacy during the 2023 Nsibirwa Annual Lecture

    Charles Mudiwa, dfcu Bank CEO, emphasizes the value of education as a pillar of legacy during the 2023 Nsibirwa Annual Lecture

    Kampala: Makerere University, in collaboration with dfcu Bank and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, hosted the second memorial lecture to honour the Late Owekitibwa Martin Luther Nsibiriwa, a celebrated patron and forefather of Makerere University.

    The annual event is held to celebrate and recognize his pivotal role in the establishment of Makerere University.
    This year’s lecture was held under the theme “Situating the Role and Relevance of Cultural Institutions in Modern Uganda.”

    dfcu Bank CEO, Charles Mudiwa

    Making his remarks, Charles Mudiwa, the dfcu Bank CEO stated that the youth of this country are the seed of its future. “Today we celebrate the individuals who had the vision to see the importance of bequeathing the future to these young people. When this land was given to the university, it was to ensure the future generations are educated”. He asked that those who are living today be good stewards of this heritage.

    He further stated the importance of education as a catalyst for social in today’s world. “Education empowers individuals; equipping them with the first set of tools to significantly assist their surroundings. It also drives positive transformation.”

    “And when education is accessible to all, it becomes a force for social cohesion and progress,” Mudiwa noted.
    “As a local institution, dfcu Bank appreciates the importance of education, history, and culture. We have been in operation for close to 60 years and we are part and parcel of the heritage of Uganda. Today, we want to pay homage to and reiterate our deepest respect for this great institution. Most importantly, we want to celebrate the Late Martin Luther Nsibirwa, a man who dedicated his life and commitment to the future. We want to say thank you to him and his family for turning that commitment into a reality with positive, lifelong, and tangible results,” Mudiwa concluded.
    Hon. Rhoda Kalema, daughter of the Late Martin Luther Nsibirwa, expressed gratitude to Makerere University for making the Nsibirwa lecture an annual event, noting the importance of the yearly commemoration in establishing and cementing her father’s legacy.

    Makerere VC Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe & Charles Mudiwa

    During the event, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, expressed gratitude to the Nsibirwa family, the keynote speaker, and various partners including dfcu Bank for their support in commemorating this historical figure. He highlighted Nsibirwa’s bravery in facilitating the expansion of Makerere University, an action which laid the foundation for its transformation into a renowned institution.

    The 2023 Nsibirwa Annual Public lecture was delivered by Owekitibwa Apollo Nelson Makubuya, a distinguished alumnus of Makerere University, respected Uganda Corporate lawyer, and the Senior Palace Advisor to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
    Owek. Apollo Makubuya expounded on the role and relevance of cultural institutions in modern Uganda. He affirmed the enduring power of African cultural heritage, noting a resurgence in interest from multiple generations across the continent.

    In addition to shining a light on Nsibirwa’s contributions to education, the public lecture served as a platform to showcase the relevance of cultural institutions in shaping Uganda’s future.

  • Nile Breweries Limited Uganda to Support Makerere University Centenary Celebrations

    Nile Breweries Limited Uganda to Support Makerere University Centenary Celebrations

    Kampala; Nile Breweries Limited has today pledged its commitment to support Makerere University’s Alumni Homecoming Dinner through sponsorship of 100 Crates for 100 Years.

    The Alumni Homecoming Dinner on July 22nd is organized by Makerere University in celebration of 100 years of its existence.

    NBL Regional Commercial Manager Davidson Waddada handing over 100 crates of beers to Makerere’s Caroline Kainomugisha

    “We are building a business to last 100+ years this drives us as leaders in steering Uganda’s growth and development goals. Makerere University’s legacy at 100 fuels our ambitions further. We congratulate the institution and acknowledge its critical role in building our company and value chain through its alumni,” said Davidson Waddada Regional Sales Manager, Nile Breweries Limited during the hand over event at the University.

    “Our purpose is; We dream big to create a future with more cheers. Today we join in celebrating Makerere@100 with token of 100 crates of our world class beers which are brewed by alumni that passed through the Ivory Tower,” he added.

    Opening its doors to 14-day students in 1922, Makerere University has grown to become one of the most prestigious learning institutions in Africa. Caroline Kainomugisha, the PRO Makerere@100 secretariat while giving remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe lauded Nile Breweries Limited for its support of the Homecoming Dinner.

    “The relationship between NBL and Makerere University is an old one. It would not be surprising to know that a big percentage of NBL employees are alum of Makerere University. We want to thank you the NBL for fulfilling their promise and joining hands with the University to make the celebration a success. As a University, we feel proud that we are we are producing world class graduates who are able to produce world class beer,” she said.

  • PICTORIAL: Kampala Hotties Throng Launch Of Club Dome In style

    PICTORIAL: Kampala Hotties Throng Launch Of Club Dome In style

    After two years of lockdown, the Club Dome returns with its 6th Edition which will start on Saturday 16th July 2022 and will be held at Lugogo Cricket Oval after its launch that was held at Panamera Bar and Lounge.

    The Club beer sponsored event will attract thousands of university students who will storm the Lugogo Cricket Oval for a fun-filled evening.

    The students will be treated to several fun activities including games, performances from several artistes, and crazy music mixes from top local deejays that will keep revelers glued on the dance floor.

    This year’s theme for Club Dome is “Futuristic!!”.

    The party will go on till late and revelers will depart at leisure. Club Dome is an event targeting University students and it will be seven universities across the country these include Makerere University, MUB’s, Kyambogo University, Kampala International University (K.I.U), Cavendish University, International University of East Africa (I.U.E.A) and Nkumba University

    Speaking at the launch, Joel Galla, the Nile Breweries’ Brand Manager Club, and Premiums revealed that like it has been done in the past, Club Dome will have tours across the country reaching out to their consumers in different cities and towns.

    The event will feature top African acts in Nigeria’s Adekunle Gold and South Africa’s Costa Titch and Ugandan superstars John Blaq, Slick Stuart, and Roja, among many others.

     

     

  • Makerere and Muni University Shine at the 2021 -2022 Sub Saharan Africa Huawei Global ICT Competition

    Makerere and Muni University Shine at the 2021 -2022 Sub Saharan Africa Huawei Global ICT Competition

    Kampala: Huawei, a leading ICT global solutions provider has today announced the results of the 2021-2022 Huawei global ICT competition Sub Saharan Africa.

    These consist of Makerere and Muni University. Under the theme of “Connection, Glory, Future”, the nine month long Huawei ICT competition for Sub Saharan Africa was finalized on 19th February, with over 16 countries and 38 teams sitting for written and laboratory exams.
    The competition attracted over 15,000 participants from Sub-Saharan Africa from 500 universities.
    Globally the Huawei ICT Competition 2021 covered over 80 countries worldwide, with 150 000 contestants from more than 2,000 universities and colleges.
    The Uganda Team Finalists posing for a photo after attempting their Exam on 19th February
    Launched in the African region just six years ago, the Huawei ICT Competition has developed into the largest ICT skills competition in Africa and the world at large Team Uganda was represented by Makerere University which took 12 students and Muni University which took three students out of the 750 students that registered in 2021.
    Three students from Makerere took first position and then the other six from Makerere and Muni took second position respectively. These shall now proceed to the global finals in China to compete at global level in May this year.
    According to the Huawei Uganda Public Relations Director, Mr Gaojian, “Huawei Uganda approached over 15 universities and interested them in the 2021 ICT Competition. We registered 750 students and opened for them our free online learning platforms in the various courses of Network and cloud. The network track consists of Datacom, Security and Wireless Lan while Cloud track consists of Artificial intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing and Storage.
    These studied and were subjected to preliminary exams, national exams and Regional exams where we attained the first and second position.”
    Michelle Chemutai, a telecom engineer, at Makerere University and one of the winners expressed her gratitude to the exposure Huawei had accorded to them.
    “The competition was very intimidating and at the same time exciting. The thought of competing with creme de la creme teams from different countries was frightening. Taking the first position made me really feel good about myself and increased my self-confidence. Thanks to Huawei,” she said.
    She added that, “This competition was a new experience for me as an individual. it taught me team work and coordination and that hard work actually pays off. This competition literally forced us to give in our best. Also, I got a lot of exposure in the network field and learnt how to do the practical lab configurations that isn’t taught at the university.”
    With a series of talent ecosystem campaigns in Sub Saharan Africa, including the ICT competition, Huawei hopes to skill up more than 700,000 ICT professionals by 2023.
  • dfcu Bank collaborates with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center to accelerate innovation and learning for economic growth

    dfcu Bank collaborates with the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center to accelerate innovation and learning for economic growth

    Collaboration underpins local content development in the banking sector, private sector, government and fintechs through innovation, unlocking opportunities for youth in Uganda

    dfcu Bank, Makerere University and the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development today announced a strategic partnership that will create a platform to support young entrepreneurs advance ideas on innovative solutions for enterprises that create socio-economic impact in Uganda.

    Through the dfcu Graduate Development Programme, the Bank and the Makerere Innovation and Incubation Center (MIIC) will run a structured innovation/incubation programme for a pre-determined number of youth, starting with 5 innaugural trainees in 2021 with a mind to ramp up the numbers over the next five (5) years. This will enable an eco system of innovation and effectively exposing Fintech start-ups to the banking sector. This collaboration underpins local content development in the Banking sector, private sector, government and fintechs through innovation unlocking a host of opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.

    MIIC identifies potential entrepreneurs with the best innovative ideas that use new and existing technologies, and partners with organisations like dfcu to offer structured program training, business coaching and mentorship on; ideation, product development, market validation and development, business development as well as access to experts and capital for early growth and scaling.

    According to Dr. Peter Ngategize MIIC Board chairman,  who is also the National Coordinator, Private Sector Development Unit at MoFPED, this partnership that has been piloted with over 150 beneficiary applicants, plays a significant role in accelerating effective technology solutions for social and economic impact. “Start-ups in Uganda create new businesses that contribute big to the country’s economy.  To continuously achieve this, entrepreneurs need quality programs that guide viability of their ideas, mindsets, management processes, measurable growth and access to capital,” Dr. Ngategize said.

    Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, emphasised the need for increased investment in research and innovations that provide solutions to persistent development challenges. “Universities should be at the fore-front of driving this research agenda. In times of COVID 19, innovative and digitally driven solutions have to be pillar of our thought process and the partnership with dfcu Bank speaks to that pillar,” he said.

    “We are very excited about this partnership with Makerere, which is another step in fulfilling our mission of playing a key role in transforming the economy and enhancing the well-being of our people.” said Mathias Katamba,dfcu Chief Executive Officer. “We shall continue to build a digitally-driven organization that not only reaches our key customer segments in a cost-effective manner but also provides market leadership to drive social-economic transformation in the communities where we serve,” he concluded.

    Shedding light on what long term success of the programme would look like from the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development’s perspective Dr. Sengonzi. E. Damulira, Under Secretary/Accounting Officer said: “Strengthening the country ‘s competitiveness for sustainable wealth creation, employment generation and inclusive growth to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training by at least 50%.”

    The dfcu Graduate programme, kicks off with five (5)graduate trainees in 2021 with the numbers expected to grow over the next five years.

  • Makerere I.T Students to Represent Uganda in the Huawei Global ICT Skills Competition

    Makerere I.T Students to Represent Uganda in the Huawei Global ICT Skills Competition

    Three Makerere University Students have been chosen to represent Uganda in the Huawei ICT global competition which is at its regional final stage in South Africa.

    These top three students who were chosen on merit excelled in the preliminary and national final exams of the competition which was carried between October and December 2019.

    This is the second edition of the Huawei ICT Competition in Uganda with over 2500 students who registered to participate and out of those 100 excelled to the national final exam.

    With the theme “Connection, Glory, Future”, the Huawei 2019-2020 Global ICT competition aims to provide a platform for global ICT talents to showcase their ability, compete and communicate, encouraging ICT-related study and drive the growth of a robust ICT talent ecosystem.

    The 2500 competition participants from Makerere, Kyambogo, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Nkozi, Mbarara, Kabale, Lira, Gulu, Muni, UCU and MUBS accessed learning material free of charge on the Huawei online learning platform in the various courses such as Network and Cloud track. The network track consists of Router & Switch, Security and Wireless Lan while Cloud track consists of Artificial intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing and Storage. These studied and were subjected to preliminary and national exams of which the top three students emerged all coming from Makerere University. These are Magola Kenneth, Okello Stephen and Mudulo Gerald.

    These are expected to go to South Africa on 22nd March 2020 to participate in the regional final with other African countries and later in May to China, Shenzhen in the global final amongst the rest of the world.

    Mr. Liaoshuangquan, the Huawei Uganda Human Resource Director noted that the competition is very relevant to every ICT student and professional because it’s a comprehensive approach of skills development for employment, enhanced productivity and growth.

    “The Huawei ICT Competition and Academy is a comprehensive approach of skills development for employment, enhanced productivity and growth. Training contents in this program has been aligned with skills requirements in the job market. That is why we re-dedicate ourselves to working even more closely with universities across the country to better equip students with the next generation of technologies and create the platform for the Ugandan students to demonstrate they are capable of maturing into world-class experts,” said Mr. Liaoshuangquan.

    The second edition of this skilling competition began in October 2019 with several roadshows in the earlier mentioned universities and also a boot camp training to prepare the competition participants to do the exams.

    Mr. Liaoshuangquan, The Huawei Human Resource Director continued to note that the top 11 students among the 100 national finalists shall be awarded in a ceremony to happen in March, with Huawei Professional certificates, Huawei gift devices and job/internship opportunities at Huawei.

    Through the continued initiative to bridge the ICT skills gap and fostering ICT talent pool needed for national social economic development, Huawei Uganda has been working with government and academic partners since May 2019 to open up its academies in the various universities of Uganda. So far, six academies have been opened in Makerere, MUBS, Soroti, Muni, Nkozi, Mbarara and Kabale university.