The Makerere University Endowment Fund has launched the fourth edition of the Makerere Run, an event aimed at supporting students living with disabilities and enhancing inclusivity within the university community.
The proceeds from this year’s run will go towards the construction of a state-of-the-art Students’ Centre and Disability Support Unit at Makerere University.
Speaking at the event, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, thanked the Endowment Fund Board of Trustees led by Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi for their selfless dedication and tireless efforts in laying a solid foundation for the Fund.
“Despite the initial uncertainties, the current Board has built on the efforts of the inaugural Board and embraced the monumental task to mobilise and invest resources to grow the fund,” he stated.
“On behalf of Management, I want to retaliate the university’s confidence and support toward the Board to initiate additional revenue streams that will enable it to expand its investment portfolio.”
He re-echoed the appeal by the Chairperson of the Board to the alumni and friends of Makerere to give back to their Alma Mater.
“If you can’t directly donate to the main Fund, Please purchase a kit and come run on 18th/8/2024.”
In his speech, the State Minister for Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, congratulated Prof Nawangwe for running Makerere without strikes.
“During our time, we used to have many but am happy there are no more strikes. Let us demonstrate our solidarity with students living with disabilities by purchasing kits and contributing to their well-being and academic success.”
He urged management to create an inclusive environment that allows all students to thrive.
John Chris Ninsiima, the Chair of the Organizing Committee, said the fact that proceeds from the 4th Edition of the #MakRun2024 will be channelled to the construction of a dedicated Students’ Centre and Disability Support Unit signifies more than just infrastructure; represents hope, empowerment, and endless possibilities for our students with disabilities. “Every step we take and every contribution we make brings us closer to our goal of creating a better future for all students at Makerere University.”
He said the efforts to enhance accessibility and support services for these students are not just commendable; they are transformative.
“By providing a conducive environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, can thrive, Makerere is paving the way for a brighter future for these individuals.”
He said the principle of “leaving nobody behind” is a central tenet of this agenda and Makerere is committed to reaching the furthest behind first and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Martin Owiny, who represented the board chair Dr Maggie Kigozi, said in 2014, that the Makerere University Council established the Endowment Fund as the designated entity to receive donations and gifts in support of the university.
An Endowment Fund serves as a financial reserve comprising stocks of financial and real assets. The university recognized the need for such a fund to ensure financial sustainability.
“I am delighted to announce that the Fund has since grown to UGX 11.5 billion, and our corporate objective is to increase it to UGX 20 billion by 2026. This growth has been made possible through support from the university council, various partners, and the implementation of diverse revenue streams,” said Owiny.
“The Endowment Fund is now dedicated to expanding the general fund while also mobilizing resources for specific causes. The #MakRun2024 we are launching today aims to contribute to growing the main fund and supporting a specific cause.”
He added: “I am pleased to announce that we have already raised an impressive UGX 390 million from previous runs (2017, 2018, and 2019), a testament to the generosity of our Makerere University stakeholders.”
