Makerere University and dfcu Bank Limited have today signed a transformative three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Uganda’s premier university through enhanced academic programmes, cutting-edge research, and impactful student support initiatives.
The MoU, signed during a high-level event held at Makerere University, sets the stage for a collaborative framework designed to boost educational advancement and youth empowerment across the country.
The landmark agreement will see dfcu Bank support Makerere in three flagship areas: the Annual Tumusiime Mutebile Public Lecture, the popular Mak Run, and an expanded portfolio of student-focused activities, including leadership development, entrepreneurship, and co-curricular events.
A Shared Vision for National Transformation
Speaking at the signing, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the significance of the partnership in driving Uganda’s development agenda through higher education.
“Our partnership with dfcu Bank reinforces our mission of delivering quality education and producing graduates who are not only employable but also ready to lead socio-economic transformation,” Prof. Nawangwe said. “This collaboration is timely and reflects a shared commitment to confronting challenges such as poverty, youth unemployment, climate change, and food insecurity through research, innovation, and capacity building.”
Prof. Nawangwe added that Makerere’s strategy focuses heavily on contributing to solutions for Uganda’s and Africa’s development, especially addressing high population growth, epidemics, and sustainability issues.
“Everything we do must point toward contributing to the emancipation of our people from poverty. Universities in Africa must take the lead, and partnerships like these provide the momentum to make that a reality,” he emphasised.
“We Are Consumers of Your Graduates”
dfcu Bank Managing Director and CEO, Mr Charles Mudiwa, hailed the agreement as a milestone in bridging the gap between academia and industry. “Real transformation happens when we work with universities to equip students with skills, critical thinking, and opportunities to create jobs and grow our nation,” Mudiwa said.
He noted that dfcu’s partnership with Makerere aligns with the bank’s broader mandate of transforming lives and businesses in Uganda across five pillars: access to finance, financial inclusion, enterprise development, vocational education, and health. “You [Makerere] are the kitchen. We are the restaurant. We consume your graduates. So we have a vested interest in how students are shaped here,” Mudiwa added.
Highlighting the bank’s commitment to reaching underserved populations, he revealed that DFCU maintains one of the largest branch networks in Uganda — in some areas, the only bank presence — and actively supports SMEs, women in business, and SACCOs to stimulate economic growth.
“We want students not only to graduate with knowledge but also with the skills to build, innovate, and thrive independently. Whether in agriculture, technology, or business, our role is to walk with them as partners,” he said.
Key Focus Areas of the MoU
Annual Tumusiime Mutebile Lecture Series
Named in honour of the late Bank of Uganda Governor, Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, this flagship lecture will serve as a high-profile platform for critical discourse on Uganda’s economy and financial system, fostering dialogue between students, academia, and industry leaders.
Mak Run
DFCU Bank will co-sponsor this health-focused charity run, further embedding wellness, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility into the university’s calendar.
Student Development Initiatives
From leadership and entrepreneurship boot camps to academic competitions and cultural festivals, the partnership will fund and implement a range of programs designed to shape well-rounded graduates ready for the job market or entrepreneurship.
Students at the Centre
Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President of Makerere University, described the partnership as a bold step in creating real-world opportunities for students.
“This is not just about professional collaboration — it is a shared commitment to invest in young people’s dreams,” said Ssentamu. “We welcome dfcu Bank’s involvement and assure them that Makerere students are ready to benefit and also contribute meaningfully. You are not just giving, you are receiving tomorrow’s workforce.”
Implementation Framework
Makerere will offer its academic infrastructure and expertise, facilitate student engagement, and identify key areas for applied research. dfcu will support these efforts with funding, mentorship programs, internship placements, and practical training, ensuring a real-world touch to theoretical knowledge.
Joint innovation projects, guest lectures, and collaborative research will further strengthen the bridge between academia and industry.
