Makerere University today inaugurated the new Board of Trustees for the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF), marking the beginning of a new four-year term for the team that will steer the university’s financial sustainability and investment agenda from 2025 to 2029.
The event, presided over by Mrs Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, brought together members of the University Top Management, representatives from academia, the private sector, and alumni to celebrate both continuity and renewal within the Fund’s leadership.
The newly inaugurated Board brings together a blend of continuing and new members under the stewardship of Prof. Dr Margaret J. Kigozi, who was reappointed Chairperson for another term. Other members include Mrs Jennifer Kabanyana Mwijukye, Mr John Chris Ninsiima, Mr Kenneth Mugambe, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, and Mr Sam Ayesiga.
Sustained Growth and Strategic Vision
In her remarks, Prof. Kigozi reflected on the milestones achieved by the outgoing Board and outlined bold new priorities for the next term. She revealed that the Fund had grown from UGX 8.66 billion in 2021 to UGX 14.54 billion, representing a 68 percent increase over four years.
“This growth has been driven by prudent management, strategic partnerships, and transparent governance,” she said. “We have demonstrated that Makerere can create value through innovation, accountability, and collaboration.”
Prof. Kigozi highlighted key achievements of the outgoing Board, including the establishment of the #MakAdvanceSystem, which now connects over 36,000 alumni worldwide, and the institutionalisation of the Makerere Marathon, which has mobilised resources to equip the Disability Support Unit.
She also noted that the Fund successfully managed the graduation gown project, generating over UGX 350 million in net proceeds, and is preparing to launch the USD 200,000 Jawaher Scholarship Scheme, which will support outstanding students in financial need.
Prof. Kigozi identified two flagship initiatives that will define the Fund’s next phase: the construction of the Makerere University Students’ Centre and the development of the University’s Makindye land.
“It is our mission that the Makindye project unlocks significant commercial potential and creates a steady income stream to support academic and research excellence,” she emphasised. “The Students’ Centre will provide a vibrant space for engagement, innovation, and entrepreneurship — a true home for our learners.”
Commitment from the University Council
In her address, Mrs Lorna Magara commended the outgoing Board for its outstanding performance and reaffirmed the University Council’s commitment to supporting the new team.
“I congratulate the outgoing Board under Dr Kigozi’s leadership for growing the Fund from UGX 8.66 billion to UGX 14.54 billion,” she said. “The Makerere Endowment Fund is a strategic mechanism to diversify the University’s financial base and ensure a stable income stream for teaching, research, innovation, and infrastructure.”
Mrs Magara noted that budget cuts and fluctuating public funding have underscored the importance of financial independence. “We must continue to build resilience through sustainable financing models that reduce our reliance on government subsidies,” she added.
Management’s Assurance
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), reaffirmed the University Management’s support for the new Board.
“We will ensure that the Fund operates within robust governance and administrative frameworks that inspire confidence among stakeholders,” Prof. Ssali said. “The Endowment Fund remains central to Makerere’s vision of becoming a research-led university that is financially self-sustaining.”
She commended the Board for embodying the University’s spirit of innovation and accountability, noting that Makerere’s ability to attract and manage endowments would play a pivotal role in sustaining its academic excellence over the next century.
Board of Trustees (2025–2029):
- Dr Margaret J. Kigozi – Chairperson
- Mrs Jennifer Kabanyana Mwijukye
- Mr John Chris Ninsiima
- Mr Kenneth Mugambe
- Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
- Mr Sam Ayesiga
