Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has called for transparency and accountability of the funds, as Makerere moves to raise15billion Shilling for construction of students’ centre.
Thousands of students, staff, alumni, and well-wishes of Makerere university on Sunday braved the morning rains to take part in the first ever Makerere University Run, a fundraising event organized by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF).
The run aimed at raising funds towards the construction of a 15billion Shilling students’ centre, attracted corporate companies and notable members of the public who participated in the 5 kilometer and 10 kilometer races.
Speaker Kadaga, who flagged off the runners and graduated from Makerere University in 1978 also committed 40million Shillings for the members of parliament as a contribution towards the fund.
Due to inadequate financing of the University by government, the university council in 2014 formed the Makerere University Holdings Company Limited and the Makerere University Endowment Fund to enhance the financial resource base of the university.
Dr. Martin Aliker, the Chairperson Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF), says they intend to open the center during the centenary cerebration of the university in 2022.
Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu, the University Vice Chancellor appealed to staff, students and alumni to continue supporting Makerere University to uplift from financial difficulties.
Makerere University maintains its initial seed of US$1.5billion with Crown Agents Investment Management Limited in the United Kingdom. Prof. Ddumba added that that the run is the starting point for Makerere to continue engaging the various stakeholders and appealed to them to continue supporting the project.
The one stop student center will be comprised of state of the art Auditorium with 2000 seating capacity and Hall of Fame, Conference facilities, Cafeterias, Internet Kiosks, Memorabilia Shop/Bookshop; Recreational Sports Arena, Entertainment and Social Areas.
