By KT Reporter
Makerere University Endowment Fund has now grown to more than 13 Billion Shillings since it was established close to five years ago.
The Endowment Fund was created to raise funds through charitable and other money-making ventures to enhance the self-reliance of the university, according to the university leadership and the managers of the fund.
This was revealed by Barnabas Musinguzi, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, while unveiling this year’s Makerere University Marathon, which has also changed name from a run to a marathon.
The name change reflects the growth of the event, which will now have a 5km run/walk, and 10, 21 and 42 kilometre marathons.
He says they have also made the event more professional by acquiring timing chips, among others, which will make it more competitive, fun and also attract more people from the athletics fraternity and the general public.
Last year’s run raised 60 Million Shillings, and it was used to purchase equipment for the Makerere University Disabilities Support Centre.
University Vice Chancellor, Barnabas Nawangwe, said the dream was to make the university a self-sustaining institution, but also that sports events are important for the students ‘ health.
He hailed the government, specifically the Ministry of Education and Sports, for the assistance it has extended to the university, whatever there is need, which is turning it into a major centre for sports.
He cited the ongoing construction of a playground, which is expected to be a training ground when Uganda hosts the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, and will in the long run be turned into a university stadium.
The Marathon is due to take place on August 17, 2025, under the theme, “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Winfred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, says they are expecting 10,000 participants in the marathon, up from the 4,000 that participated in the fourth edition last year.
She added that this year’s proceeds will still go towards supporting the Disabilities Support Centre.
The State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, said the government will, through his ministry, announce a donation towards the events of this year to boost the growth of the marathon, which he said was a welcome decision.
While acknowledging the university’s bid for sustainability, Ogwang said sports activities were vital for the unity among the university community, but also in the fight against non-communicable diseases-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
