Makerere University commemorates 13 transformative years of partnership with Mastercard Foundation

 By Bernard Buteera 

On Friday, 27th February 2026, Makerere University proudly celebrated 13 years of a significant partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, a prestigious independent organisation headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Since its inception in 2013 with the launch of the Scholars Program, this collaboration has grown significantly, expanding to include two additional initiatives: The E-learning Initiative and the Africa Climate Collaborative. This long-term partnership underscores the shared commitment to fostering education, innovation, and sustainability in Uganda and across Africa.

The colourful event coincided with the 76th graduation ceremony, during which Makerere University honoured Ms. Reeta Roy, the Founding President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, with an honorary Doctor of Laws.

Ms. Reeta Roy being robed during her honorary award of Doctor of Laws.

In her commencement speech, Ms. Roy thanked Makerere University for considering a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and for honouring her with a prestigious honorary award.

“Mastercard Foundation is honoured to collaborate with this esteemed university, and I appreciate the recognition through this award. I am excited to be associated with Makerere University and look forward to actively embodying its values. Joining the broader community of alumni from this distinguished institution is a privilege, and I am eager to contribute to its legacy,” stated Ms. Roy.

The Chancellor Hon. Dr. Kiyonga, confers the honorary Doctor of Laws of Makerere University upon Ms. Reeta Roy.

During the reception in honour of Ms. Roy, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Dr. Rhonah Magara, acknowledged the invaluable support from the Mastercard Foundation. She emphasised the profound impact of their various initiatives, particularly the scholarships for disadvantaged youth, which enable them to access higher education and opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach.

“On behalf of the Makerere University Council and the broader University community, I extend our sincere gratitude to Mastercard Foundation for its commitment to collaborating with Makerere University in various endeavours, especially for providing scholarships to our underprivileged young people who would never have stepped inside a lecture room at the University.” Dr. Magara stated.

The Chairperson, Makerere University Council, Dr. Magara addressing the gathering at the event.

Dr. Magara, in a special way, thanked Ms. Roy for her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting young people in Africa, citing her efforts to ensure young people have their voices heard.

“As a university, our business is with young people. We are therefore committed to providing the environment and education that deliver meaningful pathways. We will provide an environment that ensures young people have a voice and agency to create meaningful change in society.” Dr. Magara pledged.

Ms. Reeta Roy, alongside University Officials cuts cake with Mastercard Foundation Scholars who graduated during the 76th Graduation Ceremony.

Dr Magara further congratulated Ms. Roy on her honorary Doctor of Laws from Makerere University, noting that it is the university's highest honour for individuals who have excelled in their careers.

“On behalf of the Makerere University community, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your honorary doctorate of Laws. This esteemed recognition represents the highest honour our institution can bestow on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and excellence across various facets of their career.” Dr. Magara remarked.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Coordinator for all Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, expressed her appreciation for the 13-year collaboration between Makerere University and the Mastercard Foundation. She highlighted that the partnership had yielded significant, impactful results.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, addressing the gathering at the event.

“In 2013, Makerere University partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to educate the next generation of transformative African leaders who can positively impact their lives, their communities, and the economies of Africa. The partnership has had a significant impact. I thank the University Management and the Foundation team for this visionary collaboration," remarked Prof. Namaalwa.

Prof. Namaalwa articulated that the partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is primarily focused on empowering young people as agents of change for transformational leadership in Africa. She presented compelling statistics demonstrating the positive impact of the scholars’ program, highlighting the success of individuals who have completed their education and their subsequent professional experiences after university graduation.

Ms. Reeta Roy receiving a gift from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni Community at Makerere University.

"This partnership focuses on young people, aiming to create positive change in their lives. To date, the Scholars Program has graduated 974 alumni, with 48% securing formal employment, 18% starting their own businesses, 8% participating in internships, and 5% pursuing further education. Overall, 72% of Scholar alumni are actively engaged in employment or entrepreneurship," Prof. Namaalwa stated.

The colour event showcased a dynamic array of activities that highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of Scholars and alumni from the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University. Attendees enjoyed a mini-exhibition featuring innovative products from these ventures.

Scholars reciting a poem as part of the entertainment lined up for guests.

A video documentary illustrated the positive impact of the three Mastercard Foundation initiatives. The event also featured inspiring poetry recitations by Scholars and a lively atmosphere of music and dance, creating an engaging and memorable experience for all participants.

The high-level event was attended by senior University officials, led by the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Rhonah Magara; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe; the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, and Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance and Administration; Mr Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary; and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar, among many other university officials who graced the function.

The event was also graced by a high-level delegation from the Mastercard Foundation, led by Ms. Reeta Roy, the Founding President of the Foundation, and including the Mastercard Foundation Teams from the Country offices in Kigali, Nairobi, and Kampala; the Program partners; the Mentors, Scholars and alumni; as well as the Program staff of the three Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University.

At the end of the event, Makerere University honoured Ms. Reeta Roy with University memorabilia, including her pencil-drawn portrait, a pencil-drawn photo of the Ivory Tower, and other Ugandan crafts.

Ms. Reeta Roy, receiving some memorabilia from Dr. Lorna Magara and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe during the event.

Ms. Roy cut a graduation cake together with the 10 graduates of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program who graduated at the 76th graduation ceremony.

Bernard Buteera is the Principal Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.