In the year 2025, the College of Computing and Information Sciences organized a staff retreat to officially launch its endowment fund. The event took place at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja from August 14th to 16th 2025. The retreat was held under the theme “Providing Incredible Opportunities for Research and Students,” emphasizing the college’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and innovation.
During the event which was sponsored by the College and AirQo, the College Principal highlighted the inspiration behind establishing the endowment fund. He explained that it was motivated by the many students who approached his office each semester, requesting for an opportunity to sit for exams despite having outstanding tuition balances.
He emphasized that these students are often very bright but face financial constraints that hinder their ability to complete their studies on time. The endowment fund is therefore aimed at providing a supportive hand to such deserving students, enabling them to finish their education and realizing their full potential.
The College Principal also emphasized that the primary focus of the endowment fund was to attract and support excellent faculty members as well as underprivileged students. He also outlined the selection criteria that will be used to determine beneficiaries of the Fund. Regarding governance, the Principal assured participants that the fund will be managed by a board of trustees which would comprise of college members, alumni and industry representatives
Furthermore, he shared the operational future plans for the endowment, including fundraising strategies and partnership development.
Prof. Tonny Oyana, College Principal, giving his remarks at the retreat.
Current Portfolio and Investment Opportunities (Fund Managers)
Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike, a representative of the General Makerere Endowment Fund Management, provided a background to the Makerere University Endowment Fund, which dates back to 1922. He noted that donors began contributing funds to Makerere University in 1930, and these funds were then sent to the UK for investment, where they remained for 70 years until 2014.
He explained that Makerere University further developed its endowment fund by establishing a dedicated board of trustees to oversee its management. The primary function of the endowment fund is to support the core activities of the university, including teaching, research, and community service.
Mr. Kitamirike highlighted various investment opportunities available for the fund, such as treasury bonds and unit trusts, which help generate income. He encouraged members of the College of Computing and Information Sciences to contribute to the fund, assuring them that a dedicated link would be created to enable donations.
He also congratulated the College Principal for taking the initiative to start a similar endowment fund, emphasizing that such efforts are vital for the growth and sustainability of educational institutions.
Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike giving his remarks about current
18 Students Awarded Scholarships from CoCIS Endowment Fund
Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) Endowment Fund Board has awarded scholarships to 18 outstanding students during. The beneficiaries were selected during the Board’s inaugural meeting held from October 23 to 24, 2025, at Protea Hotel, Entebbe.
The scholarships, offered under the CoCIS Endowment Fund, aim to support academically exceptional yet financially challenged students pursuing various computing and information science disciplines at Makerere University.
Board members during the retreat
During the two-day retreat chaired by Ms. Sheila Migereko, the Board reviewed 22 applications that had been pre-vetted from an initial pool of 54. After a rigorous evaluation guided by clear selection criteria—including a minimum GPA of 3.6, valid registration, and credible evidence of financial need—the Board approved 18 applicants for full and partial financial support for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The beneficiaries were categorized into four award tiers, with varying levels of financial support:
- Category 1: USD 2,000 awarded to one overall best student.
- Category 2: USD 1,500 each awarded to two students.
- Category 3: USD 1,000 each awarded to five students.
- Category 4: USD 500 each awarded to ten students.
The top recipient of the Category 1 Award, worth USD 2,000, is Byali Maqueline Leya, a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering student.
In Category 2, Businge Pamela (Bachelor of Library and Information Science) and Isingoma Edgar (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science) received USD 1,500 each.
Category 3 beneficiaries include Ggayi Edward, Katende Herman, Najjuko Edith, Nakatinda Ruth, and Walukagga Sudais, each receiving USD 1,000.
The Category 4 scholarship, each worth USD 500, went to Nakabale Benjamin, Kemigisha Daphine, Lutalo Allan, Namaganda Sandra, Nankunda Lillian, Nansubuga Catherine, Okwir Moses, Owori Boniface, Ssenkungu Joseph, and Sukwe Benjamin..
Additional information click here:
https://cocis.mak.ac.ug/18-students-awarded-scholarships-from-cocis-endowment-fund/