KAMPALA, Uganda — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 5 donated 40 high-tech laptops and 10 projectors to Makerere University to support teaching, learning, and research at the School of Business, part of the College of Business and Management Sciences.
During the handover ceremony, Sister Tracy Ence, a church missionary, offered a prayer for the event, the donors, and a long-term partnership in education between the church and the university.
The church delegation of over 10 volunteers from various professions presented the equipment. Christophe Ge’rard Giraud, the head of the delegation, emphasized the church’s value of education and commitment to partnerships promoting both spiritual and academic growth. He expressed hope the donation would enhance classroom learning.
Brother Ambrose Kilama, a church leader, stated that education is a key tenet of the church and that this donation signifies the beginning of an educational partnership with Makerere University.
The acting deputy vice chancellor for academic affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, representing the vice chancellor, and the principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. Edward Bbaale, were among the university officials present.
Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, head of the Department of Marketing and Management, recounted how the donation originated from a chance meeting in 2024 between himself and Dr. Phillip Mathemera, a church volunteer who was seeking directions on campus. This encounter led to discussions about potential support for the department.
Dr. Mugarura explained that the church responded positively to a proposal for ICT equipment to aid teaching and learning.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi expressed gratitude for the donation, recognizing the efforts of Dr. Mugarura and Dr. Anthony Tibaingana in initiating the partnership. He noted the importance of such technology for the university’s research and digital education goals.
Prof. Bbaale welcomed the partnership and highlighted its significance for the university’s research-driven agenda.
The dean of the School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akileng, acknowledged the growth of the school and encouraged the marketing and management department to become a leader in digital education. He also commended Dr. Tibaingana for his role in securing the donation.
Ms. Ritah Namisango, the university’s principal communication officer, noted the donation aligns with Makerere University’s e-Learning digital transformation roadmap.
Dr. Pros Katumba, representing the faculty, thanked the church for the equipment, emphasizing its impact on service delivery and research.
Dr. Tibaingana announced that Dr. Mathemera also offered driving course sponsorships for 17 marketing students, further demonstrating the budding partnership.
