Makerere University urged to invest abroad
Aug 24, 2014
THE Makerere University chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, has proposed that the University should invest abroad in order to get sound return on investments
By Edward Anyoli
THE Makerere University chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, has proposed that the University should invest abroad in order to get sound return on investments.
Speaking at the inauguration of Makerere University Holdings Company Ltd meeting, Kagonyera urged the board of directors to consider investing more abroad.
“Let us therefore not only stop at investing in Uganda but consider going beyond our borders to destinations that offer safe and sound return on investment,” Kagonyera
Kagonyera, advised the board members to take advantage of the investment packages offered abroad and urged the administration and staff of the University to collectively use the board to create a much better institution for both current and the future.
Makerere university Vice- chancellor Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu argued the board to put the University land to good use to increase revenue for the University.
Ddumba said Makerere will concentrate on its core businesses such as teaching, training, research knowledge transfer, partnerships and networking and leave board members to manage the holdings.
“We should move out of all the non-core businesses like accommodation for students, feeding students. These non-core businesses should go to our new holding company. Let the company make money for us and then we use it to improve our core businesses,” Ddumba said.
Ddumba said Makerere University as an institution has wealth of land resources located in the upper Kololo and Makindye.
Makerere University holding company board of directors Charles Mbire, (shareholder MTN) Dr.William Bazeyo (dean of school of public health), Charles Ocici, executive director (Enterprise Uganda) Ruth Biyinzika (director private sector foundation Uganda), Dan Kasirye (Investment officer) Dr. Gorretti Nsubuga (deputy principal of college of agriculture) and Dr. Winifred Tarinyeba (lecturer school of law) are tasked to managed the University holdings.
Ddumba said some of Makerere University assets include: 350 acres of land Main campus which is located on Makerere Hill, 45 acres of land at College of Health Sciences (Formerly Faculty of Medicine and School of Public Health) at Mulago adjacent to the National Referral Hospital.
Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo which is located North of Kampala, others are 350 acres Buyana Stock Farm under the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal and Husbandry.
Ddumba told the board directors that if the university assets are managed well, sound return investment can be generated can enable the university to run more efficiently.
Mbire said on his part he will ensure that there is transparency in managing holdings.
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