Makerere University gets buses, caters for special needs students

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In a move to advance its inclusivity core value, Makerere University has secured three buses, with one aimed to ease mobility for both students and staff with special needs. The rest of the buses shall be used by the entire students’ community during their research, field work and all academic-related activities.

The three modern buses, according to the university’s top management, were acquired from Kiira Motors Corporation, owing to the duo’s long-standing partnership. Of the buses, two are diesel-powered while the other is electric.

Addressing journalists at Makerere University on October 7, 2025, vice-chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe said the two diesel-powered buses were procured at a total of shillings one billion, whereas the electric one was donated by Kiira Motors Corporation.

Nawangwe said the initiative speaks directly to Makerere’s core values of inclusivity, equity, and care for all members of the university community. He said by ensuring that every student and staff member can fully participate in academic life, the institution has continued to create a learning environment where everyone can thrive.

“I’m pleased to announce that we have strengthened our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation through the acquisition of these modern buses. Our efforts are geared to ensuring a conducive environment for both learners and staff,” Nawangwe said.

He explained that the dual’s partnership reflects the institution’s contribution to Uganda’s homegrown innovation ecosystem, explaining that Kiira Motors was founded on research from within Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

Nawangwe emphasised that the evolution is a demonstration that university knowledge can be translated into practical solutions that serve society.

“We extend our appreciation to the management and team at Kiira Motors for their generous contribution and continued collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing sustainable transport and green technology, but also reaffirming our shared vision of a modern, inclusive, and innovation-driven Uganda,” Nawangwe said.

He was flanked by the university’s top management, including deputy vice chancellor in charge of academic affairs Prof. Sarah Evelyn Nabwire Ssali, dean of students’ affairs Dr Winfred Kabumbuli and guild president Churchill Ssentumu.

Currently, Uganda is in the process of strengthening regulations and enforcing laws against buildings that lack accessibility features for people with disabilities (PWDs), following reports of widespread non-compliance with national standards and the Building Control Act.

Other Local governments, like Mukono district, have passed bylaws to halt approvals for new construction without PWD access features and are educating their leaders on implementation. This effort aims to correct the discriminatory exclusion of PWDs from public facilities by ensuring future buildings include necessary features like ramps, designated parking, and tactile markings, although many older and even some newer buildings currently fail to meet these standards.

Beneficiaries react

Titus Muganga, a special needs student pursuing a bachelor of arts with education, commended the university for the inclusive move, saying they have on several occasions missed lectures due to the lack of a reliable mobility system.

“You know Makerere is hilly and sometimes difficult for most special needs students to navigate. I’m grateful that this initiative has come in, especially when we so much needed it,” Muganga said.

For a master of arts in literature student, Ronald Mwebembezi, the development is a wise idea that will support the learning of students with special needs like him.

Kabumbuli recounted the struggles she sees learners with special needs go through, arguing that the new move will hugely contribute to the academic successes of learners with disabilities.

Innovation hub upgraded

Relatedly, the institution’s research and innovation hub, formally dubbed Unipod, has now been upgraded to Makerere University Technology and Innovations Centre (MUTIC) with the new mandate to offer support to the university-wide community and the general public.

Unlike in the past, the innovation centre is now a state-of-the-art point that nurtures, incubates and accelerates ideas into companies. The new space now has 10 makerspaces, including computer-aided design rooms, textile, electrical spaces, renewable energy, e-mobility, a multi-media studio, among others, according to Nawangwe, who stressed that the general public should find it necessary to utilise.

“We are already making arrangements to have this space opened out to the general public for utilisation. We hope the place shall be made of good use,” he said.

Open campaigns reinstated

On the other hand, the institution’s top management has decided to reinstate students’ open guild campaigns in an effort to renew its commitment towards empowering and nurturing responsible future leaders.

In early 2022, the institution suspended open guild campaigns and instead opted for a virtual version following the tragic incident, which saw one Michael Betungura Bewatte, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) student, who was killed while taking part in guild campaigns.

Yesterday, the university's top management announced the reinstatement, noting that the moves come with a renewed understanding and agreement to balance freedom with responsibility, emphasising peaceful political affairs.

Commenting on the development, Ssentamu said the move would provide space for free expression and engagement in governance.

“We are grateful to the university authority for restoring students’ freedom once again,” Ssentamu said.