Makerere Matters Foundation (MMF) is an action based development funding organisation to support Makerere University, Kampala. However, the proposed remit of MMF is already being challenged as new sources of support and collaboration are emerging since the initial launch of the Foundation’s proposals over four months ago.
MMF is engaged in fund-raising and providing support to enable a number of critically important projects to take shape and to help the university to add new services and programmes. Further details will be added here as we make progress.
However, a number of UK based organisations are already interested in a wider and more aggressive agenda for supporting Uganda via the university. We are now considering requests from a number of agencies for the following:
- Accessing the private sector for major capital development projects through partnerships with emerging Ugandan businesses
- Partnering the country’s parastatal companies and private businesses to increase capacity through structural investment, subject to critical evaluation of their business plans
- Supporting social and not-for-profit sector through collaborative projects. A comprehensive programme is under development.
- Contributing to the establishment of joint-venture programmes relating to management education, training and development. Please access further information on Leadership Development via the main page.
- Supporting development projects through syndicated finance. We are dealing with a number of confidential enquiries at present.
In all cases the role that MMF plays consists of arranging collaborations, developing the evidence base, forging creative partnerships and creating access to the University’s expertise, through the MakerereUniversity Private Sector Forum and forging links with key players in the Ugandan economy- all of whom are working with the University via the Makerere University Private Sector Forum. As a joint venture partner, MMF is also a stakeholder and not just a signposting source for help. We expect to see credible enquiries to completion subject to compliance to economic development priorities set by major Government agencies. Further information is to be added to this web-log within six weeks.
In addition, MMF is working with Makerere University in two principal areas:
- Research and development leading to the launch of the Africa Centre for Business Leadership- now adopted as a key project by the university, with the first range of courses to be delivered within the next six months
- Critical programme development and fund-raising to launch the Africa Centre for Social Enterprise. International collaboration for the first project featuring Women’s Enterprise has already started and details are to be announced soon.
Why the University?
This is a key question. The Founder of MMF, Kalwant Ajimal has extensive experience in working internationally and has been appointed Special Envoy by Makerere University. MMF recognises the key impact of reliable evidence base and professional support as the foundation for forging sustainable alliances. By working with MUPSF, we are able to bring together key decision makers.
Key Dimensions of the MMF Action Plan:
MMF has core commitments. These are:
- Facilitating high quality joint ventures and partnerships – ‘less is more’. MMF is selective and focused.
- Supporting the University and the MUPSF to build internal capacity
- Generating long-term sustainability for the above by developing capability for self-management
- Generating powerful leverages with key national agencies. MOUs are to be signed.
- Developing long-term support via Endowment Funds and new sources of Micro-finance
- Helping Uganda to work in the worldwide ‘knowledge economy’
- Helping Uganda to lead in the creative economy of Africa
Governance and Accountability
MMF takes its responsibilty for managing public funding very seriously. In addition to operating as a Limited Company by Guarantee and operating within the laws of England, the organisation will be announcing the formation of various programme boards and panels to bring internal challenge and critical audit of our operations at all times.
I am putting my personal reputation on the line…. and I cannot afford to lose the trust and respect that I now enjoy from UK Government, European development agencies, private and public sector organisations in the UK and key individuals who supported my vision and aspirations for the last 30 years.
Kalwant Ajimal
Founder of Makerere Matters Foundation
