On March 28th, 2025, Kyambogo University Advancement and Alumni Relations Office hosted a remarkable Alumni Fundraising Dinner at Hotel Africana, Kampala. The event was organized to mobilize support for the construction of a modern Students’ Centre that will serve as a central hub for student engagement, support services, and extracurricular activities. Centered around the theme “Stronger Together: Empowering Students, Strengthening Community,” the dinner brought together over 200 participants, including alumni, university leadership, corporate partners, student representatives, service providers, and members of the media.
Participation fees were paid seamlessly through MTN MoMo Pay, reflecting the university’s commitment to a modern, cashless transaction experience.
The event began at 5:00 PM, with attendees arriving and registering at the entrance. The organizing committee, composed of dedicated staff and volunteers, had worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the event. Their efforts ensured a well-coordinated evening, focusing on logistics, fundraising strategies, stakeholder engagement, and overall program success.
The opening session commenced with the singing of the Uganda National Anthem, the East African Anthem, the Kyambogo Anthem, and the Buganda Anthem. This was followed by a reflective prayer led by Rev. Dr. Eng. Emmanuel Mwesigwa.
Ms. Mugume Bridget, the University Dean of Students, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the critical role the proposed Students’ Centre would play in enhancing student life. She encouraged alumni and friends of the university to remain committed to supporting the project.
A lively round of introductions followed, with alumni from various graduating years reuniting and connecting with university staff and fellow guests. This moment was both reminiscent and inspiring, showcasing the diverse and accomplished Kyambogo alumni community.
Afterward, Eng. Aryeija Ambrose, Chairperson of the Project Committee, and his deputy, Eng. Gumisiriza Ezra delivered a detailed presentation of the Students’ Centre project. They outlined the design, proposed budget, and implementation timeline, aligning the project goals with the broader theme of community empowerment and student development.
Adding a touch of humor and excitement to the evening, renowned comedian and Kyambogo alumnus, Teacher Mpamire, entertained the crowd with a skit impersonating President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. His performance not only lightened the mood but also reinforced the importance of collective support for the project.
At the end of his performance, he invited the chief fundraiser, Eng. Buhanda Brian, to address the gathering. Eng. Buhanda passionately appealed to attendees to contribute to the cause, pledging 30 million Ugandan Shillings himself. His address inspired others to commit to the initiative, demonstrating the power of alumni solidarity.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening were Mr. Kasumba Samson and Mr. Lagalavu Lawrence, who kept the audience engaged with an energetic and interactive hosting style. Mr. Kasumba, in particular, blended entertainment into his delivery, ensuring the mood remained lively and encouraging spontaneous contributions from the crowd throughout the evening.
As the evening progressed, Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, the University Vice Chancellor, took to the stage to express gratitude to the alumni, staff, and corporate partners. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to the Students’ Centre, describing it as a magnificent structure that will give a home to students, those in the university and those who will come after them.
The fundraising continued afterward, with more participants making pledges and purchasing Kyambogo-branded polo T-shirts and lapel pins. These memorabilia not only supported the fundraising effort but also allowed attendees to take home a reminder of their contribution.
In the spirit of transparency, the University Secretary, Mr. Arthur Katongole, addressed the gathering to outline the financial management systems in place. He assured attendees that a designated university bank account and the MTN MoMo Pay platform would be used exclusively for all donations, eliminating the need for cash handling. This approach, he explained, ensures secure and traceable contributions, providing confidence to all donors.
Dr. Nagasha Irene Judith, Head of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, then stepped forward to provide a much-anticipated update on the project’s timeline. She invited Eng. Aryeija and Eng. Gumisiriza back on stage to formally announce that the construction of the Students’ Centre would officially begin that very evening, marking a historic milestone in the project’s journey.
The fundraising efforts bore significant results. A total of 131.5 million Ugandan Shillings was pledged during the event. In addition, 4 million Ugandan Shillings in cash donations were collected, while T-shirt and lapel pin sales generated an additional 670,000 Shillings. Many attendees also pledged to continue supporting the project in the months ahead, reaffirming the strength of the Kyambogo alumni network. The Advancement and Alumni Relations Office committed to following up on all pledges and maintaining momentum until the Students’ Centre is completed.
The evening concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony involving members of top university management, the fundraising committee, and the Advancement and Alumni Relations team. This symbolic moment represented not just the close of the event, but the start of an ambitious and transformative journey for Kyambogo University and its students.
For those who wish to contribute to the project, donations can still be made through the official university alumni bank account, 9030024103713, Stanbic Bank, or via MTN MoMo Pay; 720526. The Advancement and Alumni Relations Office remains available for any inquiries and continues to welcome alumni and friends who want to be part of this legacy project.
Email: kyu.alumni@kyu.ac.ug
Tel: +256789044536 /+256782321113
Website: www.kyu.ac.ug
Kyambogo Advancement & Alumni Relations Unit.
“Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future.”
Tags: alumni dinner, alumni network, community support, fundraising, Kyambogo University, MoMo Pay, student life, Students’ Centre, Uganda education, university event