The workshop brought together Ambassadors from all 8 cohorts since the Programme’s inception in 2018, the Secretariat, and the Board of Trustees, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening member engagement and service delivery.
Who are MURBS’ Departmental Ambassadors?
MURBS Ambassadors are volunteer staff members of Makerere University who act as a vital link between the Scheme and its members at the departmental level. Ambassadors play a key role in promoting MURBS products and services, supporting member awareness and education, providing first-level guidance and responding to queries, and strengthening trust through peer-to-peer engagement.
Their presence within departments has significantly improved accessibility of Scheme services and enhanced communication with members.
Why the Review Was Necessary
After seven years of implementation, the Trustees undertook a comprehensive review of the Ambassadors Training Programme (ATP) to ensure it remains responsive to evolving needs. Key drivers of the review included changes in the retirement benefits sector and regulatory environment; growing membership and complexity of services at MURBS; the need for clearer structures, accountability, and performance standards; operationalization of a dedicated communications function; rollout of the online pension portal; and establishment of a trustee training certification in Uganda. Collectively, these developments presented important opportunities to strengthen and reposition the Programme for greater impact.
This process resulted in the development of the Departmental Ambassadors Programme Policy Framework, which now provides structured guidance for the programme’s implementation.
What is New in the Framework?
A key highlight of the revised framework is the introduction of a more structured and forward-looking Ambassador Programme, including clear roles and responsibilities of Ambassadors, selection criteria and annual licensing process, performance evaluation, and certification of ambassadors, as well as accountability and reporting.
The revised programme introduces two distinct pathways: the Knowledge Track, designed for staff seeking general understanding of MURBS and the retirement benefits sector, and a career Track, a professional development pathway that enables staff to build a career in pensions and retirement benefits, with structured learning, assessments, and practical training across progressive levels. This marks a significant shift—from a purely sensitisation role to a capacity-building and career development platform within the retirement benefits space.
The Framework also proposes development of an ambassador portal, standardised training materials and messaging, an annual work plan, and structured task allocation, as well as regular refresher trainings and performance reviews.
Key Questions and Reflections from Ambassadors
The workshop was highly participatory, with Ambassadors raising important questions and insights, including:
- How will the new performance evaluation system be implemented to ensure fairness and consistency across all ambassador associations?
- Will ambassadors enrolled in either the Knowledge Track or the Career Track be eligible to contest for Trustee positions?
- Will current ambassadors be required to undergo retraining? If so, at what level should they re-enter, particularly for those intending to join the career track?
- What structured pathway will guide ambassadors in progressing to higher roles, including eligibility for trustee positions?
- Does the payment for practical sessions cover the associated training costs?
- Will MURBS provide formal certification upon completion of the ambassador training programme?
These discussions provided valuable input to refine the Framework and ensure it is practical, inclusive, and impactful.
Looking Ahead
The revised Programme aims to expand Ambassador coverage across the University significantly, enhance service delivery at the departmental level, and position Ambassadors not only as engagement champions but also as emerging professionals in the retirement benefits sector.
MURBS extends its appreciation to all Ambassadors for their active participation and valuable feedback, which will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Programme.
“… from Levels 2 and 3, the Trustees are bringing us to class to study for our own benefit. … I would like my fellow ambassadors to look at this as an opportunity to learn how to invest, especially for those of us who do not know how, which might be helpful in our old age or applied elsewhere.” — Ambassador Anthony Mwijje.
“We are just trying to show you that you shouldn’t just study and leave your knowledge here. Start using it, then you can pass this knowledge on to your colleagues and friends. This is why we are proposing another track for those who wish to develop a career in retirement benefits.” — Trustee Angida Francesca Mugyema.
About MURBS
Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) is a staff retirement benefits scheme established to provide secure and sustainable retirement benefits to employees of Makerere University.
Pictorial
