General
Swedish State Secretary recognizes impact of Sida support
Makerere University had the pleasure of hosting the Swedish State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joakim Stymne on Thursday 15th April, 2010.
Makerere University had the pleasure of hosting the Swedish State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joakim Stymne on Thursday 15th April, 2010.
Makerere University is one of the major beneficiaries of research grants from the Swedish Government. Mr. Joakim Stymne therefore visited Makerere University to acquaint himself with the impact of the Swedish support to the development of research in the University and Uganda at large.
“Cooperation between Sweden and Uganda is a tangible manifestation of the importance we attach to the relevance of research in development and reduction of poverty,” Joakim Stymne said.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, together with Deans, Directors and Professors from various faculties such as Technology, Social Sciences and Arts gathered to warmly welcome the State Secretary and his delegation.
During this meeting, the Director School of Graduate Studies, Professor Katunguka-Rwakishaya showcased Makerere University’s achievements made in research and publications in the past 10 years through funding from the Swedish government.
On behalf of the University Management, Professor Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza extended the appreciation to the Government and the generous people of Sweden, who through Sida have supported and continue to support groundbreaking research at Makerere University.
“Makerere University has been implementing the bilateral collaborative research program supported by Sida since 2000. This year, Makerere University and Sida signed Phase 111 Specific Agreement in Research Cooperation worth 180million Swedish Kronor to support research for four years (2010-2014),” Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza highlighted.
Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza also told the gathering that Makerere is repositioning itself to meet emerging development challenges and with the support from Sweden, we have been able to conduct meaningful research; build capacity and also been able to link this research to the Millennium Development Goals.
In a bid to solve the problem of inadequate dissemination of the research information to the right audiences, Prof. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza highlighted that the Makerere University Public Relations and Communications board had been constituted with one its objectives being to devise research dissemination strategies and provide training to the University Management and researchers on how best to package their research findings for the public. Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza thanked the Swedish government for funding the Gender Mainstreaming programme to ensure that women are supported and mentored into positions of leadership.
On behalf of management, Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza reassured the Swedish delegation that the phase III worth 180million Swedish Kronor will be put to good constructive use for development of the university and the community at large.
The Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Anders Johnson added that Makerere University was a centre of academic excellence with agents of change. Drawing specific reference to Professor Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza’s speech, he was glad that Makerere University had started the process of instituting systems to disseminate research to societies.
In his speech, the State Secretary, Joakim Stymne said universities can play significant roles in all areas of research with provision of facts and information, generating new knowledge and innovations, being an open forum for exchange of ideas and debate, acting as “think tanks” for future developments and looking around the corner on how Uganda can position itself in the global economy.
“From the Swedish government we see the forthcoming elections as crucial for views and grading of Uganda also in the international context. We hope to see peaceful. Free and fair elections with credible elections based on trust between the main actors. Freedom of expression and access to information is crucial for democratic development and free and fair elections,” he said.
The meeting ended with a visit to the Faculty of Technology; one of the Faculties that has greatly benefited from the support of the Swedish Government. The team had the chance to tour a number of cutting edge research projects at the Center for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation, CREEC.
Click here for the VC's Speech
Download Prof. Katunguka's presentation here
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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