General
Chancellor Proposes Strategic Mak-UNISA Partnership at 6th SARChI
The Chancellor, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera has proposed strategic partnerships between Makerere University and the University of South Africa (UNISA), especially in promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and innovations in Science and Technology. The Chancellor made these remarks at the 6th SARChI Academic Retreat hosted by UNISA from 23rd-26th November 2013.
The 6th South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Retreat was held under the theme “Establishing the Discourse and Protocols for innovations from below as Restorative Action to the Communities.” The retreat was underpinned by three main concepts: how scientists can crystallise the discourse on cognitive 
justice as it relates to the recognition and protection of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), how to expand the notion of innovation to include knowledges that are produced in the grassroots, and how the parameters of innovation are to be redrawn if IKS is taken into account.
At the same occasion, Professor Catherine Odora-Hoppers, a Ugandan who serves as the incumbent of the Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation South African Research Chair in Development Education at UNISA was presented with her Golden Jubilee Medal by Prof. Kagonyera. Prof. Odora-Hoppers was awarded the honorary medal at the 51st National Independence day celebrations on 9th October 2013 in recognition of her research and scholarly contributions to Uganda and Africa’s development.
The Chancellor expressed his gratitude to UNISA for hosting Prof. Odora-Hoppers all these years saying, “Thank you for giving a home away from home to our distinguished daughter of Uganda, Professor Catherine Alum
Odora-Hoppers! Although her cultural tap roots are in Gulu, Northern Uganda, her philosophical main stem has grown strong and tall like the giant Shea-nut tree of her native Acholiland in South Africa,” said Prof. Kagonyera, further adding “Her intellectual and scholarly productions, like her Shea-nut tree branches, have now spread out and cover the whole of Africa.”
Prof. Kagonyera concluded his well-received address by calling upon Makerere and UNISA to make the partnership a reality “As a concrete way forward: may I propose that a delegation led by the SARCHI Chair in Development Education comprising UNISA leaders, DST Officials and IKS Advisory Faculty leaders, and South African Private Sector/Business leaders plan to visit Makerere University and Uganda as soon as is practicable,” he concluded.
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Compiled by Public Relations Office
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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