General
Sida PhD beneficiaries share their success stories
The Quality Assurance Directorate, QAD, is set to release a pioneer publication ‘Mapping the careers and mobility of Makerere University doctoral graduates’. The publication contains success stories of some of the Sida sponsored students, 2000 -2012, who are at the height of their careers both within and outside Makerere University.
One of these students, Dr. Julius Ecuru, was part of a team of experts selected to serve on President Barack Obama’s international research panel to advance ethical science. The experience has since opened up many doors for him, including adding value to his current work and team at the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, where he is in charge of research and technology management.
Back home in Makerere University, one of the beneficiaries, Dr. Henry Alinaitwe, heads the illustrious College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, CEDAT and brings a wealth of experience on board. Also from the same college is Dr. Charles Niwagaba, who has gone ahead to start an NGO and is tirelessly in search of solutions to improve the condition of slum dwellers. In one of his innovations, Dr. Niwagaba explains how grey water (water from household chores) can be put to alternative use after purification.
From the College of Health Sciences, CHS is Dr. Noeline Nakasujja who has found a way of explaining psychotic disorders in people living with HIV/AIDS. “I discovered that there are certain psychiatric disorders in HIV positive patients that do not fall in any of the major categories of mental illness,” she says.
Dr. Peter Walekhwa from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), is restlessly searching for ways through which biogas can sustainably be used across Africa. He has since teamed up with a team of equally zealous researchers from other parts of the world including Scotland and Cameroon.
Dr. Lillian Namuganyi on the other hand is disturbed by how the ongoing developments in Kampala city have disadvantaged the common man, who in most cases is pushed out of the city. “We researchers are not consulted by authorities before they make certain decisions. City planners have paid attention only to the function of the city, with less consideration for the practice of the city,” she explains. The publication contains many more voices of how doctoral holders are putting their vast knowledge to use.
The richly packaged publication categorizes PhD holders by age, gender, field, College and mobility. In relation to Colleges, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, CAES, stands out with the highest number of PhD holders, most of whom are male. The gender gap stands at 23% of female PhD holders in Makerere University, compared to the 77% male counterparts. The publication among other things recommends that Makerere University mobilizes more external resources for training, to supplement the internal resources, in the medium term.
The Director QAD, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya is optimistic that the Directorate will conduct similar studies when funds allow. “This type of exercise is crucial in helping us determine the impact of graduate training, especially now that Makerere University aspires to be graduate led. We are glad that the PhD beneficiaries we spoke to are grateful to have pursued further studies and I take this opportunity to encourage as many people as possible to take this path,” he said. The Directorate will officially launch this publication at a date to be communicated later.
Please click here to view the Sida PhD Graduates Tracer Study 2014
By Marion Alina, 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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