General
Maternal Health Rights, Politics and the Law:Another Professorial Inaugural Lecture
Professor Ben Kiromba Twinomugisha from the School of Law is yet another Law don to fulfil the University mandate of presenting an Inaugural Lecture.
April 28, 2017 marked yet another milestone in the academic achievements of the long serving Professor of Law when he delivered his lecture entitled: "Maternal Health, Politics and the Law" in the Makerere University Main Hall.
During the lecture, Professor Twinomugisha also popularly known as Shokoro delved into a touching area of maternal health and sought to establish as to why the realization of Maternal Health Rights (MHRs) remains a theory despite the many interventions both by Government agencies, the civil society and many other players.
At the well-attended lecture, Prof. Ben Kiromba Twinomugisha emphasized that there is need to understand the nature and scope of Maternal Health Rights and how they can be realized in Uganda. His argument was based on the question, ‘Why do women continue to die while giving birth?’He urged the public to consider maternal health as a Human Right and noted that the state is obliged to respect and protect the MHRs.
“Uganda is a party to international and human rights instruments that recognize maternal health rights (MHRs). It also has a Constitution and policy frameworks, which contain provisions with a bearing on MHRs. In spite of the recognition of MHRs in legal and policy frameworks, realization of these rights remains elusive as evidenced by the alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.”Said the charged law don while urging his audience to get charged and demand the enforcement of the right to Maternal Mortality by the duty bearers.
Hestated that the realization of MHRs remains elusive because the state, which has the primary responsibility to protect and enforce the MHRs, relies on neo-liberal policies and criminal laws, which exalt private and class interests to the detriment of maternal health issues. He added that it is not a mere lack of resources that explains non-realization of MHRs in Uganda, but absence of political will to tackle the structural causes of maternal mortality and morbidity.
While explaining what he sees as the barriers to realizing MHRs in Uganda, Prof. Twinomugisha pointed out a list of interlinked areas such as poverty. He said because of low incomes many mothers cannot afford a number of formal and informal costs for facilities and services, drugs and equipment, transport to the health facility, quality and sustainable care. He said this is coupled with inadequate information and poor attitudes leading to delays to seek care and reaching health care facility. He also noted the lack of political will and focused leadership to marshal and direct the available internal and external physical, financial, human and other resources towards realization of MHRs. He noted that inequitable gender relations and negative customary as the other social factors affecting the realization of maternal health rights.
Recommending on how realization of MHRs can achieved, Prof. Ben Twinomugisha emphasized putting in place mechanisms to fight massive poverty and prioritizing MHRs of the poor; reversing the neo-liberal approach to maternal health and increasing budget for health by at least 15% as well as increasing human resource for maternal health, equipping health facilities and allocating more skilled health personnel to maternal health.
He further advocated for accelerating family planning and making contraceptive information available and accessible. He encouraged couples to discuss contraceptive options and called upon men to actively be involved in issues of maternal health care. He advised that the government should tax the privileged and wealthy and use the proceeds to fund social services such as maternal health care, employ a gender perspective in all policies, programmes and practices, and in all spheres of life including family and community. He added that public awareness and sensitization strategies should target both women and men to promote gender equity and a holistic approach to maternal health which is preventive and curative should be developed.
“In my view, in the long run, for actual and meaningful realization of MHRs to occur, there is need to build consciousness among masses so that they are able to engage in the struggle of emancipation. This struggle should be led by the working class but also be embraced by the rural and urban poor women and men. The struggle should lead to a democratically reconstituted liberal pro-people socialist state that will promote an equitable distribution of resources and ensure that maternal health issues are prioritized in design and implementation.” Prof. Ben Twinomugisha concluded.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, represented by Dr. Ernest Okello-Ogwang (Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic Affairs) said that the life of an academician is demanding. In between the rigors of research, teaching and publishing, it is often easy to overlook the fact that they are also parents, guardians and mentors. He said that Prof. Twinomugisha has made tremendous contribution to the academia and legal practice, for which he is highly commended.
“Today, Uganda is faced with high rates of death arising from maternal related complications some of which are preventable. I am glad to note that in Maternal Health, Prof. Twinomugisha has picked a topic that is of great importance to the future of this nation, and yet so little is known about it. Our communities and the nation at large deserve and are eager to listen to the latest findings that can impact their lives.” The Vice Chancellor noted.
The Vice Chancellor further said that a great proportion of Ugandan population is either illiterate or underprivileged. These are often ill-informed about their rights and therefore suffer at the hands of duty bearers. As such, he said that they are not empowered to take up litigation as a way of redressing the social injustices meted upon their wives, sisters and mothers whose reproductive rights are abused.
While pronouncing Prof. Ben Twinomugisha as a full Professor of Makerere University on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Okello-Ogwang said that as a requirement for Makerere University academic staff, an inaugural lecture is held to commemorate the lecturer's appointment to full professorship. He further said that it is the perfect opportunity for the lecturer to share with their audience the contribution they have made to the body of knowledge and Prof. Twinomugisha had set a great precedent.
“Prof. Twinomugisha, without any doubt has distinguished himself and is recognized for his dedication to research, teaching and learning as well as creation of new knowledge. I hereby declare Prof. Ben Kiromba Twinomugisha a full professor of Makerere University” Dr. Okello-Ogwang pronounced.
Earlier, while delivering a citation about Prof. Twinonmugisha, Dr. Ronald Naluwairo, the Acting Deputy Principal-School of Law stated that the inaugural lecture was indeed a reflection of Prof. Twinomugisha’s tireless works of fighting for women’s rights. He described him as a dedicated and accomplished scholar and researcher whose works are analytically sharp, academically engaging, magnificently conceptualized, outstandingly researched and multidisciplinary.
“Today is a very great celebration as we honor Prof. Ben Twinomugisha whose great essence of teaching and learning exemplifies the issues of Makerere University as a community of scholars and teachers. He has consistently proved his academic versatility across a range of areas including commercial law, gender, environmental law, health law and human rights. His contribution to enhancing the University’s eminent standing, where making research, teaching and mentoring is commended.” Dr. Ronald Naluwairo remarked
Dr. Naluwairo elaborated that the teaching approach of Prof. Ben Twinomugisha is based on the five E’s: Engage, Explain, Exemplify, Emphasize and Empower. He added that the Professor established several developments by stimulating curiosity and independent learning and participating in effective guidance and mentorship of students. He commended him for his contribution towards the development of curriculum when he pioneered the teaching of Health Law at the School of Law, a very popular and relevant field of study today.
The Chairperson of Makerere University Inaugural Committee, Prof. Elly Sabiiti said that such professorial lectures are very relevant. Through them, a great deal of vital information is shared and it brings the image of Makerere University to the public. He thanked Prof. Ben Twinomugisha for the commitment he portrayed in sharing fundamental information through his professorial inaugural lecture.
“It takes a long time to finalize this process. This is the second inaugural lecture addressing the issues of women and their rights. We want to put up this important material for everybody to access. It is therefore important for us as Makerere University and the nation at large.” The Chairperson mentioned.
Prof. Elly Sabiiti appealed to all colleagues to share information through such lectures and to motivate the young scholars to do the same. He thanked the School of Law for the pace set in giving professorial inaugural lectures and urged other colleges at the University to emulate the School. He also thanked the Inaugural committee which worked with the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic Affairs to make the lecture a success.
Prof. Ben Kiromba Twinogisha holds a Bachelor of Law of Makerere University, a Diploma in Legal Practice of Law Development Center, a Master of Law of Makerere University and a Doctor of Laws of Makerere University. He was the first person to attain a Doctor of Laws degree from Makerere University, which he obtained in 2005. In 2008, he was promoted to the rank of Associate professor and later to a professor in 2011, the rank which resulted to hisprofessorial inaugural lecture.
He has provided excellent leadership and rendered effective services to Makerere University and the society at large. He has served the University for over 30 years in different areas of responsibility with integrity including; Deputy Dean at the School of Law, Dean of Law, member of Makerere University Council, member of Makerere University Senate, member of Makerere University Appointments Board and a number of Makerere University committees.
The professorial inaugural lecture was attended by people from various capacities including; Makerere University staff, former chancellor-Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, former Vice chancellor-Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, Members of Ugandan judiciary, legislature and other government officials, Makerere University students and the public.
Article by: Charles Iga-Mak News Reporter
During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.
The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.
The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.
She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.
Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.
She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.
Students urged to aim for first-class results
The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.
They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.
The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.
Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct
Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.
They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.
The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.
The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.
Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.
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