General
Mak Signs Agreement to Fast Track Collaboration With Taiwanese Institutions
Makerere University has today Friday 13th October 2017 signed an agreement with Dr. Jeff J.L. Lin and his wife Mrs. Mei Yvan, aimed at creating a formal avenue through which Taiwanese institutions can collaborate with Makerere and other Ugandan institutions in aspects such as exchange of staff, students, research, among others.
Speaking at the brief event held at the Directorate of Legal Affairs (DLA), Makerere University, the Acting Director Mr. Goddy Muhumuza thanked Dr. Lin and his wife Mei for their hospitality, love and heart of giving in not only identifying but also choosing to bridge the gap of cooperation between Taiwan and Uganda.
Today’s agreement signing ceremony had its genesis in the 29th Summer Universiade “Collegiate Olympics” held in Taipei, Taiwan from 19th to 30th August 2017, where Mr. Muhumuza and the delegation from Uganda had the opportunity to interact with the couple. “Dr. Jeff J. L. Lin and his wife Mei Yvan mobilized the Taiwan-Africa Business Association and hosted the Uganda Team to a very colourful lunch where a delicious meal was served. At the same function, Dr. Lin and his wife Mei announced a gift of a motorcycle to each of the Ugandan Gold and Bronze medal winners” shared Mr. Muhumuza.
The couple later on also agreed to donate a motorcycle worth approximately UGX 4million to the Directorate of Legal Affairs.
In his remarks, Dr. Jeff J.L. Lin; a holder of dual citizenship from Taiwan and Uganda, thanked Mr. Muhumuza for arranging the visit and preparing the agreement. He also congratulated Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe upon his election as Vice Chancellor and thanked him as well as members of Management present for attending the signing ceremony despite their respective busy schedules.
“Taiwan is strong in disciplines of Medicine, Agriculture, Biotechnology and Technology but does not have a good social sciences background. Makerere is strong in the Humanities and Law and we therefore want to introduce Makerere to National Taiwan University and Tsing Hua University which are both highly ranked globally. Our hope is that young students and academics will benefit from this partnership,” said Dr. Lin.
Mrs. Mei Yvan on her part has spent twenty five years living and working in Africa. “Sixteen years ago, I was volunteering as Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Music, Dance and Drama. Also, both our sons were born in Africa so Africa is home to us,” she shared. “Although we are business people, we also value social responsibility. Dr. Lin’s passion has always been to bring goodness and joy to people” she added.
Following a brief signing ceremony, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Dr. Lin and his wife Mei for their good spirit of benevolence and for their donation of a brand new motorcycle to DLA. This, he noted, would greatly aid the Directorate in its daily operations.
“We have a lot to learn from each other” said Prof. Nawangwe, “Taiwan is an island that has moved from an underdeveloped nation to an economic superpower in the last fifty years” he elaborated.
The Vice Chancellor further observed that Taiwanese Universities are ranked highly by global rankings and are a source of modern technology that has accelerated growth and development of other sectors like agriculture in the island nation. Taiwan has been able to grow enough food to feed its population and export the surplus. He noted that Uganda has a high population growth rate and unless this was checked or matched with surplus production, food security would be a big problem in the face of the impacts of climate change such as prolonged drought.
“Collaboration with Taiwanese Universities is therefore the best thing that can happen to Makerere, not only in the fields of Law and Humanities but also other vital areas such as Agriculture and Medicine. As Makerere University, we will do all that is possible to ensure that this collaboration happens” said Prof. Nawangwe.
He also expressed happiness that in Dr. Lin, Makerere had found a direct link and advocate who is familiar with both Ugandan and Taiwanese cultures, “exchange of cultures is very important” added the Vice Chancellor. He concluded his remarks by thanking Mr. Muhumuza for ensuring that the collaboration had taken off. “We look forward to an extensive collaboration between Makerere and Taiwanese Universities.“
The signing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences-Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali who represented the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration)-Prof. William Bazeyo, University Secretary-Mr. Charles Barugahare, Acting Director Human Resources-Mrs. Dorothy Senoga Zake and Acting Director Internal Audit-Mr. Patrick Akonyet. Also present were Mr. Peter Mubiru who represented the University Bursar-Mr. Augustine Tamale and DLA Staff.
Article 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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