General
Over UGX150 million raised for International Symposium on Non-Communicable Diseases
On 12th December 2017, over UGX150 million was raised during the Mak Fundraising dinner organised by Makerere University College of Health Sciences together with St. Augustine International University to mobilise resources for the upcoming 1st International Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Symposium scheduled to take place from 12th to 15th February 2018 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The Minister of State for International Affairs, Hon. Oryem Henry Okello officiated at the fundraising drive that engaged corporate and development partners from both public and private sector as well as partners from the business world.
The Minister acknowledged the tremendous support from development partners towards fighting against NCDs in Uganda and encouraged them to continue soliciting funds to boost the health sector of the country. He pledged to mobilise more partners, fellow ministers and friends to work with the committee and also contribute towards the noble cause.
Hon. Oryem applauded the brains behind the 1st International Non Communicable Diseases Symposium saying that, Uganda has yarned for an awareness campaign on Non Communicable Diseases. “We live in a terrible situation without knowledge on NCDs. The percentage of victims of NCDs in Uganda is very high, including myself. This drive is a formidable one and I believe we are going to achieve the intended goals,” he said.
He encouraged Ugandans to go for screening so that they can understand their status earlier and adopt the preventive measures or start the medication. He pledged to extend the campaign to fellow ministers so that they can also carry out the test “talk to your friends and family about this and encourage them to go for tests and screening. I pledge to reach out to the cabinet ministers so that they can also be tested and screened during this drive. We need to fight this killer disease before it fights our population,” the Minister remarked.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. William Bazeyo called for a collective measure to create awareness among Ugandans on the Non Communicable Diseases. He also urged Ugandans to embrace the development of a research fund geared towards collecting data aimed at finding lasting solutions on Non Communicable Diseases.
“We discovered that little research has been done on NCDs. Africans we are depending on research done by the western world. We need to support our own research. Makerere University might not be endowed with funds but it is endowed with human capacity to do research. Therefore if we raise funds, I am sure the University together with other partners can carry out research on the NCDs,” said Prof. Bazeyo.
He thanked all the developmental partners that have immensely contributed towards the symposium as well as the Research fund. Prof. Bazeyo recognised the efforts of H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga to mobilise funds for the symposium and the research fund. He thanked the Principal of College of Health Sciences Prof. Charles Ibingira for commitment to hosting a successful symposium.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor informed the audience that Makerere University Council chaired by Eng. Charles Wana-Etyem would contribute UGX50million. Prof. Bazeyo also pledged to contribute UGX5million towards the Symposium on Non-Communicable Diseases.
Appreciating the drive to fight against NCDs in Uganda, the Chairman of St Augustine International University H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga, pledged to contribute UGX100milliom towards the Symposium and also pledged on behalf of St Augustine International University to raise UGX50 million annually for a period of 7 years towards development the research fund.
H.E King Caesar Augustus Mulenga emphasized the need to create awareness on NCDs when he said, “there is a need to make Ugandans know that Non Communicable Diseases are here and here to kill. We therefore need to provide this information. We must teach them about the prevention of NCDs.”
“Ugandans should develop a culture of early screening to detect and treat the diseases in infancy stages. We need to make it a rule or a policy that there must be early screening in schools, organisations, institutions and also screening among family members,” he added.
The 1st International Non Communicable Diseases Symposium will take place from 12th -15th February 2018 at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Organised by Makerere University College of Health Sciences and St Augustine International University under a theme: “Building momentum to address the epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa,” the symposium focuses on creating attention to the NCDs epidemic in Uganda and the region among general public, business community, researchers, clinicians, funders, and policy makers that will result into a formidable multi-disciplinary response to stop the epidemic. It also aims at creating networks and consortium that will generate data and design interventions for prevention, early detection and treatment of NCDs as well as creating national policies, frameworks and multi-disciplinary health systems to curb the ill health and early deaths from the Diseases.
According to the Chairperson of the National Organising Committee, Prof. Fred Wabwire, the symposium will inform research focused on finding innovative solutions to epidemic and endemic diseases.
In a presentation, the Principal of College of Health Sciences, Prof. Charles Ibingira said that the minimal response to the NCDs by Ugandans has been due to low public awareness, and weak health systems that are aligned to only communicable diseases and limited data to support the design of presentation and intervention.
“Many Ugandans have died due to lack of knowledge about the diseases. So many of them have gone to hospitals only to be diagnosed of cancer in its advanced stages. Another issues is that we have weak and poorly facilitated health centres with no screening equipment,” he said.
He encouraged the public to support the awareness drive that the College of Health Sciences together with St Augustine International University is organising to enable the society understand the preventative measures for Non-Communicable Diseases. Prof. Ibingira urged Government to support health centres with equipment and necessary facilitation in line with Non Communicable Disease prevention and awareness.
The Makerere University Fundraising Dinner was graced by the Managing Director of Bank of Baroda Mr. Ashwini Kumar, Chairman Crown Beverages Ltd (Franchise holder for Pepsi in Uganda) Mr Amos Nzeyi, the Director, Directorate of Socio-Economic Monitoring and Research (DSEMR) in the Office of the President Hon. Vincent Tumusiime, representatives from DFCU Bank, Stanbic Bank, Victoria Motors, Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG), Aga Khan Hospital among others.
Article by: MAK Public Relations Office
By Monica Meeme, Cynthia Ayaa Komakec and Eric Tumwesigye
Makerere University, through its Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Embassy of Sweden, UNESCO O3 Plus have successfully trained 250 Student Peer Trainers (SPTs) to strengthen student-led efforts in promoting gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The three-day capacity-building workshop, held from 5th to 7th May 2026, brought together selected student leaders from across the University and formed part of Makerere University’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and gender responsive learning environment. The training equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills to serve as peer educators, advocates, mentors, and referral points for students requiring support on gender-related issues.
The workshop covered a wide range of thematic areas, including the Makerere University Gender Equality Policy, the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), international, regional and national legal frameworks on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), leadership development, effective communication, and student-led advocacy and action planning.
Facilitators included Susan Mbabazi, Principal Gender Officer; Eric Tumwesigye, Principal Gender Officer; Carol Abilat Gender Officer; Cynthia Ayaa Komakec Gender Officer; Dr. Richard Mwesigwa of UNFPA; Dr. Lilian Tukahira Assistant Administrator; and Judith Kiconco, Gender Officer.
Day One: Building Foundations for Gender Equality and Inclusion
The opening day commenced with welcome and opening remarks delivered by Ms. Susan Mbabazi, Acting Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer; Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Office of the Dean of Students, who represented the Vice Chancellor.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente described the training as more than a workshop, characterising it as a movement designed to empower students to influence attitudes, behaviours, and social norms within their communities. She encouraged participants to challenge harmful practices, support survivors of gender-based violence, and serve as catalysts for positive change both within and beyond the University.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rodney Rugyema emphasised that Makerere University’s mandate extends beyond academic excellence to ensuring the safety, well-being, and holistic development of its students. He urged participants to avoid harmful relationships, prioritise personal safety, and actively contribute to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.
Dr. Rugyema further described Student Peer Trainers as the “eyes and ears” of the University community, underscoring their vital role in raising awareness, identifying emerging challenges, and mobilising collective action to prevent and address gender-based violence.
The first day of the workshop also introduced participants to the principles of gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and the institutional frameworks that guide Makerere University’s efforts to promote inclusion, equity, and student welfare.
Ms. Susan Mbabazi provided a historical overview of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and highlighted the University’s sustained commitment to creating an equitable and supportive academic environment. She also guided participants through the key provisions of the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), emphasising the University’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based violence.
Mr.Eric Tumwesigye facilitated a session on foundational gender concepts, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of gender dynamics, stereotypes, power relations, and the importance of promoting equality and inclusivity within university spaces.
A key highlight of the day was a presentation by Ms. Carol Abilat on the Makerere University Gender Equality Policy. She emphasised that gender equality is fundamentally rooted in fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all members of the University community, including marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.
Ms. Abilat further explained that the policy aligns with national development priorities and international commitments, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. Participants were introduced to critical concepts such as consent, sexual harassment, discrimination, gender blindness, and inclusive approaches to teaching, learning, leadership, and institutional management.
Day Two: Understanding Legal Frameworks and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
The second day focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of legal and policy frameworks that promote gender equality and protect individuals from discrimination, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence.
Facilitating the session on international, regional, and national legal frameworks, Cynthia Ayaa Komakec provided participants with a comprehensive overview of key human rights instruments and gender equality commitments.
At the international level, participants examined frameworks such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Discussions highlighted how these instruments have shaped global efforts to eliminate discrimination and advance the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
The regional discussion focused on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), which provide important protections and promote women’s participation in social, economic, and political development across the continent.
The session also examined Uganda’s national legal and policy framework, including the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995), the Uganda Gender Policy, and relevant provisions of the Penal Code Act.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the implementation gap that often exists between legal protections and actual practice. Participants explored the importance of accountability, institutional commitment, awareness creation, and community engagement in translating legal frameworks into meaningful outcomes.
The day also featured a session on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) facilitated by Dr. Richard Mwesigwa from UNFPA.
Dr. Mwesigwa introduced participants to UNFPA’s mandate and mission before guiding them through key concepts relating to sexual health, reproductive health, rights, and access to services. The session addressed the importance of informed decision-making, consent, healthy relationships, prevention of gender-based violence, and available support mechanisms for students experiencing harassment or abuse.
Participants were also equipped with practical guidance on how Student Peer Trainers can provide information, make referrals, and support fellow students in accessing appropriate services and assistance.
Throughout the day, facilitators emphasised the need to position students as active change agents capable of promoting positive behavioural change within colleges, halls of residence, and wider communities.
Day Three: Partnerships, Leadership and Action Planning
The final day focused on strengthening peer leadership skills and equipping participants with practical tools for developing and implementing student-led initiatives.
Representatives from development partners reaffirmed the importance of youth leadership and collaborative action in addressing gender inequalities and preventing gender-based violence.
Addressing participants, Jessica Pellrud from the Embassy of Sweden emphasised that gender equality remains a critical pillar of sustainable development. She encouraged students to become long-term advocates for social transformation by challenging harmful norms, supporting survivors, and promoting inclusive participation among both women and men.
Eric Tumwesigye reflected on the growth of the Student Peer Trainers programme noting that the initiative has expanded from training 50 students annually to 250 peer educators. The expansion is intended to strengthen outreach and increase access to peer support services across the University.
He encouraged participants to integrate gender awareness into broader discussions on mental health, academic achievement, healthy relationships, and responsible digital engagement.
Facilitating the action-planning session, Dr. Lilian Tukahirwa guided participants through the process of designing practical and achievable interventions for their respective colleges. She emphasised the importance of creativity, flexibility, teamwork, and collaboration with academic staff and College leadership to ensure sustainable impact.
The workshop concluded with participants developing action plans aimed at promoting gender equality, preventing sexual harassment, and strengthening awareness and support mechanisms within their academic units.
Renewed Commitment to Student-Led Change
In his closing remarks, Eric Tumwesigye commended participants for their commitment, discipline, and active engagement throughout the three-day training programme. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of facilitators and development partners, including UNFPA, and the Embassy of Sweden.
He announced that participants would undertake online evaluations and receive support in developing concept papers for college-based initiatives designed to promote gender equality and prevent sexual harassment.
Tumwesigye emphasised that while institutional support remains critical, the long-term success of the programme depends on sustained student leadership, ownership, and commitment.
The workshop concluded with a renewed pledge from the newly trained Student Peer Trainers to champion gender equality, support vulnerable students, and contribute to building a safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive Makerere University community.
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