General
First ever Campus France Antenna opens in Uganda
The French Government through its Embassy in Uganda has opened up a Campus France Antenna at Makerere University to help Ugandan students to have access to information and guidance on education and business projects in France.
Officially launched on 30th January 2018 by the Ambassador of France to Uganda, Her Excellency Stéphanie Rivoal and the Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Karoro Okurut who represented the Minister of Education and Sports and First Lady Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, the Campus France offices will be a one stop center for students to access information and resources on scholarships and other study opportunities in France.
Campus France is the French National Agency that promotes international mobility and French Higher Education. Created by the Act on external State Action of 27 July, Campus France focuses on simplifying the French procedures for the reception of foreign students and researchers in an increasingly competitive environment. According to the Director Campus France Ms. Beatrice Khaiat, the initiative supports the development of international academic and scientific mobility by promoting training programmes and ensuring guidance to students as well as inviting teachers and researchers to French institutions.
“This programmes helps to improve the conditions for the reception and stay in France for foreign students, manage French government scholarships and foreign government scholarships granted to foreign students staying in France on an individual or group basis for the purpose of training, gathering information, research among others,” she said.
On 29th September 2017, Makerere University and the Embassy of France in Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cultural, linguistic, higher education and research cooperation in Uganda. The MoU also stated the interest of setting up a Campus France Antenna in Makerere University International Relations Office. Since its establishment in Uganda in 2017, Campus France has already guided and sponsored several Ugandan student in their education and business projects.
Addressing students and invited guests in the Makerere University Freedom Square on 30th January 2018, Her Excellency Stéphanie Rivoal encouraged students to learn French and acquaint themselves with the French culture in order to increase their chances of getting jobs both nationally and internationally. The Ambassador mentioned that French as a language is one of the easiest and most spoken language in the world.
“I am quite sure that you are thinking of the very complicated French language. Today 250 million people speak French and they are here on the African continent, they are your brothers and sisters from Congo, Burundi, Djibouti, Ivory Coast, Senegal and many more. Learn French and increase your chances of getting a job in many of the African countries,” she remarked.
She encouraged students to utilize the opportunity and apply for the available study courses to improve and upgrade their academic qualifications. “This is your right and freedom, kindly utilize it. Freedom of access to education, mobility and most of all the freedom of being a citizen of the world is what the Government of Uganda and the Government of France want to humbly contribute to by opening the first ever Campus France Office in Uganda, at Makerere University International relations Office,” she said.
She thanked the Minister of Education and Sports, First Lady Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni and Makerere University for embracing and supporting the idea of hosting Campus France at the noble institution. In a special way she thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining the long term relationship between France and Uganda that has led to the introduction of Campus France in Uganda.
In a speech read by the Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Karoro Okurut, the Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni appreciated the drive by the French Embassy to make France visible in Uganda. According to her, such a move like opening up Campus France at Makerere University will enable students from the region that is predominantly Anglophone to access information about educational opportunities that do exist in France.
“It came to our notice that few students seek access to higher education in your great country, even though is a well-known fact that France has some of the most deeply cultured and most excellent institutions of higher learning in the world. I am sure that the advent of Campus France in Uganda and in the Great Lake Regions, opens a door for our scholars and researchers to more readily access those opportunities,” she said.
The Minister was glad to learn that the Antenna will assist students to apply and access various scholarships open to international students, and also assist them to process their applications, assess their documents and send them to colleges of their choice. The Minister appreciated the move in which students will be assisted to apply for visas to France and the guidance on how to obtain suitable accommodation once they are in college.
“Such a degree of detailed care assures us that Campus France will indeed be ‘a home away from home’ for our students who will be fortunate enough to access higher education programmes in France. I have no doubt that the presence of Campus France in this region, and at Makerere University specifically, will take cooperation between Uganda and France to a new level, because the more students we send to France, and the more French students we receive at Makerere University and other institutions in the region, the richer that cooperation will be across the borders” she explained.
“Such a program will also go a long way in bridging the cultural chasms that were created among the various African regions by colonial divisions, complicated as they were by the fact that the different colonizers spoke different languages which has continued to make it difficult to Africans to communicate with one another,” the First Lady added.
At the same function, the Ambassador officially unveiled the French Corner at Makerere University Main Library. Located in the IDA Section of the Library, the French Corner will host French books and learning materials purposeful to students and other learners. The University Librarian Dr. Helen Byamugisha thanked the Embassy of France in Uganda for the up to date learning package, saying that it will simplify the lives of students learning French and those pursing their courses in French.
On behalf of Makerere University, the Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang appreciated the support rendered to the University by the Embassy of France in Uganda through provision of scholarships for PhD students, the student exchange programmes with French Universities particularly Sciences. In the same spirit, the Makerere University Chairperson of Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem thanked the Embassy of France in Uganda through their hardworking Ambassador for opening yet a fresh chapter of Internationalization in Makerere University.
“I am aware that the Embassy has held a number of activities in partnership with Makerere University such as the public debate and dialogue on ‘the use of the French language’ and a debate on the theme “Let’s Save the World Together” as well as the debate to discuss “the Role of the Youth in Media on one hand and Politics on the other Hand. Through these various interactions, the Embassy has been able to expose the young minds to international approaches and solutions aimed at addressing challenges that affect global village, through constructive dialogue. I am therefore confident that the exposure the students are receiving is the spark that will ignite the fire in tomorrow’s leaders that go through the gates of Makerere to think beyond the scope of solutions that solely fit in the Ugandan setting,” he said.
The Chairperson of Council assured the Ambassador of the University’s commitment to creating the policy and governance atmosphere that provides an environment conducive to the promotion of networking, exchange of ideas and the creation of truly global citizens.
The launch of Campus France Antenna was accompanied by a “French Expo” in which different French companies, restaurants, and other enterprises as well as Makerere University exhibited their research, services, culture and innovations. Impressed with the way Juliet Anena is developing Tissue Culture Technology to generate new planting materials especially sweet potatoes, cassava and banana plantains, the Ambassador awarded Juliet Anena; a Makerere University student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture a scholarship to go to France and share knowledge and experience with the French agricultural experts.
Through a lottery, the Ambassador also awarded three Makerere University students with grand prizes. The students included Mr. Tenywa Hamid who received Campus France Promotional goodies, Ms. Amina Nannozi who was awarded with a French training session at Alliance Française and Ms. Mollen Nyiraneza; awarded with a Cultural & linguistic scholarship in France.
The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Dr. Eria Hisali congratulated the winners and urged them to support the initiative and work as Ambassadors of Campus France. He thanked the organizing team comprising Embassy of France, Mak Public Relations Office, International Office, Estates and Works Department, and Security Departments for putting up a successful function and encouraged students to utilize the Campus France offices for more opportunities.
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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