General
Makerere University Go Green Week 2018
On Monday 27th February to Saturday 3rd March 2018, the SustainabilityProgram-Makerere University in collaboration with the Students Sustainability Action group (SSAG) joined other students around the world to Implement its second annual Go Green Week under this year’s theme “Save Energy and Protect our Planet.”
The Sustainability Program coordinated by the Planning and Development Department led by Dr Florence Nakayiwa, launched the Go Green Week last year as part of its annual projects/events with support from its partners Bangor University Sustainability Lab and Bangor University Students Union(UNDEB), who have been part of the Go Green Week UK for many years. Coordinated by People and Planet in the UK and Ireland, the Go Green Week Initiative is aimed at raising awareness and demand stronger actions to tackle climate crisis.
The aim of this year’s theme,“Save Energy and Protect our Planet” was to create awareness about sustainable energy efficiency practices within the University and encourage behavioural change towards energy use and management. The activities of the Go Green Week and this year’s theme were working towards addressing Sustainable Development Goal 7 which states, “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”
Coordinated by the Sustainability Program Coordinator Ms Pamela N Matovu, students took the lead to implement activities throughout the week that promoted sustainable energy efficiency practices as an action towards combating climate change. The activities were focused on 2 major aspects; Energy efficiency awareness and behavioural change towards energy use, and a campaign to use energy efficiency equipment in Makerere University. The awareness campaign was enhanced by the World-Wide Fund Uganda who actively participated and provided energy efficiency and environment advise to students during the think tank session.
Throughout the week, the following activities were implemented;
Day 1 was the Official Opening of Mak Go Green Week;“Save Energy and Protect our Planet”
This was officiated by the Eng. Christine Kakeeto, Director of Estates & Works Department and in attendance was the Mr. Emmanuel Aupal, Partnership and Fundraising Manager of World Wide Fund Uganda (WWF) and Ms. Flavia Ajambo, Public Relations, CREEC. This also involved students placing stickers with energy efficiency and behavioural change messages in various places within the University. Students also made pledges on what they will commit on doing within the University and community.
Day 2: Social Media Campaign
Students shared their views about energy efficiency on social media using the #GoGreenMak, #Carnifal (a Go Green event at Bangor University) and further shared their views on the Students for Sustainability at Makerere University Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/studentsforsustainabilitymak/
The views shared on social media attracted 3220views around the world and inspired discussion about energy efficiency by students and other people that engaged with the event online.
Day 3: Think Tank session
84 Students from the different disciplines, staff and a team from World Wide Fund- Uganda participated in the first Think Tank Session, which was aimed at bringing students together with staff and other stakeholders to discuss issues about how energy inefficiency affects the environment and wastes money, and then discuss practical solutions to improve energy efficiency within the University and within their communities. The Think Tank Session was led by Ms. Pamela N Matovu, the Coordinator of the Sustainability Program, and chaired by Ms. Rachael Nuwagaba Kapasi, Lecturer at School of Psychology. The presentation was developed by Aaron Acuda the leader of the Students Sustainability Action Group (SSAG) a student of Environmental Sciences and presented by Julian Bulyaba a student of Psychology and Osito Jacob a student of Environmental Sciences. The presentation focused on the cost of energy to the University and how poor energy use behaviours affect the environment and waste money that would otherwise to be used to meet other needs.
The presentations revealed how energy is managed in various buildings in the University and the cost of energy to the University per month was revealed which was a shock to everyone. These facts inspired a discussion to find practical solutions to improve energy efficiency within the University and in turn in their homes and communities. A team from the World-Wide Fund-Uganda provided more awareness about the issues of energy and environment and shared information about protecting the environment through energy efficient management and use of clean energy.
Days 4 and 5: Switch Off Campaign
Students participated in the SWITCH OFF CAMPAIGN by switching off any unused energy consumption equipment i.e. lights, computers, phones, TVs, kettles, radios among others.
Day 6: Briquette Training:
Students were trained in making briquettes with the aim of equipping them with hands on skills that can enable them start up their businesses or help them understand more about how they can deal with their organic waste in an environmentally friendly manner. This was organized by Makerere University Waste Research Association in partnership with Department of Environmental Management Students Association.
As a result of the Go Green Week, the Sustainability Program is going to work with students and relevant staff to review or study existing energy audits and explore more ways of complimenting it to ensure that there is sustainable efficiency and management within the university; and engage in awareness and behavioural change activities or campaigns targeting students and staff to promote efficient use and management of energy in the University.
Partners of the Go Green Week
The Go Green Week at Makerere was organized by the Sustainability Program- coordinated by the Planning and Development Department, in collaboration with the Estates & Works Department, Students Sustainability Action Group, Students Guild-83rd Guild, Ministry of Estates & Environment; and supported by Sustainability Lab- Bangor University, UNDEB- Student Union Bangor and World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda.
Authored By: Pamela N Matovu, Coordinator- Sustainability Program, Makerere University.
Staff and students at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been sensitized on Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy (GEP) and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), in an engagement aimed at strengthening awareness of staff rights and responsibilities and promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful University environment.
The two-hour sensitization session, held on Friday, 30th October 2026 in the Chemistry Boardroom, was organized by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) and led by its Director, Dr Euzobia Baine.
The engagement provided staff with an opportunity to understand the purpose and scope of the two policies, their role in promoting gender equality and preventing sexual harassment, as well as the mechanisms available for reporting and addressing cases of sexual harassment within the University.
Sensitization on the Gender Equality Policy
The Makerere University Gender Equality Policy, originally adopted in 2009 and amended in 2022, provides a broad institutional framework for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. It seeks to integrate gender considerations into the University’s core functions, including teaching and learning, research and innovation, institutional management, recruitment, staff development and leadership.
The policy also promotes equal opportunity and non-discrimination, equitable participation and progression of students, increased participation of women in leadership and decision-making, and a gender-responsive, inclusive and secure University environment.
The Policy Against Sexual Harassment
Staff were also sensitized on PRASH, which provides the institutional framework for preventing and responding to sexual harassment at Makerere University. The policy establishes mechanisms for sensitization, reporting, investigation and management of complaints, while providing for accountability and protection of members of the University community.
The policy applies to members of the University community, including academic, administrative and support staff, students, contractors, partners and visitors to University premises. Sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours and other unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
The sensitization highlighted the complementary role of the two policies. While the GEP provides the broader framework for gender equality, equity and inclusion across the University, PRASH specifically addresses sexual harassment and establishes measures for its prevention and response.
Implementation and Institutional Commitment
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Principal Gender Officer in Makerere University’s Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, briefed staff on progress in implementing MakPRASH, sharing experiences and lessons learned, as well as the consequences of persistent sexual harassment.
On behalf of CoNAS, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba, welcomed the initiative and called for continued sensitization of staff and students on the policies.
Prof. Kakuba pledged support towards ensuring that the policies are understood and observed, noting that regular awareness and engagement are important in creating a respectful and safe working and learning environment.
The sensitization forms part of the University’s ongoing efforts, through the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, to strengthen implementation of its gender-related policies and promote a University community where all members can participate, work and learn in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and other forms of gender-based harm.
Staff and students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) were encouraged to embrace gender-responsive practices as a key step towards building an inclusive, equitable, and productive academic environment.
The call was made during a gender sensitization workshop held on October 28th, 2026, organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, which brought together members of the CoVAB community to deepen their understanding of gender issues and their relevance in higher education institutions.
Principal Calls for Active Participation
A section of the participants that included academic and administrative staff listen attentively
Welcoming participants to the workshop, CoVAB Principal Prof. Clovice Kankya thanked the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming for choosing the College to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take advantage of such learning opportunities.
He described the meeting as one of his first major engagements with members of the College community since assuming office and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and participation in institutional programs.
“Opportunities such as these should not be taken for granted. When experts come to share knowledge and experiences, it is important that we make time to attend, listen, and learn,” he said.
Prof. Kankya noted that he was one of the staff training gender in the past and noted that to date, there were many gender experts who together work towards ensuring the student community gains the needed knowledge and skills to mainstream gender concerns in the college activities.
Gender Concerns Everyone
Some energizers to keep the participants fully engaged
Addressing common misconceptions about gender-related discussions, the Principal emphasized that gender is not exclusively a women’s issue but one that concerns all members of society.
“Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles, responsibilities, and relationships that shape our lives and workplaces. Understanding these issues helps us create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone,” he explained.
Drawing from his academic experience, Prof. Kankya noted that gender considerations cut across disciplines and sectors and remain an important component of sustainable development efforts worldwide. He urged participants to appreciate the role of gender mainstreaming in fostering equal opportunities, promoting respectful working relationships, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) recently hosted a gender sensitization session aimed at increasing awareness of Makerere University’s gender policies and gathering stakeholder feedback to support their effective implementation.
Organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, the engagement brought together staff and students to discuss gender equality, prevention of sexual harassment, gender-responsive planning and budgeting, and the role of university stakeholders in fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Principal Welcomes Gender Mainstreaming Directorate
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Principal CoVAB – made welcome remarks, acknowledging the importance of gender in all areas
The session was officiated by the new CoVAB Principal, who thanked the Directorate for selecting CoVAB to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take full advantage of opportunities that contribute to professional and personal growth. While challenging the common misconception that gender discussions are solely women’s affairs, he emphasized the importance of participation in university activities, noting that such engagements provide valuable opportunities to learn, share experiences, and contribute to institutional development. “Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles and responsibilities that shape our interactions and work environments. Understanding these issues is important for all of us.”, he stated.
Disseminating University Gender Policies
R-L: The Director of the Gender mainstreaming Directorate at Makerere University Dr. Euzobia Baine, and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye facilitated the session.
Facilitators from the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming led by Dr. Euzobia Baine explained the purpose and scope of Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment. Dr. Baine said the sensitization session aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the University’s gender policies and to obtain feedback from stakeholders to guide their implementation and continuous improvement.
Participants were informed that the policies apply to students, academic staff, administrative staff, and all other individuals who study, work, or undertake activities within university spaces. The Directorate also highlighted its mandate to coordinate policy implementation and provide technical support to colleges, schools, departments, and administrative units across the University.
Promoting Gender Equality across University Functions
The meeting highlighted the broad scope of the Gender Equality Policy, which seeks to integrate gender considerations into teaching, learning, research, outreach, partnerships, and institutional management.
Participants learned that the policy promotes the integration of gender perspectives into curricula and research activities, equitable access, participation, retention, and progression for students and staff, increased participation of women and other underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and leadership positions, Gender-responsive community engagement and university partnerships and a university culture founded on respect, inclusion, equity, and equal opportunity. The facilitators emphasized that gender mainstreaming is not a stand-alone activity but a responsibility that should be incorporated into all university programs and operations.
Addressing Sexual Harassment in University Spaces
A key component of the sensitization focused on the University’s Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment. Participants were informed that the policy was developed in response to evidence showing that sexual harassment was affecting members of the university community and that stronger preventive and response mechanisms were needed.
It was explained that the policy provides guidance on prevention, reporting, investigation, and management of sexual harassment cases while promoting safe and respectful learning and working environments for all and that the was commited to supporting colleges and administrative units in implementing the policy and creating awareness among staff and students.
Gender and Equity in Planning and Budgeting
The session also highlighted the growing importance of gender and equity considerations in institutional planning and resource allocation. Participants were informed that the Public Finance Management Act requires public institutions to mainstream gender and equity concerns in their plans and budgets. They also learned that the Equal Opportunities Commission assesses institutional performance in implementing gender and equity commitments. The discussion prompted reflection on how colleges can strengthen compliance with these requirements and address existing gaps in implementing gender-responsive activities.
Fostering an Inclusive University Community
The sensitization session provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback on the implementation of the University’s policies. Participants welcomed the engagement, noting that it enhanced their understanding of gender issues and underscored their role in promoting a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for both staff and students.
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