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Government Pledges Support as HERS-EA Second Academy Closes
The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) has pledged to support the good work being done under Higher Education Resource Services, East Africa (HERS-EA), aimed at promoting the advancement of women in leadership and management in Higher Education through training. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Second Academy on Friday, 6th July 2018 at Grand Global Hotel, the State Minister for Higher Education-Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo reassured the audience that HERS-EA’s efforts had not gone unnoticed and the Government would arrange to meet the leadership and deliberate on the terms of support.
“In the Ministry of Education and Sports, we have a culture of sharing, and so when I told the Minister of Education and Sports and First Lady that I was coming to preside over this closing ceremony, she was not only excited to learn about what you have been doing here but also sent her warm greetings to each and every one of you” remarked Hon. Dr. Muyingo.
Earlier, the HERS-EA Coordinator, Ms. Naomi Lumutenga had shared that HERS-EA is solely run by support from volunteers and its concept of empowering women leaders and managers in Higher Eduction has now been embraced by all East African Community Member countries. “We are now at a point where we need government buy-in, in the same way that the government of the Republic of South Africa bought into HERS-South Africa. We have support from IUCEA and we would prefer to take HERS-EA forward as a regional organisation that is aligned to the EA regional agenda” she added in address to the State Minister.
“I wish to reassure you that before your request came, the conversation had already started in the Ministry of Education and Sports” said Hon. Dr. Muyingo. “I therefore urge you to get in touch with my office so that we can discuss this matter further” he added.
The State Minister thanked the facilitators for demonstrating their love for Uganda by volunteering their time and resources to impart knowledge to their fellow ladies. He also thanked participants for dedicating time to the course and prayed that they would put all that they had learnt into practice.
“Our problem in society is the shortage of people who are equipped with good leadership and management skills. The skills that you have gained during the course of this workshop will help provide solutions to some of our problems. We need more women in leadership than in any other sector. I therefore urge you to go out and share the skills you have acquired freely” encouraged Hon. Dr. Muyingo.
He further urged his audience to read Robin Sharma’s book The Leader Who Had No Title, the take home being that leadership is not about titles or the salary at the end of the month but rather how brilliantly we work, how expertly we go about our behaviour and how unshakable our faith is in the visions of our respective institutions.
“Uganda’s national Agenda – Vision 2040 and Second National Development Plan are rooted in the Global Agenda that emphasises gender mainstreaming, if the country is to develop. Universities admissions continue to provide special dispensation to female candidates but we all recognise that there is more work to be done, to improve the experiences of female students at university campuses.
“I wish to reassure you that the additional 1.5 points affirmative action for the girl child will remain and as Government, we appreciate what you are doing here to empower women professionals and we shall support you” concluded Hon. Dr. Muyingo.
Representing the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Acting Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD)-Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine thanked the honourable State Minister for sparing time to attend the closing ceremony; an act that demonstrated the Government’s appreciation of the role women play in leadership and management.
A 2009 alumna of HERS-South Africa, Dr. Mugisha Baine shared that as attendees then, they were encouraged to look at themselves as brands, because “you must stand for something or you will fall for anything.” She also encouraged participants to look at all their placements in life as a privilege so as to be able to consciously and meaningfully make a difference every day.
“Where I am is a mission and a conviction. I am either functioning or I am not. Therefore as a Directorate, our daily quest is to see how we can make Makerere University more inclusive for both women and men. We also emphasise gender-focussed research. We must look at what this research is for and whose it is.
“I warmly congratulate everyone who has been involved in this event and I hope that you will continue to build your team and to work together, for the betterment of your institutions, countries and our continent of Africa. I wish each one of you the best of luck in your future endeavours.” concluded Dr. Mugisha Baine.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow participants, Dr. Jane Akinyi Aduda from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya could not hide her admiration and respect for the HERS-EA leadership and workshop facilitators.
“When we came here on the first day, we were like chicken, comfortable in our spaces; happy to move along the ground and fly short distances, only to realise that we were expected to soar like eagles” she remarked, before adding “And all week we’ve been wondering what these women eat! Every speaker and facilitator has been so full of wisdom and their sharing has been enlightening. We are definitely coming for tips on your diet as well” to which her audience responded with thundering applause and laughter.
“I can’t stop asking what we did to deserve this but all I want to say is thank you to HERS-EA, the partners, funders, facilitators and my fellow participants. It has been phenomenal!” she concluded.
Sharing some parting words of wisdom with the participants, Ms. Lumutenga said, “Congratulations and welcome to the HERS Community where ‘Empowered Women Empower Women’!”
Quoting the Biblical Parable of the Talent, Ms. Lumutenga went on to say “You all have your God-given talents which, for personal or institutional reasons may have been lying low or completely undiscovered. We hope that we have helped you to figure out how to dig into yourself, discover that/those talents. When you do; develop and use them so that they can multiply!
“So step out boldly and pull others; you might get some bruises along the way but, keep going, the scratches will heal!” encouraged Ms. Lumutenga.
The ladies were then awarded certificates of completion by the Chief Guest, who later joined HERS-EA leadership, facilitators and participants in a cake cutting ceremony to mark the successful conclusion of the Second Academy.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Illuminating Visionary Leadership: Introducing the Keynote Speaker for the 2025 Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for stronger support systems for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors and improved evidence gathering to hold perpetrators accountable.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, during the launch of the 16 Days Of Activism against Gender-based Violence today (Monday 24th November 2025), Prof Nawangwe noted that GBV affects everyone and must be confronted collectively.
“Makerere University remains dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment and promoting gender equality. Each of us has a role in building a society free from violence.” Prof Nawangwe, noted.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual International campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10, calling for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. The year’s theme is “Men as Changemakers: Unite to End Digital Violence against all women and Girls”.
During the official launch, Makerere University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) staff members and students, marched together around the University as “Strides for Change”.
From the Main Gate to the Rugby Grounds, participants walked a path that reflected Uganda’s broader journey toward honesty, accountability and transformation. The Strides for Change walk symbolized more than unity; it represented a collective journey from awareness to action.
In his remarks, Mr. Leonard Zulu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, noted that as Uganda marks 30 years since commitments made at the Beijing Conference, the country must reflect on both progress made and the work that remains.
“The Government of Uganda has made important strides, yet too many women and girls still face barriers to safety, dignity, and opportunity. Changing this reality requires not only strong policies but strong voices voices like yours,” Mr Zulu, said.
During the launch, 16 influential Ugandan men were unveiled as changemakers—a new generation committed to ending all forms of violence, including digital violence, against women and girls. These men come from diverse sectors, including the arts, academia, culture, media, health and youth activism.
Among the male changemakers are Makerere University Staff; Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine, Joseph Beyanga, Douglas Lwanga, Simon Kasyate, Dr. Paul Kasenene, Matthew Nabwiso, Kenneth Kimuli (Pablo), Mark Agaba (Uncle Mark), Daniel Kigozi (Navio), Don Zane Muwanguzi, Lim Ronie.
“To the 16 men lending their influence to this movement—thank you. Your leadership shows young men everywhere that strength is not about dominance, but about dignity. Not about silence, but solidarity,” Mr. Zulu, noted.
In her speech, Ms. Kristine Biokhus, the UNFPA Country representative, highlighted the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence, including cyber-harassment, non-consensual image sharing, and online threats now among the most pervasive forms of GBV.
“Laws alone cannot stop this. Violence has evolved and so must we. This is why we spotlight men as changemakers, because systems shift when influence meets responsibility,” Ms. Biokhus, noted.
In a bid to reduce GBV, Ms. Biokhus, reminded the 16 male champions that their daily actions hold the power to shape a masculinity that uplifts, protects and empowers.
“Zero Violence is Possible. Digital Safety is a Human Right. And Uganda’s future is brighter when we walk forward together side by side in dignity and justice,” Ms. Biokhus, said.
The Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Ms. Maria Håkansson, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to advancing gender equality and ending GBV. She emphasized that gender equality cannot be achieved through policy alone it requires a shift in attitudes, norms, and behaviours.
“GBV includes the fast-growing threat of technology-facilitated violence, and it requires more than policies, but a shift in norms, attitudes and behavior. Central to this shift is the full engagement of men, because gender equality is not a women’s issue, but a societal one.
She reminded participants that activism must continue beyond the 16 days—it is a daily commitment to dignity, equality, and a Uganda where all women and girls live free from fear.
The launch concluded with an energetic performance from comedians and musicians Kenneth Kimuli (Pablo) and Daniel Kigozi (Navio). Beyond entertainment, they delivered powerful messages to young people.
“It’s time we broke harmful norms, especially those affecting our sisters and mothers. Let’s put an end to GBV in our homes and communities.” Navio, said. The event was attended by Ambassadors from the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Iceland, and Germany, alongside representatives from UNDP, UN Women, and other development partners demonstrating widespread international support for the movement.
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