General
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
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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