General
Chinese Embassy awards 30 Scholarships to Makerere University students
The Embassy of China to Uganda has awarded two categories Scholarships; the Ambassador’s Award for Excellence and the Ambassador’s Award for Friendship to Makerere University continuing students. Officially launched by the State Minister for Higher Education Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo on behalf of the Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Scholarships Award was received by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. William Bazeyo on 8th August 2018.
The Scholarships Award worth UGX 85 million will enable 30 continuing students with a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background to pursue their studies at Makerere University for the academic year 2018/2019. The Scholarship process is being administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate on behalf of Makerere University. According to the Chairperson of the Scholarships Selection Committee, Dr. Jessica Norah Aguti, the first cohort of the beneficiaries was selected from the 10 Colleges of Makerere University.
“The selection exercise was handled with transparency and with the highest degree of integrity. Every college was given an opportunity and the gender element was considered. We were looking for candidates with great academic potential who were willing to commit to the selection process. We received 373 applications and the 30 students selected were the most deserving. I appreciate the selection committee for the commitment. The whole process was as open as possible, she explained.
Representing Hon. Janet Kataaha-the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo, congratulated the award winning students upon meeting the necessary requirements for the scholarships and urged them to fully utilize the opportunity to achieve their goals.
“As you continue with your studies kindly bear in mind that this is Chinese tax payer’s money that has enabled you to realize your goals. Someone out there in China is paying your tuition, therefore use it well and ensure that when time comes and there is need to support a cause, you don’t hesitate to contribute towards somebody’s future,” Hon. Muyingo urged the students.
He thanked the Ambassador of China to Uganda, H.E. Zheng Zhuqiang, for realizing the need to support Higher Education in Uganda and for offering 30 scholarships to Makerere University students. He also commended the long term relationship between China and Uganda that has enabled the two countries to strengthen their areas of cooperation and development.
“The scholarship offer is an indication of the greater and stronger corporation between the Chinese Embassy and Makerere University. This initiative also expresses the Ambassador’s love to improve Higher Education in Uganda. We appreciate your support and the support from the people of China,” he remarked.
He applauded Makerere University for its tremendous academic research and innovations that have helped the country to find solutions to its social, political and economic problems. He called for zero tolerance to hooliganism and urged students to exercise the highest degree of discipline.
The Minister appealed to the University Management to implement the policy on discipline and Morality to ensure a favorable learning environment at Makerere University.
“I strongly condemn the intolerable indiscipline and hooliganism at Makerere University and I am going to support the University Management to ensure that the policy on morality and discipline is implemented for the sake of creating a conducive environment for learning at the great institution,” he emphasized.
The Ambassador of China to Uganda, H.E. Zheng Zhuqiang, congratulated all the award winning students upon reaching the tremendous milestone. “It can be said that your dreams are the ‘Ugandan dream’, Makerere University is providing you knowledge as a tool to realize your dreams. The Chinse embassy has provided the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship of Excellence and Friendship to set the journey for achieving this dream and chose Makerere University as the first cooperative partner of the scholarships because we think the best students from Uganda are here,” he said.
He commended Makerere University for being the key player in building human resource capacity in Uganda and saluted the various contributions the University has made towards Uganda’s development. According to the Ambassador, there is urgent need for strategic investment in the young generation in order to have the much needed human capital that is ready to drive the country’s planned growth and transformation.
“If the young are strong, the country will be strong: if the young are knowledgeable, the country will prosper. A nation will prosper only when its young people thrive; a country will be full of hope and have a greater tomorrow only when its young generations have ideals, ability, and a strong sense of responsibility,” he said.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. William Bazeyo thanked the Chinese Embassy and the Government of China, for sponsoring Makerere University staff and alumni for post graduate studies.
“I applaud H.E. Zheng Zhuqiang for securing fifteen (15) ‘Chinese Ambassador’s Award for Excellence’ and fifteen (15) ‘Ambassador’s Award for Friendship’ scholarships. These scholarships will enable 30 Ugandan children achieve their dream. If you ask the award winning students here, you will realize that each one of them has a very big dream. Today we are witnessing the fulcrum for the journey to the long awaited dream,” he stated.
On behalf of Makerere University Management, Prof. Bazeyo assured the Chinese Embassy of the necessary support to the award winning students. He acknowledged the long term relationship Makerere University has with the People’s Republic of China, the various institutions and universities in China and the Chinese Embassy in Uganda that has contributed to Makerere University’s research and academic excellence.
In the same spirit, he appreciated the support from the Government of Uganda that is enabling over 2000 Uganda students to access university education at Makerere University and other institutions of higher learning every year.
“Since 2001 Makerere University has been offering scholarships to students who excel academically but are unable to afford University Education because of their poor social economic background. With the various partners including; the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the MasterCard Foundation, the Governments of Sweden and Norway, a total of 1029 both male and female students have successfully graduated and are selflessly serving mother Uganda as Lawyers, Chief Executive Directors, Programme Mangers, Bankers, Lecturers, Teachers, Medical Doctors, Church Ministers, Social workers and many others. The Chinese 30 Scholarship Awards sums it to 1059 scholarships,” he stated.
He commended the good work done by the Gender and Mainstreaming Directorate to screen and select not only the best students, but also students who genuinely deserve the scholarship awards.
The Acting Director of Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Euzobia M. Baine, said that the Directorate will make a follow up on the academic performance of the students to ensure that they maintain their good grades. She appreciated the sponsorship from the Chinese Embassy and called for more support towards helping young Ugandans realize their dreams.
“Numerous bright but socio-economically disadvantaged children in Uganda still face challenges in accessing higher education. Many children from less privileged, geographically disadvantaged districts and locations, children from refugee/displaced communities, ethnic minority groups and youth with various disabilities still face financial challenges,” she mentioned.
Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer at Makerere University encouraged students to join the Chinese language and culture learning course at Makerere University Confucius Institute. “Learn the Chinese language and widen your opportunities and networks. This is a generation of social networking with various business developments, and hence, an international language like Chinese is vital,” she said.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms. Agaba Vanita, a student of the College of Natural Sciences; pursuing a Bachelor’s degree of Science physical thanked the Chinese Ambassador for the tremendous support. Also Mr. Khisa Emma, a student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree of Biomedical Laboratory Technology said that, “I thank the Chinese Embassy for the opportunity and we promise that we shall not let you down.”
Article by Mak 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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