General
Dr. Umar Kakumba Receives Office of First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
The outgoing First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang officially handed over office to his successor Dr. Umar Kakumba on Friday, 30th November 2018. The brief ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chairperson of the University Council, Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida.
The Director Human Resources, Mr. Andrew Abunyang congratulated the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Dr. Umar Kakumba and the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA), Prof. William Bazeyo upon their respective successful appointments. He also thanked Hon. Ovonji-Odida for representing the Chairperson of the University Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem at the ceremony.
Delivering the handover remarks, a jovial Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang thanked Hon. Ovonji-Odida, Members of Management and University staff present for finding valuable time to witness the smooth transition of office.
“I entered office officially on 8th December 2013. I have learnt a lot of things that have enriched my decision making abilities. I have also noted that so many achievements have been realised at Makerere University over the last five years. Some challenges still remain, but we thank God that we are here to take stock of what has been done so far,” he remarked.
Dr. Okello Ogwang’s parting advice to his friend and successor; Dr. Umar Kakumba was to lobby Government to amend the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act so as to streamline the reporting structures for all offices that the DVCAA oversees. He also urged Dr. Kakumba to use his business skills to help improve University revenue collections.
The outgoing DVCAA thanked the University Council, Management, Senate as well as his office staff for all the support rendered to him during his tenure. He urged the Leadership and his former staff to render the same level of support to Dr. Umar Kakumba and shared his readiness to continue supporting his friend and successor.
“As a businessman, Dr. Kakumba is starting on a firmer footing than I did and if you support him well, he might yield a lot more, and I am sure Allah will pour his blessings upon him.”
Dr. Okello Ogwang used the same opportunity to reiterate his unconditional love for Makerere University, his alma mater when he said, “I am still a Makererean. Makerere gave me two degrees, a job, and the opportunity to serve this institution. My loyalty is to Makerere University.”
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Umar Kakumba expressed great pleasure and humility to be addressing the audience as DVCAA for the next five years, acknowledging that such moments did not come to all individuals. “I thank and appreciate the Almighty God for rendering us the light of opportunity to see this occasion,” he added.
He thanked Hon. Ovonji-Odida for gracing the handover ceremony as well as his colleagues in the University Council and Senate for the guidance and encouragement throughout the race for office.
“If the University Senate had not entrusted me with the mandate to represent them in the University Council, I doubt that I would be in this position today. I therefore thank the University Senate where I have served for eight years and the College of Business and Management Sciences for entrusting me with the responsibility to represent them,” said Dr. Kakumba.
He went on to stress that his service was not to self but to Makerere University which is bigger than each of us as individuals. “All of us are here to make a contribution, to serve both God and humanity and not to become adversarial.”
“The only thing we can walk away with from this institution is our legacies. My commitment to the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) is to make a contribution and leave a legacy,” added Dr. Kakumba.
He thanked his predecessor Dr. Okello Ogwang for spotting his leadership potential and entrusting him with various responsibilities in line with the mandate of the office of the DVCAA.
In his remarks, the DVCFA Prof. William Bazeyo thanked Dr. Okello Ogwang for his service to Makerere University, noting that his contribution had left the institution in a better place than it was five years ago.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the DVCFA commended Dr. Okello Ogwang for his tenacity and willingness to find solutions to challenges.
“The Vice Chancellor shared that Dr. Okello Ogwang is one of the most resilient people that he has worked with who could always be counted on to discuss solutions to pressing challenges. I pray that you continue to give us this motion even after your term of office.”
Prof. Bazeyo welcomed the incoming DVCAA, noting that he joins the University Administration at a time when he is needed to make a personal contribution. “It is only through teamwork and accepting that we want to be a contribution to this institution that we will succeed.”
The DVCFA further thanked the University Council for supporting the DVCAA’s office, noting that this had resulted in the quick issuance of transcripts as well as automated generation of student examination permits. He also thanked the Academic Registrar, Mr. Alfred Namoah Masikye for supporting the DVCAA’s office to attain several milestones during Dr. Okello Ogwang’s tenure.
The Vice Chairperson of Council congratulated Dr. Okello Ogwang upon successfully completing his term and conveyed her respect for his leadership style.
“I have learnt from Dr. Okello Ogwang that humility and respect for others despite their level are very important values. He has the ability to see the good in others and has respect for diversity,” shared Hon. Ovonji-Odida.
The Vice Chairperson was happy to share about the growing diversity in the composition of Makerere’s leadership but noted that she would love to see more women come into Management positions. “Diversity matters and is very important in determining how you are perceived by the community and donors out there. How you cater for persons with disabilities in your infrastructure for example is a very important aspect.”
Addressing the incoming DVCAA, the Vice Chairperson congratulated Dr. Umar Kakumba upon his appointment and encouraged him to reflect upon Makerere’s role in society.
“This is a lovely office that allows you to see both the developed and shanty parts of our city, including the greenery. As you sit here, I hope that you will reflect on the connection between Makerere University and Uganda and learn from it,” she advised.
Hon. Ovonji-Odida also prayed that both Deputy Vice Chancellors would work hard to change the challenging aspects of Makerere’s culture and establish cultures that strive for excellence.
“As beneficiaries from people who have seen your potential, I hope that you can see the importance of involving the young in leadership through institutional mentorship,” she added.
The Vice Chairperson fully endorsed Dr. Okello Ogwang’s advice on the need to revise the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act but noted that all staff in their individual capacities have a contribution to make to Makerere University. She therefore called upon all witnesses of the handover ceremony to contribute to the future direction of Makerere by actively taking part in ongoing efforts to draft the new 10-year strategic plan.
“To Dr. Umar Kakumba, you have the full support of the University Council because Management’s success is Council’s success. We want to see you succeed so please, use it (your success) for institutional glory,” concluded Hon. Ovonji-Odida.
The DVCAA handover ceremony was additionally witnessed by the Director Research and Graduate Training (DRGT)-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Director Internal Audit (IA)-Mr. Walter Yorac Nono, Director Gender Mainstreaming (GMD)-Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine as well as staff from the Finance Department, Internal Audit, Vice Chancellor’s Office, DVCAA’s Office, Directorate of Legal Affairs (DLA) and the Public Relations Office.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda calls for full involvement of men and boys in achieving Gender Equality
The Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda Her Excellence Maria Håkansson has emphasized the need to fully engage men and boys in all the initiatives geared towards achieving Gender Equality in Uganda and other parts of the world. She said this on 28th November 2023 at a press conference organized by the Embassy of Sweden in close collaboration with Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, UN Women and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to unveil the National Orange Pledge campaign and officially launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The press conference was headlined by a Ugandan rapper and record producer Daniel Lubwama Kigozi, popularly known by his stage name Navio and his fellow from Sweden Jason Michael Bosak Diakité popularly known as Timbuktu. Over 200 students both male and female from Makerere University and other institutions of higher learning attended the press conference at Makerere University Rugby Grounds.
According to Her Excellence Maria Håkansson, Gender Equality cannot be achieved without involving men and boys to take their responsibilities and be the drivers of change. “For real change to happen, we need to change attitudes and norms that might cause Gender Based Violence, one of the social ills in Uganda and an extreme of gender inequality that occurs at all levels of society,” she said.
Referring to the national survey conducted in 2020, the Ambassador was concerned about the escalating burden of gender based violence in Uganda when she said, “the Survey highlighted that 95% of women and girls experience physical or sexual violence since the age of 15.”
She therefore emphasized the Global 16 Days of Activism as key international movement to increase awareness and advocate for an end to Gender Based Violence. The Ambassador also mentioned that preventing and responding to Gender Based Violence is a cornerstone for Sweden’s commitment to promote democracy, human rights and gender equality and this is done as an investment in a society that upholds the principles of equality, dignity and justice.
She acknowledged the full participation of university students in all campaigns and activities geared towards achieving gender equality as well as ending Gender Based Violence when she said, “You are the leaders of tomorrow and you have an opportunity to build a future where everyone can thrive. So please use today to take an active stand against Gender Based Violence.”
Every year Uganda joins the rest of the world to enhance the global campaigns on 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and also add a voice to the call for an end to violence against women and girls. These campaigns run from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until 10th December of the Human Rights Day.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 initiative calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to help end all types of violence against women and girls. This year 2023, the UNiTE campaign theme is; Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls.
Over the years, Makerere University through its Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and School of Women and Gender in partnership with UN Women and many other partners have been at the fore front to support the campaign on 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence in Uganda. This has been done through debates, theatre forums, student dialogues, thematic artistic presentations, media exposures, drama and music skits presentation, and student peer led discussions and quarterly competitions.
This year 2023, the University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden, UN Women and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) unveiled the Orange Pledge. According to Eric Tumwesigye the Senior Gender Specialist at Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, this campaign calls upon government, policymakers, activists, civil societies, academicians, students and all members of community from all parts of the country to make their heartfelt pledges towards ending Gender Based Violence in Uganda and the rest of the world.
The UN Women Country Representative Paulina Chiwangu recognized the investment Makerere University, the Embassy of Sweden and UNFPA have made to end violence against women and girls. “Thanks to our collective efforts, the silence that used to shroud violence against women has now been broken” said.
In the same spirit, she acknowledged the progress Makerere University has made in establishing and implementation of the University’s Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment to protect students and staff from potential abuses of power and conflict of interest. She also applauded the increased support and training for students and the strengthened mechanisms for investigations that allow students and staff to anonymously report sexual misconduct.
“We are however, aware that despite this, sexual harassment is still happening in the university and that not many students report to the authorities when they experience it. It is therefore, our humble appeal to the university leadership to continue monitoring the implementation of the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, take all allegations of sexual harassment and violence seriously, ensure that all personnel have information on available support services and take action to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.”
Reaffirming the University’s position in fighting GBV and particularly sexual harassment, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe was highlighted the various measures Makerere University has put in place to prevent and respond to Gender Based Violence. To him, the Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment; the appointment and capacity building for the Vice Chancellor’s Roster of 100 eminent people from the various colleges and administrative units; recruitment and training of the Gender Mainstreaming Programme Student Peer Trainers and setting up Sexual Harassment Investigation Committees are bigger milestones to celebrate.
He appreciated the move by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and all the partners to embrace entertainment and artistry as a critical advocacy and awareness tool to reach several communities especially the youth.
“We firmly believe in the transformative power of music and the arts in promoting social change. Music and art does serve as a powerful medium to advocate for the world free from violence especially violence against women,” said to Mr. Dainel Alemu, the UNFPA Deputy Country Representative.
“It is heartening to see artists like Navio taking a stand and using their influence to challenge harmful norms. As we revel in the beats and melodies, let us not forget he underlying message that everyone , regardless of gender, has a role to play in fostering a world where everyone is free from shackles of gender based violence,” he added.
Speaking at the Press Conference at Makerere University Rugby Grounds, Navio said that for the 20 years he has been an activist of Gender Based Violence, he has faced the reality of many young girls and women in Uganda being victims of sex and physical abuse. He therefore sent a huge condemnation to men especially artists that who are perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and called for serious government action and clear policies and laws against such injustices.
Navio applauded the women and men who have stood tall over the years to fight against Gender Based Violence in Uganda when he said, “ As we launch the 16 days activism in Uganda and through these pledges we are making, let us be accountable for our actions. For long in our cultures, men have considered force and violence as power and protection. They have been tough to their children hence instilling fear to the extent that the children cannot freely interact with them on serious matters such as abuse and torture.”
He applauded all families that have adopted the new parenting model of free conversations and interaction hence encouraging children to freely open up whenever they have challenges. Navio also acknowledged the role of his mother Mrs Maggie Kigozi as a human rights activist and a champion in fighting against Gender Based Violence in Uganda.
Jason Michael Bosak Diakité popularly known as Timbuktu from Sweden appreciated the wider platform provided by the music industry globally for artists to act as role models and champion of change. The rapper highlighted the need to respect women for their roles and support towards community development.
“I am a son and it is extremely important for me to respect my mother and all women. Also being a father to a beautiful daughter, I am always eager and looking forward to seeing the best future for her. I want daught to grow up in the world where she is able to feel safe and be allowed to freely associate without being discriminated or threatened because of her gender,” he said.
By Bernard Buteera
On Saturday 2nd December 2023, all roads led to Achukudu Community Primary School in Napak District, Karamoja sub-region, as the Scholars and Alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University commemorated their Scholars’ Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback). The 2023 Scholars Annual Day of Community Service was held at Achukudu Community Primary School, Napak District in the Karamoja sub-region. Established in 2013, Achukudu Community School serves two ethnic communities—The Iteso and Karamojong.
With a total population of 1,097 pupils only three government-paid teachers, and nine community-paid teachers, the School faces a plethora of challenges. Key among the challenges is the lack of Classrooms, decent Ventilated Pit Latrines, and Desks. Therefore when the Scholars identified the School as one that deserved to be given a gift of a classroom block, it was a befitting choice!
The Scholars with support from the alumni, the Program Team, Members of the Steering Committee, and partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University intervened by constructing a two-classroom block, which was supervised by one of the alumni who is an Engineer. Alongside the classroom block, the Scholars also provided 40 desks, helping the school meet UNEB Center eligibility criteria.
While presiding over the event, the area member of Parliament, Hon. John Bosco Ngoya, thanked the Scholars and alumni community at Makerere University for supporting the young pupils of Achukudu Primary School and the entire community by gifting them with a two-classroom block.
“Thank you Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation at Makerere University for the Christmas gift of a classroom block to the young people and the entire community of Achukudu. This classroom block will go a long way in improving the learning environment of the young children of Achukudu primary school.” Hon. Ngoya pointed out.
Hon. Ngoya called upon other people to emulate the Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation in embracing the spirit of giving back to the vulnerable people in the community. On his part, he donated One Million Five hundred shillings (1,500,000/=) to help the School purchase more desks, and he had earlier contributed One million shillings (1,000,000/=) towards the construction of the classroom block.
The District Education Officer (DEO) for Napak District, Ms. Joyce Nakoya, praised the Scholars Community for embracing and practicing the spirit of giving back to other people at an early age.
“Thank you Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation at Makerere for embracing the spirit of giving back to other people at such an early age. If all people gave back to the less privileged in our communities, we would have a better world for everyone.” Ms. Nakoya pointed out.
Ms. Nakoya further pointed out every child deserves to study in a decent environment, therefore it was a befitting cause for the Scholars to construct a classroom block for the young pupils of Achukudu community primary school, who were studying in open grass thatched classrooms.
The Program Manager of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Ms. Jolly Okumu who led the team of Scholars, alumni, and staff to Karamoja thanked the community of Achukudu for supporting the Scholars to deliver the class block by contributing to the construction sand.
“We come here today to join with you as a community driven by a shared commitment to education, empowerment, and ethos of giving back. Today is a historic occasion as we celebrate the completion and commissioning of the classroom block, which is a remarkable testament to the transformative power of education and our unwavering spirit of community service.” Ms. Jolly remarked.
The President of the Scholars Association, Mr. Godfrey Okello, thanked all the Scholars and alumni, and all stakeholders who contributed to the construction of the classroom block, which was a dream that became a reality.
“I would like to thank my colleagues and people of goodwill who supported us to realize our dream of constructing this classroom for our young brothers and sisters of Achukudu Primary School. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our fellow young people in Uganda and Africa as a whole.” Mr. Okello remarked.
The Headteacher of the School, Mr. Eryebu Raymond, who was visibly very excited was full of praises for Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation, for what he termed as an iconic classroom block they had gifted to his School.
“This day is very special to us, we will not see this day again. We are delighted to receive the Scholars and alumni of Mastercard Foundation from Makerere University, thank you for considering supporting our School” Mr. Eryebu excitedly remarked.
The Headteacher revealed that one of the major challenges the school was facing was an acute shortage of classrooms for his 1,097 pupils. He was therefore grateful to Mastercard Foundation Scholars for choosing to construct a two-class block for the School.
“This donation of a classroom block and Desks is a testament to your commitment to education and empowering the lives of the vulnerable people in the community. This classroom block and desks will go a long way in improving the quality of teaching and learning at our school.” Mr. Eryebu further remarked.
The 2023 Scholars Annual Day of Community Service (Giveback) was punctuated with a lot of joy, pomp, and fanfare, as the pupils and the entire community of Achukudu danced and ululated at the commissioning of the classroom block. The construction of the classroom block and purchase of desks for Achukudu Community Primary School was made possible by generous contributions by the Scholars, alumni, the Program Team, and members of the Steering Committee.
Among the Partners who made financial contributions towards the class block construction included; DFCU Bank, Post Bank, URA, Katumba Estates, Footsteps Furniture Ltd, and Sion Travels Ltd.
The Scholars and Alumni Day of Community Service (Give back) is an annual event, where Scholars and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation go out into the community to give back by providing solutions to challenges that a particular community is facing. Over the years Scholars have given back to the communities in numerous ways that range from offering professional services and erecting major projects like classroom blocks.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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