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Ubuntu; The Answer to Ending GBV – Prof. Sylvia Tamale

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Makerere University Academician and Ugandan human rights activist Prof. Sylvia Tamale has called upon Ugandans to embrace the values of Ubuntu in order to end Gender Based Violence and sexual harassment among communities.

“Growing up, my mother used to drum it into us to have obuntu bulamu… I want to therefore appeal to those values of humaneness, solidarity, interdependence, compassion, respect and dignity associated with Ubuntu. I want to appeal to your human goodness and sense of justice. I want to implore you to reject hierarchy and dominion based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age and so on,” she said

In a keynote address entitled Ubuntu: ending Gender based violence in institutions of higher learning and work places, Prof. Syliva Tamale, one of the leading African feminist lawyers and scholars in Africa said that there is need to instigate a spirit of togetherness and cooperation in communities in order to have free gender based societies.

L-R, Dr. Euzobia Baine, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Prof Sylvia Tamale among other invited guests at the dialogue on ending Gender Based Violence in institutions of learning and work places.

The dialogue held on 30th November 2018 was one of the activities organised by the Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate in partnership with Communication for Development Foundation Uganda (CDFU); with financial support from UN Women during the international campaign of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Other activities included; an exhibition that ran from 29th – 30th November 2018, in the Makerere University Freedom Square, a session for students on Gender Based Violence conducted by Medical Doctors, Lawyers, and counsellors and signing up as HeForShe champions.  

According to Prof. Tamale, Ubuntu is humaneness. it reflects the African understanding of diversity, solidarity, compassion, respect, dignity and the belief in a universal bond and sharing. She said that African traditional culture was not attuned to individual competition but to cooperating within community. The interests of the community were always placed above of those of the individual.

Reflecting on the theme of the day: Gender Based Violence prevention and responses, Prof. Tamale said that Gender Based violence is grounded in the hierarchy or social order that supports men’s dominance and superiority over women. It is based on a system of power called patriarchy and is driven by sexiest prejudices.

It was  exciting to  listen to the constructiv ideas from young men and women on gender based violece.

She mentioned that while men can and certainly do experience violence, the greatest majority of victims and survivors of gender based violence are women and girls.

“In other words our mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts and grandmothers are more likely to experience gender based violence in their lifetimes than will our fathers, brothers, sons, nephews, uncles, and grandfathers,” she stated.

She urged societies to adopt the values of Ubuntu to protect the weakest and most vulnerable person from undue arm.

Prof. Sylvia Tamale also proposed 10 key points on how to end gender based violence and these included;

  • We all need to raise our consciousness and awareness to the different systems of intolerance of fellow human beings.
  • We all need to educate ourselves on the root structural causes of gender based violence in order to nip the bud.
  • Men, you need to rid yourselves of the false sense of superiority and entitlement over women.
  • Women, we need to rid ourselves of the false sense of inferiority and deprivation.
  • All of us need to stop objectifying women’s bodies.
  • Women, we need to empower ourselves by speaking out and participating in decision making.
  • Men, you need to empower yourselves by engaging with social justice and gender equity.
  • Women, we need to liberate our minds from patriarchal thoughts that always put men first.
  • We all need to tap into our essential goodness as human beings and treat others as we would have them treat us.
  • We all need to return our African Spirituality of Ubuntu.

The program Specialist of UN Women-Uganda Ms. Susan Oregede acknowledged the tremendous role played by the young men to ensure that institutions of learning such as Makerere University are safe for women. She applauded Makerere University leadership for the bold action to fight against sexual harassment and called upon young women and men to participate and support the HeforShe campaign movement and the implementation of the sexual harassment policies in their respective institutions.  

Representing the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza said that Makerere University has demonstrated strong commitment to end Gender Based Violence and its related practices.

Mr. Eric Tumwesigye posng for a photos with some of the participants

“We have put in place a well-established Gender and Mainstreaming Directorate to mainstream gender in the University functions and propel the struggle for gender justice at Makerere University and beyond. Through the School of Women and Gender Studies, we have been able to address gender and development issues from an African perspective” he explained.

The Director of Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine emphasised Makerere University’s zero tolerance to sexual harassment.

Mr. Oketcho Emanuel and Mr. Ocheng Ocheng, students from Makerere University and Kyambogo University respectively appealed to their fellow students to stand firm and fight against sexual harassment and gender based violence at universities.

“The actions start with us. While elders are talking and professors are writing books, let the youth and students act. That way we shall curb Gender Based Violence at Institutions of learning and workplaces,” said Mr. Ocheng.

Article by Mak Public Relations Office

 

Proscovia Nabatte

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Admission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates admitted under the Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2025/26 Academic Year.

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-

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Change of Course/Programme for Undergraduate Admissions 2025/2026

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Makerere Convocation to Host a CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit 2025

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Makerere University Convocation (MUC) CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, 8:00AM-12:00PM, Convocation Grounds. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Elvis Lubanga

Kampala, Uganda – Makerere University Convocation (MUC) is set to host the CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, bringing together a distinguished assembly of leaders and stakeholders.

The half-day summit will convene CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners to engage in meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, and explore investment opportunities that can unlock the potential of Uganda’s next generation of talent. Running under the theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event reflects Makerere University’s ambition to position itself as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and transformation.

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will officiate as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Peter Kimbowa, CEO of the CEO Summit Uganda, will deliver the keynote address. Their participation underscores the importance of the summit in strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and government, and in advancing Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, will welcome the invited participants and highlighted the university’s determination to work collaboratively with partners to shape impactful solutions for Uganda and the region.

“We want to work with you to see how, together, we can move our country and continent forward. I invited all of you CEOs to Makerere so that we can brainstorm on what we can do to transform our nation and Africa at large,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

According to Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Chief Convener of the summit and Vice Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation, this will be the first event of its kind. She noted that the summit seeks to foster mentorship, internships, and employment linkages as a means of bridging the gap between industry and academia, while positioning Convocation as a driver of socio-economic transformation.

A key highlight of the summit will be the unveiling of the Makerere University Convocation’s Massive Transformation Purpose, a bold framework that converts five critical takeaways into independent working teams with clear Terms of Reference, objectives, data-driven activities, and measurable outcomes. The plan institutionalizes vision, distributes ownership, and ensures sustainability through quarterly reporting, evidence-based impact, and global benchmarking. The five teams—From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower, Diaspora Dividend vs. Brain Drain, Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges, AI & Future of Learning, and From Convocation to Covenant—are designed to commercialize research, harness diaspora capital, institutionalize mentorship, drive digital transformation, and sustain alumni–faculty–student engagement through a covenant model. Collectively, they transform Convocation from a ceremonial event into a movement of accountability, innovation, and sustainable socio-economic impact for Uganda and Africa.

The summit has already attracted wide endorsement from leading companies and agencies, demonstrating its timeliness and relevance.

Mr. Eugene Too, General Manager at Haco Industries, affirmed the company’s support, stating:

“Haco Industries endorses the Makerere University CEOs Forum. We believe the Summit’s objectives align with our broader goals of creating impact in education, supporting internships, job placement, and mentorship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are proud to be associated with the Summit at Makerere University Convocation.”

Eng. Shaft Mukwaya, Secretary to the Equal Opportunities Commission of Uganda, commended the Convocation’s role in promoting inclusivity:

“Makerere University Convocation has proven to be a steadfast ally in achieving our mission of pursuing an inclusive society in which no one is left behind. We are honoured to be associated with this summit.”

Roofings Uganda has equally expressed strong endorsement, noting that the event aligns closely with their corporate vision:

“At Roofings, we are privileged to endorse the Makerere University Convocation CEOs/Investors’ Summit and call upon all invited guests to be part of this noble cause. Makerere University is a valued partner in nurturing talent and fostering innovation, which aligns closely with our vision of being an accelerator for a sustainable Africa. As sponsors, we are honoured to be associated with this summit that brings together leaders, investors, and visionaries to shape inclusive growth and development.”

With its broad stakeholder support, clear strategic framework, and focus on outcomes, the Makerere University Convocation’s CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit is positioned as a landmark event. It will provide a unique platform for academia, industry, and government to converge in pursuit of sustainable growth, innovation, and socio-economic development, not only for Uganda but for the entire Sub-Saharan African region.

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