General
Ubuntu; The Answer to Ending GBV – Prof. Sylvia Tamale
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.
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.
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.
“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
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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