General
Committee on Gender Equity presents the report to Mak staff and students for validation
On 4th December 2018, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe constituted a five Member Select Committee on Gender Equity (SCGE) to review the Makerere University gender mainstreaming policies and practices together with their effectiveness across all units. Chaired by Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean School of Public Health the Committee was also responsible for;
- Formulating a gender Equality standard/matrix with the implementation plan applicable across all units so as to actively encourage women’s full and equal participation in university life
- Hold consultative meetings with in the University for review on policy and practice;
- Provide feedback and recommendation to management on gender equity implications of suggested polies, plans and services;
- Formulate a draft policy document with strategic guidelines that will be recommended to Makerere University Council for approval.
Members of the Committee included; Associate Professor Consolata Kabonesa, Dr. Kizito Maria, Dr. Zahara Nampewo. Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine and the Secretariat; Ms. Frances Nyachwo, Ms. Suzan Mbabazi, and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye.
On 18th May 2018, the Select Committee on Gender Equity presented its report to Administrative and Academic staff and students for validation. The report provided preliminary findings of the Committee on Gender Equity at Makerere University, cited the strengths and gaps in some of the policies that govern the institution and suggested recommendations.
In a presentation she made on the Review of Gender Equity and Participation of Women across various Levels in Makerere University, Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, said that although there is a fair female representation in the lower ranks of academic and non-teaching units, the representation of women at high levels is minimal. The report also indicates a meagre participation of women in the University activities across all units.
This was attributed to the various challenges that women face among which are societal, biological construction of gender, and attitude stood out.
“The biological roles such as motherhood has left women with no option. The society has built women and men differently. women are supposed to be simple, soft and submissive while men are supposed to be aggressive and radical. The society has built a man to rule and head hence dominating the leadership role. This has greatly impacted the leadership development of women in communities,” she said.
According to Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, there are critical competencies that the University Leadership should consider when employing and promoting all categories of its staff.
“Despite the many other traits such as the organization awareness, self-orientation, achievement orientation, trustworthiness, team work and collaboration, change catalyst, and crisis management among others that women exhibit, they are still, gaged on self-confidence, accurate self-assessment, emotional control and adaptability,” she said.
“We do not need any additional points for women but rather we have to redefine the criteria by broadening it to include the other competences because women are gifted people with critical leadership competences. When women are brought on board, they are not being helped, but it is the institution being helped the” she added.
Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze informed staff and students that the Makerere University Gender Equity Policy is fairly comprehensive but lacking in explicit targets and interventions to advance gender equity. The Policy has limited strategic information and tracking of progress.
“To narrow down the current existing Gender Equity gap, there is need for increasing the proportion of women at Makererere University from 29% to 40% over the next 10 years, especially in the Units with the worst ratios. The University should also consider increasing the representation of women at the highest academic ranks (Professor and Associate Professor) from 19% to 40%; in administrative positions; Principals and Deans, from 10% to at least 30% and apply the same percentage to the Top 3 positions in the University over the next 10 years, said Dr. Zahara Nampewo- Member of the Select Committee on Gender Equity.
In its recommendations, the Select Committee on Gender Equity proposed the review of the respective existing policies and adjustment of the systems/structures that support Gender Equity with in Makerere University.
The Committee suggested a thorough revision of the existing Makerere University Gender Equity Policy to include the targets and implementations arrangements.
According to the report, there is need to align the University policies such as the Human Resource Policy to reflect gender equity aspects.
The University should revise its advertisement package for jobs, courses and review the recruitment processes, and promotions.
Other recommendations included;
- Institute gender equitable staff development and mentorship across all Units including GMD
- Institute gender equitable performance incentives and recognition for all categories of staff
- Strengthen and fully document recruitment procedures for administrative positions to enhance objectivity, transparency and confidence among prospective candidates
- Include gender equity targets in key documents such as the University Strategic Plan for 2020-2030
- Strengthen M&E: Development/adaptation of a gender mainstreaming scorecard
- Track progress overall and across Units and periodically highlight progress in key University documents: annual report, mention at events etc.
- Track staff entry, retention and attrition by gender
- Develop and implement a gender focused research agenda
- Enhance funding of the GMD to directly manage allocated funds
- Include gender officer/s to coordinate gender mainstreaming activities across Units
- Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation Development/adaptation of a gender mainstreaming scorecard
- Track progress overall and across Units and periodically highlight progress in key University documents: annual report, mention at events etc.
- Track staff entry, retention and attrition by gender
- Develop and implement a gender focused research agenda
- Operationalize the GMD staff structure in order to
- Recruit additional Gender Officers to coordinate gender mainstreaming activities across all University Units
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, revealed the University’s move to improve the working environment for its female staff. Prof. Nawangwe also said that Makerere University is encouraging women to engage in science based (STEM) disciplines, a space that has for long been dominated by men at Makerere University.
“We are attracting female staff and students to science based disciplines (STEM). we are sensitizing female students on the benefits and importance of pursuing science based subjects. In the same spirit we are supporting our female staff who are teaching and carrying out research in sciences. Makerere University is recognizing the tremendous role of women in this world. We have nurtured some of the prominent and renowned ladies across all sectors of development,” he remarked.
He commended the great work done by the Committee and appreciated the support from the University Management to ensure that the job is thoroughly done.
The Director of Gender Mainstreaming Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine thanked Management, staff, students and other stakeholders for supporting the Committee to ensure that it finalizes its work on time. She acknowledged the tremendous role of respondents during the review process. “I appreciate your cooperation and the information you provided that made our work easier,” she said.
The Select Committee on Gender Equity (SCGE) will submit its final Report to the University Management 30th April, 2019, revise the Makerere University Gender Equality Policy on 30th June, 2019 finalize the implementation matrix/plan on July 31st, 2019.
Article by Nabatte Proscovia and Gender Mainstreaming Directorate
General
Makerere Marks 2026 International Day of Persons with Disability – Lord Mayor Balimwezo Delivers Keynote
Makerere University celebrated the 2026 International Day of Persons with Disability, with a message mobilising stakeholders to transition from policy formulation to implementation under the theme, “From Legislation to Action: Strengthening Disability Inclusion through Effective Policy Implementation in Higher Education.”
Held on November 05 2026 at Makerere University – Main Hall, the event evaluated current legal frameworks on inclusivity, identified persistent enforcement gaps, and accelerated concrete measures that can safeguard the rights and accessibility of persons with disability across Uganda.
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli the Dean of Students at Makerere University explained the reason for the event is to create increased awareness about the rights and needs of both students and staff with disabilities on campus.
She expressed that Makerere is intentional and decisive to the implementation of inclusive policies and practices.
“We have established a disability support center. This is a one-stop center for resources and services for both students and staff with disabilities, equipped with state-of-the-art assistive devices, to assist our students and staff with disability to integrate ably into the academic and social environment.”
She also noted that the University has provided caretakers, helpers, and sign language interpreters to students with disability. These are paid a salary, accommodated, and fed, and as well access university health services.
This shows effort that Makerere University is building for all abilities.
Lord Mayor Balimwezo’s Keynote Address
Delivering the keynote, His Worship Eng. Hon. Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, the Lord Mayor for Kampala Capital City Authority started with a personal encounter of an accident that left him disabled. He appealed to fellow persons with disability, particularly the young people gathered at the event, to never consider themselves a burden to society. He added, “you are not a charity case. You are not less valuable because of your physical appearance. You are leaders, engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, artists, and public servants in the making.”
He encouraged them never to allow circumstances of birth or challenges encountered during life to determine the boundaries of their dreams. Confessing from his own situation he has had the privilege of standing on different platforms in Uganda and beyond, and his message has consistently been that persons with disability are equal, and capable of contributing to society.
To the University, Lord Mayor advised that every new building should be designed with universal accessibility in mind from the initial architectural drawings. He insisted that accessibility should never be an afterthought, requiring expensive modification.
Eng. Hon. Balimwezo encouraged management to continue strengthening partnership with development organisations and institutions committed to inclusive education. He commended partners like UNESCO, MasterCard Foundation and other partners and sincerely appreciated their contribution towards advancing inclusive education and expanding opportunities for young people with disabilities.
The Lord Mayor concluded by applauding all those that have benefited a person with a disability for he believes legacy is not how much money you have but rather how many lives you have changed. He made a call to action to each and everyone to make sure that we leave a legacy.
Chairperson of Makerere University Council represented by Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, observed that the commemoration of this day by all persons present resonates well with Makerere’s enduring motto, ‘We build for the future.’
Building for the future means creating an inclusive university where everyone, regardless of disability, has equal opportunity to access education, participate and realise their full potential. He said we cannot genuinely claim to build for the future if members of our university community continue to encounter barriers to their full participation and learning ability.
He shared that as a globally recognised institution, Makerere will remain aligned with international commitments, particularly the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 which emphasises quality of education, SDG 10 which emphasises reduction in inequalities and SDG 16 inclusive and accountability institutions.
Hon. Kidega, appreciated university management for its continued support and the commitment to advancing disability inclusion at this great University.
Checking National Progress with Inclusion
Prof. Zahara Nampewo, Deputy Dean School of Law moderated discussions on the theme. She highlighted Uganda’s efforts in legislating for persons with Disability, she said in 2008, we took a step by ratifying the UN Convention on Persons with Disabilities. That was 18 years ago. And Uganda had also earlier, two years before in 2006, enacted a law, a statute on persons with disabilities. That says a lot about us as a country, that we are committed to inclusion.
Hon. Laura Kanushu, a legislator, representing persons with disabilities in the parliament of Uganda commented that as a country, if we were to rate where we are in terms of inclusion of persons with disability, we might be at 15%, and that’s because we have not fully implemented those laws and policies.
She held tight on this opinion saying Uganda is one of those countries that is very quick to ratify international treaties and later domesticate them. Hon. Kanushu clarified that domestication requires, domesticating in the laws, domestication in terms of policies and also representation at all levels. “However, as a country, we do ratify very fast, but we never plan for implementation.”
Choose and Spread Inclusion not Sympathy
Mr. Daniel Elaju, a master’s student, shared his perspective on what true inclusion requires, emphasising that the foundation of progress lies in shared experience. He stated that, “lessons come from living with a disability, but not just living with people with disability. Because once you live with a disability, even when you are not disabled, you can be able to understand what state of life we people with disability are in.”
Daniel challenged the audience to look beyond the basics of entry because access alone is not enough they are also looking at participation. He said, “you have given me access, am I able to participate?” He questioned the adequacy of current support, asking, “Even when you have given me access to participate, is there reasonable accommodation for me to do whatever I have been given as a role.
In agreement, Ryan Hopper, Head of Physiotherapy at Hope Speaks, said when it comes to disability inclusion, especially in higher education, it is more than just putting a ramp here and making a change there. It’s more than that. It’s a change in mindset that starts with everyone.”
“So instead of being reactive to these students that are coming in and they have a disability that is calling for extra support, let us become proactive.” For someone with a disability is still deserving of love and still a human being that needs to be cared for.
Hon. Shakirah Akello, the Minister of Students with Disabilities in the Student Guild alluded to a story of the late Mr. Kapere to challenge the audience’s perception of disability and inclusion. She said, “recently, we lost a prominent comedian, Mr. Kapere.”
Kapere (real name Yokana Mbuuse) was a prominent Ugandan Comedian and Actor, born with distinctive facial features and a hearing impairment.
Hon. Akello highlighted his ability to live a full, integrated life, stating, “this gentleman got married,” and adding that he was “able to be so friendly, social, and interacted with lots of people.”
She concluded the story by emphasising his legacy: “Late Kapere was a man that was known, married with three children, and yet he had disability.” This served as a prompt for the audience to consider the broader question, “do you think without us including and supporting persons with disabilities, there can be development?” The question remains.
Makerere’s Commitment to Creating a Safer Environment for Persons with Disability
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali revealed this day provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements and contributions of persons with disability, but also to reflect on institutional responsibilities.
She shared a commitment on behalf of University management to support the shift from sympathy to structured transformation, and from charity to active agents in the life of persons with Disability. Dissecting the theme, Prof. Ssali encouraged us all to move beyond the mere existence of policies and legislation and demonstrate action that transforms the experiences of persons with disabilities at Makerere University, and beyond, as we have heard from the panel discussions.
Prof. Ssali concretised the Vice Chancellor’s message by highlighting that the call to make institutions and systems to work is not a call for persons with disabilities. It is a call for all of us. “As a University we reflect inclusion in the way, we teach, in the way we learn, conduct research, provide services, allocate resources, and govern the university.”
“Makerere University , remains dedicated to building an institution where excellence and inclusion reinforce each other on campus and also ensuring whatever – positive has happened in Makerere University happens in the world outside for inclusive settings,” Vice Chancellor pledged.
The commemoration ended with awards to stakeholders who have sacrificed to make a contribution to the welcome stay for persons with Disability at Makerere University and beyond.
General
Institutionalizing ORCID at Makerere University: Strengthening Researcher Identification, Visibility and Research Output Tracking
The Unit-Based ORCID Sensitization and System Capture of Researcher Identification Workshop was held on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, commencing at 9:00 a.m. at the Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University. The workshop was facilitated by the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU).
The workshop was opened by Prof. Robert Wamala – Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP). In his remarks, Prof. Wamala emphasised the importance of ORCID in strengthening researcher identification, improving the visibility and discoverability of Makerere University‘s research outputs, and ensuring accurate attribution of scholarly contributions.
Prof. Wamala highlighted the need to move beyond individual ORCID registration towards systematic institutional adoption, including the accurate capture and validation of researchers’ ORCID identifiers in relevant University information systems. He underscored the importance of coordinated implementation at unit level, recognising the critical roles of College Librarians, Library staff and the Directorate of Graduate Training in supporting ORCID adoption among academic staff, researchers and graduate students.
Prof. Wamala appreciated RENU for facilitating the engagement and encouraged participants to translate the knowledge gained into practical action within their respective units. The workshop marked an important step in Makerere University‘s efforts to strengthen researcher identification, improve research visibility and enhance the institutional management and tracking of scholarly outputs.
The opening session also featured remarks from the University Librarian Prof. Ruth Nalumaga and Dr. Cyprian Misinde, the Director of Quality Assurance, who underscored the importance of ORCID in strengthening research visibility, scholarly communication and institutional research information management. Their contributions highlighted the need for collaboration across the Library, Quality Assurance, Graduate Training and DRIP to support effective ORCID adoption and integration into University processes.
The workshop provided an opportunity to sensitise participants on ORCID and strengthen their capacity to support its adoption and system capture within their respective units. The participation of College Librarians, Library staff and the Directorate of Graduate Training was particularly strategic in supporting researchers and graduate students to establish and maintain their ORCID profiles.
The workshop was attended by College Librarians and Library Staff; Representatives from the Directorate of Graduate Training; Directorate of Quality Assurance and the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships. Their participation was intended to strengthen awareness, institutional coordination and practical support for ORCID adoption across the University.
The engagement, marked a collaborative step towards institutionalizing ORCID at Makerere University and strengthening the University’s capacity to identify, track and showcase its research contributions globally.
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