General
Hon. Justice Owiny-Dollo Launches Gender Equality Reports and Toolkit for Practitioners
The Deputy Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has appealed to academia to unpack for the community, the aspect of gender equality as enshrined in the Uganda Constitution. This was at the launch of the Gender Equality reports and a tool kit for gender equality practitioners on Wednesday, 10th April 2019 at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering Conference Hall, Makerere University.
Makerere University School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS) and the University Forum on Governance (UNIFOG) conducted two studies to enrich the knowledge system around gender equality legal and policy framework in Uganda under the Gender Equality Project (GEP). Funded by the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), the studies were conducted primarily to inform improvement in gender equality laws and policies by identifying the pros and cons in existing gender equality laws, policies and provide recommendations for improvements. The two studies then informed the development of a toolkit on gender equality indicators, results and measurement.
The three items launched included;
1. The Political Economy Analysis of Gender Equality Legislative Framework in Uganda
2. A Matrix and Analysis of the Gender Equality Laws and Policies in Uganda
3. And, Toolkit for Gender Equality Practitioners
In a keynote address on the Gender Equality Legislative Framework in Uganda – Strength, Gaps and Opportunities for Attainment of Holistic Gender Equality, the Principal Investigator, GEP-Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali mentioned that Uganda has a legal and policy framework conducive for advancing gender equality although the challenge still lies in implementation.
“This is among others caused by lack of deeper analysis of causes of gender disparity and addressing them. The Domestic Violence Act is for example a good gender law but without economic empowerment of women, rarely will the female victims report their breadwinners. The research helps in identifying these gaps and proposing ways of bridging them,” she stated.
Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali, also the Dean School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University reported that there was appreciation from the communities visited that stakeholders had over sensitized on issues of Gender Equality. She added that GEP carries out continuous horizon scanning on a weekly basis for any developments on the Gender Equality terrain such as communities adopting by-laws. The findings are then mapped with the GEP objectives so as to keep the Project in tandem with national dynamics.
Addressing participants at a highly colorful ceremony, the Deputy Chief Justice highlighted the importance of breaking down the complex terms on gender equality enshrined in the Constitution by academicians. This, he said, would help to inform the public about their rights and what the laws provide for when it comes to gender equality matters.
“It is important that this equality is unpacked and well explained. I am happy that in the Gender Equality Project, Makerere University and her partners do emphasize the equality of rights, voices and opportunities for all, which is a contribution to unpacking the aspects of equality as enshrined in our constitution,” he said.
Justice Owiny-Dollo noted that the 1995 Constitution in Article 21 proclaims equality for all persons. Since the promulgation of the Constitution in 1995, Uganda has registered commended gains in empowering hitherto marginalized group especially the women, youth and persons with disabilities.
“Some of the admirable developments in Uganda is that these critical social groups are now legally part of the decision-making processes at various levels of Government. Thanks to legal provisions for their representation in Parliament and Local Councils,” he remarked.
He informed participants that the gains in political representation can only be a starting point in the quest for gender equality. He therefore called upon women to leverage the existing framework and conditions to achieve a society where everyone has equal opportunities in economic, social and political aspects of life.
According to the Deputy Chief Justice, equality should be a responsibility for all of those bearing any obligations to guarantee rights. “We all read in the newspapers and most recently on social media of cases of domestic and gender based violence. Our institutions on inheritance, property ownership, rights over children still disadvantage women over men. This is what we call the underlying constraints, which unless resolved, the attainment of gender equality will remain a challenge,” he said.
He applauded Makerere University School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), the University Forum on Governance (UNIFOG) and the Democratic Governance facility (DGF) for establishing a project with effective interventions to foster gender equality.
Highlighting the tremendous role done by the DGF in promoting human rights, and enhancing access to justice in Uganda, the Head, Mr. Wim Stoffers, said that his organization is mindful of the role of Universities in shaping the discourse on democratic governance.
He mentioned that DGF has extended support to several projects at Makerere University that aimed at contributing towards gender equality legislation in Uganda. DGF has also supported individual projects carried out by staff of the University.
“Gender is among the three crosscutting issues in the current DGF programming. There is need for all stakeholders to understand gender in a broad context beyond women, women empowerment and activism. Gender is not a women’s thing,” he said.
He commended the two reports saying that they will be key reference documents in the gender discourse. He congratulated SWGS and UNIFOG upon the tremendous milestone. “I reiterate our commitment to supporting processes aimed at building a Uganda where citizens are empowered to engage on democratic governance and where the state upholds citizens’ rights,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the School of Women and Gender studies of the comprehensive research on gender equality. He said that Makerere University through the School of Women and gender Studies has demonstrated strong commitment to ensure gender equality in University.
“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. We introduced the affirmative action to encourage girl child education and we are recently working on the various strategies of encouraging girls to engage in STEM” he explained.
The Chairperson of the GEP Steering Committee Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza called upon the Government of Uganda, funders and all development partners to support research especially in the area of women and gender studies. He shared that the project will be further implemented in the four major regions of Uganda where the GEP has already identified and engaged with various stakeholders in twenty Districts.
The day’s proceedings were ably moderated by UNIFOG's Executive Secretary, Mr. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa who noted that findings of the reports and guidelines in the toolkit for practitioners had been informed by stakeholders from all twenty Districts and as such, were representative of a National spectrum. The GEP is implemented in the districts of: Adjumani, Apac, Arua, Gulu and Lira in the North; Kampala, Kiboga, Masaka, Mukono and Wakiso in the Central; Bugiri, Busia, Jinja, Mbale and Soroti in the East; as well as Hoima, Kabarole, Kasese, Mbarara and Rubanda in the West.
The function was further enriched by a Public Dialogue held under the theme: Disrupting Business as Usual; Innovating Ways of Influencing Holistic Gender Equality Legislation in Uganda.
The interactive session chaired by Mr. Kiranda Yusuf- Deputy University Secretary and Technical Advisor GEP, consisted of prominent panelists including; Ms. Linda Bore-an Advocate from High Court of Kenya, Ms. Perry Aritua-Executive Director of Women’s Democracy Network Uganda Chapter and Hon. Asuman Basalirwa-MP Bugiri Municipality. The panelists argued that changing the mindsets of society is key to the successful implementation of Gender Equality legislation.
The panelists further noted that whereas the gains made by Gender Equality legislation were evident, these all stood the risk of being eroded by demographic issues such as the rapidly growing population and the need to tackle topics like reproductive health. Furthermore, there was general consensus that there is need to unpack Gender Equality advocacy into messages that can easily be disseminated at the grassroots by legislators seeking (re-)election to the August House.
Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations Office
Makerere University Retirement Benefit Scheme (MURBS) has presented its performance of Financial Year 2024/2025 to the sponsor, the University Council and other stakeholders on 21st of October in the Telepresence Centre, Senate building. MURBS which is a Mandatory Employer-Based Scheme was established by Makerere University under an irrevocable trust effective 1st April 2009 to provide retirement benefits to employees of Makerere University.
Council applauds MURBS Performance
In her remarks at the presentation, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, commended the Scheme’s steady progress and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to safeguarding staff welfare. She noted that MURBS has grown into a trusted, transparent, and professionally managed scheme that continues to strengthen confidence among staff. Mrs. Magara praised the Board of Trustees for their prudent management and governance, describing their work as not merely financial stewardship but the protection of the hopes and futures of Makerere families. She urged continued focus on member education, digital service delivery, and sustainable fund growth, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to build a lasting legacy of trust and financial wellbeing for all university employees.
MURBS demonstrates liquidity and resilience amid a volatile economy
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) for its continued growth, accountability, and prudent management. She applauded the Scheme’s record fund value of UGX 475 billion and its unqualified audit opinion from KPMG, describing these milestones as clear evidence of transparency and sound governance. Prof. Ssali reaffirmed Makerere University’s full commitment as the Scheme’s sponsor, noting the progress made in clearing historical arrears and supporting MURBS operations. She praised the Board’s disciplined investment strategy—particularly its diversification into unit trusts and near-cash assets—which has enhanced liquidity and resilience amid a volatile economy. Highlighting MURBS as a model of good governance and accountability, Prof. Ssali emphasized that a reliable retirement scheme not only secures staff futures but also strengthens motivation, productivity, and institutional excellence.
Embrace digital transformation – URBRA urges
From Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (URBRA), the Manager Market Conduct, Mr. Mark Lotukei commended MURBS for its continued commitment to compliance, member education, and sectoral excellence. He highlighted that the Authority has been focusing its trainings on strengthening trustees’ capacity, with recent sessions covering strategic tax planning to help schemes minimize liabilities and safeguard members’ funds. Mr. Lotukei further announced upcoming trainings on benefits administration, stakeholder roles, and the contribution of pension funds to infrastructure and economic development. Emphasizing the evolving nature of the pension landscape, he urged trustees to embrace digital transformation, improve communication with members, and promote sustainable and innovative investment strategies. He concluded by reaffirming URBRA’s commitment to supporting MURBS and other schemes, assuring stakeholders of the Authority’s openness to continued collaboration and guidance.
Fund Value Hits Record UGX 475 billion
In his presentation on the performance, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Michael Kizito, highlighted the Scheme’s continued growth, prudent financial management, and commitment to transparency. He reported that MURBS’ total assets had risen to UGX 475 billion, up from UGX 409 billion the previous year, reflecting strong investment performance and effective governance. Dr. Kizito commended the University management for timely remittances and reaffirmed the Board’s focus on sound risk management, diversification, and member satisfaction. He acknowledged the dedication of the trustees, staff, and service providers, noting that their collective effort has positioned MURBS for sustainable success. Looking ahead, he emphasized the Scheme’s intention to strengthen alternative investments and optimize operations to deliver even greater value to members and stakeholders.
The presentation of the performance of the scheme is one of the activities leading to the Annual General Meeting and it is done to management and the Sponsor of MURBS. The presentation, which attracted several key stakeholders including members of the University Council and representatives from Stanbic Bank and Old Mutual, concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi. The session provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarity on the Scheme’s performance, governance practices, and investment strategies, fostering transparency and open dialogue between the MURBS leadership and its partners. MURBS is licensed by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority (License No. RBS.0005).
Business & Management
Makerere University Young Entrepreneurs urged to prioritize value addition to enhance their innovation
![[L-R] Dr.Godfrey Akileng - Dean School of Business, Prof. Sarah N. Ssali - Ag. Vice Chancellor, Chief Guest - Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, and Gordon Katwirenabo-Assistant Commissioner, Quality Assurance and Value Addition, MAAIF at the Congress.](https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Entreprenuership-Congress-2025.jpg)
Young entrepreneurs from Makerere University have been urged to focus on value addition, quality and branding if their innovations are to grow into sustainable businesses in the country.
The call was made by several speakers during the opening of the two-day Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo (16th to 17th October 2025) hosted by Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences, under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain.
The annual event serves as a national platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation.
The entrepreneurship congress and expo features over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) showcasing more than 300 innovations, with a spotlight on the coffee sector. The expo is among the several initiatives that the University has launched to unlock the entrepreneurship potential of students and youth in Uganda.
According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, the move was motivated by the high levels of youth unemployment in the country, which currently stands at 16.1 percent for those aged 18 to 30 (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2024).
Addressing the participants during the Entrepreneurship Congress, the Chief Guest-Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, rallied students and youth to embrace entrepreneurship.
“Education can come from strange places. Everyone has gifts, talents, abilities and resources to utilize. In a country with many unmet needs, entrepreneurship is about what you change, he said.
Mr. Rwabwogo stressed the value of local innovation. “Not everything can be commercialised especially in a country that imports 90% of what it consumes. Identify needs that outsiders will never cater for-our language, culture, and food. Those are unique strengths, he remarked.
Mr. Rwabwogo challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond Uganda’s borders, when he highlighted that true entrepreneurship lies in producing goods that can compete on the international market.
“When you build a business that can sell in another person’s market, you are a hero or heroine because what you have done is disrupting the status quo, which praises import. In this country, for instance in Kikuubo business area, you hear statements such as my container is about to reach Uganda, and not my container is leaving the yard in Uganda and is taking Ovocado to Spain or another country. I want the language to change.”
Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University – Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Sarah Ssali noted that the expo comes at a time when youth unemployment stands at 16.1 percent, which informs the university’s move to challenge this growing reality.
“I am glad to note that Makerere University continues to champion innovations and turning graduates from job seekers into job creators, and champions of societal transformation. The expo is Makerere’s attempt to strategically locate itself in the conversation around coffee being the biggest export earner in the country,” she said.
Statistics indicate that Uganda exported 667,037 kilograms of coffee worth US$162.36 million, highlighting the sector’s importance to the economy and its role as a key foreign exchange earner. Despite this, most youth are excluded from high-value segments of the coffee value chain, such as processing, branding, and export, often remaining confined to low-income farm labor.
According to Professor Ssali, this disconnect represents both a critical risk and an unprecedented opportunity. The expo, therefore, serves as a national platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation across the coffee value chain, from climate-smart farming and agri-tech to processing, branding, and global market access.
She believes that by moving beyond subsistence farming towards ownership, innovation, and high value enterprises, the youth in Uganda can secure a greater share of the global coffee market while catalyzing job creation and sustainable development.
Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, said several of the innovations on display have the potential to be scaled into viable enterprises. She added that these new ventures would build on the success of over 150 companies that emerged from previous editions of the entrepreneurship expo.
Dr. Bimbona used the golden opportunity to highlight three requests for support. She appealed for support, noting that the Centre has spent nine years nurturing over 1,000 business ideas annually, yet the impact of these ideas remains difficult to measure due to lack of resources for tracer studies. Commending Mr. Rwabwogo for accepting to become the Patron of the Centre, Dr. Bimbona requested him to amplify the Centre’s reach and support for youth, women and broader economic development.
On opening opportunities, the Centre offers guidance to entrepreneurs free of charge and seeks partnerships to connect student ideas with the industry. “We have the expertise and experience. We just need that extra push to remain relevant in the business community,” she stated.
Dr. Bimbona reiterated the transformative power of mentorship that is provided through the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre.
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng specified that entrepreneurship is one of the flagship initiatives of the College of Business and Management Sciences. He encouraged the students to seize the moment. “This is your opportunity to showcase your innovations, to interact with industry players, and to change your mindset from job-seekers to job creation,” he said. “Let the entrepreneurship congress awaken a new spirit in you-one that says-yes, I can make it.”
Associate Professor Akileng cited the story of Bill Gates as an example of what determination and innovation can achieve, reminding the students that greatness often starts from simple beginnings. “There is no reason we cannot build something extraordinary from coffee and other local products,” he stated, emphasizing the value of entrepreneurship in national transformation.
The Dean, School of Business, expressed deep appreciation to the industry partners for their collaboration and generosity. “You have invested time, knowledge and financial support to be here. Thank you for supporting the Entrepreneurship Congress and Expo,” he remarked.
Associate Professor Akileng commended Dr. Sarah Bimbona, and the entire entrepreneurship team namely Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Hanifah Nantale, Dr. Marion Nanyanzi, and Mr. Luke Muhwezi for nurturing student entrepreneurs at Makerere University.
The entrepreneurship congress featured a keynote address, and two panels focusing on: Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling, as well as, Financing the Future.
The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd, urged the government and private sector to establish an export fund to support young entrepreneurs in starting their businesses.
Mr. Nyabila explained that the fund would help young entrepreneurs launch simple start-ups that have the potential to grow into larger enterprises. The fund, he noted, would not only support production, but also empower entrepreneurs to handle basic packaging and export processes. According to him, such an initiative represents a critical form of value addition.
Mr. Nyabila added that such initiatives would help challenge the current status quo, which prioritizes imports over exports. He used the expo as a platform to call on the government to shift the national mindset toward building Uganda’s presence in the global export market.
During the panel discussions, contributors discussed several steps through which the young entrepreneurs can be equipped with skills that can help them to join the competitive market.
Some of the panelists included: Bob Paul Lusembo-Head of Business Growth, BRAC Uganda Bank, Geoffrey Okidi-Financial Deepening Uganda, Nakabuye Flavia Bwire- Inclusion and Microfinance Specialist, and Sectrine Muganzi-Coffee Farmer and Youth Entrepreneur.
Other panelists included Jackline Arinda Akampwera-CEO Jada Coffee, Gordon Katwirenabo-Assistant Commissioner, Quality Assurance and Value Addition, MAAIF, Edwin Danze- Head of Marketing, Next Media Group, and Godwin Birungi- Founder, Rubungi Enterprises.
The different Speakers acknowledged that while Uganda has no shortage of innovations, gaps in value addition and branding continue to undermine product competitiveness, reinforcing the stereotype that Ugandan products are of poor quality.
One of the panelists, Jackline Arinda Akampwera, CEO of Jada Coffee, noted that branding strongly influences perceptions of quality. In the same development, she argued that limited branding is also largely responsible for the misconception that Ugandan products are substandard.
“We have this perception that when we see a brand on a billboard, it must be of good quality. Branding is therefore central to entrepreneurship,” Arinda said. “In Uganda, there’s limited branding and value addition, which affects the marketability of our products,” she said
Arinda shared that before she joined the coffee business, she realized Uganda had no widely recognized coffee brands, despite being a top coffee producer. This inspired her to create a brand that would appeal even to non-coffee drinkers.
“You don’t have to be a coffee consumer to know coffee brands—just like you don’t have to be a football fan to know who Ronaldo is,” she said. “That’s what branding does. Even if people don’t drink coffee, they should know that Jada Coffee exists. I came in to change the way the market operates.”
She added that this lack of branding also explains the low domestic consumption of coffee. To address this, Arinda began introducing coffee at social functions—events that traditionally only offered juices and sodas—as part of efforts to popularize local coffee consumption.
Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner, QA and Value Addition, MAAIF agreed with Arinda. He stated that the government is very intentional in promoting value addition to the country’s produces.
“Value addition is very prominent in our policy framework. If you produce and get only money for production, then there is no value, and then you cannot achieve the economic importance and transformation that we need in our communities. So, through that were are very intentional in supporting value addition,” he said.
On his part, Godwin Birungi, Founder, Rubungi Enterprises noted that while branding is very important, branding alone is not enough if the products themselves lack quality. He argued that the two—branding and quality, must reinforce each other for a business to thrive.
“I realized that there is a need to be consistent in producing high quality products. The more you produce high quality, the more you lift your brand,” he said
-
General1 week agoCall for Applications: Government Sponsorship 2026/27
-
General5 days agoMakerere is No.1 in the Region – THE University Rankings
-
General2 weeks agoStrengthening Collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Groningen
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoRUFS Project Team Trains Smallholder Farmers in Mbale City in Smart Agronomic Practices
-
General7 days agoZAMREN Board Visits Mak, Discusses AI