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Mak female staff trained on gender and leadership

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Makerere University female staff have been urged to actively participate in the leadership activities of the institution. This was at the Gender and Leadership training; held on 7th May 2019, in the Upper Senate Conference Hall, Makerere University. According to Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean School of Public Health- Makerere University, there is need for both female Administrative and Academic staff to access and actively participate in the decision-making processes if they are to realize gender equity at Makerere University.

“We cannot blame the University leadership for making decisions that are not gender responsive when we have failed to take up the mantle and be part of the leadership team and processes. It is high time we left our comfortable zones and became active leaders. We don’t need to wait until we hold positons to exercise our leadership roles. We are potential and true leaders already,” she said.

One of the participants discussing the action points

In a presentation  on Women and leadership of Makerere university: challenges and opportunities, Dr. Wanyenze called for the development of a collaborative framework that will enable female Administrative and Academic staff understand their leadership rights, build their leadership potential and support their leadership journey.

“We need to join efforts in this struggle, have one voice and prepare ourselves for the big role. We must learn to overcome the challenges, understand how to balance both the family roles and professional roles. Above all, we need to be ready, acquire the necessary skills, have support and this can be achieved through a collaborative measure,” she said.

The leadership training on Gender and Leadership was organized by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate. Sponsored by School of Women and Gender Studies under the SIDA 2391 Gender Mainstreaming Project, the training aimed at generating a critical mass of female Administrative and Academic staff as potential leaders in Makerere University by enhancing their academic, administrative and leadership skills.

Participants engaging in group discussions on challanges hindering female staff to acqire leadership positions at Makerere University.

According to the Director of Gender and Mainstreaming Dr. Euzobia Mugisha M. Baine, despite the fact that Makerere University has a well-established School of Women and Gender Studies and the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, the institution is still finding it hard to bridge the ever widening gender gap in leadership. Dr. Baine noted that there is poor representation of female Administrative and Academic staff in the institution’s top leadership and this has equally affected their interests when it comes to decision-making.

The Deputy Director of Gender and Mainstreaming Ms. Frances Nyachwo, presented the current gendered leadership statistics at Makerere University. “Currently the proportion of female teaching Staff University-wide is 29%, and men 71%. Out of the 16 Central Management position women occupy only 3 positions, in the Top Management positions women occupy 3 positions out of 26, and for the position of School Deans, 3 out of 29 are women” she said.

Dr. Euzobia Baine adressing participants

In 2004, Makerere University Commissioned a study on the Situation Analysis on the Gender Terrain at Makerere University. This study established that female Administrative and Academic staff were underrepresented in top leadership and decision making of the academic and administrative levels. The main reason was that female Administrative and Academic staff lacked requisite academic qualifications to compete for these positions. In addition, the study also confirmed that challenges of balancing family and work responsibilities, within a patriarchal institution hindered women’s career progression.  

The training on gender and leadership was attended by Makerere University senior female staff. The one-day non-residential training equipped participants with various skills and techniques on leadership development Makerere University.  

Discussing the need to change the leadership terrain of Makerere University, Associate Professor Consolota Kabonesa, the Principal Investigator of SIDA 2391 Gender Mainstreaming Project at School of Women and Gender Studies highlighted the need to change the gender profile in leadership especially in top leadership positions to reflect equity.

Dr. Consolanta Kabonesa discussing the  changing leadership terrain at Makerere University.

“We should transform our lives and society if we are to create a gender-fair Makerere. We have to be activity oriented and differentiate leadership from authority and have a sense of developing others” said Dr. Kabonesa.

During the interactive session that was chaired by Mr. Eric Tumwesigye a Senior Gender Officer and Ms. Suzan Mbabazi a Principal Gender Officer, participants developed the action points.  Among the points included;
•    Strengthen the Affirmative Action Programmes
•    Recognise women as an essential resource-base at the University
•    Create a gender advocacy group to lobby for the increase of more women in leadership at the University
•    Establish a colloquium to discuss gender and leadership topics
•    Create a Makerere University women empowerment platform.

Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations office

 

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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