General
Mak Students Sensitized On Sexual Harassment
Hundreds of turned up to students attend a public dialogue on sexual harassment held on Friday 26th April 2019 in the Makerere University Main Hall under the theme “Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment”.
“Stop sexual harassment, break the silence, and speak out” said Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha, the Director-Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate.
Dr. Baine Mugisha defined sexual harassment as any form of unwanted, un welcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or unwanted physical, verbal or nonverbal conduct of a sexual nature. She revealed that since its establishment in 2000, the Directorate has implemented several strategies to sensitize students on sexual harassment matters as well as the policy and regulations against sexual harassment.
She noted that female students are the most victims of sexual harassment, in as much as everyone is vulnerable. She advised students to report such cases to the Directorate as soon as possible so that the harasser is punished.
The Director sensitized students on their role in championing zero tolerance to sexual harassment by indicating the dangers and implications of sexual harassment. She encouraged students to read the University policy against sexual harassment and others policies on examinations, semester systems, remarking scripts among others.
“Don’t give in for sex thinking you are solving a problem. The implications are more than you may think. Please avoid meeting any University official outside the University premises. Conduct official business within official University working hours,” Dr. Baine Mugisha guided the students.
The Deputy Director at the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Ms. Frances Nyachwo advised female students to value their bodies and not let anyone mess up with them. She emphasized that any form of sexual harassment be it from a Lecturer, boyfriend or husband is a crime one can be punished for when reported.
“Sexual Harassment is a crime, whether done by a student, boyfriend, husband or a Lecturer,” said Ms. Nyachwo
She urged the students (victims) of rape to always report to hospital for medical treatment before going to the police. This is helps to prevent HIVAIDS contractions and early pregnancies.
Representing the 85th Guild President, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Mariam Mugisha said that the Guild cabinet is working with the Vice Chancellor to end the immoral act of sexual harassment.
She informed the audience that the 85th Guild Gender Minister plans to set up a desk at the Guild offices to handle sexual harassment cases reported by students. She called upon all the students to say No to sexual harassment.
The former Guild Representative Councillor (GRC) Africa Hall and Minister for Gender Ms. Barbra Nankoma pointed out that the 84th cabinet sensitized students on the sexual harassment policy.
She noted that some students were victims of sexual harassment, but feared to speak out. She urged such victims to be courageous and speak out in order to protect their rights and the rights of others.
Ms. Nankoma requested the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate to allocate the slots for student peer trainers equally such that all halls of residence, colleges and academic programmes are represented in the training.
The Senior Gender Officer, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Mr. Eric Tumwesigye expressed gratitude to the peer trainers for organizing a successful public dialogue.
Mr. Tumwesigye said that a team of 50 students from Makerere University was trained as peer trainers to help the Directorate sensitize fellow students on sexual harassment matters. He added that more 100 peer trainers are to be inducted in the coming month with a purpose of fighting sexual harassment.
He also encouraged students to be empowered and always stand out to resist immoralities in the community. “Whenever you stand out to end any immoral act in a community, you stand to save lives of people,” Mr. Tumwesigye said.
Article by: Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer-Mak Public Relations Office
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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