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
General
Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research
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.
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.
“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
-
Education4 days agoAdmission List to Bachelor of Education External (BED) 2025/26 -Private Sponsorship
-
General7 days agoUndergraduate Admission List Self Sponsorship Scheme 2025/2026
-
General2 weeks agoMature Age Scheme Exam Results for 2025/2026
-
General2 weeks agoFreshers’ Joining Instructions 2025/2026
-
General5 days agoAdmission Lists for – Bachelor of Laws 2025-26