General
Mak unveils VC’s Roster of 100; amends the Sexual Harassment policy; and launches Safer Universities project
On Thursday 29th August 2019, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. William Bazeyo unveiled members of the Vice Chancellor’s Standing Roster of 100; launched the amended Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment; and the Safer Universities Project.
The aforementioned strategies re-affirm Makerere University’s commitment to fight against sexual harassment.
Organized by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate in partnership with European Union Spotlight Initiative, Government of Sweden and UN Women, the highly colorful ceremony graced by Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women Country Representative to Uganda, Ms. Susan Oregede, the Programme Specialist EVAWG, members of Makerere University management, members of the Vice Chancellor’s Standing Roster of 100 and media.
The Vice Chancellor’s Standing Roster of 100 to investigate sexual harassment
In line with section 18 part (a) of Makerere University Policy and Regulations against sexual harassment 2006 (as amended), the Vice Chancellor on 1st August 2019, appointed 100 members of the Vice Chancellor’s Standing Roster to investigate sexual harassment.
According to Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, the Vice Chancellor’s Roster of 100 includes well selected persons of integrity from which ad hoc committees will be drawn to investigate specific reported complaints of sexual harassment. The Roster represents all categories of groups in the University community that is; academic, administrative and support staff, students (undergraduate and postgraduate) as well as all hierarchical ranks within those categories.
The Safer Universities Project
The Safer Universities Project is a joint effort of Makerere University and Gulu University to eliminate all forms of sexual harassment and violence against women and girls by promoting favorable social norms, attitude and behavior and strengthening sexual harassment reporting mechanisms. The project is also geared towards improving Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) at community and individual level and ensure that perpetrators are held countable.
Coordinated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, the Safer Universities Project is expected to increase the use of available, accessible and quality essential referral services by women and girls who experience violence.
The revised Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment
On 2nd March 2018, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe appointed a five-member committee headed by Prof. Sylvia Tamale to investigate the causes of the increasing cases of sexual harassment, review the Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment and make recommendations.
Consisting of Dr. Betty Ezati, Dr. Consolata Kabonesa, Dr. Christopher Mbazira and Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi and Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, the Committee cited gaps and inadequacies that necessitated the policy to be reviewed and amended.
According to the amended Policy, sexual harassment is prohibited for both on-campus and off-campus university setting against, between or among; students, academic, administrative and support staff, contractors, partners, visitors and researchers.
The Policy clearly states the penalties to a person found guilty of sexual harassment. The penalties include; written warnings, counselling, restraining order, apology to the aggrieved party, fines up to two years’ salary, suspension, demotion, dismissal and criminal investigation and prosecution. These penalties will be subjected to a person depending on the gravity of the offence. The revised policy also disbanded the previous Unit based anti sexual harassment committees and established the Vice Chancellor’s Standing Roster of 100 members. It also gives the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and the Directorate of Legal Affairs the responsibility to monitor compliance of decisions made in respect of all lodged complaints.
Addressing participants and media on Thursday 29th August 2019, Prof. Bazeyo recognized the importance of the Safer Universities Project as a drive to excavate issues that affect women and girls at universities. “We need to uproot all the cells that cause violence, abuse and sexual harassment in our universities,” he said.
According to Prof. Bazeyo, the amended policy will guide Makerere University on how to handle sexual harassment matters. He cautioned staff and students against using the issue of dress code as an excuse by the perpetrators of sexual harassment behavior when he said, “You cannot convince me that you were tempted by someone’s dress code if you are not a perpetrator. Someone’s actions especially when it comes to sexual desires are within the heart not the environment.”
Prof. Bazeyo congratulated members of the Vice Chancellor’s Standing Roster of 100 upon their appointment and urged them to do their work diligently. Drawing from the several reports on sexual harassment that have been reported, Prof. Bazeyo cautioned the members to work tirelessly to ensure that sexual harassment vice is eliminated from Makerere University.
The UN Women Country Representative to Uganda Dr. MaximeHouinato applauded Makerere University leadership for taking a bold step to fight against sexual harassment and all other forms of abuse and violence against women. According Dr. Maxime, the question of violence against women and why focus on women can be well answered and articulated while looking at the wider missing gap between women and men in the country’s economic development.
“Women still face wider income gaps, poor representation in politics and there are few opportunities that target women. More than 25% of women report having been victims of violence,” he said.
Dr. Maxime said that for a country to develop human capital, it should look at the integrity of women. He spotted impunity as the main cause of violence against women when he said, “impunity is what entertains violence. When people have too much ego and think they are untouchable the end result is violence and all forms of abuse”
On behalf of students, the Makerere University Guild President H.E Julius Kateregga pledged to fully support institutions that are working tirelessly to ensure that Makerere University is a free space for female students, with zero tolerance to sexual harassment.
Training of the Vice Chancellor’s Standing Roster of 100 to investigate sexual harassment
The 100 members of the Vice Chancellor’s Standing Rosters were trained and equipped with knowledge and skills to investigate sexual harassment cases. The two days training (28th-29th August) was organized by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate in partnership with European Union’s Spotlight Initiative, Government of Sweden and UN Women, Uganda.
During the training, participants shared knowledge and experience on violence against women and girls and discussed the root causes, drivers and consequences. In an interactive session with Prof. Sylvia Tamale, participants were sensitized on how sexual harassment crops up in institutions of higher learning, and public places; the key drivers, preventions and response strategies; and the international, regional and national legal and policy frameworks for prevention and responses to violence against women and girls.
“Sexual harassment is manifested in form of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature,” she said.
Internalizing the Makerere University Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment, Dr Euzobia Baine Mugisha encouraged all members to report any sexual harassment matter to the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate. According to her, any person in authority who receives a complaint of sexual harassment and fails to take any pro-active steps to progress the matter in a timely manner commits an offense and shall be subjected to disciplinary proceedings.
Reiterating the importance of reporting, the Director of Legal Affairs Mr. Henry Mwebe said, “Not reporting is an offense especially if the person withholding information occupies a leadership position.” He urged students and staff to always lodge complaints on matters of violence and sexual harassment in a timely manner and in a well-documented format.
Participants were also introduced to Gender Equity Budgeting by Associate Professor Consolanta Kabonesa and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and its linkage to violence against women and girls presented by Dr. Josephat Byamugisha.
Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations Office
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.
The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.
Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.
“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.
Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.
The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
“Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.
Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.
“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.
Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.
“Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.
She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.
Ruhweeza at glance
Born on 19th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.
The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.
He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.
Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions
Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.
He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.
He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.
Legacy
Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.
His life reflected the transformative power of education, servant leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.
May Sylas’s soul rest in eternal peace.
General
Makerere University Pushes for Stronger Support for Research Ethics Committees amid Growing Research Demands
By Moses Lutaaya
Makerere University has intensified efforts to strengthen research governance and ethical oversight, with university leaders calling for greater institutional support for Research Ethics Committees (RECs), whose role has become increasingly central to the institution’s research-led agenda.
The call was made during a high-level meeting between University Management and Chairpersons of Research Ethics Committees held at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom at the Makerere University Main Building on May 25, 2026.
Opening the meeting, the Director of Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala, highlighted a number of operational and administrative challenges affecting the effectiveness of RECs at Makerere University.
Prof. Wamala observed that RECs continue to operate with gaps in institutional framework outlining their position within the university governance structure, a gap he said has affected institutional support and long-term sustainability.
According to Prof. Wamala, inadequate facilitation continues to affect the operations of several committees, especially in areas of staffing, administrative coordination, and remuneration for REC administrators.
He also pointed to challenges arising from new regulatory requirements governing the appointment of REC members, particularly the need for appointment letters to be authorized or signed by the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Wamala further raised concern over the high cost of mandatory accreditation and training processes required by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), especially the Good Research Regulatory Practice (GRRP) training undertaken every three years. “Payment for training is too high for individual RECs to cover,” he noted, adding that many committees are struggling to independently raise the money to undertake the training for all their members.
He also emphasized the need for stronger institutional monitoring systems to support timely submission of accreditation renewal applications, oversight of approved research activities, and coordination of REC operations across the university.
In her remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, commended the growing contribution of RECs in advancing Makerere University’s research agenda and acknowledged the concerns raised by Prof. Wamala and committee members.
“There were not very many RECs,” Prof. Ssali said. “So now that we are 10, it is really impressive because it speaks to our cause for a research-led university.” She admitted that despite their importance, many RECs still operate outside the formal university establishment, making staffing and operational support difficult.
“The only challenge that I see is that they are not fully institutionalized. So it is upon units to start them or not to start them,” she explained. Prof. Ssali added that because RECs are not fully integrated into the public service structure of the university, recruiting and remunerating staff through conventional university systems remains complicated. “Hiring for them staff will be a little bit cumbersome because the university will say they are not part of our structure,” she said.
She nevertheless emphasized that university management recognizes the strategic importance of RECs in strengthening ethical research oversight and supporting Makerere’s position as a research-led institution. “RECs are doing a great job of furthering our strategic agenda of being a research-led university,” she noted.
Prof. Ssali explained that the growing reliance on institutional RECs by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology demonstrates the trust placed in Makerere University’s ethical review systems.
Addressing concerns about the cost and frequency of mandatory training, Prof. Ssali acknowledged the financial burden on RECs but explained that many of the requirements are set by national regulators. “Many of the things you have raised are with National Council, they are not with us,” she said. “We can only pledge to lobby.”
To address logistical challenges associated with training senior academics, she proposed more flexible scheduling arrangements. “For a professor to give you a whole day is going to be a challenge,” she said. “Maybe you can do half days throughout the week.”
Prof. Ssali also encouraged colleges and schools to allocate part of their enhanced research budgets toward supporting REC activities, including staffing, training, and operational facilitation.
She suggested that colleges and schools hosting RECs should directly take responsibility for sustaining them. “For me, that’s the way out — to ensure that the colleges and schools that have RECs take them as their responsibility,” she noted.
The DVC-AA also addressed concerns related to intellectual property rights, Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), and the need for researchers to formally communicate scientific discoveries and innovations to the university to ensure institutional protection and benefit-sharing. “All you are saying is true, but it depends on you as researchers informing the institution that we have made this discovery,” she said.
Prof. Ssali reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to strengthening research governance systems and pledged continued engagement with both university management and national regulatory bodies to address the concerns raised by REC members. “Where they are, they enable research, publication and growth,” she said of the RECs. “Most importantly, they enable us to be ethical with the way we do our things.”
The meeting was attended by chairpersons of the various Research Ethics Committees across Makerere University and affiliated institutions. These included Dr. Ponsiano Ochama from the School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (SOM-REC), Dr. Moses Ocan from the School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBS-REC), Dr. Paul Kutyabami from the School of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, Dr. David Kyaddondo from the Uganda Cancer Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Stella Neema from the School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MAKSS-REC), Dr. Joseph Kagayi from the School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Joseph Kateete from the Infectious Diseases Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Fred Okuku from the Uganda Heart Institute Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Kassim Sadik from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Research Ethics Committee, and Dr. Eddy Walakira from the College of Business and Management Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
The discussions reflected Makerere University’s broader ambition to consolidate its position as a leading research-intensive institution while ensuring that ethical standards, accountability, and innovation protection remain central to its academic mission.
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