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
General
From Campus to Career: Makerere Advancement Office, 91st Guild and the DFCU Foundation Equip Students with Financial and Employability Skills
On 4th December, 2025, over 200 final-year students gathered at the School of Pharmacy Auditorium for the highly engaging Career & Financial Literacy Symposium, hosted by the 91st Students’ Guild, in partnership with the Makerere Advancement Office and the DFCU Foundation.
The symposium centred on student advancement through strategic partnership, convening students, administrators and development partners for a practical conversation on career readiness, financial literacy, employability, and personal development.
Advancement Through Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of the Makerere Advancement Office, Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer, underscored the importance of partnerships such as the one with DFCU Foundation. He highlighted their importance in equipping students with marketplace skills and opportunities vital for individual growth after University.
He reflected on the university journey as a formative period for ideas, innovation, and lifelong relationships, noting that:
“University is where impressions are made, and future networks are born. The friendships, character, and collaborations you develop here become foundations for careers, enterprises and leadership later in life.”
Mr. Uwihanganye encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, arguing that the emerging workforce is driven by technology, multi-tasking ability and idea generation rather than traditional single-path employment. He challenged students to build businesses, use digital platforms productively, and regard employment as only one income stream, not the only one.
The Student Perspective — Discipline, Skills and Trust
Speaking on student growth and personal development, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Deputy Dean of Students, highlighted the realities facing new graduates, especially those entering the job market for the first time. With humour and honesty, he urged students to approach growth intentionally and responsibly.
He called for delayed gratification, financial discipline and long-term decision-making, reminding students that wealth is built, not wished for. He emphasised the importance of skills beyond academic papers, stating that students must be equipped to create value, adapt, learn continuously, and gain competence relevant to modern work demands.
Dr. Rugyema underscored that trust, integrity and reliability remain the most non-negotiable pillars of professional advancement.
“Let people trust you enough to lend you an opportunity. Be a person who delivers. Your reputation is currency; it travels to rooms you are not in.” He noted
Financial Literacy for the Next Generation
The keynote training session was delivered by Mr. Simon Omara, Business Advisor representing the DFCU Foundation, who walked students through a highly practical presentation on financial planning, savings culture, credit management, record-keeping, career positioning and entrepreneurship.
With more than 10,000 graduates annually and less than 35% securing employment within the first year, Mr. Omara challenged students to practice financial and career ownership early. His presentation explored:
Key Competencies Students Must Build
- Financial management with a focus on budgeting, saving, and investing early
- Career readiness, CV development, interview skills, and personal branding
- Entrepreneurship and income diversification
- Record keeping and credit management
- Professional conduct and workplace preparation
He reminded students that the future belongs to those who are financially literate, skilled, trusted and entrepreneurial. Through relatable examples and actionable frameworks such as the 70–20–10 rule, the 7-second CV scan, and the 90-day post-graduation growth plan, Mr. Omara equipped participants with practical knowledge they could act upon immediately.
Why This Symposium Matters
This event stands as a testament to the power of partnership-driven student advancement, a core mandate of the Makerere Advancement Office. By convening industry partners like DFCU Foundation, the University continues to ensure that students graduate not only with knowledge, but with tools and readiness for opportunity.
The symposium strengthened linkages between academia and the labour market, expanded students’ perspective on financial independence, and emphasised the value of entrepreneurship, networks and character in shaping future leadership
The Makerere Advancement Office remains committed to facilitating opportunities that empower students to thrive beyond the gates of the University, through partnerships, mentorship, capacity-building, and exposure to real-world skillsets.
“ A degree alone is no longer enough. With partnership, preparation and purpose, our students can build futures anchored in knowledge, opportunity and resilience.” Mr Awel Uwihanganye noted during his remarks.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Makerere Advancement Office
Makerere University on 3rd December, 2025 hosted the Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Lecture, a tradition established to honour the life and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, an outstanding alumnus and former Governor of the Bank of Uganda who passed away in 2022. The lecture not only reflects on his remarkable contribution to Uganda’s economic leadership, but also highlights how innovation, resilience, and intergenerational vision can shape Africa’s future.
This year’s edition was anchored on three key pillars—intergenerational leadership, economic resilience, and the power of innovation—themes that defined Prof. Mutebile’s career and continue to influence national development. Through this annual series, the University upholds his memory while also celebrating other African leaders whose work has left a lasting mark on the continent, using their legacies to inspire thoughtful dialogue, policy reflection, and the next generation of transformative thinkers.
Celebrating an Enduring Legacy
In her remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, reflected on Prof. Mutebile’s lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and the transformative power of education. She highlighted his journey from a student leader at Makerere to one of the country’s most influential economic thinkers, noting how his leadership in monetary policy, fiscal reform, and economic stabilization reshaped Uganda’s economic trajectory.
Prof. Ssali emphasized that this public lecture series not only honours Mutebile’s legacy but also bridges academia and practice—challenging students, scholars, and national leaders to pursue knowledge that serves the public good. She expressed gratitude to the Bank of Uganda under Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, dfcu Bank, the GRO Foundation, the Mutebile family, and the Advancement Office for their continued support in sustaining a platform that nurtures economic thought leadership and inspires future generations.
Rt. Hon. Emeritus Amama Mbabazi, a lifelong friend and contemporary of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, delivered a deeply personal reflection during the lecture. He recalled their shared beginnings as young student leaders at Makerere, their early political activism, and the historical moments that shaped both their lives and the nation. Speaking as both confidant and colleague, he emphasized Mutebile’s disciplined approach to economic policy, his unwavering belief in strong, accountable institutions, and his commitment to evidence-based, long-term decision making. Mbabazi outlined three pillars of Mutebile’s legacy—policy integrity, institutional strength, and leadership that prepares the next generation—values he affirmed are central to the work of the Tumusiime Foundation, which he now chairs.
He underscored the critical role of the private sector in Africa’s transformation, stressing the need for productivity-driven economies, skilled young people, and policy ecosystems that encourage innovation. He further called for intergenerational leadership that deliberately transfers knowledge, builds enduring institutions, and creates real opportunities for young Africans to lead. In closing, he urged academia, policymakers, and industry to work in partnership, noting that Africa’s progress depends on disciplined leadership, investment in human capital, and a shared commitment to building a future stronger than the present.
Fiscal Policies that have stood the test of time
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, honored the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile with a heartfelt tribute, praising him as “a great tree whose roots ran deep beneath the soil of this nation, nourishing all who followed.” He noted that Uganda continues to benefit from the “shade” of the policies Mutebile planted during his 21-year tenure—policies that stabilized the economy, strengthened institutions, and protected the financial system through multiple crises. He highlighted Mutebile’s role in restoring price stability through cash budgeting, bringing inflation down from triple digits to single digits, guiding the country through the 2008 global financial crisis with disciplined monetary policy, and maintaining public trust during the 2011 inflation spike through clear and transparent communication.
Dr. Atingi-Ego also credited him for steering Uganda safely through the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing liquidity support for banks, credit relief for borrowers, and targeted foreign exchange interventions. Reflecting on Mutebile’s long-term impact, the Governor remarked, “These are the ideas he planted—he never lived to enjoy the shade of the tree, but today, the country rests under it.” He further celebrated Mutebile’s commitment to innovation, citing the 2016 amendments to the Financial Institutions Act that unlocked agency banking, bancassurance, and Islamic banking—reforms that today anchor Uganda’s impressive financial inclusion gains.
Intergenerational Leadership blends agility and emotional intelligence
Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira delivered a compelling and deeply reflective keynote, grounding the theme “Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation” in both history and lived institutional experience. He expressed serious concern that although Africa is the world’s youngest continent—with over 65% of its population below 35—its systems continue to sideline young people from leadership and national decision-making, even as they are repeatedly called “leaders of tomorrow.” He argued that this generational exclusion is not merely unfair but dangerous, warning that nations cannot secure economic resilience while locking out the very demographic best equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
Drawing on African proverbs, global case studies, and personal anecdotes from Makerere and national institutions, he demonstrated how younger generations bring idealism, agility, innovation, and risk-taking—qualities essential for competitiveness—while older generations contribute emotional intelligence, institutional memory and a heightened sense of danger. He emphasized that progress requires blending these strengths through deliberate structures: fair representation of youth in boards and executive spaces, shared decision-making, reverse mentorship, and an institutional culture that values every generational perspective.
Dr. Tusubira also highlighted the urgent need for education reform, criticizing the continent’s entrenched “learning to pass exams” culture and calling for systems that cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and technical capability. He cautioned that without investing in human capital, digital literacy, and inclusive innovation ecosystems, Africa risks losing the very foundation of future competitiveness. His message was clear and powerful: intergenerational leadership is not optional—it is a survival strategy for institutions, businesses, and nations, especially in an era where, as he quoted, “it is not the strongest who survive, but those most responsive to change.”
The lecture was further enriched by an engaging panel discussion, which was moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences. He opened the discussion by deliberately centering today’s students and emerging leaders, framing the session as an intellectual reflection on the life, values and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. He positioned the lecture’s theme — Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation — as urgent and practical, and introduced a cross-disciplinary panel whose expertise mirrors that urgency: Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira, Mr. Charles Mudiwa the Managing Director Dfcu Bank, and Prof. Faisal Buyinza the Ag. Dean, School of Economics.
Prof. Bbaale’s moderation enabled panelists to offer guidance on structural and cultural barriers to youth inclusion, the role of institutions in building resilience, and how academia, industry and policy can work together to turn innovation into jobs and scalable solutions — all the while reserving time for direct audience engagement and practical policy takeaways. Collectively, the panelists urged dismantling age-biased barriers and credential rigidities, creating new entry points and “tables” for youth leadership, scaling finance and training for startups and agribusiness, reforming pedagogy to prioritise skills and creativity, and deepening public-private-academic partnerships so innovation becomes inclusive growth rather than isolated experimentation.
The Family’s heartfelt appreciation
Mrs. Betty Tumusiime-Mutebile delivered heartfelt closing remarks, offering gratitude on behalf of the family and the Tumusiime-Mutebile Foundation. Speaking with deep emotion, she reflected on the late Professor’s character—his honesty, humility, hard work, and unwavering commitment to service above self. She thanked Makerere University, the Bank of Uganda, the Foundation’s leadership, and the many friends and colleagues who have continued to uphold his legacy, noting that although nearly four years have passed since his departure, his memory remains vivid and powerful for the family.
She recalled his devotion to both his public duty and his home, sharing personal stories of his leadership within the family and his steadfast faith that shaped their daily lives. Mrs. Tumusiime-Mutebile also highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work in youth skilling, ethical governance, and private-sector development—initiatives rooted in his own vision. She concluded by inviting continued partnership to sustain the legacy he built, and led the gathering in singing his favourite chorus, a tender tribute to a man whose influence, she said, endures through the lives he touched.
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