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
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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