General
Mak Hosts Inter-University Dialogue on Sexual Harassment
The Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) in partnership with UN Women with financial support from Spotlight Initiative and the Government of Sweden organized a two-day exhibition and Inter-University Dialogue under the theme; Orange the World, Generation equality stands against rape. Stakeholders including; TASO, Mak Health Services, FIDA, among other Non-Government Organizations, that fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Uganda took part in the event. The exhibition was held on 27th and 28th November 2019 as part of the annual 16 Days of Activism, where countries from all over the world come out to sensitize and increase awareness against GBV.
Panelists at the dialogue held on 28th November 2019 were Guild Presidents from six Universities. These included; H.E. Kateregga Julius of Makerere University, Ms. Ninsiima Hellen-Vice Guild President Kyambogo University, H.E. Mboga Patrick of Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, H.E. Waywoma Moses of Ndejje University, H.E. Johnson Noowe of Gulu University and representative of the Guild President, Kampala International University Hon. Ayinamani Kizito
The Keynote Speaker Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine who is also a Lecturer at the School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University said that 75% of the women suffer beatings and other forms of domestic violence which are perceived as normal in society. This is in actual sense against human rights and the Speaker called upon men to have respect for every human being regardless of their gender.
He noted that cases of sexual harassment have been registered not only in educational intuitions but other places as well. The Keynote Speaker added that a few cases have been handled so far and called upon everyone to take a stand and put an end to sexual harassment by following the policies and other guidelines against the immoral act.
“Sexual harassment exists but the challenge is the victims fear to come out and report the perpetrator. This is one reason why sexual harassment is increasing but my advice to all the victims is this, come out, break the silence and have the criminal punished,” said Dr. Mwiine
He condemned the act of gender imbalance among institutions and other places of work and commended Makerere University for promoting Gender equality as shown by recruitment of staff and admission of students to the university. Dr. Mwinne also thanked GMD for the efforts put place to ensure that the immoral act of sexual harassment is pushed out of the University through programmes such as the 2 for 1 challenge, peer trainers, among others.
The Director, GMD, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine shared that all the 6 universities present at the dialogue were invited as participants running the Safer University project, which is aimed at promoting gender equality in higher institutions of learning.
She revealed that this year’s theme: “Orange the world, generation equality stands against rape,” takes into account all rape cases regardless of gender, although women suffer more than men. However, she noted that all measures have been put in place to respond to rape and all other cases of sexual violence.
Dr. Mugisha Baine further shared that Makerere University has a newly revised policy on sexual harassment and advised all institutions of higher learning to put in place policies to end sexual harassment and have monitoring mechanisms to see that their policies are working.
The Senior Gender Officer GMD, Mr. Eric Tumwesigye advised students to respect and treat each other as human beings as one way to end violence. He explained that Gender Based Violence causes not only physical but also emotional harm and advised people to fight against it.
“Gender Based Violence is a very abstract form of violence for people that have not come close to it. Don’t wait for it to come, use experiences that have been shared to put an end to sexual harassment,” echoed Mr. Tumwesigye.
The Vice Guild President Kyambogo University, Ms. Ninsiima Hellen defined Gender Based Violence as an injustice in community which affects the victim’s physical and psychological wellbeing and advised men to put aside their ego and speak out when offended.
According to the Guild President Gulu University, H.E. Johnson Noowe, Gender Based Violence or sexual harassment stems from people of power to those they lead as it’s those with authority that mishandle the reported cases. He added that this demoralizes the victim and also promotes the immoral act as the offender goes unpunished.
Addressing the dialogue, the 85th Guild President H.E. Kateregga Julius, thanked GMD for the way they are handling sexual harassment cases and also for the revised policies against the immoral act. These actions, he shared, include suspending the reported offender in order to avoid interferences with the investigations.
He also expressed gratitude with the way gender equity is promoted at Makerere University especially in admission of students. H.E. Katerega further revealed that Students Guild Leaders were given an opportunity to participate in the Vice Chancellor’s roster for 100; another initiative to end sexual harassment in the University.
Giving advice on how to end sexual harassment, the Guild President Uganda Martyrs University Nkoozi H.E. Mboga Patrick, tipped fellow students to speak out whenever offended. He also cautioned the university stakeholders to implement whatever they propose and discuss.
The Guild Represntative Council (GRC) Ndejje University, said that Ndejje has joined hands with Reproductive Health Uganda to kick the vice out of the university.
Representing the Guild President Kampala International University, Hon. Ayinamani Kizito urged fellow students to report the case to the persons responsible and tasked the people in charge to take immediate action.
The panel was moderated by Ms. Prosscovia Nabatte from the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and Mr. Nicholas Kamwesigye, Head of Peer Trainers at Makerere University.
Article by Rachael Kanyi, Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Makerere University has today Wednesday, 9th June 2025 officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon. Formerly known as a fun run, the initiative was rebranded on 27th March 2025 during the launch of its Fifth Edition. This year’s event, #MakRun2025, is slated for 17th August 2025 under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future”.
Addressing the Media at a press conference this afternoon, the MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi remarked, “We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years.”
Dr. Kigozi further described the unveiling as “a strategic partnership built on shared values and a common vision for inclusive education and sustainable impact,” adding that it would “fast-track the establishment of a fully equipped Disability Support Unit for students living with disabilities, and to build a sustainable pool of funds to support Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
Appreciating the generous sponsorship, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that NCBA Bank had not only made history as the biggest corporate sponsor of #MakRun to date but also aligned with Makerere’s vision to improve the quality of student life. “This is a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship”, he added.
Prof. Nawangwe further thanked NCBA for recognizing that an investment in Makerere University is an indirect investment in the future of Uganda. “The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to establish a fully-fledged Disability Support Unit for students living with various forms of disabilities, and to build a sustainable fund for Economically Disadvantaged Students.”
The Vice Chancellor therefore rallied staff, students, alumni, partners and friends of Makerere to match NCBA’s generous support with vigour and commitment, so as to make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition since its founding.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Muyobo thanked Makerere University for giving NCBA Bank Uganda the opportunity to play its part in “shaping Uganda’s future one student, one community, one strength at a time,” adding that #MakRun is a symbol of hope for students living with disabilities as it speaks to Makerere’s core values of inclusion, equity, and excellence.
On a rhythmical note, Mr. Muyobo remarked that the #MakRun2025 theme is “not just about finishing lines, it is about opening doors; giving opportunities to those who are disabled. It is about promoting active lifestyle.”
#MakRun2025 will for the first time feature a full 42.2km marathon race with international accreditation and professional timing along a dedicated traffic-free route.
“These are not just upgrades, these are bold steps towards building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala. We are proud to be the wings at your back as you take this leap because when Makerere University, the beacon of higher learning in Uganda grows stronger, the ripple effects are felt across the region and across the continent” Mr. Muyobo affirmed.
To officially seal the deal, a Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed between Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda, and thereafter, a dummy cheque of UGX 1.45 billion was presented to Dr. Maggie Kigozi as the Vice Chancellor, Members of Management and NCBA staff witnessed.
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