General
1st Joint Christian Fellowship Outlines Theme for 2020
The First Makerere University Joint Staff Christian Fellowship for the year 2020 was held on Thursday 30th January 2020 in what has now become it’s home; the St. Francis Students' Centre Upper Hall. Welcoming the brethren, the Chairperson Steering Committee, Dr. Chris Tuhirirwe noted that it is always a joy for brothers and sisters in Christ to meet together, share in the Word and break bread. He also encouraged his audience to always invite someone for the fellowship.
“As the Steering Committee we have prayerfully come up with a programme for the year with our theme based on Luke 10:2 which reads The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” shared Dr. Tuhirirwe.
He added that Christians have the primary responsibility of evangelising Makerere University, by talking to the students, colleagues and leadership in line with the theme.
“What have you done as a Christian?” challenged Dr. Tuhirirwe, before adding “My prayer is that as workers in this University, we shall on top of doing our work, reach out to staff, students and the general public with the message of salvation.”
The Chairperson grievingly added that the Prophetic voice was absent in the University and urged brethren to stand up for the truth at their colleges and various workstations. “We have a big task as staff who know the Lord to make a difference in this University. We can transform this institution by making sure that the voice of those who know the Lord is heard.”
He concluded his remarks by outlining various subthemes for the proceeding months namely;
• February – A Christian Life with a Testimony
• March – We Are the Salt and Light of the Earth
• April – Prayer and Intercession
• May – Understanding Your Calling
• June – Called to Fulfil the Great Commission
• July – Keeping sin out of Your Life
• August – The Power of Corporate Prayer
• September – Prayer and Intercession
• October – Being a Prophetic Voice
• November – Perceiving God as He is
• December – Prayer and Intercession
Sharing the word of the day, the host and Chaplain St. Francis Chapel, Rev. Can. Onesimus Asiimwe commended the Steering Committee for displaying marks of good leadership by outlining to the brethren where we are coming from, where we are and where we are headed.
“Now we have a sense of direction and a strategy. A good leader looks behind and knows there are people following as he/she leads. It is also good to hear you have done spiritual mapping” commended the Chaplain.
Rev. Can. Asiimwe also commended the choice of theme, noting that it is applicable to Makerere University. “You can win somebody for the Kingdom without going too far. It takes me 20 minutes to walk from the Chapel to the Chaplain’s residence, not that it’s far, but I always intentionally interact with the young people I meet. And as the Lord is my, I have led many to Christ along that path.”
Quoting Acts 1:4, the Chaplain emphasized that it takes God’s Power to do God’s Work. He reminded brethren that they can never be effectual witnesses in their own strength or power. “To be a witness to Jesus is to be a martyr traditionally, according to the root Greek word. Eleven of the twelve Apostles were martyred for their faith. And so you need God’s power; you need to be prayerful and equipped with His Word.”
The book of John 12:1-12 shares an account of Lazarus who was raised from the dead and as such, became the centre of attraction for Jesus Christ’s deliverance power in Bethany his hometown. Rev. Can. Asiimwe therefore urged brethren to be mindful of the anointing upon them so as to attract people to Christ.
“The crowds came not only to see Jesus but Lazarus as well; he stole the show. His life was a moving gospel. You need to be attractive and show Jesus to the people who come to your office. Are you a role model? Our young people are looking for role models; what an opportunity! Let us preach the gospel in works and in words” challenged the Chaplain.
He wound up the day’s sermon by quoting two famous men; St. Francis of Assisi and Edmund Burke.
“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” St. Francis of Assisi.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke
“Do not fear to witness because you are going to be persecuted. It is time to take Makerere for Jesus” concluded the Chaplain and thereafter, inviting the brethren to lunch.
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Utilise Your Authority Wisely – Archbishop Emeritus Orombi to Mak Staff
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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