General
Deans’ Forum Underlines Academic Leadership Roles
The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA on Wednesday 26th February 2020 hosted the Inaugural Deans’ Forum at a half-day workshop held at Grand Global Hotel, Makerere. The Forum which brings together Deans from 29 Schools of Makerere University has its origins in the series of training and sensitisation workshops for academic leaders organized by the DVCAA and Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) starting mid-2019.
The Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and Inaugural Chair of the Deans’ Forum, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze thanked attendees for taking time off to learn from each other and together, contribute to academic excellence of students at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
“As we move towards being a research-led university, it is important that we position ourselves to collectively be part of negotiating changes for better support to students, especially at graduate level” she explained.
Prof. Wanyenze then introduced other members of the Deans’ Forum as: Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi-Languages, Literature and Communication, Dr. Gilbert Maiga-Computing and Informatics Technology, Dr. Robert Tweyongyere-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Dr. Ronald Naluwairo-Law, Dr. Edward Bbaale-Economics and Dr. Grace Kibanja-Psychology. The DVCAA Dr. Umar Kakumba is the founding Patron of the Deans’ Forum.
In his address, the DVCAA noted that whereas the Makerere University Senate has been in existence for a long time, Deans seldom get the opportunity to interact outside these sessions. He therefore thanked the Inaugural Chairperson and Executive for embracing the idea and developing guiding documents such as a draft constitution and an annual work plan.
Dr. Kakumba then made a presentation on “Delivering on the roles as Dean in Makerere University”, based on his experience as Dean, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) for eight years. This was followed by a presentation by the Director Quality Assurance, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya on “Academic Process: Teaching, Examination and Student Supervision”.
Other presentations on the day were made by; the Deputy Registrar (Senate Division), Ms. Patience Mushengyezi on “Academic Polices and Senate Roles” and the Director Human Resources, Mr. Andrew Abunyang represented by Mr. Richard Mugisha, Manager Performance and Appraisal on “Roles on Deans in Human Resource Management (Performance Management)”. The last presentation of the day was delivered by the Senior Performance Officer, Directorate of Human Resources, Mr. Julius Lebo on “Labour Relations and Conflict Resolution”.
Some of the presentations lined up for future workshops of the Deans’ Forum will cover the role of Deans in attracting and managing grants.
Article by Public Relations Office.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
-
General1 week agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoRe-Advertised Call for Applications: QCF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
-
General2 weeks agoDiploma Holders Admission Lists under Government Sponsorship for 2026/2027 AY
-
Education2 weeks agoProf. Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Lecture Re-ignites debate on learner-centred reforms
-
Education2 weeks agoSpecial University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27