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Mak-GMD Holds Sensitization Workshop on Sexual Harassment

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The Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) on Friday 13th March, 2020 embarked on a series of workshops to sensitize staff on the Makerere University Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH) of 2006, as amended in 2018 as well as the Gender Equality Policy (MUGEP) 2009. The first of four workshops brought together participants from the Colleges of; Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Education and External Studies (CEES), Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the School of Law (LAW).

Makerere University in 1998 took the lead among Higher Education Institutions in the region by establishing the Senate Committee on Gender Mainstreaming which did the preparatory work for the creation of the Gender Mainstreaming Programme (GMP). This was followed by the establishment of the Gender Mainstreaming Division (GMD) under the Academic Registrar’s Department in 2000 and subsequently, creation of an independent Directorate in 2009.

Setting the tone for the workshop, Ms. Susan Mbabazi, the Principal Gender Officer, GMD shared that the purpose of the training was to create awareness among members of the Makerere University community about mainstreaming gender in the core functions of: Teaching and Learning; Research and Innovations; Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking as well as Support Services.

Ms. Susan Mbabazi (Left) and Ms. Frances Nyachwo (Right) confer during the Sensitisation Workshop on Friday 13th March, 2020, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

“The training is also aimed at enhancing staff capacities to mainstream gender in their respective functions as well as developing a common understanding about roles, responsibilities and obligations in implementing the Gender Equality Policy and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment” explained Ms. Mbabazi.

Taking participants through Complaints and Reporting Mechanisms with regard to the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Deputy Director, GMD, Ms. Frances Nyachwo shared that the rules were applicable to Staff (Academic, Administrative and Support), Students as well as contractors, partners and visitors to university premises. In particular, she urged the staff or any persons in authority to always take steps to advance complaints reported to them in a timely and appropriate manner because failure to do so subjects them to disciplinary action under the PRASH.

“The complaint may be informal, in which case the victim wishes for immediate action to be taken; for instance, issuing a warning the harasser, but is not ready to lodge a formal complaint. A formal complaint on the other hand must be written and signed containing the: name, address and contact details of the complainant; date of the complaint; nature and details of the act or conduct complained about; and any other relevant details concerning the complaint” said Ms. Nyachwo.

Ms. Frances Nyachwo (Right) confers with a participant during the break

The Deputy Director went on to share that all formal complaints received by GMD are then forwarded to the Vice Chancellor to appoint an Ad hoc Committee composed of a minimum of three and maximum seven members from the Roster of 100, to further investigate the complaint.

Prof. Grace Bantebya from the School of Women and Gender Studies is an experienced lecturer, researcher and advocate for gender equality and social transformation who has witnessed first-hand the plight of the girl child. Making her presentation on “Reporting and Investigating Sexual Harassment at Makerere University she noted that the vice mainly draws on a culture that emphasizes the male identity and its connotations as well as power imbalance between the victim and harasser.

She noted that investigating committees were often challenged by resource constraints that hindered the launch of full-fledged investigations as well as fear by victims, survivors and bystanders to testify against abusers. “Additionally, the investigations at times take over six months to complete, which is too long for victims or survivors to receive justice.”

Prof. Grace Bantebya (Left) contributes to the discussion during the first sensitisation workshop organised by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate.

Prof. Bantebya however recommended for the reduction of spaces, situations that tilted the power balance towards abusers as well as additional budgetary support to GMD and its committees to carry out detailed investigations. “Finally, the reporting system should be separated from the teaching and learning processes and reported cases should be handled expeditiously.”

Makerere University shall take all necessary steps to engender the curricula of all its academic programmes” reads the first policy resolution of the MUGEP. Making a presentation on Mainstreaming Gender in Makerere University Curricula”, Acting Director GMD, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine shared that the unit regularly conducts a gender audit of all proposed academic programmes before they are approved by Council.

Touching on research and innovations, Dr. Baine said it was important to holistically integrate gender dimensions in all research projects and programmes, including composition of research teams. “In our trainings, we always urge researchers not to simply add the gender component as an afterthought but incorporate gender analysis all through the research process. This starts right from generation of ideas, designing the research, methodology, data collection, data analysis and report writing and to dissemination of the findings.”

The Acting Director, GMD, Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha made a presentation on Mainstreaming Gender in Makerere University Curricula.

The final presentation on the day was by the Senior Gender Officer, GMD, Mr. Eric Tumwesigye on “Gender and Equity Budgeting Certification Process and Requirements”. He noted that it was important for units to be aware of the legal provisions in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 2015 in order for their budgets to be issued a gender and equity certification of compliance “by the Minister responsible for Finance in consultation with the Equal Opportunities Commission.”

In particular, Mr. Tumwesigye outlined key issues for the Education sector as; Sexual harassment, Gross imbalance in female participation among academic staff at all levels, Underrepresentation of women in higher level decision-making committees and senior administrative positions, Underrepresentation of women in science disciplines, Limited support and spaces for nursing female staff and Limited female representation in students’ politics.

The workshops continue on Monday 16th March, 2020 for the Colleges of; Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB). Thursday 19th March, 2020 will be dedicated to the Colleges of; Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and Health Sciences (CHS). The fourth and final workshop will be held on Friday 20th March, 2020 for staff from non-teaching units.

The following are hotlines run by GMD officials as avenues for reporting Sexual Harassment: +256-755-797130, +256-784-609661, +256-758-540263 and +256-785-594931. The community may also make use of the SafePal Mobile App, available on the Google Play Store to confidentially report cases of sexual harassment. The App can be accessed at the link below https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unfpa.safepal

 

Article by Public Relations Office.

Mark Wamai

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10 years on: ‘My story as one of the first cohort Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University’

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Alex Mirugwe during his recent visit at the Scholars Program Offices at Makerere University. Alex Mirugwe from Kyotera District, the First Cohort of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering graduate, Data Scientist at Makerere University School of Public Health Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) project, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By the Program Communication Team

Seven years after graduating in 2018, Alex still exudes a warm and approachable demeanor. Despite his esteemed position, he carries no air of superiority. He is an accommodating and attentive listener, and our conversation about his journey flowed effortlessly.

“I don’t think I would have pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering if it had not been for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University,” Alex Mirugwe recalls.

Alex’s journey was one of purely humble beginnings, began 30 years ago in Kyotera District, where he was the third of six children born to the late Charles Kalimirwa and Margaret Nampija.

His academic path led him to Broadway High School for both O’ and A’ levels, where he studied Physics, Economics, Mathematics, and ICT.

Alex recounts that when his Senior Six results were released, he had scored 17 points, but was uncertain of the following steps since his family could not afford his university tuition.

“If it hadn’t been for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, my family would have struggled to raise my tuition,” he notes.

Faced with his results, Alex sought all possible opportunities to further his education. As luck would have it, while reading the New Vision Newspaper one day, he saw an advertisement for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Alex (back row in brown shirt) attending a capacity building session during his time as a Scholar on the Program. Alex Mirugwe from Kyotera District, the First Cohort of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering graduate, Data Scientist at Makerere University School of Public Health Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) project, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Alex (back row in brown shirt) attending a capacity building session during his time as a Scholar on the Program.

“I applied, got shortlisted, attended interviews, and I succeeded. That is how I gained the opportunity to join Makerere University,” he remarks.

The Program offers scholarships to bright but underprivileged children who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering.

Upon completing his first degree, he received another opportunity from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town to pursue his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Data Science.

After attaining his M.Sc. from the University of Cape Town, he returned to Uganda and began applying for jobs.

“When I returned, I relaxed for only three months, and in the fourth month, when I decided to send out my applications, I secured a job at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) project as a data scientist,” Alex pointed out.

Alex after completing his academic Programs at Makerere University. Alex Mirugwe from Kyotera District, the First Cohort of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering graduate, Data Scientist at Makerere University School of Public Health Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support (METS) project, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Alex after completing his academic Programs at Makerere University.

When Alex landed his dream job, it was the perfect opportunity to continue researching something he has always loved; supporting the analysis of HIV data. His dream job exposed him to data from more than 1,600 health facilities across the country.

“It has been an intriguing journey; I am pursuing what I studied. I would advise people to seize postgraduate opportunities because, when I completed my Master’s, I encountered no obstacles in securing a job.” 

For now, he is focused on raising his young family. 

His story is a powerful reminder of the significance of education for all. His journey from a humble village upbringing to a national role has been driven by a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to creating a better world for everyone. 

Alex’s parting words, “Take your studies seriously, and learning never ceases.

“Continue to enhance your academic qualifications. You will transform your story.”

Mak Editor

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2025/2026

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Mak CoBAMS Graduands jubilate on the third session of the 72nd Graduation held on 25th May 2022.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas,  Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable.  Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.  

How to submit your application:

  1. Visit the Makerere University’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug
  1. Sign up using full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid. 
  1. A password will be sent to both your e-mail and mobile number.
  1. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  1. To fill a form (all form sections must be filled) the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button (for first time applicants) or MY PORTAL button (for renewal of application)  displayed on the appropriate scheme i.e. Taught PhDs, Masters & Postgrad Diplomas OR PhD by Research.
  1. All academic transcripts/certificates and passport photos should be scanned and uploaded on the system.
  1. You can access the referees’ letter by following the following link: https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Makerere-Referee-Form-Graduate-Programmes.pdf. These should be filled, scanned and uploaded.
  1. Obtain a payment reference number [PRN] by clicking on “Pay for Form” button
  1. Make the following payments at any of the banks used by URA
  2. Application fee = Ugx 50,000 (East African applicants) or  Ugx 151,500 (International Applicants)

For INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS, application fees can be transferred either by EFT or any other means in UGX to a designated URA collection account in Bank of Uganda as follows:

Account Name: UGANDA REVENUE AUTHORITY COLLECTIONS
Account No: 003410158000002
Swift Code: UGBAUGKAU
Bank Name: BANK OF UGANDA
Bank Address: KAMPALA, UGANDA
Currency: UGANDA SHILLINGS
Strictly observe the closing date of Wednesday, 30th April, 2025

  1. All Applicants for Master of Business Administration (College of Business and Management Sciences and Makerere University Business School) will do a GMAT test on dates to be communicated by College of Business and Management Sciences and Makerere University Business School respectively.
  1. All Applicants for Master of Clinical Psychology, Master of Counselling Psychology, Master of Organisational Psychology and Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology will be invited for an interview before admission can be made on dates to be communicated by College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Mature Age Aptitude Exam Results for 2025/2026 AY

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Senate Building

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 14th December, 2024.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

Mak Editor

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