The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the School of Engineering at Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) has a new Head of Department following the handover of office from Assoc. Prof. Robinah Kulabako to Dr. Philip Nyenje.

The handover ceremony, held at CEDAT on Monday, October 5, was attended by college leadership, staff, and members of the School of Engineering.

In her farewell remarks, Assoc. Prof. Kulabako appreciated staff and the management of the college and the department for the good working relationships she had over the past nine and a half years.  She urged the incoming head to remain committed to doing what is right, even in difficult circumstances.

She noted that leadership does not require perfection, but rather competence, accountability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Reflecting on her nine-and-a-half-year tenure, she encouraged Dr. Nyenje to embrace selfless leadership and focus on building lasting institutional impact.

Assoc. Prof. Kulabako said that throughout her leadership journey, she continually reflected on three key questions: what she had accomplished, who had become more capable through her mentorship, and what would remain stronger after her term of office.

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On October 5, 2026, Makerere University welcomed Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG) and her delegation for a courtesy visit ahead of the International Ombuds Day 2026 commemoration under the theme “Ombuds: Office of Options”.

The delegation was received by Professor Barnabas Nawangwe the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University in his office where they discussed the Ombuds Day theme, the university’s successful reconciliation-based conflict resolution, ongoing infrastructure projects, and a renewed commitment to institutional partnership.

Mrs. Twinomugisha Muhairwe, who also spoke as the President of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA), emphasised that her office aims to be a partner in building and strengthening public institutions rather than merely a critic. Therefore, this visit marked a big step in the evolving relationship between public institutions and the Office of the Ombudsman at the Inspectorate of Government, where it is headed by Director Kakooza Savio Ntensibe, who was also part of the delegation.

The DIGG shared that the office provides essential options for resolving grievances such as administrative injustice, where people feel victimised, and unheard.

Reconciliation Underscored

While addressing the delegation, Professor Nawangwe, framed the visit as a turning point in the institution’s relationship with oversight bodies. He welcomed the DIGG, an alumna of Makerere, and commended the Ombuds methodology that prioritizes reconciliation as initiated by neutral persons or bodies to resolve disputes.

“The style of reconciliation has worked very well for us as well, ever since we started talking to the students, it has kept peace in the university,” the Vice Chancellor remarked.

“We started talking to the students and… eventually, they started to understand. Today, if you come and begin talking of strike, fellow students will tell you, ‘We came here to study’”, added the Vice Chancellor.

The engagement also discussed the practical realities of student welfare. Mrs. Twinomugisha Muhairwe, with specific interest, probed the Vice Chancellor on the status of hall renovations. In response, the Vice Chancellor explained the phased approach to renovations, noting that the university is systematically upgrading facilities to improve the living conditions.

The Vice Chancellor thereafter invited Mrs. Twinomugisha Muhairwe and her team to visit the university museum, as a gesture to underscore the spirit of the day where the Ombudsman and the university stand together.

About Ombuds Day

Ombuds Day is an international observance held annually on the second Thursday of October to raise public awareness of the ombuds profession.

According to the International Ombuds Association, an ombuds is an independent, neutral, and confidential professional who helps resolve disputes, investigate complaints, and address systemic issues within an organization, government agency, or institution.

Makerere University has noted the serious concerns raised publicly through social media video posts regarding the conduct of a member of staff. We recognise that such matters can cause profound distress and that it takes courage to speak about experiences of harm. The University takes all matters relating to the safety, dignity, and welfare of its students, staff, and visitors with the utmost seriousness.

Makerere maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and any form of misconduct that threatens the well-being of members of the University community. Formal reports of sexual harassment are handled through established procedures with the seriousness they deserve.

The University has deliberately put clear policies and procedures in place, including the Safeguarding Policy, the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, and staff disciplinary processes. These are designed to ensure that any formal complaints received are investigated thoroughly, fairly, and confidentially, while upholding the principles of natural justice and due process for all parties.

Students, staff, and visitors who have concerns are encouraged to make a formal report through the available channels, including the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, the Office of the Dean of Students, or MakSafeSpace (the University’s online platform that facilitates anonymous and confidential reporting). Professional support services remain available at the University Counselling and Guidance Centre for those who need them.

Makerere University remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning and working environment for all. We will continue to strengthen our systems for prevention, reporting, and accountability.

Makerere University Management.