Staff and students at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been sensitized on Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy (GEP) and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), in an engagement aimed at strengthening awareness of staff rights and responsibilities and promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful University environment.

The two-hour sensitization session, held on Friday, 30^th October 2026 in the Chemistry Boardroom, was organized by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) and led by its Director, Dr Euzobia Baine.

The engagement provided staff with an opportunity to understand the purpose and scope of the two policies, their role in promoting gender equality and preventing sexual harassment, as well as the mechanisms available for reporting and addressing cases of sexual harassment within the University.

Sensitization on the Gender Equality Policy

The Makerere University Gender Equality Policy, originally adopted in 2009 and amended in 2022, provides a broad institutional framework for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. It seeks to integrate gender considerations into the University’s core functions, including teaching and learning, research and innovation, institutional management, recruitment, staff development and leadership.

The policy also promotes equal opportunity and non-discrimination, equitable participation and progression of students, increased participation of women in leadership and decision-making, and a gender-responsive, inclusive and secure University environment.

The Policy Against Sexual Harassment

Staff were also sensitized on PRASH, which provides the institutional framework for preventing and responding to sexual harassment at Makerere University. The policy establishes mechanisms for sensitization, reporting, investigation and management of complaints, while providing for accountability and protection of members of the University community.

The policy applies to members of the University community, including academic, administrative and support staff, students, contractors, partners and visitors to University premises. Sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours and other unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

The sensitization highlighted the complementary role of the two policies. While the GEP provides the broader framework for gender equality, equity and inclusion across the University, PRASH specifically addresses sexual harassment and establishes measures for its prevention and response.

Implementation and Institutional Commitment

 Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Principal Gender Officer in Makerere University’s Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, briefed staff on progress in implementing MakPRASH, sharing experiences and lessons learned, as well as the consequences of persistent sexual harassment.

On behalf of CoNAS, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba, welcomed the initiative and called for continued sensitization of staff and students on the policies.

Prof. Kakuba pledged support towards ensuring that the policies are understood and observed, noting that regular awareness and engagement are important in creating a respectful and safe working and learning environment.

The sensitization forms part of the University’s ongoing efforts, through the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, to strengthen implementation of its gender-related policies and promote a University community where all members can participate, work and learn in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and other forms of gender-based harm.

Makerere University has convened its 4th Entrepreneurship Congress, positioning youth innovation at the absolute center of Uganda’s ambitious Tenfold Growth Strategy.

The long-term economic framework aims to skyrocket the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from roughly US$50 billion to US$500 billion by 2040. According to the National Planning Authority (NPA), the strategy relies heavily on four primary growth pillars known as ATMS: Agro-Industrialization; Tourism; Mineral-Based Industrialization (including Oil and Gas); and Science, Technology, ICT, and Innovation.

With over 70% of Uganda’s population under the age of 30, the youth are widely seen as the engine behind this economic transformation.

To harness this potential, the 29^th October, event brought together students, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and government officials at the Makerere Uiversity Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. Running under the theme “Youth Innovations to Scale Uganda’s Growth Tenfold,” the congress focused on building strategic partnerships, boosting commercialization, and equipping young innovators to build sustainable businesses.

The event was organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, alongside the Department of Marketing and Management under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).

Hon. Kasigwa Gerald (MP for Kigorobya County) attended as the Chief Guest. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Superintendent of Industrial Value Chains Development at the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President.

Leadership Applauds Partnership

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and the CoBAMS Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale, the College Deputy Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala, commended the School of Business and the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre (MakEOC) for strengthening university partnerships.

Noting that the MakEOC was concurrently hosting the 10th Students’ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Expo, he praised the Centre for sustaining the initiative over the past decade.

Assoc. Prof. Wokadala stressed the need for deeper collaboration to drive youth innovation and national economic transformation. He urged students to focus on developing practical, commercial solutions.

Call to Private Sector

Underscoring the value of collaboration, he acknowledged the Vision Group, Pepsi-Crown Beverages Uganda Limited, and Sumzi-Psalms Food Industries Limited for supporting the 4th Uganda-Makerere Entrepreneurship Congress.

For long-term sustainability, he called upon the business community, private sector, and industry leaders to work closely with the MakEOC.

He emphasized that private sector partners are vital for providing the mentorship, incubation facilities, and market access needed to help young entrepreneurs grow businesses, create jobs, and promote self-reliance.

Turn Innovations into Businesses

The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Superintendent of Industrial Value Chains Development at the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat, urged students to use entrepreneurship to generate jobs and fuel national development.

Drawing on Uganda’s electric vehicle innovation journey, Dr. Mwikirize emphasized the importance of perseverance. He urged young innovators to challenge conventional thinking and ignore skeptics who doubt their ideas.

Achieving Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy requires sustained economic growth driven by science, technology, innovation, and industrialization, he noted. To guide them, he challenged student entrepreneurs to adopt six core principles hidden within the acronym TENFOLD:

• Trouble: Identify real-world problems and develop practical solutions.
• Evidence: Prove that your innovations work to convince customers.
• Numbers: Understand your business figures beyond the daily hustle.
• Others: Build strong networks, teams, and strategic partnerships.
• Long Game: Recognize that genuine business success takes time.
• Discipline: Deliver on your promises with honesty and unwavering integrity.

Embrace Flexibility and Patriotism

Hon. Kasigwa Gerald, Member of Parliament for Kigorobya County, encouraged the students to remain flexible and look for opportunities outside their primary fields of study.

“Flexibility and a willingness to learn are essential for navigating a rapidly changing job market,” Hon. Kasigwa noted.

Underscoring the values of honesty, patriotism, and commitment, the legislator appealed to the youth to cultivate strong ethical foundations as they build their enterprises. He implored them to prepare for their roles in Uganda’s future through deliberate planning, continuous self-improvement, and hard work.

Champion the Commercialization of Innovations

The Dean of the School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship education in equipping students with real-world business skills. He encouraged them to cross-pollinate ideas, learn from industry experts, and build networks to successfully commercialize their research.

Prioritise Students’ Innovation

Commending the University Management and partners for their continued support, Assoc. Prof. Akileng invited participants to the upcoming Students’ Entrepreneurship Expo at Freedom Square, urging the youth to transform raw ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Dr Jude Mugarura, Head of the Department of Marketing and Management, reiterated the urgency of this educational shift.

“Entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, promote wealth creation, and advance Uganda’s economic transformation and self-reliance,” Dr Mugarura said.

He called on government agencies and private-sector partners to step up with funding, regulatory guidance, incubation facilities, and market access. He noted that the upcoming Expo at Freedom Square would showcase breakthroughs in agriculture, technology, healthcare, and sustainable business models.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre (MakEOC), noted that the congress serves as a bridge connecting students directly with established industry titans and government regulators.

She emphasized that Makerere must nurture an internal culture where students graduate with viable businesses rather than just job applications.

“Every student from Makerere University should leave the university with an idea, a company, or an innovation that is going to help them transform their lives,” Dr. Bimbona stated.

She called for the creation of dedicated, well-equipped campus innovation spaces to help students transition their conceptual models into sustainable, job-creating enterprises.

Turning Ideas into Viable Businesses

A major highlight of the congress was a high-level panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Sarah Bimbona, which focused on transforming raw concepts into market-ready ventures capable of attracting customers, investments, and strategic partners.

The panel brought together key experts from finance, media, tech, and regulation, including:

• Mr. Hannington Musimenta, Manager of Programme Development at Uganda Development Bank (UDB)
• Ms. Lorraine Tukahirwa, Head of Marketing and Communications at Vision Group
• Mr. Boris Mugisha, Co-founder and Head of Operations at Tubayo
• Mr. Ronald Tumuhairwe, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA)

The panelists collectively underscored that generating a brilliant idea is only the first step. To survive, entrepreneurs must pivot toward building business models grounded in real market demand, strict financial discipline, and deep customer trust.

Rather than waiting for massive capital, the experts encouraged aspiring youth entrepreneurs to start with manageable operations, maintain impeccable financial records, and seek institutional mentorship to scale sustainably based on proven performance.

Youth-Driven Innovation

Sharing her personal entrepreneurship journey, Ms. Devin Ester Ambayo, a student leader and entrepreneur at Makerere University, encouraged her peers to look closely at local problems and transform them into sustainable business opportunities.

She applauded CoBAMS for organizing the congress, noting that the event provides a vital platform for students to build confidence, master pitching skills, and network directly with seasoned industry figures.

The 4th Entrepreneurship Congress was moderated by Dr. Kasimu Ssendawula, a faculty member at CoBAMS, who was assisted by student co-moderators Ms. Yvonne Nakungu and Ms. Connie Nansubuga.

Precursor to the 10^th Annual Students’ Expo

The successful conclusion of the 4^th Uganda-Makerere Entrepreneurship Congress lays fertile ground for the 10^th Annual Makerere University Students’ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Expo, scheduled for 30^th October 2026 at the Freedom Square.

Running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the landmark expo provides a massive platform for over 900 students to showcase their entrepreneurial and innovation potential.

The student exhibitors and young entrepreneurs are drawn from the following academic programmes across the university, including:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Year 1)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Year 2)
• Bachelor of Arts with Education (Entrepreneurship)

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University, invites applications from eligible Ugandan applicants for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations for the Academic Year 2027/2028.

The Mature Age Entry Examinations for the Academic Year 2026/27 will be held on Saturday 12^th December 2026.

To be eligible for the Mature Age Entry Examinations, the candidate must be at least 25 years old before 1^st August 2027.

Applications shall only be received via the application system: https://see.mak.ac.ug

Take note of further details in the document below:

Applications are submitted with a payment of a NON-REFUNDABLE application fee of UGX 210,000/= plus bank charges should be paid in any of banks that receive payments on behalf of Uganda Revenue Authority.

The closing date for receiving applications is Monday 30^th November, 2026.

CAUTION:

• Beware of fraud: Do not purchase documents or application materials from unauthorized sources. Applicants who do so act at their own risk.
• No authorized agents: The Academic Registrar’s Office has not appointed any
  agents to solicit additional payments beyond the prescribed application fee.
• No coaching services: Makerere University does not provide coaching
  services for the Mature Age Entry Scheme examinations and has not appointed
  any agents to offer such services on its behalf.
• Personal email and login credentials: Applicants should have a personal
  email address and keep their portal login credentials secure. These details may
  be used by the University to communicate important information regarding the
  application and examination process.
• Examination-day requirements: Candidates must bring a coloured printout
  of the examination invitation letter bearing a clear, recent passport-size
  photograph, as specified in the application instructions. Photocopies of the
  invitation letter will not be accepted. Candidates must also bring two recent
  coloured passport-size photographs.
• Eligibility under other admission schemes: Applicants who qualify for
  admission through other entry schemes are not eligible for admission under
  the Mature Age Entry Scheme. For avoidance of doubt, HOLDERS OF
  DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY THROUGH THE
  MATURE AGE ENTRY SCHEME. They should apply through the Diploma
  Holders or Degree Holders admission scheme when advertised.
• Integrity and compliance with Senate regulations: Applicants are reminded
  that impersonation, falsification of information or documents, fraudulent
  access, and the submission of false or incomplete information constitute
  serious offences. If discovered at the application stage, during examinations,
  at registration or thereafter, such misconduct may result in cancellation of
  examination results, cancellation of admission, revocation of an award where
  applicable, and prosecution in a court of law, in accordance with the
  applicable University regulations and laws.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR