General
Students Champion the Campaign Against Sexual Harassment
Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) in partnership with UN women, Swedish Embassy and NBS TV capped the 16 days of Women Activism by celebrating the late Susan Oregede who was a key champion in the struggle of ending violence Against Women and Girls.
In the annual event of the Two4One Talent for change Against sexual Harassment contest grand finale on the 9th December 2020 at Next Media conference Center, the Director Makerere Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, noted that the Two4One campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of the problem of sexual harassment and tapping into student’s innovativeness to strength their agency in the prevention and response to sexual harassment, through thinking and doing what they love most (edutainment) where students either individually or in groups, work on innovative songs, drama skits, poems and dances which are used as ambassadorial messages within their Universities and communities. And that unlike last year’s grand finale, where 15,000 students filled Makerere University Freedom Square in just one night, this year’s campaign was affected by the COVID-19 challenges and thus the concert was largely virtual with majority following through the NBS TV live cast and all the social media handles of the organisers.
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine noted that for purposes of having more students from other universities in the campaigns, a Two4One campaign website was created (two4one campaign.mak.ac.ug) through which students from all Universities and tertiary institutions created accounts, uploaded videos and mobilized their fellow students to participate through voting. Makerere University, Gulu University, Uganda Christian University (UCU), Bugema University, Kyambogo University, Buganda Royal Institute, Busitema University, Kampala University, Muteesa 1 Royal University and MAT Abacus business School, Mbarara University Science and Technology (MUST) registered to participate in the contest. And that 167 students registered, 62 of these were females and 105 were males. Out of these, 50 were able to compose and submit their pieces within a period of three weeks. Out of the 50, 15 were females and 35 were males and on the 1st December 2020, these were presented to the judges and out of the 50 contestants presented 15 were recommended to the grand finale.
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine recognized students from universities and tertiary institutions for responding to the call and revealed that Makerere University and GMD would like to partner with those institutions to implement programs that end sexual and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV).
Remarking the relevance of the GMD at the mighty hill, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine thanked Makerere University Management through the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawange for the commitment to the zero tolerance to sexual harassment and noted that currently Makerere University is taking on the lead in fighting against sexual harassment.
She also showed gratitude to the UN Women and the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda for their unfailing partnership in prevention and response to sexual harassment at Makerere University and for their efforts to make the event happen.
“I want to thank UN women and the Swedish Embassy in Uganda for your strong and consistent partnership in prevention and response to sexual harassment at Makerere University. I thank you particularly for making this event happen,” expressed Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine.
Speaking on behalf of UN Women, Ms. Evely Letiyo echoed that sexual harassment robs off girl’s dreams and that it doesn’t only affect them physically but also emotionally thus called upon everyone to stand out against sexual violence.
She further reflected on her past 15 years as an Assistant lecturer, where students would approach her in office and report to her cases of sexual harassment and she had no solution to them, but after joining UN Women, with the responsibility of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWA) in Uganda, sexual harassment and Gender Based Violence, she can now fight against as well as sensitize others about the evil. She added that students’ voices matter a lot thus calling upon all universities to stand up and respond positively by having an open to the students say.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Ms. Eleanor Nabwiso applauded GMD for boldly standing against the sex for marks vice by helping the victims.
She commended the students from all universities who participated in the challenge and congratulated the 3 winners upon the big achievement and urged them to continue passing on the message to others and noted that the coaches did a grateful job in polishing of the contestants’ composition. Amidst the chants, the winners were awarded as follows:
Ms. Angel Kene a 3rd year student at Makerere University doing Bachelors of Social Works and Social Administration merged the winner and was awarded the Susan Oregede Award of Excellence, 5 million Uganda shillings.
Timothy Mutebi a 3rd year student at Makerere University pursuing Bachelors of Arts in Music emerged the 2rd runner up and was awarded the Susan Oregede Award of Excellence of 4 million Uganda shillings.
Bint Kasedde a 3rd year student at Makerere University pursuing Bachelors of Education emerged the 3rd winner and was awarded the Susan Oregede Award of Excellence of 3 million Uganda shillings and a certificate of participation.
All the contestants were awarded a certificate of participation.
The Minister of Gender in the 85th cabinet of Makerere University Students Guild Ms. Marion Kirabo enlightened that in their tenure of office as leaders of the University, the Guild President HE Julius Kateregga and his team decided to come up with a solution of having students sensitized about sexual harassment and that’s how they came out with the two4one challenge/ campaign. The campaign was organised by Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and UN Women which has turned into an annual event.
During her performance, singer Spice Diana, reflected back on her days while at university, and revealed that she once faced sexual harassment while at the university but she stood firm and said no to the oppressor and called upon everyone to stand out and kick the vice out of the universities.
“Don’t keep quite when you see or hear sexual harassment. Speak out,” She said.
The event was crowned by entertainment from the B2C who also called for an end of the Gender Based Violence.
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Senior Gender Officer at GMD expressed appreciation to all the students who participated in the competition amidst end of Semester exams. He congratulated the winners and urged others not to give up as more campaigns are still coming up.
Mr. Tumwesigye concluded his remarks by thanking the judges; Mr. Benon Mugumbya, Ms. Elneor Nabwiso and Ms. Naava Grey for accepting to take on the role. He further recognized the Department of Performing Arts Makerere University particularly Dr. Branco Sekalega, Mr. Phillip Luswata and Ms. Juliet Sessanga for the great job they did in training the 15 students and ensuring that they were ready for the grand finale.
The event was hosted by Mr. Obed Obedgiu Kwokuboth Jalmeo a third year student at Makerere University and Ms. Sheila Salta of NBS TV
On 20th January 2025, the blazing afternoon sun was temporarily obscured by cloud cover as a convoy complete with VVIP security detail quietly made its way to the Main Building. As the convoy came to a stop at the Main Building’s Eastern staircase, all eyes were peeled to see who this VVIP was. As she emerged, there was no fanfare whatsoever as she proceeded to pleasantly greet the welcoming party. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, graceful by all standards, had arrived at Makerere University, an institution fondly talked about by her father His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
It was indeed humbling that Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Trustee of the Aga Khan University (AKU) could include Makerere University on her itinerary. She had earlier on the same day paid a courtesy call on the President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Nakasero, and presided over the graduation of 120 students of the Aga Khan University-Kampala.
Princess Zahra who was received by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and the Dean Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze was thankful for the warm reception and Makerere’s unwavering legacy.
“My whole life, my father always told me that Makerere was the best University in Africa,” relayed Princess Zahra, before adding “And my whole life he told me how sad it was that tertiary level degrees had been de-funded and what fragility that bred in these countries.” She went on to explain that her father’s philosophy was that if a country cannot train its upper degrees, it cannot build a free, fair and successful economy.
Princess Zahra nevertheless expressed how glad she was to see that Makerere still remains a beacon of higher education, and that the Main Building that was gutted by fire was reconstructed to perfection. “So to come here and see it looking so amazing and beautiful is really good.”
She confessed that her itinerary, though involving many hops to preside over graduations in Kenya, Tanzania and finally Pakistan, was testimony of how much Aga Khan Institutions had evolved over the past twenty years. Princess Zahra explained that partnerships with Makerere and other universities, especially in the aftermath of events such as CoVID-19, were crucial in helping Aga Khan Institutions to adjust. “An institution can become far stronger and more resilient,” she explained.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Buyinza thanked Princess Zahra for including Makerere on her eventful itinerary. “We are more than a century old and have greatly impacted the development and economy of this country, not on our own, but with the big network of our partners in many respects. Your coming reinforces the resolve that we must work together for the good of humanity.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor equally welcomed members of Princess Zahra’s delegation who included; her daughter Sarah Boyden, Mr. Zakir Mahmood-Chairman Board of Trustees AKU, Mr. Amin Mawji, OBE-Trustee AKDN, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin-President and Vice Chancellor AKU, Dr. Tania Bubela-Provost and Vice President Academic AKU, Zeenat Shahabuddin-Regional CEO for Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa, and Joseph Mwizerwa-Associate Vice Provost AKU-Uganda.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin the President and Vice Chancellor AKU who has been in Kampala for the last twenty years, admitted that the new campus in Nakawa heralds a new era of growth as they commence student activities in June 2025.
“Makerere has been and is a distinguished University in Africa. We look forward to engaging and discussing how best we can come up with programmes that can benefit Uganda and Ugandans” he remarked.
As a rejoinder, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze admitted that AKU’s and Makerere’s academic programmes present a number of potential synergies both in training and research. “Cancer clinical care and research is a big issue for us here; the burden is growing and we need to do more work to be able to characterize exposures and what it is that’s driving it.”
Other areas singled out in the discussion as potential for collaboration included; the environment, climate change and its linkage with health and other issues, and harnessing of the potential Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Makerere University currently partners with the Ministry of Health to roll out EMR systems nationwide, so as to optimize health service delivery in line with the Uganda Vision 2040.
“We have already done quite a number of facilities across the country for HIV, probably more than 1,000, but right now we are moving towards having an integrated electronic system for all care, the interoperability of multiple systems that exist, and being able to scale that up” complemented Prof. Wanyenze.
Prof. Buyinza who brought the lively discussion to a close concurred that a lot of potential areas for collaboration exist between the two partners and reassured Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation of the Makerere’s readiness to undertake joint activities for the good of humanity. He also used the occasion to observe a moment of silence in honour of His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4th February 2025.
Following the signing of the Vice Chancellor’s Visitors Book, Princess Zahra Aga Khan and her delegation proceeded to the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod), where they received a guided tour from Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, the Director.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe on 20th February 2025 officially handed over the Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta at a ceremony presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The handover was witnessed by the University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Chief Human Resources-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Chief Internal Audit-Mr. Patrick Akonyet, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and Chief Legal Affairs-Ms. Nanyondo Sumaiyah Sebuta.
Equally present to witness the ceremony were the Chief Estates and Works- Eng. Okuk Geoffrey, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, Mr. Juma Katongole-Representing Director ICT Support, Ms. Susan Mbabazi-Representing Director Gender Mainstreaming, Ag. Manager of Planning and Development-Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike as well as staff from the Vice Chancellor’s and Deputy Vice Chancellors’ Offices.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in his remarks thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for the effort and support rendered to the University through the DVCFA’s Office and prayed that Makerere could continue tapping into his knowledge.
“As colleagues we have a shared agenda and a common destination as we do the best for Makerere. I thank Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for being a hardworking colleague of great humility, collegiality, and being open-heartedly committed to the principle of trust” remarked Prof. Buyinza, who also expressed belief that God has bigger plans for him as he exits office.
In the same breath, Prof. Buyinza congratulated Prof. Ireeta on his new role, admitting that he has what it takes to carry on from where his predecessor left off. “Thank you for accepting to take on this appointment; it takes a person of great responsibility to accept the huge mandate of this office.”
The Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Mujuni thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for steering the Office of the DVCFA and pledged to correspondingly support his new supervisor, Prof. Ireeta. The University Secretary, Mr. Kiranda equally thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for the guidance, support, and flexibility accorded to his office to fulfil its mandate.
“Although it is difficult for us to sit here and witness this handover, we are comforted to have previously worked with Prof. Ireeta and look forward to the continuity in service that his experience presents” added Mr. Kiranda.
The Chief Internal Audit Officer, Mr. Akonyet in his tribute thanked Prof. Henry Alinaitwe for his guidance as immediate supervisor, which helped shape the internal audit function. Like Mr. Kiranda, Mr. Akonyet thanked Prof. Ireeta for his support as a member of the University Council’s Audit Committee and expressed confidence that his passion for service would greatly benefit the University in his new role.
Presenting his handover report, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reflected on a number of achievements such as: Mobilising resources for the Makerere@100 Celebrations and other activities; establishing the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU); realigning Makerere’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan to the Five-Year NDP-recommended interval; Payment of outstanding In-house Benefits; Harmonization of staff salaries; as well as Recruitment, Promotion and Training of staff.
Prof. Alinaitwe equally highlighted achievements such as: Formulation of the ICT Policy and purchase of related equipment; Developing a Security Masterplan and enhancing surveillance, personnel numbers and equipment; Support to Student Affairs Management and Governance including overseeing the Emerging Leaders Program; Renovation of Student Halls of Residence; Establishment of the Disability Support Centre; Leading the Design Team for the Reconstruction of the Main Building; Improving Competitiveness of the Staff Housing Policy; Improving the University Fleet and Vehicle Access Control; Improving the Budgeting Process through Unit Ledgers and Accounts; among others.
He concluded by thanking the University Council and the Vice Chancellor for entrusting him with the role of DVCFA as well as all the support rendered to his office in the execution of his duties. “Whereas I have read out all these various achievements, they have largely been due to all your respective contributions and I thank you for that.”
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta similarly thanked the University Council and Vice Chancellor for entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing the Office of the DVCFA. He acknowledged that despite the fact that he was taking over from Prof. Alinaitwe on whose behalf he had acted a number of times, he still has big shoes to fill. “However, with my God, all things will work out” he prayed.
The incoming DVCFA requested Prof. Alinaitwe to always accept consultation on matters relating to the office and pledged to be as results-oriented as his predecessors. “Let’s all work together for the good of our University” he concluded.
Following the Handover Ceremony, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on behalf of Members of Management presented a plaque to Prof. Henry Alinaitwe in appreciation of his dedicated service as Ag. DVCFA from 16th November 2021 to 19th February 2025.
In a pivotal meeting held earlier this morning, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, met with project implementation partners from the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) and the Korea National Open University (KNOU) to discuss the upcoming Project for Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University in Uganda (2024-2028). This collaboration, set to launch on February 27, 2025, is poised to revolutionize the university’s distance learning initiatives.
The project, which is generously funded by the Korean Government through KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), will receive a substantial investment of USD 12.2 million. It aims to address critical areas in e-learning at Makerere University, with key components focusing on the development of a comprehensive e-learning master plan, capacity building for staff in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL), equipping two state-of-the-art content development studios, and the development of necessary infrastructure.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This project marks a significant milestone for Makerere University as we strive to enhance our distance learning capabilities. The integration of advanced technology and capacity building will not only improve the quality of education but also ensure greater accessibility for learners across the region. We are grateful for the generous support from the Korean Government and look forward to the successful implementation of the project.”
The delegation from Korea, led by Prof. Chun Se yeoung, also expressed their commitment to the success of the project. Prof. Chun Se yeoung remarked, “We are excited to partner with Makerere University on this transformative project. We believe that by enhancing the distance education environment at Makerere, we will not only benefit the university but contribute to the development of higher education in Uganda and the broader East African region. Our goal is to build a sustainable and scalable model that empowers educators and students alike.”
The project is expected to have a lasting impact, significantly strengthening Makerere University’s capacity to offer high-quality education remotely, thereby increasing access to learning opportunities for students across Uganda and beyond.
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