General
Intentionality Key to Nurturing More Women Leaders
Published
4 years agoon

The Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), Makerere University on 14th September 2021 presented findings from phase one of the study on Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and Decision-Making Organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research. The study team led by the Director GMD and Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine also consists of Assoc. Prof. Consolata Kabonesa, Dr. Anna Ninsiima, Ms. Frances Nyachwo, Ms. Susan Mbabazi and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye.
The team is also made of coordinators from participating Universities such as Busitema University-Ms. Elizabeth Birabwa, Kabale University-Sr. Dr. Eva Tumusiime, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)-Dr. Specioza Twinamasiko, Muni University-Ms. Amandru Stella Wawa, and Gulu Univeristy-Sr. Rosalba Aciro.
Funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the study was inspired by the fact that women are persistently few in numbers as staff, more so in leadership and decision-making organs of Ugandan Public Universities. “This is despite all the various efforts at national and international levels; the numbers are not growing as fast as needed to meet development goals of the country” explained Dr. Euzobia.
Based on this background, the study team therefore sought to conduct a situational analysis of the gender terrain of the six public universities to obtain baseline information encompassing the composition of governance and leadership organs and senior staff by sex, as well as a needs assessment and profiles of potential mentors and mentees.
Furthermore, the team sought to explore the capacity to conduct gender-responsive research as well as the role of male staff engagement in gender equity interventions within the universities as the drivers of development.
Dr. Mugisha-Baine shared that results of the baseline would then be used to design participatory training manuals or guides on gender and leadership. The manuals would cover; Institutionalized mentorship, How to conduct gender-responsive research, gender and equity budgeting, among others.

“Within these manuals, we shall have a male staff engagement strategy in gender equity interventions in universities” she explained.
The development of the aforementioned materials would then be followed by their adoption and use to build capacity for women not only in leadership of participating and other public university but also beyond. “We shall periodically evaluate whether the capacity we have built has influenced women’s participation in leadership and decision-making organs of the university” supplemented the PI.
The capacity building trainings for women, it is envisaged, will lay the foundation for the formation of a functional Uganda University Women’s Think Tank, starting with the six participating universities. Dr. Mugisha Baine added that through this Think Tank, a monitoring and tracking system for gender representation in recruitment, promotion, retention/turnover and leadership of public universities shall be established and maintained.
At the conclusion of phase one, the study team had drafted participatory training manuals in gender and leadership with content on; gender specific critical analysis of the leadership spectrum of public universities, positioning of individual women within the institutional framework and strategies for their advancement, gender equity advocacy in the university setting, institutional mentorship, building capacity in conducting gender-responsive research, among others.
“This content will be validated by the participating universities before the actual research training is conducted” added the PI.
On behalf of the research team, Dr. Mugisha Baine thanked the Government of Uganda for providing the resources that facilitated phase one of the study and prayed that the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC) would support the next phase of capacity building.
Speaking on behalf of the Mak-RIF GMC Chairperson, Prof. William Bazeyo, Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala thanked and congratulated the team led by the Director GMD upon the milestones registered in the critical research.
“We are very proud of that work that is being done by all researchers in Mak-RIF and we would like to most sincerely thank Management for all the support throughout this process” she remarked.
Dr. Nkabala encouraged the research team to continue disseminating and using the findings for the furtherance of gender mainstreaming, particularly through the aspect of male staff engagement in gender equity interventions.

Prior to delivering the keynote address of the day, the Executive Director National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Prof. Mary Okwakol thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for inviting her to the important forum, noting that women’s participation in decision making and governance is a priority area of the Uganda Gender Policy 2007.
She commended Makerere University for being at the forefront of gender mainstreaming in Uganda, noting that this prominence was one of the reasons why the Gender in Education Policy 2007 provides for replicating the institution’s strategy in all other Higher Education Institutions.
Prof. Okwakol whose keynote address was punctuated incisive personal examples reaffirmed the statistics that women are generally not visible in leadership of Universities. That notwithstanding, in instances where they rise to leadership and decision-making positions, they are regularly subject to roles traditionally deemed as women’s inconsiderate of their managerial seniority and experience.
She nevertheless rallied the women to play their respective roles in enhancing participation and visibility at a personal level. The following were some of the strategies she proposed; work hard to acquire academic credentials so as to compete favourably with men, acquire necessary administrative training and experience, network among women, join professional networks as well as do research and publish.
On joining professional networks, she shared her personal experience as a young zoologist who joined UNESCO’s Tropical Biology and Fertility Programme. “Within a short time I was appointed Coordinator for Africa and after two years, I was elected as a Member of the International Board of Management. After serving for two years, I became Vice Chairperson of that Board and finally I became Chairperson of that International Board.”
At the institutional level, Prof. Okwakol appealed to the Chairperson Council and Vice Chancellor to proactively recruit women who meet the requirements for leadership positions even if it means actively seeking out the reluctant ones. In this regard, she shared that it would be useful for the university to develop a database of women and their qualifications to ease this process.
She shared that NCHE has in recognition of female underrepresentation at every level in Higher Education approved the establishment of a Gender and Equity Unit with the aim of promoting inclusive gender participation in the sub-sector.
“This unit has been placed under the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Accreditation which implies that as we look out for and regulate quality, gender will be a very important aspect of that regulation” she reassured.
Prof. Okwakol concluded by urging participants to read the; Third National Development Plan (NDPIII), Uganda Vision 2040, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) noting that there is no way all three can be achieved while women are left behind because they each make a case for inclusion of the female gender.

“What we are addressing here are historical injustices” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as he commenced his remarks, “And in the case of Makerere University, it is well known that the institution started as a male-only institution and we all know the original motto was ‘Let us be men’” he added.
Citing examples from history such as; Marie Curie – one of the smartest physicists, Hatshepsut, Nefertiti and Cleopatra – prominent Pharaohs of Egypt, George Eliot, Rosa Luxemburg and Hypatia – all great philosophers as well as Chancellor Angela Merkel – first female Chancellor of Germany, the Vice Chancellor said there is no plausible argument that there are things women cannot do as well as their male counterparts.
He said it was against this knowledge and in a bid to correct historical injustices that Makerere University pioneered initiatives such as putting in place affirmative action for girls, establishing a Gender Mainstreaming Directorate as well as a School of Women and Gender Studies. The Vice Chancellor nevertheless stressed the need to go beyond pioneering to protecting these gains through legislation. “Historically we have seen that discrimination can only be addressed by laws and policies.”
Prof. Nawangwe thanked the Government for providing funds to support Mak-RIF as well as the Funds GMC and Secretariat for ensuring that these funds are put to good use. He equally thanked the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara for her not only her support but also sparing time to attend a good number of the research dissemination events.

Delivering the concluding remarks, Mrs. Magara acknowledged that the study was timely and relevant the contemporary University, as one of the critical drivers of the national and international development agenda. She therefore reechoed the Vice Chancellor’s thanks to the Government of Uganda for generously supporting the University’s research through Mak-RIF.
Turning to the keynote speaker she said, “I thank Prof. Okwakol for ardently discussing the critical issues affecting the female gender, the strategies to overcome the challenges, including sharing her inspiring personal experiences.”
Mrs. Magara equally thanked Prof. Okwakol for her very instructional analysis, providing mentorship guidance with the resultant impact of enhancing the female gender in decision-making positions. In the same breath she congratulated the PI and her team upon successfully concluding phase one of the project.
“Phase one has generated insights in understanding the status of women in leadership in public universities, the legal and policy framework and its implications on women’s visibility, the institutional mentoring systems and the gaps therein” she observed.
The Chairperson of Council acknowledged that the challenge of underrepresentation of women in leadership roles cannot be resolved at an individual level. She therefore advocated for broad based strategies that can address deep-seated structural and cultural biases facing women. “These include developing mentorship networks, enacting laws and policies that address the imbalances and providing training programmes to address the leadership gaps.”
She therefore pledged the University Council’s unwavering support to the Gender Mainstreaming Programme by ensuring an enabling policy environment that facilitates gender-responsive teaching, learning, research innovation and community service.
The research dissemination was moderated by the Principal Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ms. Ritah Namisango and the Director Communications, Learning and Knowledge Management, ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) and PRO Mak-RIF, Ms. Harriet Adong.
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General
Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony
Published
2 days agoon
January 28, 2026By
Mak Editor
Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th – 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.
I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.
I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.
Important to Note:
In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:
- Pre-graduation clearances
Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating. - Securing the graduation gowns
Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown. - Security requirements
- Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
- Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
- Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
- Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
- Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
- For help and inquiries
- Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.
General
Re-Advert for the Position of the Second Deputy Vice Chancellor
Published
3 days agoon
January 27, 2026By
Mak Editor
Makerere University is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262. The University is seeking applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor holds a pivotal role in financial governance, institutional planning, and administrative leadership.
1. POSITION: SECOND DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR
2. SALARY SCALE: PU2
3: DUTY STATION: MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
4. ROLE
The Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor will report to the Vice–Chancellor and shall:
- Assist the Vice Chancellor in performance of his or her functions and in that regard shall oversee the finances and administration of the University;
- Be responsible for the Planning and Development of the University and,
- Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.
5. PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To provide strategic leadership and ensure efficient and sound financial, human and fiscal resources management in the University.
6. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide leadership in Strategic planning and governance, leadership and administrative experience, Human resource and performance Management, Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
- Provide leadership in preparation and implementation of the University’s recurrent and capital budgets.
- Monitor the development and implementation of the University’s accounting procedures, manuals and other documents relating to financial control and Management as per approved financial regulations.
- Oversee income and expenditure of all income generating units of the University.
- Coordinate the production of the University-wide Financial Reports by Colleges and Units.
- Management of human resources in the University.
- Oversee the management of University Estates and Assets.
7. CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION
- Hold a PhD or any other academic doctorate.
- Be at the rank of associate or full professor level in an institution whose academic ranking is comparable with that of Makerere University as accepted by Senate.
- Be a Ugandan citizen within the age bracket of 40 to 65 years at the time of application.
7.1 Academic Qualifications
- Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate should be acceptable by Senate.
- At least five years of financial or administrative leadership experience at the level of school dean/director or higher in a higher education institution, public service, or corporate institutions.
- Supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) to completion. At least three of the students must be at the PhD level.
7.2 Strategic Planning and Governance
- Experience in leading large administrative teams at the level of dean or higher, demonstrating efficiency and productivity.
- Proven record in developing and executing strategic plans, aligning financial and administrative objectives with institutional goals.
- Evidence of developing and implementing financial policies that have improved financial efficiency, transparency, and risk management.
- Evidence of implementing organisational restructuring or process improvements to ensure operational efficiency.
- Ability to develop and implement institutional policies, ensuring compliance with national higher education and financial regulations.
7.3 Leadership & Administrative Experience
- Minimum 5 years of senior academic leadership in a recognized institution comparable with that of Makerere University, as accepted by Senate.
- Demonstrated experience in managing budgets exceeding UGX 500,000,000=, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
- Proven ability to mobilize resources, secure grants, and attract external funding to support institutional growth.
- Experience in conducting financial forecasting, cost control measures, and investment strategies to optimize institutional resources.
- Track record of leading financial audits and compliance assessments in alignment with national and international financial regulations.
- Experience in handling procurement, asset management, and infrastructure development, ensuring transparency and value for money.
7.4 Human Resource and Performance Management
- Track record of leading workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development strategies, ensuring a high-performance institutional culture.
- Experience in implementing performance-based appraisal systems, leading to improved staff efficiency and accountability.
- Proven ability to foster industrial harmony, resolving labour disputes and improving employer-employee relations.
7.5 Infrastructure Development and Resource Optimization
- Experience in overseeing capital development projects, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.
- Track record of overseeing the maintenance and expansion of university facilities, enhancing institutional infrastructure.
- Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts for outsourced services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards.
7.6 Digital Transformation and ICT Integration
- Experience in integrating ICT solutions in financial and administrative operations, improving service delivery and efficiency.
- Evidence steering the automation of financial, procurement, and HR systems, reducing paperwork and improving real-time decision making.
- Proven ability to implement cybersecurity measures that safeguard institutional financial and administrative data.
7.7 Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Demonstrated experience in building partnerships with government agencies, donors, private sector investors, and international organizations to enhance institutional funding.
- Proven ability to engage faculty, students, and staff in financial decision-making, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
- Experience in negotiating contracts, partnerships, and collaborations that have led to financial and administrative growth.
7.8 Personal Attributes
- High level of integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership, with a record of financial prudence.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, backed by evidence of successfully managing complex financial and administrative challenges.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.
- A visionary leader with the ability to drive financial sustainability. administrative efficiency, and institutional growth.
8. REMUNERATION
An attractive remuneration package that is in accordance with Makerere University terms and conditions of service.
9. TENURE
The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term.
10. METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested applicants are invited to submit their application letters. The following documents shall comprise a complete application:
- A signed letter of application;
- A vision statement;
- Curriculum Vitae with contact details signed and dated by the applicant;
- Copies of required minimum number of publications;
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;
- Three (3) letters of recommendation;
- Copies of letters of appointment to leadership positions at the level of Dean of a School in a national accredited university or other academic institution;
- A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or passport;
- A copy of the last clearance from the Inspector General of Government or other equivalent national body;
- Referees should be advised to send confidential reference letters, addressed to the Chairperson Search Committee for the Position of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor and delivered directly to the address below by 5:00 pm on Friday 13th February, 2026;
- The references should cover the following areas: the applicant’s academic credential, experience, leadership, managerial and administrative skills and personal integrity.
Both Hardcopy and Electronic (Email) applications shall be accepted.
- Hardcopy applications: Both confidential letters and sealed applications marked “CONFIDENTIAL: POSITION OF SECOND DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR” should be addressed to:
SECRETARY SEARCH COMMITTEE
THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
6TH Floor, ROOM 602, SENATE BUILDING
P.O.BOX 7062, KAMPALA, UGANDA
- Electronic media (e-mail) applications should have all the above documents scanned and emailed to search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug by 5.00 pm East African Standard Time on Friday 13th February, 2026.
Please note that:
- Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.
- Applicants who responded to the advertisements published on 31st December 2025 (The New Vision) and 2nd January 2026 (The Daily Monitor) do not need to re-apply.
For more Information and inquiries:
Visit our website https://mak.ac.ug/search-for-dvcs OR email us on search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug OR Call Telephone number: +256-414-532634 during working hours (between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday).
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
General
Press Statement: Makerere University Congratulates Former Staff and Students on Successful Election to Public Office
Published
3 days agoon
January 27, 2026By
Mak Editor
Makerere University warmly congratulates its former staff and students who emerged victorious in the 2026 national elections. Their success is a source of immense pride to the University and a strong affirmation of Makerere’s efforts to not only nurture academic excellence but also free expression and leadership. It is evidence of Makerere’s enduring impact and contribution to leadership, public service, and national development.
We are particularly pleased to recognize the following distinguished members of the Makerere University community who emerged victorious:
- Dr. Kiyonga Crispus Walter, Chancellor of Makerere University, on his election as MP for Bukonzo West.
- Rt. Hon. Tayebwa Thomas, former Chair, Finance, Planning, Administration, and Investment Committee of the University Council, on his re-election unopposed as MP for Ruhinda North and approval by the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) as Deputy Speaker 12th Parliament.
- Mr. Kabaasa Bruce Balaba, Chair, Finance, Planning, Administration, and Investment Committee of the University Council, on his election as MP for Rubanda County West.
- Hon. Nobert Mao, former Guild President, on his re-election as MP for Laroo-Pece.
- Mr. Alionzi Lawrence, former Guild President of Makerere University, on his election as Lord Mayor of Arua City.
- Mr. Maseruka Robert, former Guild President of Makerere University, on his election as MP for Mukono South.
- Mr. Gyaviira Lubowa Ssebina, former Deputy Bursar of Makerere University, on his election as MP for Nyendo–Mukungwe.
- Prof. Lubega George Willy, former Staff at College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), on his election as MP for Bugangaizi South.
- Prof. Ahebwa Wilber Manyisa, former Staff at College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), on his election as MP for Nakaseke North.
- Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki, former Staff at College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), on her election as Woman MP for Masindi District.
- Dr. Kasigwa Gerald, former Staff at College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), on his election as MP for Kigorobya County.
- Hon. Adeke Anna Ebaju, former Guild President, on her re-election as Woman MP for Soroti District.
- Hon. Onekalit Denis Amere, former Guild President, on his re-election as MP for Kitgum Municipality.
- Hon. Karuhanga Gerald, former Guild President, on his re-election as MP for Ntungamo Municipality.
- Hon. Aber Lillian, former Vice Guild President, on her re-election as Woman MP for Kitgum District.
- Hon. Nyamutoro Phiona, former Vice Guild President, on her election as Woman MPfor Nebbi District.
- Dr. Lakisa Mercy Faith, former Vice Guild President, on her election as Woman MP for Alebtong District.
- Ms. Lenia Charity Kevin, former Vice Guild President MUBS, on her election as MP for Vurra County.
- Dr. Nambassa Shamim, former Guild President, on her election as LC V Woman Councilor for Kawempe South.
- Dr. Nalukwago Judith, former Vice Guild President, on her election as LC V Woman Councilor for Makindye West.
- Ms. Nattabi Margaret, former Vice Guild President, on her election as Female Youth Councilor for Mukono Municipality.
- Mr. Kizito Abasi, former Guild Minister, on his election as LC V Chairman for Lwengo District.
- Ms. Ssonko H. Namuganga, former Guild Minister, on her election as Female Youth Councilor for Kalungu District.
Makerere values dialogue, democracy, and responsible citizenship, and continues to make deliberate and progressive efforts to enhance participation in leadership and governance. We are confident they will serve with dedication, wisdom, and integrity.
We Build for the Future.
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