General
Ending GBV: Let Mak be the Example that Uganda Looks Up To
Makerere in partnership with national and global stakeholders hosted a Stocktaking Dialogue on Sexual Harassment and Response at the University on Friday 10th December, 2021. The event marked the last of 16 days of activism against Gender-based Violence held from 25th November to 10th December 2021.
The dialogue, which coincided with International Human Rights Day served as an opportunity to call upon all actors to uphold the rights of all, especially by protecting the rights of women and girls. As such, the event was held under the global theme set by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign: “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”
True to day’s theme participants, majority of who were students, painted the Food Science and Technology Conference Hall orange. Addressing the congregation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe kicked off his remarks by stating, “It is up to us to take the lead and stamp Gender-based Violence especially sexual harassment out of Makerere for good.”
Prof. Nawangwe in a special way thanked UN Women for the support rendered to the University in the struggle to end sexual harassment. He applauded this support as strategic, noting that Makerere’s diverse composition makes it a good launch pad to reach the rest of the country.
“Makerere is a small Uganda in one place; these students come from every village in Uganda. Therefore, if they go back transformed, they can change the situation in our country. So it is very important that we work with our students to actually transform these practices in the country” explained the Vice Chancellor.
He thanked the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) led by Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha for proactively reaching out to staff and students, noting that the campaigns ought to continue until the vice is completely stamped out of Makerere.
Turning to the Student Leadership, the Vice Chancellor noted that Management had worked with previous Guild Cabinets to place posters on all notice boards of the University with the stern warning ‘Sexual harassment is not tolerated’. “I want to urge the Students’ Guild, let us do that programme again. Makerere is Zero-tolerant to Sexual Harassment.”
The Vice Chancellor thanked the Champions against sexual harassment, the majority being male, for taking a stand against the vice. This male-majority, he opined, is an indicator that the institution is on the right course.
“Let Makerere be that example that the whole country looks up to. When we started this campaign, people were saying you are going to make the public think all is not well at Makerere but I am happy we were vindicated when Parliament said, ‘Let everybody emulate Makerere’” added Prof. Nawangwe.
He expressed happiness that the Director GMD, Dr. Baine Mugisha and her team were now taking the campaign against sexual harassment to other institutions such as Gulu University. He therefore vowed to help rally fellow Vice Chancellors to join in stamping out the vice.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by challenging fellow men in the physical and virtual audience to take the stand against the vice. “Are you going to stand up and make sure that together we stamp out sexual harassment and any other form of gender based violence out of Makerere?”
Prior to delivering her remarks, the Acting Country Representative, UN Women Uganda Ms. Adekemi Ndieli picked up the challenge from where Prof. Nawangwe had left off, asking everyone in the room to rise up and solemnly vow to uphold the Makerere University Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment 2018 by repeating after her;
“I …. commit and reaffirm my zero-tolerance to sexual harassment, and I commit to create an environment that respects and protects the rights of all members of the University Community so help me God.”
The gesture, she said, was a way of guaranteeing that whoever took part in the dialogue would leave the room energized and committed to ensuring that they would not be perpetrators of sexual harassment but would instead attack any form of it they witness.
Ms. Ndieli took note of the progress made by Makerere University in establishing and implementing the sexual harassment policy, saying the move would protect against potential abusers of power and conflict of interest.
“We also applaud the increased support and training of students, and strengthening mechanisms of investigation which provide for students and staff to anonymously report sexual misconduct” she complimented.
Turning to men and boys in the room, Ms. Ndieli said, “We want you to be a champion against sexual harassment and abuse. We want you to champion equal rights of women and girls on this campus. We want you to challenge gender stereotypes on this campus.”
She concluded by recommending the following as ways of changing the unacceptable behaviour that exists within our learning, working and living environment.
- Recognize that there is no silver bullet to preventing sexual violence and misconduct. We must examine the iniquities that are drivers of the unacceptable behaviour and challenge and dismantle sexisms.
- Make it clear that preventing sexual misconduct and harassment is not an option. We must all work together to stamp out the vice by ensuring safety, wellbeing and equity for our staff and students.
- Provide timely, compassionate and confidential response services to survivors including witnesses. Provision of mental health support and psychosocial support is equally important.
“I am really happy that the Vice Chancellor is here today, we respect you, we applaud you for leading this process and we know that it is going to work effectively” concluded Ms. Ndieli.
The remarks by the Vice Chancellor and UN Women Country Representative were preceded by a keynote address by the Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Josephine Ahikire and a presentation by the Director GMD.
While Prof. Ahikire emphasized the need to understand and address the underlying drivers of Gender-based Violence, Dr. Baine Mugisha shared the steps taken by Makerere University to address sexual harassment. Steps included the formulation of the Vice Chancellor’s Roster of 100, which investigates reports of sexual harassment and the Two4One campaign, which taps into students’ talents as an agency for addressing the challenge of sexual harassment among others.
As a demonstration of this agency, Happy Sami, a finalist from the 2020 Two4One Concert to End Sexual Harassment put up a musical performance dubbed “No More Sexual Harassment”.
Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
Today 8th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.
The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.
Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.
The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.
Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.
Makerere highlights value of partnership
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.
She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.
Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.
She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.
“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.
Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.
She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.
Human Response programme strengthens partnerships
The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).
Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.
These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.
He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.
The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.
CEES project supports competence based education
The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.
She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.
Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.
The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.
Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers
The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.
The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.
Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.
Take ownership of your future
Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.
On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.
“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.
The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.
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