General
Management Recognises Outgoing Members at Last Meeting of 2021
The University Management on 22nd December 2021 held its last meeting to take stock of the year and paint a picture of what 2022 holds. The special session held at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge was also an opportunity to unwind in the lush green garden setting and recognise Members who had served their terms of office.
Welcoming his guests, the host, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Members of Management and Staff present for honouring the invitation to attend the last meeting. Singling out the aspect of community engagement, the Vice Chancellor thanked all heads of Academic and Administrative units for taking the University to the community through impactful programmes.
“The Infectious Diseases Institute alone supports approximately 30% of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Uganda through various programmes” added the Vice Chancellor.
Turning to partnerships, the Vice Chancellor applauded the staff, noting that this was one of the main avenues through which the University’s research output was being fostered.
“I have signed more than 100 partnership agreements since July this year and we have more than 2,000 MoUs with Universities from all over the world, with ranking agencies placing our staff at the top globally in terms of co-publishing with staff in other universities” added the Vice Chancellor to applause from the audience.
He thanked all staff for ensuring a harmonious work environment at all levels, which had enabled them to be more productive. At the end of his remarks, the Vice Chancellor requested all present to observe a moment of silence in recognition of all colleagues who had passed on during the year.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Dr. Umar Kakumba acknowledged that although 2021 had been a tough year, especially due to COVID-19, it was right and fitting to give thanks to the Almighty God who had seen us through various challenges.
He nevertheless acknowledged that a lot had been achieved in terms of productivity. “COVID-19 pushed us to explore our full potential and our staff have have been at the forefront of various scientific committees in the Government’s fight against COVID-19” he said.
Furthermore, the DVCAA informed the meeting that the University Council had successfully passed 79 academic programmes, with approximately 20% being new Masters while the rest had undergone review. “I wish to assure members that these are quality programmes with a lot of value addition from our partners.”
He added that the ability of the University to sustain operations despite disruptions caused by COVID-19 had resulted in continued confidence in our academic system. In this regard, he thanked Members of the University Senate for acting fast to make adjustments that enabled students to do internship using innovative ways, as well as coming up with alternative modes of assessment.
In his remarks, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reminded the audience that COVID-19 is still with us and urged members to remain cautious and lead by example by always wearing their masks.
He encouraged Members of Management to stay abreast of all procedures as outlined in the Organisational Manual so as to ensure efficiency in the operating environment. Furthermore, he urged staff to be more frugal with resources in light of budget cuts by the Government to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
On the infrastructure front, Prof. Alinaitwe noted that although a lot of the establishments were very old, projects such as the construction of the School of Law Building and the reconstruction of Main Building were underway and in the final preparatory stages respectively.
“I thank the Vice Chancellor for spearheading the mobilisation of funds for reconstruction of the Main Building and urge members of the Makerere University community to be patient with the disruptions that the works may cause” added Prof. Alinaitwe.
Other remarks of the day came from the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda who paid tribute to all the unsung heroes whose hard work guarantees that payment of salaries and other obligations are executed timely. He expressed hope that coming online of more systems such as electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS) would help reduce the paper trail and improve efficiency.
The Director Makerere University Jinja Campus (MUJC), Prof. J.B. Nyakaana thanked the University Management and Staff for all the support accorded to the Centre but called for more inputs to make MUJC even more vibrant. The Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi thanked the University Council and Management for continuing to build an enabling environment for research to thrive.
Prof. Buyinza noted that as the University continues to march towards its ten-year strategic direction of being more research led, there was need to renew commitment to hit the 5,000 Graduate Students by 2025 target. “Partners in the Global North and Global South are looking to Makerere University for mentorship.”
The following leaders were recognised for their service to Makerere University;
- Prof. William Bazeyo, Chairperson, Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee
- Dr. Josephine Nabukenya, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)
- Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Director, Quality Assurance
- Prof. Joseph Y.T. Mugisha, Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
- Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
- Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
- Prof. Tonny Oyana, Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)
- Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
- Dr. Fredrick Jones Muyodi, Deputy Principal, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
- Dr. Samuel Majalija, Deputy Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
- Dr. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Deputy Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES)
- Dr. Gorettie Nsubuga Nabanoga, Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
- Dr. Agnes Semwanga Rwashana, Deputy Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Bazeyo who retires from Makerere University service at the end of December 2021 thanked the University Council for appointing him and the Vice Chancellor for the invitation to bid farewell to a team he worked with.
“I started work on 22nd August 1993 and I wish to assure you that the best employer is Makerere University and I can see Makerere becoming a much better employer in the years to come” he reassured.
Prof. Bazeyo who was in November 2021 appointed Chairperson of the Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) and Innovation Council reiterated his commitment to continue working with Makerere to improve employability of Ugandan graduates.
“We have been appointed to skill graduates from all over the country and the President has given us a target of creating 20,000 jobs within the first 18 months” he explained.
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, 30th 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.
Staff and students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) were encouraged to embrace gender-responsive practices as a key step towards building an inclusive, equitable, and productive academic environment.
The call was made during a gender sensitization workshop held on October 28th, 2026, organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, which brought together members of the CoVAB community to deepen their understanding of gender issues and their relevance in higher education institutions.
Principal Calls for Active Participation
A section of the participants that included academic and administrative staff listen attentively
Welcoming participants to the workshop, CoVAB Principal Prof. Clovice Kankya thanked the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming for choosing the College to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take advantage of such learning opportunities.
He described the meeting as one of his first major engagements with members of the College community since assuming office and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and participation in institutional programs.
“Opportunities such as these should not be taken for granted. When experts come to share knowledge and experiences, it is important that we make time to attend, listen, and learn,” he said.
Prof. Kankya noted that he was one of the staff training gender in the past and noted that to date, there were many gender experts who together work towards ensuring the student community gains the needed knowledge and skills to mainstream gender concerns in the college activities.
Gender Concerns Everyone
Some energizers to keep the participants fully engaged
Addressing common misconceptions about gender-related discussions, the Principal emphasized that gender is not exclusively a women’s issue but one that concerns all members of society.
“Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles, responsibilities, and relationships that shape our lives and workplaces. Understanding these issues helps us create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone,” he explained.
Drawing from his academic experience, Prof. Kankya noted that gender considerations cut across disciplines and sectors and remain an important component of sustainable development efforts worldwide. He urged participants to appreciate the role of gender mainstreaming in fostering equal opportunities, promoting respectful working relationships, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) recently hosted a gender sensitization session aimed at increasing awareness of Makerere University’s gender policies and gathering stakeholder feedback to support their effective implementation.
Organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, the engagement brought together staff and students to discuss gender equality, prevention of sexual harassment, gender-responsive planning and budgeting, and the role of university stakeholders in fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Principal Welcomes Gender Mainstreaming Directorate
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Principal CoVAB – made welcome remarks, acknowledging the importance of gender in all areas
The session was officiated by the new CoVAB Principal, who thanked the Directorate for selecting CoVAB to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take full advantage of opportunities that contribute to professional and personal growth. While challenging the common misconception that gender discussions are solely women’s affairs, he emphasized the importance of participation in university activities, noting that such engagements provide valuable opportunities to learn, share experiences, and contribute to institutional development. “Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles and responsibilities that shape our interactions and work environments. Understanding these issues is important for all of us.”, he stated.
Disseminating University Gender Policies
R-L: The Director of the Gender mainstreaming Directorate at Makerere University Dr. Euzobia Baine, and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye facilitated the session.
Facilitators from the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming led by Dr. Euzobia Baine explained the purpose and scope of Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment. Dr. Baine said the sensitization session aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the University’s gender policies and to obtain feedback from stakeholders to guide their implementation and continuous improvement.
Participants were informed that the policies apply to students, academic staff, administrative staff, and all other individuals who study, work, or undertake activities within university spaces. The Directorate also highlighted its mandate to coordinate policy implementation and provide technical support to colleges, schools, departments, and administrative units across the University.
Promoting Gender Equality across University Functions
The meeting highlighted the broad scope of the Gender Equality Policy, which seeks to integrate gender considerations into teaching, learning, research, outreach, partnerships, and institutional management.
Participants learned that the policy promotes the integration of gender perspectives into curricula and research activities, equitable access, participation, retention, and progression for students and staff, increased participation of women and other underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and leadership positions, Gender-responsive community engagement and university partnerships and a university culture founded on respect, inclusion, equity, and equal opportunity. The facilitators emphasized that gender mainstreaming is not a stand-alone activity but a responsibility that should be incorporated into all university programs and operations.
Addressing Sexual Harassment in University Spaces
A key component of the sensitization focused on the University’s Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment. Participants were informed that the policy was developed in response to evidence showing that sexual harassment was affecting members of the university community and that stronger preventive and response mechanisms were needed.
It was explained that the policy provides guidance on prevention, reporting, investigation, and management of sexual harassment cases while promoting safe and respectful learning and working environments for all and that the was commited to supporting colleges and administrative units in implementing the policy and creating awareness among staff and students.
Gender and Equity in Planning and Budgeting
The session also highlighted the growing importance of gender and equity considerations in institutional planning and resource allocation. Participants were informed that the Public Finance Management Act requires public institutions to mainstream gender and equity concerns in their plans and budgets. They also learned that the Equal Opportunities Commission assesses institutional performance in implementing gender and equity commitments. The discussion prompted reflection on how colleges can strengthen compliance with these requirements and address existing gaps in implementing gender-responsive activities.
Fostering an Inclusive University Community
The sensitization session provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback on the implementation of the University’s policies. Participants welcomed the engagement, noting that it enhanced their understanding of gender issues and underscored their role in promoting a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for both staff and students.
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