General
Makerere Inducts the 2nd Cohort of IGE Fellows for Uganda
Makerere University recruited the first Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Cohort 2021 in December 2020 and subsequently launched the program in June, 2021 with six (6) senior public servants nominated from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Planning Authority (NPA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
This first cohort 2021 has undergone a full year capacity building and is slated for graduation and crowning with the title, “IGE fellows” to become IGE change agents and trainers in their different Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“Makerere University IGE in Practice” is a collaborative programme between Makerere University’s Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak) Center and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden fully funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Other participating countries are Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The program is aimed at strengthening Uganda’s capacity for transformation towards an Inclusive Green Economy largely under the United Nations SDG 8 that focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
The program focuses on the use of environmental policy instruments, and specifically economic instruments such as environmental taxes, pollution fees, subsidies or subsidy reduction and other types of fiscal incentives for societal development in line with the Global Agenda 2030.
On 17th March 2022, EfD-Mak center organized a Training of Trainers workshop as the final activity for the pioneer IGE Cohort 2021 and a platform to share lessons learnt and what they have done in National Policy Reviews in the previous year with the new IGE cohort 2022.
The blended workshop held physically and online was graced by IGE program leader from the EfD Global Hub at the University of Gothenburg Sweden Prof. Anders Ekbom and the co-programme leader Emelie César. It was also attended by graduate students from Makerere.
Makerere University IGE Program Policy Engagement Specialist Peter Babyenda said the workshop was the last for the IGE fellows 2021 who had been taken through the IGE principles, policies and what to do to achieve the IGE goals.
Babyenda said the pioneer fellows were trained online due to COVID-19. The program also held a grand workshop at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Uganda where all participating countries joined to present their national environment and natural resources-related policies for review.
“We also did a review of all existing IGE policies in Uganda and today our IGE fellows have been disseminating to us and the new fellows what they have learnt from forestry sector, urbanization, energy and the agricultural sector” he said.
The workshop inaugurating the new cohort 2022 was officially opened by the Principal, College of Business and Management Studies (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali on 17th March 2022 at the EfD-Mak Conference room in the Central Teaching Facility Two at Makerere University.
Dr. Hisali congratulated the IGE Cohort 2021 upon their resilience to work in an environment which combines office work and training, expressing hope that they will put into practice everything they have learnt.
“We are still having a challenge in this country that the concept of Inclusive Green Economy and inclusive green growth generally still has a very limited audience. There are very many people in the private sector and government and elsewhere who have limited knowledge on what this inclusive green economy is”, Dr. Hisali said.
Hisali congratulated and challenged the IGE pioneers to integrate what they learnt into the workplace and implored them to support the university whenever called upon to give guest lectures and undertake joint research.
The Principal hailed the program facilitators for the good work done in capacity building even during the COVID-19 lockdown, and thanked Sida for the continued support to Makerere University programmes.
Dr. Hisali welcomed and congratulated the new IGE Cohort 2022 assuring them that they were in the right place. He highlighted a number of issues that the cohorts should be interested in answering as they embark on the journey.
“Our growth of Uganda’s economy has been largely driven by unsustainable use of natural resources. What interventions then, are we going to put in place as a country to enhance productivity of our resources so that we see growth coming in from increased productivity and less on unsustainable use of natural resources”, Dr. Hisali asked.
The other challenge that IGE fellows ought to take note of according to Dr. Hisali is how to go about the income inequality and high population growth rates accompanied by the fact that many of the people are clustered around the poverty line with about 40-42% living on less than 1.9 dollars a day. These, he said, will intuitively resort to exploitation of natural resources.
Dr. Hisali also observed that Uganda has a number of IGE projects spread across the private and public sectors involving many individuals, but with very limited synergies because they are scattered and isolated.
“The other challenge is that we are focused on pursuing a private sector led growth which in its self is not a problem, but in my own view, has a number of disadvantages .The challenge with respect to Inclusive Green Economy is that many private sector actors may not give enough attention to the issue of sustainable growth. They may be driven in the short term by the profit, motive to maximize the returns on their investment, and the situation is made worse because of the weak regulatory framework.” Hisali decried
Program objectives
Speaking online, the IGE Programme leader from University of Gothenburg, Prof. Anders Ekbom said the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) in Practice is Capacity Development Programme for Senior Civil Servants and Policy makers.
Prof. Ekbom explained that besides strengthening research –policy interface, the IGE program is to strengthen countries’ capacity for transformation to an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) – through increased knowledge and application of economic and environmental policy instruments, organizational change, and strengthened national systems for inclusive and sustainable economic development.
He further said the countries’ capacities are strengthened at three levels namely Individual, organizational and system level.
”At individual level, the objectives include increased understanding of IGE and the application of environmental economic instruments, increased knowledge of organizational changes and expanded international, regional and national networks.
At organisational level, the aim is increased capacity for IGE and application of economic instruments, increased priority on IGE and economic instruments and IGE projects and support for ongoing IGE work and processes.
And at system level, the program objectives include improved cooperation between organizations and sectors in the country and region, strengthened IGE system and transformations towards IGE and application of useful environment economic instruments”, Prof. Ekbom explained.
The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale commended the the centre staff and Makerere University Management for supporting and providing an environment that is conducive for the IGE program to thrive.
Prof. Bbaale welcomed the students, as well as IGE 2021 and 2022 cohorts to the workshop.
”It is an exciting opportunity having the IGE 2021 fellows building capacity of their fellow workers and even for ourselves on what they have done and learnt for the year on Inclusive Green Economy training for senior public servants. This is a great opportunity and moment”, he said.
Bbaale thanked all the stakeholders from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies for considering IGE program as a great opportunity and nominating the senior colleagues to participate in the training program.
The Director thanked the Global hub for organising the program and meeting on the mandate despite the COVID-19 challenges.
Bbaale extended gratitude to the Sida and the EfD Global hub for financing the program and expressed the centre’s commitment to deliver on her mandate.
Participants speak out on the training
Aloo Steven doing Masters of Arts in Economics, Policy and Planning Makerere University said he learnt about how to incorporate issues of environment in development, and how to have a smart city.
” I wish this kind of training continues. I have seen the training is on the higher level and I wish it can be brought to the lower level to bring students to cause a mindset change among the young people on how to keep the environment green”.
Ronald Kagwa, a pioneer IGE fellow from the National Planning Authority (NPA) said, ”This is a very good way to begin a new program. The second lot of IGE fellows have learnt the lessons we picked from the second program, what they need to do and I think they have got a better understanding of the program, is to come up with policies relevant to combating the sustainable development challenges of the country, the need for partnerships and they should come up with policies that address the national objectives.”
Racheal Nabasirye is an IGE Cohort 2022 Fellow and a planner in the Directorate of Policy, Research and Innovation, NPA. She said, ”The IGE workshop was very insightful. I learnt a lot about the environment, how we can make our economy green through the different sectors, agriculture, transport and I think we need to push it to the private sector as one of the major players as well as strengthen our institutions to further this course”.
Robert Chuchu, the Ag.Director Strategy at Kampala Capital City Authority and also an IGE Cohort 2022 Fellow said he found the training very interesting, engaging and worthwhile.
’The IGE programme has a lot to contribute to improve our country and as we bring together experts and building skills and capacities of the different civil servants, policy makers and other players in the development of our city, it is critical as we deliberate on issues that concern the environment and the green economy. Green economy is the future in every aspect because it is crosscutting in all our lives and we must be able to appreciate these principles and how to promote them”.
Jane Anyango, EfD-Mak Centre
Makerere University has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV) by strengthening the capacity of members of the Vice Chancellor’s Roster of 100, a pool of trained staff that supports the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) in investigating sexual harassment cases across the University.
The one-day training, held on 30th June 2026, brought together members of the roster to deepen their understanding of sexual harassment prevention and response, strengthen investigative skills, and share practical experiences from previous investigations. The programme also sought to reinforce implementation of Makerere University‘s Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH) while drawing lessons from institutions with extensive experience in handling gender-based violence.
Opening the training, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, urged members of staff to shift their focus from responding to incidents to preventing them altogether.
“Prevention is far better than waiting for cases to happen and then beginning investigations. Our focus should be on creating an environment where incidents of sexual harassment do not occur in the first place,” he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe observed that as educators and members of staff, university employees are expected to serve as role models both within the institution and in the wider community. He noted that the University’s safeguarding, gender and sexual harassment policies were developed to ensure that every member of the University community studies and works in a safe environment.
He explained that sexual harassment extends beyond physical acts and may be verbal, non-verbal or electronic, including inappropriate messages, photographs, videos and social media communication. He encouraged timely reporting of incidents and emphasized that all complaints should be handled professionally, fairly and confidentially.
“Become champions of prevention within your departments and units. Let us guide our students, colleagues and all those who interact with the University. Our responsibility does not end within the University gates. The values we promote here should also shape our conduct in our homes, workplaces and communities,” he urged.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor reminded participants that every incident of sexual harassment undermines trust and damages the University’s reputation.
“One case of sexual harassment is already one case too many. Every incident affects individuals, damages trust, and undermines our institution. We must therefore do everything possible to prevent such behaviour,” he emphasized.
Earlier, the Chief of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Dr. Euzobia Baine, welcomed participants and stressed that the University’s priority is to prevent sexual harassment before it occurs.
“The most important message today is prevention and response—and I want to emphasize prevention, prevention, prevention. We should not wait for incidents to occur before we act,” she said.
Dr. Baine noted that while the University continues to strengthen its response mechanisms, members of the roster must possess the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately whenever cases arise.
“We want our students to have a positive experience throughout their time at the University, and we also want all members of staff to work in a safe and respectful environment,” she added.
Presenting the objectives of the Vice Chancellor’s Roster of 100, Dr. Lillian Tukahiirwa from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate explained that the training was intended to create a common understanding of sexual harassment prevention and response, enable members to reflect on their roles, learn from previous investigation committees, strengthen implementation of PRASH, and benchmark with institutions such as the Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Participants also received presentations on understanding gender-based violence, the legal and policy framework governing investigations, and practical approaches to handling complaints.
Speaking on the legal framework, the University’s Director of Legal Affairs, Ms. Sumaiyah Nanyondo Sebuta, reminded members of the roster that investigating sexual harassment cases requires professionalism, impartiality and strict confidentiality.
“Every complaint deserves to be handled carefully because the consequences affect both the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator,” she said.
She explained that committee members are guided by international conventions, Uganda’s Constitution, national legislation and Makerere University‘s own policies, all of which seek to protect human dignity, eliminate discrimination and ensure fair treatment during investigations.
Ms. Sumaiyah further emphasized that investigators must avoid conflicts of interest, base their decisions solely on evidence, and protect the identities of complainants, respondents and witnesses throughout the investigation process.
The training also featured presentations by Principal Gender Officer Eric Tumwesigye on understanding gender-based violence and by Senior Superintendent of Police Carolyne Kushemererwa of the Uganda Police Force, who shared lessons from investigating sexual harassment and gender-based violence cases. Participants explored reporting mechanisms, survivor-centred approaches, confidentiality, accountability and strategies for preventing sexual harassment within institutions.
The Vice Chancellor’s Roster of 100 forms a critical component of Makerere University‘s institutional response to sexual harassment. By equipping members with investigative skills, knowledge of legal and policy frameworks, and practical experience, the University continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for students, staff and the wider university community.
By Monica Meeme, Cynthia Ayaa Komakec and Eric Tumwesigye
Makerere University, through its Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Embassy of Sweden, UNESCO O3 Plus have successfully trained 250 Student Peer Trainers (SPTs) to strengthen student-led efforts in promoting gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The three-day capacity-building workshop, held from 5th to 7th May 2026, brought together selected student leaders from across the University and formed part of Makerere University’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and gender responsive learning environment. The training equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills to serve as peer educators, advocates, mentors, and referral points for students requiring support on gender-related issues.
The workshop covered a wide range of thematic areas, including the Makerere University Gender Equality Policy, the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), international, regional and national legal frameworks on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), leadership development, effective communication, and student-led advocacy and action planning.
Facilitators included Susan Mbabazi, Principal Gender Officer; Eric Tumwesigye, Principal Gender Officer; Carol Abilat Gender Officer; Cynthia Ayaa Komakec Gender Officer; Dr. Richard Mwesigwa of UNFPA; Dr. Lilian Tukahira Assistant Administrator; and Judith Kiconco, Gender Officer.
Day One: Building Foundations for Gender Equality and Inclusion
The opening day commenced with welcome and opening remarks delivered by Ms. Susan Mbabazi, Acting Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer; Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Office of the Dean of Students, who represented the Vice Chancellor.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente described the training as more than a workshop, characterising it as a movement designed to empower students to influence attitudes, behaviours, and social norms within their communities. She encouraged participants to challenge harmful practices, support survivors of gender-based violence, and serve as catalysts for positive change both within and beyond the University.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rodney Rugyema emphasised that Makerere University’s mandate extends beyond academic excellence to ensuring the safety, well-being, and holistic development of its students. He urged participants to avoid harmful relationships, prioritise personal safety, and actively contribute to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.
Dr. Rugyema further described Student Peer Trainers as the “eyes and ears” of the University community, underscoring their vital role in raising awareness, identifying emerging challenges, and mobilising collective action to prevent and address gender-based violence.
The first day of the workshop also introduced participants to the principles of gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and the institutional frameworks that guide Makerere University’s efforts to promote inclusion, equity, and student welfare.
Ms. Susan Mbabazi provided a historical overview of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and highlighted the University’s sustained commitment to creating an equitable and supportive academic environment. She also guided participants through the key provisions of the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), emphasising the University’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based violence.
Mr.Eric Tumwesigye facilitated a session on foundational gender concepts, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of gender dynamics, stereotypes, power relations, and the importance of promoting equality and inclusivity within university spaces.
A key highlight of the day was a presentation by Ms. Carol Abilat on the Makerere University Gender Equality Policy. She emphasised that gender equality is fundamentally rooted in fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all members of the University community, including marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.
Ms. Abilat further explained that the policy aligns with national development priorities and international commitments, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. Participants were introduced to critical concepts such as consent, sexual harassment, discrimination, gender blindness, and inclusive approaches to teaching, learning, leadership, and institutional management.
Day Two: Understanding Legal Frameworks and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
The second day focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of legal and policy frameworks that promote gender equality and protect individuals from discrimination, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence.
Facilitating the session on international, regional, and national legal frameworks, Cynthia Ayaa Komakec provided participants with a comprehensive overview of key human rights instruments and gender equality commitments.
At the international level, participants examined frameworks such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Discussions highlighted how these instruments have shaped global efforts to eliminate discrimination and advance the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
The regional discussion focused on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), which provide important protections and promote women’s participation in social, economic, and political development across the continent.
The session also examined Uganda’s national legal and policy framework, including the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995), the Uganda Gender Policy, and relevant provisions of the Penal Code Act.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the implementation gap that often exists between legal protections and actual practice. Participants explored the importance of accountability, institutional commitment, awareness creation, and community engagement in translating legal frameworks into meaningful outcomes.
The day also featured a session on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) facilitated by Dr. Richard Mwesigwa from UNFPA.
Dr. Mwesigwa introduced participants to UNFPA’s mandate and mission before guiding them through key concepts relating to sexual health, reproductive health, rights, and access to services. The session addressed the importance of informed decision-making, consent, healthy relationships, prevention of gender-based violence, and available support mechanisms for students experiencing harassment or abuse.
Participants were also equipped with practical guidance on how Student Peer Trainers can provide information, make referrals, and support fellow students in accessing appropriate services and assistance.
Throughout the day, facilitators emphasised the need to position students as active change agents capable of promoting positive behavioural change within colleges, halls of residence, and wider communities.
Day Three: Partnerships, Leadership and Action Planning
The final day focused on strengthening peer leadership skills and equipping participants with practical tools for developing and implementing student-led initiatives.
Representatives from development partners reaffirmed the importance of youth leadership and collaborative action in addressing gender inequalities and preventing gender-based violence.
Addressing participants, Jessica Pellrud from the Embassy of Sweden emphasised that gender equality remains a critical pillar of sustainable development. She encouraged students to become long-term advocates for social transformation by challenging harmful norms, supporting survivors, and promoting inclusive participation among both women and men.
Eric Tumwesigye reflected on the growth of the Student Peer Trainers programme noting that the initiative has expanded from training 50 students annually to 250 peer educators. The expansion is intended to strengthen outreach and increase access to peer support services across the University.
He encouraged participants to integrate gender awareness into broader discussions on mental health, academic achievement, healthy relationships, and responsible digital engagement.
Facilitating the action-planning session, Dr. Lilian Tukahirwa guided participants through the process of designing practical and achievable interventions for their respective colleges. She emphasised the importance of creativity, flexibility, teamwork, and collaboration with academic staff and College leadership to ensure sustainable impact.
The workshop concluded with participants developing action plans aimed at promoting gender equality, preventing sexual harassment, and strengthening awareness and support mechanisms within their academic units.
Renewed Commitment to Student-Led Change
In his closing remarks, Eric Tumwesigye commended participants for their commitment, discipline, and active engagement throughout the three-day training programme. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of facilitators and development partners, including UNFPA, and the Embassy of Sweden.
He announced that participants would undertake online evaluations and receive support in developing concept papers for college-based initiatives designed to promote gender equality and prevent sexual harassment.
Tumwesigye emphasised that while institutional support remains critical, the long-term success of the programme depends on sustained student leadership, ownership, and commitment.
The workshop concluded with a renewed pledge from the newly trained Student Peer Trainers to champion gender equality, support vulnerable students, and contribute to building a safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive Makerere University community.
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