General
First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni Commends Two-Decade Swedish Support
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by the State Minister for Primary Education Hon. Dr. Joyce M. Kaducu, has this morning Monday 9th May, 2022 officially opened the International Conference commemorating over two decades of research cooperation between Uganda and Sweden.
Present at the opening ceremony were the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Dr. Monica Musenero, the Head Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Uganda, Mr. Ola Hällgren, the Chairperson Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the First Secretary Research Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden, Dr. Gity Behravan. The Session was moderated by the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training and Overall Programme Coordinator for the Sida-Makerere University Cooperation, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.
On behalf of the Government of Uganda, the Minister thanked the Royal Government of Sweden for the unconditional and generous support towards the advancement of research and innovations in Ugandan institutions of higher learning. To-date, there have been four consecutive research agreement periods with a total support of SEK 813M (USD 116M). Initially started with Makerere and a few Swedish Universities, the collaboration has grown over the years to include more than 17 Swedish Universities and four other Ugandan Public universities. These are Kyambogo University, Busitema University, Gulu University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
“Two decades of Swedish support have greatly improved our research culture and through the numerous research projects conducted, the Government of Uganda has been able to formulate well informed policies that will lead to sustainable development,” said Hon. Janet Museveni.
The Minister further reiterated government’s commitment to continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting research and innovation development.
“Government has made significant impact through the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology. The President committed UGX 25 billion to support research and innovations in science-based colleges at Makerere University,” she said, adding that this was supplemented in 2020 with the establishment of the research and innovations fund at Makerere University, with an annual budget support of UGX.30billion.
“The fund illustrates the increasing importance that the government of Uganda attaches to research and innovation as a driver for socio-economic transformation,” she added.
The First Lady noted that whereas this successful research partnership is scheduled to come to an end after 30th June 2022, Ugandan universities lost much of their research and academic calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a structured recovery plan.
“Our prayer is that this great partnership can be renewed for purposes of continuity and sustainability of our joint achievements. This renewal of our Research Cooperation Agreement for another five years would enable the Universities successfully recover from the adverse effects of the pandemic,” the Minister implored.
On behalf of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI), Hon. Dr. Musenero, pledged to ensure that the capacity built by the research collaboration between Swedish and Ugandan universities would be put to good use in line with national development priorities.
“Transformation of research into enterprise remains a core target of my Ministry, and in this regard the government has committed funds to enable researchers to continue doing research. Examples include the research and innovation fund at Makerere and the research and innovation fund at MoSTI.
“Embracing innovation is not only critical to the future of our economy but also key to improving the wellbeing of our society. We have the advantage of building on world leading research already carried out in our universities,” said Hon. Dr. Musenero.
She called upon Makerere and other public universities to review and integrate the innovation and cluster component into academic programmes and partner with business development and research institutions such as Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) to establish a local technology and resource centre. Such initiatives, she noted, would help universities to effectively incubate clusters, nurture product innovation, enhance product quality and stimulate enterprise growth.
On behalf of the Swedish Embassy, Mr. Ola Hällgren noted that in addition to the research and innovation outputs, solid relationships with the capacity to outlive the duration of the programme have been built between Swedish and Ugandan researchers and institutions. “The cooperation has indeed been successful in terms of developing capacity both at institutional and individual levels and has contributed to both university and national policies in different sectors.”
He highlighted some of the figures from the collaboration as; 263 Masters, over 400 PhDs and 85 Post-doctoral staff trained from the five public universities, in addition to 98 small research grants awarded. Furthermore, quality assurance policies and structures for research and graduate training have been established at all collaborating Ugandan universities. Additionally, thematic multidisciplinary networks have also been setup with the aim of attracting new collaborators with new funding.
The Chairperson Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, said the need for Makerere University to play a more deliberate and purposeful role in national development is more prominent than ever before, especially as the institution celebrates 100 years of existence with only 17 years left to the attainment of Vision 2040.
“This fast approaching national milestone requires Makerere to constantly refine her strategies and outputs to meet both current and emerging demands in Education, Agriculture, Industry, Health, Law and Science, among other spheres. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated to us that Uganda has the potential to address a number of its domestic needs and lay strategies to meet the needs of its citizens in the future,” remarked Mrs. Magara.
On behalf of Makerere University, the Chairperson thanked His Excellency the President for his visionary leadership in endorsing the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), which has augmented the capacity built over two decades by the Uganda-Sweden Research Cooperation.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the Royal Government of Sweden for the support that has led to tremendous achievements in capacity development and research outputs with great impact on Makerere University and other communities in Uganda.
“Swedish government support has included PhD training at Makerere and four other public universities, facilitation of supervisors to do research with their counterparts in Sweden, Faculty research funds and independent university-wide research,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe shared that the funding has also supported the improvement of research laboratories in units such as the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security. Support was also extended to the Geographical Information Systems and Cross-cutting Biomedical Laboratory, ICT Infrastructure and Library Services, as well as administrative costs for the programme.
Reiterating the Minister’s request for an additional phase of collaboration, the Vice Chancellor said, “We all know that the support is supposed to be coming to its end but I will not tire to say, I think it is a bit too early and it does no harm to reconsider this decision”.
Speeches from the day
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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