General
Mak GMD Honours Ms. Frances Nyachwo’s Distinguished Service
“Good management is when you start something and give space to others to run it, and then see it operating further than you left it. I believe that it is not good to start something, see it succeed and then wish yourself to be the only one running it, because as you retire, what you started perishes,” remarked Ms Frances Nyachwo, Outgoing Deputy Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate.
In line with that philosophy, Ms. Frances Nyachwo shared a testimony with the audience. She said: “When I realized that I was remaining with four years to retire, I thought of leaving the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) functioning more than it was when I was in office. I did all it took to see that the Directorate gets a Director before I retire. I thank God, today as I am retiring, I can say that all that we have worked for all those years with the other staff of the Directorate will multiply even more.That is what good management is all about. It is just like running in a relay format, you let others take it further than you can.”
Ms. Nyachwo made the revelation during a dinner organized by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) in honour of her distinguished service. She was accompanied by her daughter and two sons as well as other close family members. This being a very special moment, the former Head of the Gender Mainstreaming Division, Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo also attended the colourful occasion. The farewell dinner was held on 4th May 2022 at Makerere University Guest House.
Ms Nyachwo joined the Directorate on 6th October 2003 as a Senior Assistant Registrar. At that time, the Directorate was still a Division under the Department of Academic Registrar. She has therefore seen it evolve from a Division into an independent Directorate. Listening to her remarks, it has been a journey of hard work by a number of women and men who were committed to the cause of gender mainstreaming.
Reflecting on the 18 years and 9 months she spent while serving Makerere University, Ms. Nyachwo confessed that the time she spent at the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate granted her a deep experience that impacted her as well as her family positively.
‘’Because of Makerere University, the livelihood of my family was assured. Through the opportunities they granted me, I was able to pay fees for my relatives and other people. I am very grateful to Makerere and the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate for offering me such a good job. I am indeed grateful.”
Ms. Nyachwo also reminisced the cordial working relationship with members of staff. She applauded them for making her working experience remarkable and successful.
“Looking back on my years at the Directorate, I have no regrets, only learning experiences that made me a better person. I was mentored by both my seniors and juniors and a number of you have added a brick to me, I have been lucky enough to have what I call the best job.I am glad that I am retiring with great memories,” she said.
Ms. Nyachwo was delighted that the Directorate had not shut its doors on her, but rather accorded her an open invitation to always drop by. She expressed readiness to continue working with the Directorate when consulted. “I am not saying farewell; I am just glad I have been given an open invitation to always pass by. I will welcome all opportunities that you will offer,” she remarked.
She advised her children to keep in touch and continue respecting the members of staff who in addition to being colleagues, have been very kind and supportive during her service to Makerere University.
“To you my children, when you meet these people whom I have spent 18 years and 9 months with, please don’t just bypass them, rather introduce yourself and say hello to them. Besides most of you have grown up seeing these faces each time you came to my office. In this world, no one knows tomorrow, an opportunity may come from them or their children and vice versa,” Ms. Nyachwo guided.
Another strong pillar in the life journey of the Gender Mainstreaming function, Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo commended the Directorate for recognizing the valuable contribution of staff. She requested the team at the Directorate to organize such special events for every member of staff who retires. Ms. Nyakoojo who served as Head of Unit when the Directorate was still at the level of a Division informed the audience that she has been in touch with Ms. Nyachwo and other University staff even after retirement. She also thanked the team at the Directorate for always leaving the door open for her.
Ms. Nyakoojo applauded Ms. Frances Nyachwo for being a strong and determined lady who stood out with resilience in her work ethics. “She risked her life for others, and condemned what was wrong until it was put right, thank you Frances.”
On behalf of the Directorate and the entire team that has been working with Ms. Frances Nyachwo, the Director, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine described her as a woman of valor and integrity. She saluted Ms. Nyachwo for being intelligent, hardworking and passionate about her work with ability and capability to maintain relationships with co-workers. She pointed out that Ms. Nyachwo was a skillful person in teamwork and team building.
“Frances Nyachwo participated in nurturing of the Directorate. We thank you for the commitment and tireless efforts. The dedicated service that you rendered to the Directorate and the University at large,” she said.
To demonstrate their gratitude, the Directorate presented a Galaxy A52s 5G phone to Ms. Frances Nyachwo.
The Senior Gender Officer at the Directorate, Mr. Eric Tumwesigye noted that Ms. Frances Nyachwo trained, groomed and brought many people on board and also encouraged them to take on higher positions.
“On behalf of my colleagues at the Directorate, we wish to thank you for the energy, zeal and intelligence you exhibited when working with us. We really learnt a lot while working with you,” he mentioned.
Mr. Tumwesigye exalted Ms. Nyachwo for being resilient. “It is because of your resilience and determination that enabled you to stand out. There are things we do that put our personal lives at risk yet it is for the benefit of the majority. Ms. Frances Nyachwo, you endured various turbulence and here we are benefitting from your toil, thanks for all your endeavors, we shall forever remember your positive contribution to the Directorate,” he stated.
Filled with joy, Mr. Tumwesigye pointed out that Ms. Nyachwo was the first person who extended an invitation to him for an opportunity to work with the Directorate, which was then a Division under the Department of the Academic Registrar.
“It is interesting when elders provide young ones with shoulders and not thorns. Frances, you put your shoulders out for a young man. I have now served in the Directorate for close to 17 years and my life will never be the same. For the person I have become, it is all because of people like you. Thanks for believing in me, I am extremely grateful. It is my prayer that one day, I sit in that chair and someone also says thank you to me,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Dahlia Onyango Nyapendi, noted that her Mum is a real copy of the virtuous woman that the Bible talks about in the book of Proverbs and noted that despite her busy schedule, she always spared time for her family and talked to them through guidance and counselling.
She also disclosed that her mother has always been her role model. “I grew up looking at my mother as my model. I have learnt most of the things that I do from her. I am assertive and courageous. I am proud of that,” she said.
Story by: Mak Gender Mainstreaming Directorate
On the evening of Friday, 13th February 2026, the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation embraced the new semester with enthusiasm and celebration, showcasing their rich cultural diversity at the annual cultural dinner. This event not only fostered a sense of community but also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and understanding among the scholars. The purpose of the cultural dinner is to foster unity in diversity within the Scholars community and to enable young people to appreciate and respect each other’s cultural differences.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University is a vibrant tapestry of countries, cultures, and backgrounds. In recognition of this richness, the Program team has proposed organising an annual cultural dinner to kick off each new semester. This event aims to achieve several important objectives:
- Promote mutual understanding and cross-cultural appreciation among Scholars.
- Celebrate and highlight the unique cultural identities within our community.
- Encourage confidence and creativity through a dynamic talent showcase.
- Foster a sense of unity and excitement as we embark on the new academic semester together.
During the event, the Scholars proudly showcased their diverse cultures through a vibrant display of traditional attire, engaging dances, delectable dishes, and meaningful expressions in their native languages. The event showcased a rich tapestry of cultures, including the Baganda from Central Uganda; the Banyankore, Bakiga, Batooro, and Banyoro from Western Uganda; the Acholi from the North; the Karamojong from the Northeast; and the Basoga and Bagisu from the Eastern region, among many other indigenous tribes in Uganda. Additionally, attendees enjoyed cultural performances from South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, celebrating the unique heritage of each community.
The event also featured a vibrant showcase of cultural attire, accompanied by traditional songs and dances. Attendees enjoyed cultural dress modelling, engaging performances, art displays, and interactive quizzes, culminating in exciting prizes awarded to outstanding performers. This diverse array of activities contributed to a rich celebration of creativity and cultural exchange.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University is committed to fostering holistic development, community building, and leadership among Scholars. At the start of each semester, the Program Team hosts a cultural dinner to reconnect the Scholars community, share key Program updates, and create an inclusive space to strengthen belonging and engagement. The cultural dinner is a critical platform for raising awareness of the need to appreciate and respect cultural diversity.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
More Photos from the Dinner
The degree of attentiveness was at its peak in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility (CTF) Auditorium as Ms. Janet Nabukeera addressed support staff during a Safeguarding and Inclusion training. Her words were firm, direct and reflective. Ms. Nabukeera, the Deputy Human Resource Officer in charge of Performance and Payroll, emphasized that a negative attitude in the workplace creates a toxic environment where colleagues feel hesitant to collaborate or share ideas.
“Avoid unnecessary confrontations with colleagues because jealousy and anger destroy more than they build. When you hold grudges at work, you slowly burden your own heart and mind. Stress can take a toll on your health and productivity. Safeguard yourself by choosing peace, love yourself first and extend that same grace and respect to others.” Ms Nabukeera, cautioned.
The training attracted over 300 Support Staff Members, including Security Personnel, Cleaners, Hall Attendants, Administrative Assistants, Librarians, and Laboratory Support Teams from across the University.
In his remarks, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the Acting Principal Warden, urged staff to have a positive attitude towards their jobs and encouraged them to ensure that students, fellow staff and visitor’s feel safe, respected and protected.
“You are the eyes and ears of the University, while you may not deliver lectures, you are often the first to notice when something is wrong. So you have to promote an environment free from bullying, discrimination, neglect and intimidation. You have to ensure secure hostels, well-lit walkways, functioning locks and safe laboratory environments,” Dr Rugyema, said.
Makerere University has a duty of care to do no harm and promote the wellbeing of all students, staff, and other University community stakeholders. It seeks to enhance the learning environment to make it more secure, inclusive, and ethically sound for all stakeholders.
The Makerere University Safeguarding Policy lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and swiftly act on safeguarding risks; prevent the occurrence of harm; provide mechanisms for reporting all allegations or incidents that have occurred; respond appropriately to all reported incidences; and, continuously monitor, evaluate and learn from practices and experiences of managing safeguarding concerns.
“Safeguarding is not only for lecturers or University Management, it is everyone’s responsibility, If you have someone mistreating you, or you come across any risk, do not suffer in silence report through the MakSafeSpace,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The MakSafeSpace is the e-reporting platform complimenting the other University traditional reporting channels. It is an inclusive platform that provides for confidential modes of reporting safeguarding risks and incidences.
As the session concluded, there was a renewed understanding among participants that safeguarding is a collective duty. From the security guard at the gate to the cleaner in the Hall of Residence, it was clear that every staff member contributes to creating a safe and respectful learning environment.
To involve and create opportunities for students and staff members with disabilities, Light for the World Uganda trained the support staff to become inclusion champions.
Mr. Musa Mwambu, the Disability Inclusion Advisor at Light for the World Uganda, called upon staff to remove barriers limiting the full participation of students and colleagues with disabilities, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“Just like any other person, people with disabilities have the right to education, health, and protection. Society has the duty to remove barriers that block participation. When barriers are removed, disability no longer limits opportunity,” Mr. Mwambu noted.
Drawing from his own lived experience as a person with a disability, he shared how access to the right support systems enables him to communicate effectively and perform daily tasks.
“It is about putting the right conditions in place to participate fully in society. We need multi-stakeholder collaboration to remove barriers and achieve an inclusive society,” he said.
Justine Namuddu, the Support Staff representative on the Makerere University Council, thanked the organizers for the insightful workshop. She reminded fellow staff that Makerere University is a home for everyone and urged them to take care of it.
“Fellow members, as you carry out your duties, ensure that you observe both emotional and intellectual safety. Before sharing information, first verify whether it is true. Safety is being at peace with yourself and with others,” Namuddu emphasized.
She also encouraged younger staff members to take advantage of educational opportunities provided by the University, noting that those who wish to continue with their studies may apply for tuition waivers.
The training concluded with reminders on professionalism and accountability. Staff were encouraged to consistently use the Biometric Attendance Management System to capture attendance accurately. With biometric clock-in devices installed at reception areas across the Main and Satellite campuses, the Directorate of Human Resources can monitor attendance in real time, while staff can keep track of hours worked.
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