The Director, Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine (L) and Ms. Frances Nyachwo (R) during the latter's farewell dinner on 4th May 2022 at the Makerere University Guest House.
“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. Frances Nyachwo (L) flanked by Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo (R) addresses the audience
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.”
Ms. Frances Nyachwo (Third from Right) with Ms Evelyn Nyakoojo (Third from Left), colleagues from GMD and members of her familyLeft – Right: Ms. Evelyn Nyakoojo, former Head of the Gender Mainstreaming Division, Ms. Frances Nyachwo and Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine
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.
Ms. Frances Nyachwo handing over to Dr. Euzobia Mugisha-Baine as staff from the Directorate and Family members applaud
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.
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Senior Gender Officer speaking on behalf of GMD Staff
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.
Ms. Dahlia Onyango Nyapendi, Frances’ daughter speaks about her Mum
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.
GMD staff and members of Ms. Frances Nyachwo’s family enjoying the dinner
Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.
Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.
We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!
Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025. Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.
Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.
“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.
Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.
Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.
“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.
Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.
Mr. Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.
Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.
“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.
Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.
Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.
Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:
Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.