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
General
Makerere University Launches First Writing Summer School to Strengthen Professional Writing Skills.
KAMPALA, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA.
On Monday 6th, Makerere University has officially launched its inaugural writing summer school, a week long professional development program aimed at equipping students, graduates, researchers and staff with practical writing skills required for academic excellence and success in today’s competitive job market. The program jointly organized by the Makerere University Writing Centre and Makerere University Press (MakPress), reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates with not only academic knowledge but also the communication skills needed to thrive professionally.
Held virtually, the launch attracted more than 280 participants from Makerere University and other higher education institutions, demonstrating the growing demand for structured writing support beyond the classroom.
Building the Next Generation of Writers.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of Makerere Writing Press, Prof. William Tayeebwa, said the summer school represents an important investment in developing writers before their work reaches publication.
“The press has traditionally focused on publishing books, journals and scholarly work. Today, we are expanding that mission by helping and develop the writers who will produce tomorrow’s publication.
He noted that MakPress continues to support the publication of books and scholarly works produced by members of the Makerere Community. Using recently published books authored by a member of staff and a student as examples, he encouraged participants to submit manuscripts for publishing support rather than relying solely on self publication.
Writing as a Foundation for Academic and Professional Success.
Chairperson of the Makerere University Writing Centre, Prof. Frederick Muyodi, said the center was established to strengthen the writing competences among students, researchers and university staff.
” The Writers Center is here to support every stage of the writing process from CVs and application letters to research manuscripts, grant proposals, reports and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in writing.”
He explained that the Centre supports writing across multiple disciplines and professional contexts, adding that its long term vision is to extend writing support beyond Makerere University to institutions across Uganda and the East African region.
Equipping Graduates for the Labour Market.
Officially launching the summer school, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, described the initiative as a strategic investment in preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive labour market.
She observed that while universities successfully impart disciplinary knowledge, many graduates leave campus without the practical writing skills required to secure employment and other professional opportunities.
“We teach content very, but many students are never taught how to write an effective CV, application letter, motivation statement or scholarly essay. Yet these are the documents that often determine whether someone secures an opportunity.”
Prof. Ssali said the writing summer school would bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice by equipping participants with market ready communication skills.
Reaffirming her office’s commitment to the initiative, she added:
“My office is pleased to support this initiative as we institutionalize the Writing Summer School to ensure that Makerere graduates leave not only with degrees but also with practical competencies needed to thrive professionally,”
She officially declared the inaugural Writing Summer School open and expressed optimism that future editions would attract even more participants and resources.
Participants Gain Practical CV Writing Skills.
The first technical session was facilitated by Mr. Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences within the School of Bio sciences at Makerere University, a Senior Fisheries Officer with Luweero District Local Government, and the founder and director of the ANL Foundation, an organization that supports youth employment and capacity building.
During the session, he guided participants on developing competitive CVs tailored to specific professionals and employer expectations. He emphasized that applicants should customize their CVs to suit each opportunity instead of submitting the same document for every application. Participants also learned how effectively present their education, work experience, leadership roles technical competencies and professional achievements, while avoiding unnecessary personal information. Practical demonstrations using professional specific CVs provided participants with hands on examples of preparing competitive job application documents.
Looking Ahead.
The Writing Summer School continues throughout the week sessions on application letter writing, responsible use of artificial intelligence, professional communication and other essential writing skills aimed at improving academic productivity and employablity.
Through initiatives such as the Writing Summer School, Makerere University continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are not academically accomplished but also equipped with practical communication skills that enable them to compete and lead in today’s global workplace.
General
Makerere Launches Strategic Plan 2025-2030 to Drive Research, Innovation and National Development.
Kampala, Uganda East Africa.
Makerere University has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, reaffirming its commitment to advancing research, innovation, academic excellence and human capital development in support of Uganda’s national transformation agenda.
The Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, provides a road map for strengthening the University’s contribution to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the production of highly skilled graduates.
The launch, held at the University’s Main Hall, brought together government officials, members of the University Council, management, development partners, staff and students to witness what leaders described as the beginning of Makerere University’s next phase of institutional transformation.
Positioning Makerere for National Transformation.
Delivering his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the Strategic Plan reflects Makerere University’s ambition to become an even stronger research led institution that responds directly to Uganda’s development priorities.
He noted that the University intends to restore student enrollment to pre COVID levels while significantly increasing postgraduate training to produce more researchers, innovators and professionals capable of addressing national challenges.
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted the University’s growing research portfolio, commending researchers and research centers that continue to attract substantial international funding.
“when you combine the grants won by all our researchers through competitive international funding, the total exceeds US$200 million,” He said.
The Vice Chancellor also pointed to the need to strengthen the University’s academic workforce, noting that although progress has been made, more investment is required to fill approved academic positions, particularly at professor and associate professor levels.
Strategic Plan Sets Ambitious Institutional Targets.
Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Lorna Magara, described the Strategic Plan as more than an institutional document, calling it “a public covenant with the people of Uganda.”
She said the Plan outlines measurable commitments that will guide the University’s performance over the next five years, including expanding postgraduate enrolment, increasing STEM participation, improving doctoral completion rates and strengthening research productivity.
“Ambition is precisely what this moment demands. A strategic plan is not measured by the elegance of its language, but by the lives it transforms,” she said.
Dr. Magara emphasized that every investment in Makerere University should translate into tangible benefits for society through research, innovation, leadership and skilled graduates.
She also called for reforms to Uganda’s Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act to strengthen university governance and create an enabling environment for innovation and knowledge production.
Government Reaffirms Support.
Launching the Strategic Plan, Hon. Henry Musasizi commended Makerere University for aligning its institutional priorities with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
He observed that universities remain central actors in national development because they produce the knowledge, innovation and skilled workforce required to transform Uganda’s economy.
“Universities are central actors in national transformation. they are engines of knowledge creation, innovation and human capital development,” he said.
The Minister emphasized government’s commitment to supporting research, innovation and stronger collaboration between universities and industry to ensure that knowledge generated within higher education institutions contributes directly to economic growth.
Universities Critical to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy.
Presenting the national development perspective, Samuel Kasule, Senior Planner at the National Planning Authority, explained that the Strategic Plan aligns closely with the Uganda’s long term development framework.
He noted that achieving the country’s ambitious economic growth targets will depend heavily on universities producing competent graduates, expanding research and strengthening innovation ecosystems that support priority sectors including agriculture, tourism, ICT, minerals, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
Kasule further underscored the importance of competency based education and post graduate training in building the human capital required for sustainable national development.
A Shared Vision for the Future.
Throughout the launch, speakers emphasized that Makerere University’s future lies in becoming an increasingly research intensive, innovation driven institution that responds to national and global development challenges.
The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines priorities that include strengthening research excellence, promoting innovation and commercialization, expanding digital transformation, enhancing partnerships with industry, and producing graduates equipped to drive socioeconomic transformation.
Its launch marks a renewed commitment by Makerere University to remain at the forefront of knowledge generation and to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s long term development aspirations.
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