Participants in a group photo with the Senior Programme Officer, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kampala, Ms Mary Mabweijano (seated 4th L); the Deputy Director DRGT, Prof. Robert Wamala (seated 4th R); the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga (seated 2nd L); and the Coordinator of the SET project, Prof. Frank Mugagga at the workshop at Laico Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe.
Creating equal opportunities for men and women as well as boys and girls has long been an important priority for Norwegian development assistance. The 2030 Agenda and its17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute the guiding frame for Norwegian development support.
Ms. Mary Mabweijano, Senior Programme Officer at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kampala addresses participants.
As such, the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Building in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) has special focus on SDG 4 (Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all), SDG 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls), and SDG 17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize Global Partnerships for sustainable development). The Norwegian development policy mandates all Norwegian-supported institutions to integrate gender and equality as cross cutting issues in NORHED-funded Programmes.
Participants following the proceedings.
Workshop on mainstreaming gender in NORHED II projects
On 30th August 2022, beneficiaries of the NORHED II projects in Eastern Africa convened at Laico Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe to discuss and brainstorm on ways of mainstreaming gender in NORHED II Projects. Held under the theme: “Gender Mainstreaming: Beyond Binaries”,the three-day workshop was attended by participants from Makerere University; Makerere University Business School (MUBS); Uganda Matyrs University; Technical University of Kenya (Nairobi); University of Juba (South Sudan);University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania); University of Rwanda; Haramaya University, Dilla University, Hawassa University, and Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia); and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Participants at the International workshop on mainstreaming gender in NORHED II Projects held at Laico Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe.
The workshop was organized by Makerere University and NTNU in collaboration with partner institutions. It was coordinated by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Head, Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, also coordinator, Capacity Building for Socially Just and Sustainable Energy Transitions (SET) project, as well as Charlotte Anne Nakakaawa-Jjunju from NTNU. The opening ceremony was presided over by Ms. Mary Mabweijano, Senior Programme Officer at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kampala. It was graced by the Director, Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University, represented by the Deputy Director, Prof. Robert Wamala, and Ms. Ingvild Heggstad from NTNU International Office, also Senior Adviser and coordinator for NORHED II.
The Principal of CAES, also gender focal person – NORHED II Projects, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga shares her views at the workshop.
Remarks by the Senior Programme Officer, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Kampala
Highlighting the importance of mainstreaming gender in NORHED projects as part of the Norwegian Development Policy, Ms Mary Mabweijano-Senior Programme Officer at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kampala re-emphasized the need to incorporate gender perspectives in curriculum, teaching, research, and governance. She called for increased participation of female students at post graduate level ‘where gender imbalance is most significant’.
Prof. Robert Wamala represented the Director, Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University at the workshop.
“Special measures have been integrated to facilitate female participation in study programmes and research through scholarships, publication grants, mentorship programmes and leadership training. The expectation is that good results will be achieved by the end of the project cycles not only in research but also in areas of career advancement to senior leadership positions,” she explained, calling on the project beneficiaries to be ambassadors of gender mainstreaming.
Participants in a group discussion on mainstreaming gender in NORHED II projects.
Mainstreaming Gender in Higher Education and Research – Progress thus far
During the workshop, officials from Makerere University, Bahir DAR University (Ethiopia) and the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania briefed participants on progress made in mainstreaming gender in higher education and research at their respective institutions.
Prof. Frank Mugagga coordinated the workshop.
Presenting the policy framework for mainstreaming gender at Makerere University, Dr Euzobia Baine Mugisha, Director, Gender Mainstreaming acknowledged the support of the Norwegian Governmenttowards the establishment of the Department of Women and Gender Studies and the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) at Makerere. The mandate of the GMD is to mainstream gender in the University functions of teaching and learning; research and innovations; knowledge transfer partnerships and networking and support services. In her presentation, Dr Euzobia noted that although significant progress had been made,and several policies put in place to mainstream gender in all programmes, there was still significant imbalance with fewer women progressing to higher academic ranks and taking on leadership positions.
Dr. Charlotte Anne Nakakaawa-Jjunju from NTNU delivering her remarks.
Out of 98 professors at Makerere University, only 16 are women. At Governance level, there are only 6 women in the University Council out of 18 members, 13 in the University Senate out of 76 and only 5 out of 17 members in Central Management. “Research is also still gender blind. As a University, we must be intentional about improving staff and students’ welfare and incorporating gender in all activities. Placing gender officers at each of the Colleges would enhance processes of mainstreaming gender in university programmes,” she noted, calling for a harmonized legal and policy framework to support gender mainstreaming activities at all levels. She also called for capacity building for all staff to fully appreciate and adopt the gender mainstreaming approach to teaching and learning as well as research and innovations.
The Water ESSENCE Africa Project team in a discussion on mainstreaming gender in NORHED II projects.
Highlighting the progress in gender mainstreaming in Ethiopia, Dr. Meskerem Lechissa, Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction at Bahir Dar University noted that although notable achievements had been registered in leadership with about 40% female ministers, Ethiopia still ranks among the bottom 35 countries in index for offering equal access to education to both boys and girls.“44% women are illiterate, compared to 59% men and only 26% of secondary school age females are enrolled in school,” she noted, explaining that a number of measures have been put in place to promote gender equality. These include affirmative action – lowering entry points for girls and putting in place a research budget for women and girls, expansion of universities to underserved Regions, National Code of Conduct for eliminating sexual harassment (Zero tolerance), establishment of Gender Offices in all higher education institutions, gender audit of infrastructures (gender sensitivity and security), economic support for disadvantaged girls, and contractual agreements signed by academic staff to employ gender responsive pedagogy.
Participants in a brainstorming session on mainstreaming gender in NORHED II projects.
Brainstorming on strategies for mainstreaming gender in NORHED II Projects
In the course of the workshop, participants discussed and shared strategies and activities for ensuring that gender issues are incorporated in the NORHED II Project activities. The NORHED II supported projects include EnergyNET led by Dr Karidewa Nyeinga from the College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University; Water Essence Africa led by Dr Ronald Semyalo (CoNAS, Mak); SET; Energy Economics and Governance; MERIT, JUST Transitions and CSA led by Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University; Adaptive Environmental Monitoring Networks for East Africa (AdeMNEA) led by Dr Agnes Rwashana Semwanga from Makerere University; Co-creating Knowledge for Local Adaptation to Climate Change in LDCs (COLOCAL); Capacity Building in Renewable Energy Research and Education in Ethiopia (ReREd) led by Dr Habtamu Temesgen Hawassa University; Capacity Building for Research-Based Teacher Education (CABUTE); Transformative Education and Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Growth (TELLS); and Gender and Digitalization (GENDIG) coordinated by the School of Women and Gender Studies Makerere University.
Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha presented the policy framework on mainstreaming gender at Makerere University.
As part of the measures to improve gender mainstreaming in NORHED II projects, participants called for intensified gender trainings for gender focal persons and increased involvement of men in gender issues.They also emphasized the need to be more intentional about gender considerations in all project activities.
Some of the students supported under the NORHED II projects in a discussion on gender mainstreaming at the workshop.
Delivering a keynote on gender mainstreaming in education and research, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, also gender focal person -NORHED II Projects, re-echoed the importance of diversity and Inclusivity in ensuring equity in all aspects of Education.
Participants attending the workshop at Laico Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe.
In the course of the workshop, Dr Julianne Sansa –Otim, coordinator of the AdeMNEA project presented her research on persuasive technologies intended to boost psychological well-being among career women, whereas Dr. Angelina Bazugba from the University of Juba shared views on mainstreaming gender in pedagogy.
The Water ESSENCE Africa project team at the workshop.
On behalf of the Director, Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University, the Deputy Director, Dr Robert Wamala emphasized the importance of mainstreaming gender on all activities at the University. “Gender considerations are crucial as we celebrate 100 years of excellent service and move towards becoming a research-led university. We should therefore dig deep into issues of gender in our pursuit to transform our countries,” he noted.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
Good morning colleagues, members of the press,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.
The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.
The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.
We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.
Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:
Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.
These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.
The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.
CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.
The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.
In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”
Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.
“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”
He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”
The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.
During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”
Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.
Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”
He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”
For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.
Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”
He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.
“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.
Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”
Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.