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, 30^th 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.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University, invites applications from eligible Ugandan applicants for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations for the Academic Year 2027/2028.

The Mature Age Entry Examinations for the Academic Year 2026/27 will be held on Saturday 12^th December 2026.

To be eligible for the Mature Age Entry Examinations, the candidate must be at least 25 years old before 1^st August 2027.

Applications shall only be received via the application system: https://see.mak.ac.ug

Take note of further details in the document below:

Applications are submitted with a payment of a NON-REFUNDABLE application fee of UGX 210,000/= plus bank charges should be paid in any of banks that receive payments on behalf of Uganda Revenue Authority.

The closing date for receiving applications is Monday 30^th November, 2026.

CAUTION:

• Beware of fraud: Do not purchase documents or application materials from unauthorized sources. Applicants who do so act at their own risk.
• No authorized agents: The Academic Registrar’s Office has not appointed any
  agents to solicit additional payments beyond the prescribed application fee.
• No coaching services: Makerere University does not provide coaching
  services for the Mature Age Entry Scheme examinations and has not appointed
  any agents to offer such services on its behalf.
• Personal email and login credentials: Applicants should have a personal
  email address and keep their portal login credentials secure. These details may
  be used by the University to communicate important information regarding the
  application and examination process.
• Examination-day requirements: Candidates must bring a coloured printout
  of the examination invitation letter bearing a clear, recent passport-size
  photograph, as specified in the application instructions. Photocopies of the
  invitation letter will not be accepted. Candidates must also bring two recent
  coloured passport-size photographs.
• Eligibility under other admission schemes: Applicants who qualify for
  admission through other entry schemes are not eligible for admission under
  the Mature Age Entry Scheme. For avoidance of doubt, HOLDERS OF
  DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY THROUGH THE
  MATURE AGE ENTRY SCHEME. They should apply through the Diploma
  Holders or Degree Holders admission scheme when advertised.
• Integrity and compliance with Senate regulations: Applicants are reminded
  that impersonation, falsification of information or documents, fraudulent
  access, and the submission of false or incomplete information constitute
  serious offences. If discovered at the application stage, during examinations,
  at registration or thereafter, such misconduct may result in cancellation of
  examination results, cancellation of admission, revocation of an award where
  applicable, and prosecution in a court of law, in accordance with the
  applicable University regulations and laws.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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.