The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has called for stronger support systems for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors and improved evidence gathering to hold perpetrators accountable.  

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, during the launch of the 16 Days Of Activism against Gender-based Violence today (Monday 24^th November 2025), Prof Nawangwe noted that GBV affects everyone and must be confronted collectively.

“Makerere University remains dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment and promoting gender equality. Each of us has a role in building a society free from violence.” Prof Nawangwe, noted.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual International campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10, calling for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.  The year’s theme is “Men as Changemakers: Unite to End Digital Violence against all women and Girls”.

During the official launch, Makerere University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) staff members and students, marched together around the University as “Strides for Change”.

From the Main Gate to the Rugby Grounds, participants walked a path that reflected Uganda’s broader journey toward honesty, accountability and transformation. The Strides for Change walk symbolized more than unity; it represented a collective journey from awareness to action.

In his remarks, Mr. Leonard Zulu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, noted that as Uganda marks 30 years since commitments made at the Beijing Conference, the country must reflect on both progress made and the work that remains.

“The Government of Uganda has made important strides, yet too many women and girls still face barriers to safety, dignity, and opportunity. Changing this reality requires not only strong policies but strong voices voices like yours,” Mr Zulu, said.

During the launch, 16 influential Ugandan men were unveiled as changemakers—a new generation committed to ending all forms of violence, including digital violence, against women and girls. These men come from diverse sectors, including the arts, academia, culture, media, health and youth activism.

Among the male changemakers are Makerere University Staff; Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine, Joseph Beyanga, Douglas Lwanga, Simon Kasyate, Dr. Paul Kasenene, Matthew Nabwiso, Kenneth Kimuli (Pablo), Mark Agaba (Uncle Mark), Daniel Kigozi (Navio), Don Zane Muwanguzi, Lim Ronie.

“To the 16 men lending their influence to this movement—thank you. Your leadership shows young men everywhere that strength is not about dominance, but about dignity. Not about silence, but solidarity,” Mr. Zulu, noted.

In her speech, Ms. Kristine Biokhus, the UNFPA Country representative, highlighted the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence, including cyber-harassment, non-consensual image sharing, and online threats now among the most pervasive forms of GBV.

“Laws alone cannot stop this. Violence has evolved and so must we. This is why we spotlight men as changemakers, because systems shift when influence meets responsibility,” Ms. Biokhus, noted.

In a bid to reduce GBV, Ms. Biokhus, reminded the 16 male champions that their daily actions hold the power to shape a masculinity that uplifts, protects and empowers.

“Zero Violence is Possible. Digital Safety is a Human Right. And Uganda’s future is brighter when we walk forward together side by side in dignity and justice,” Ms. Biokhus, said.

The Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Ms. Maria Håkansson, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to advancing gender equality and ending GBV. She emphasized that gender equality cannot be achieved through policy alone it requires a shift in attitudes, norms, and behaviours.

 “GBV includes the fast-growing threat of technology-facilitated violence, and it requires more than policies, but a shift in norms, attitudes and behavior. Central to this shift is the full engagement of men, because gender equality is not a women’s issue, but a societal one.

She reminded participants that activism must continue beyond the 16 days—it is a daily commitment to dignity, equality, and a Uganda where all women and girls live free from fear.

The launch concluded with an energetic performance from comedians and musicians Kenneth Kimuli (Pablo) and Daniel Kigozi (Navio). Beyond entertainment, they delivered powerful messages to young people.

“It’s time we broke harmful norms, especially those affecting our sisters and mothers. Let’s put an end to GBV in our homes and communities.” Navio, said. The event was attended by Ambassadors from the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Iceland, and Germany, alongside representatives from UNDP, UN Women, and other development partners demonstrating widespread international support for the movement.

Inaugurated in 2022, Makerere University is proud to announce the 2025 Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture. On 3^rd December, we will celebrate a legacy that continues to whisper its truth into the future. The legacy of Professor Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile, a man whose life was defined by discipline, foresight, and an unwavering belief in resilient institutions. The lecture will be hosted in the Main Hall of the Main Building from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

This year’s lecture will be held under the theme:

“Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience & the Power of Innovation.”

This theme emerges at a defining moment for Africa. The continent stands at a crossroads, rich in an ever-growing youthful population, natural resources, and emerging technologies, yet simultaneously challenged by economic volatility, climate pressures, leadership transitions, and widening development gaps. The 2025 lecture, therefore, seeks to move beyond commemoration, positioning itself as a strategic space for reflection, recalibration, and forward-looking action.

Why This Theme Matters Now

The issue of intergenerational leadership is no longer theoretical. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the urgency to intentionally transfer knowledge, values, and leadership capacity from established leaders to emerging ones has become critical. Sustainable transformation depends not just on the leaders of today, but on how effectively they mentor, prepare, and empower those who will steward Africa’s future. The lecture explores how this deliberate bridging of generations can strengthen institutions, safeguard ethical governance, and ensure continuity of vision.

At the same time, Africa’s recent encounters with global economic shocks, debt vulnerabilities, currency instability, and climate-induced disruptions have underscored the necessity of economic resilience. The lecture interrogates what it truly means to build economies that do not merely survive crises but adapt, stabilize, and emerge stronger. It engages with the need for diversified economic structures, credible institutions, sound policy frameworks, and leadership that prioritises long-term stability over short-term political expediency.

Equally central to the conversation is the power of innovation, not just in technology, but in policy design, institutional reform, financial systems, and governance models. Africa’s development challenges demand solutions that are context-responsive, scalable, and future-oriented. The lecture, therefore, examines how innovation can be leveraged as a catalyst for inclusive growth, sustainable financing, industrial transformation, and improved service delivery across sectors.

A Timely Platform for Critical Dialogue

The Emmanuel Tumusime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture continues to stand as a distinguished platform convening leaders and thinkers to advance critical conversations on Africa’s future. The lecture has evolved into a platform that convenes policymakers, academics, financial actors, development practitioners, private sector leaders, and youth voices to interrogate Africa’s future through the lens of principled leadership and strategic thinking. The 2025 edition will further reinforce Makerere University’s role as a convener of thought leadership and national discourse on issues of continental significance.

This annual gathering is not simply a memorial event. It is a deliberate invitation to reflect, question, and reimagine how Africa positions itself in a rapidly evolving global landscape. By centring intergenerational leadership, resilience, and innovation, the 2025 lecture challenges participants to confront the realities of today while designing systems that will serve generations yet unborn.

As Makerere University hosts this landmark conversation, it reaffirms its commitment to producing transformative leaders, advancing knowledge, and shaping policies that respond to Africa’s present and future realities.

The 2025 Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Public Lecture will also be hosted on live stream on the Makerere University YouTube page. Link: https://youtube.com/live/e6Ld-0XYLiw?feature=share

Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University

Makerere University in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and UNFPA in Uganda hosted the “Strides for Change” Activism walk and official unveiling of the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism campaign on Monday 24^th November, 2025.

The event was graced by Heads of Diplomatic Missions from Sweden, Australia, Ireland and Germany alongside representatives from UNFPA and UN Women. The dignitaries were received on behalf of Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli together with the Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine.

“Makerere University remains dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment and promoting gender equality. Each of us has a role in building a society free from violence,” read the Vice Chancellor’s message.

Present to ensure that the students’ voice was heard loud and clear were members of the 91^st Students Guild led by their President H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. The “Strides for Change” walk that commenced at the CCE roundabout was led by the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and members of Management was at Mary Stuart Hall handed over to the Student leaders who carried the banner all the way to the Impis Rugby Grounds for the rest of the activities.

Of significant importance was the announcement of Makerere University‘s Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine among sixteen (16) male changes chosen to champion the fight against gender-based violence.