General
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni Inaugurates New Makerere University Council
On Thursday 2nd February, 2023, the First lady and Honourable Minister of Education and Sports (MoES) hosted the Incoming and Outgoing Members of the Makerere University Council at the State House in Nakasero.
The purpose of the meeting was to bid farewell and congratulate the outgoing University Council and inaugurate the new Members.
Officials present in the meeting were Hon. John Chrysestom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Monica Musenero, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Permanent Secretary, MoES, Ms Ketty Lamaro, the Director for Higher Education, Dr Jane Egau and all members of the incoming and outgoing Makerere University Council.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the Hon. Minister of Education and Sports for presiding over the inauguration ceremony of the new Council of Makerere University. He noted that the inauguration was the first of its kind in the history of our great University, moreover on the grounds of the State House.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted, “Since 2016, the number of undergraduate programmes has been reduced from 250 to 82. We have also begun the strategy of the gradual decrease in undergraduate enrolment and gradual increase in graduate enrolment in fulfilment of our new strategic plan.”
He added, “The total enrolment currently stands at 31,000 students, 5,200 of whom are graduate students, representing 16.7%. Our strategy is to reach a ratio of 30%.”
The Chair Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, while addressing the meeting, noted, “The University’s current Strategic Plan, finalized in 2019, establishes Makerere to be a research-led university with a research and innovations agenda responsive to the National Development Plans and, therefore, the national development needs and priorities.
“To be a research-led University, therefore, requires that we run on two rails: on the one hand, be the knowledge hub and on the other serve the needs of society.” Mrs. Lorna Magara said.
The Chair Council pledged to foster an environment that supports efficiency to deliver the much-needed outcomes from the teaching, learning, research, and innovation mandates of the University through a number of priorities that will be the focus of the new University Council namely;
- Completion of the restructuring process.
- Digitalization of University business processes.
- Improved and enhanced student services.
- Continuous streamlining of the research and innovations agenda to meet national development needs and priorities.
In a light moment, Hon. John Muyingo noted, “I am a proud alumnus of Makerere. However, I didn’t know the value of leadership that lies in the hands of women.”
“In the entire history of Makerere, we have had only one female Council Chair, one female Director of Higher Education, and one female Permanent Secretary of MoES. The trajectory of peace in Makerere must be attributed to these great women.” Hon. Muyingo added before inviting the First lady to address the meeting.
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni thanked the outgoing Council members for their service to not only Makerere but also Uganda and congratulated the new council members upon their appointments.
The First Lady urged the new University Council to begin their term with renewed inspiration by taking a stand to reaffirm the position of Makerere in Uganda, and to improve her competitiveness among other Universities. She noted that the graduates of Makerere need to be distinguished and unique in character as Makerereans leaving a mark nationally and globally wherever they go.
“The students of Makerere ought to emulate the example of Joseph who exercised self-control and fled sexual perversity from Portifah’s wife in order to flee from sexual perversions, HIV/AIDs and corruption,” the First Lady noted.
“I, therefore, challenge the new Council to join me in a campaign dubbed, ‘Makerere says no to HIV/AIDS and Corruption.’ Together, we need to strive to build the character of the student body of Makerere University,” she reiterated.
Furthermore, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni acknowledged that the Ministry is aware of the need to invest in human capital development across all universities as a precursor to achieving the goals of the Third National Development Plan. She therefore reaffirmed the Ministry’s willingness to continue ensuring the availability of support for higher education.
Lastly, The First Lady declared the New Makerere University Council inaugurated and congratulated Mrs. Lorna Magara and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe upon their respective re-appointments as Chair Council and Vice Chancellor, noting that the move was a show of great confidence in their leadership towards lifting Makerere to greater heights in her next century.
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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