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.
General
UNDP and Mak Launch Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio to Boost Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion
Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.
A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre
Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.
Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.
“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.
He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.
The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.
Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.
“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.
The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.
Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched
In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.
He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.
He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.
He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.
The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.
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