General
Mak partners with BRAC to Support Career Progression of Talented Women
Makerere University on 29th March 2023 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Stichting BRAC; an international development organization based in Bangladesh with regional presence in Africa and seventeen years of operation in Uganda, to implement the Sir Fazle Hasan Abed Fellowship Programme for Women. The MoU was signed on behalf of Makerere by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and by the Executive Director, Mr. Shameran Abed on behalf of Stichting BRAC International. The ceremony was witnessed by the BRAC Regional Director Africa-Ms. Rudo Kayombo, Associate Director of HRD, BRAC International-Ms. Aoishwariya Khisa, University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Ag. Director Legal Affairs-Mr. Hudson Musoke, Ag. Director Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD)-Ms. Susan Mbabazi, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Simon Kizito, BRAC Uganda Country Director- Ms. Spera Atuhairwe and officials from Makerere and BRAC.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated BRAC upon commemorating 50 years of existence, noting that Makerere is proud to work and associate with the largest international development organization in the world, which was founded in the global South. He added that Makerere has since the Government’s introduction of affirmative action of 1.5 additional points for the girl child in 1990 been at forefront empowering women to access higher education at the institution.
“Most of the best schools in Uganda that were set up during the colonial era were for boys, which meant that girls were historically disadvantaged. Affirmative action has helped increase the enrolment of women from 10% to 52%” he added.
Makerere has since 1990 picked up the affirmative action baton and pioneered the gender mainstreaming agenda on the African continent. The Vice Chancellor added that the University’s gender mainstreaming efforts are have hugely impacted the leadership of public and private entities, with many Chief Executive Officers, Members of Parliament, leaders in academic and elsewhere being alumnae of Makerere.
Prof. Nawangwe nevertheless acknowledged that a lot remains to be done in terms of improving the number of women in leadership positions, and reiterated the University’s commitment to accomplish this through her Strategic Plan 2020-2030. The fourth pillar of Makerere’s strategic plan envisages “A Professionally Governed, Equitable, Inclusive and Gender Mainstreamed Institution”. He therefore thanked the Executive Director and his delegation for personally coming to Makerere to sign the MoU and reassured them of Management’s readiness to see to it that all activities therein are successfully undertaken.
Mr. Sherman Abed in his remarks congratulated Makerere upon commemorating 100 years of impactful existence and acknowledged that this was not the first time BRAC was collaborating with the University. He noted that the two institutions had in the past undertaken research projects and that BRAC was once again honoured to be collaborating with the premier university in the region.
“We are building the Sir Fazle Hasan Abed Fellowship across four universities at the moment. We have Brac University and the Asian University for Women, and Makerere University with whom we are very excited to sign the MoU today, and the University of Dar es Salaam” remarked Mr. Abed.
The Fellowship is part of BRAC’s Women Leaders Programme aimed at recognizing talented women and supporting their development and career progression. It is envisaged that through the fellowship Makerere University alumnae will become part of a stimulating women empowerment journey as a pathway to societal leadership roles.
The Executive Director added that BRAC as a result of working in some of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in Asia and Africa is in a very unique position to drive South to South collaborations. “We are really excited to grow our work on the African continent and it is a very important focus area for us in our future direction.”
The Regional Director, Ms. Kayombo had earlier noted that BRAC’s work on the African continent started in Uganda, which is also home to its largest programme, “and so it is only fitting that we are here at Makerere today to sign this MoU”.
Speaking on behalf of Fellowship’s coordinating unit, the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), Ms. Mbabazi expressed readiness to work with BRAC to enhance the position of women in leadership through the various activities. She noted that five out of the ten strategic areas of Makerere’s Gender Mainstreaming Policy are aligned with the proposed partnership with BRAC, especially with regard to women in leadership.
“A lot has been achieved to date; Makerere has supported over 1,200 female students with scholarships, which is very important for this partnership because it has created a pool of women who will eventually scale the leadership ladders” she explained.
Ms. Mbabazi added that GMD has with the support of various partners availed over 200 women with scholarships to pursue Masters and PhD programmes at Makerere. “Over 500 mid-level and senior staff of this University have benefited from our training programmes for women in leadership, and we have gone beyond the gates of Makerere and partnered with other public universities in Uganda to promote women in leadership and decision making.”
A proud alumna, the BRAC Uganda Country Director Ms. Spera Atuhairwe expressed joy at being back at her Alma mater after 25 years and seeing all the infrastructural development. She noted that BRAC has since its establishment in Uganda been committed to empowering communities both socially and economically with a special focus on women.
BRAC’s programmes in Uganda cut across the education sector, health sector as well as emergency and humanitarian response. Under education, the organization supports early childhood, secondary and university education through scholarships. The organization also works closely with community health workers who monitor and provide last-mile services to reduce challenges related to maternal and child health.
The organization through its emergency and humanitarian response initiative supports communities to build resilience to shocks and challenges associated with poverty. BRAC achieves this through providing these households with assets, opportunities, skills and access to financial services. The organization also supports agriculture at lower levels by availing farmers with improved seeds.
General
Makerere University Strengthens Academic Leadership Through Capacity Building for Heads of Department
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
- Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
- A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
- Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
- Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
- Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
- Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
- Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
- Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
- Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
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.
-
General2 days agoAdmission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2025/26
-
General5 days agoMakerere University Repositions Doctoral Training to Build Africa-Centered Scholarship
-
Health1 week agoCall for Apllication: The James M. Ntambi Postdoctoral Fellowship
-
General5 days agoAcademic Year 2025/2026 at Makerere Begins With Freshers’ Orientation
-
General2 weeks agoIGAD Board Visits Mak, Reiterates Commitment to Promoting Academic Mobility