Makerere University, a public-funded institution, has embarked on a journey to champion the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal in public institutions. The Gender Equality Seal is aimed at encouraging public institutions to analyse and mainstream gender into their policies, improve their approaches and their potential impact on women’s lives, empowerment and gender equality.
Consequently, on Thursday 6th April 2023, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commissioned the Gender Equality Seal Committee at Makerere University and called upon them to ensure a 50/50 per cent gender parity across the board.
“I congratulate the Committee upon its appointment. Over the years, Makerere University has embraced gender mainstreaming and equity initiatives. I am glad that Makerere University has been selected to champion the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal programme. Our goal should focus on attaining a 50/50 gender parity across the board. I urge the team to spearhead the certification process for Makerere University to earn the gold seal. I thank UNDP for accepting to partner with Makerere University in the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal initiative,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the need to recommend policies and laws that will inform the gender equality drive, implementation and practice. “I advise you to undertake a self-reflection of what Makerere University has done or achieved over the years and set your goals. I hope that the exercise will also make proposals for policies. For countries to make good progress, gender equality and parity issues ought to be prioritised in the law.”
The Gender Equality Seal (GES) for public institutions is a methodological proposal and acknowledges the efforts of public institutions towards achieving substantive equality between women and men within the framework of the 2030 agenda for development and the Sustainable Development Goals. (SDGs). At Makerere University, the Gender Equality Seal initiative is anchored by the School of Women and Gender Studies.
The commissioning ceremony held in the Council Room, Makerere University Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility started with an orientation programme to enable the Members of the newly constituted Gender Equality Seal Committee to understand and appreciate the noble task.
Chaired by Dr. Sarah N. Ssali, an Associate Professor and the Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies, the Gender Equality Seal Committee consists of the following members: Dr. Euzobia Baine Mugisha-Director of Gender Mainstreaming, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha-University Bursar, Mr. Ssanyu Lawrence-Ag. Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli-Dean of Students, Ms. Ritah Namisango-Principal Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike-Principal Planning Officer, and Mr. Ayub Kiranda-the Secretary to the Committee. It is important to note that two (2) female representatives of students will be nominated to join the Committee when the 89th Students’ Guild Government is constituted.
During the orientation, the Gender Equality Seal Committee listened to presentations on: the overview of the Gender Equality Seal for Public institutions, introduction to the role and expectations of the Gender Equality Seal Committee, Sharing of best practices of gender equality at the global, regional and national level. This was followed by an interactive experience sharing session from the Members of the Gender Equality Seal Committee including a question and answer session.
In her address, Dr. Sarah Ssali reiterated the commitment of the university leadership towards gender issues at the institutional, structural and operations levels through the establishment of the School of Women and Gender Studies, the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, the formulation of the Gender Equity Policy, the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, among others. These measures are aimed at promoting gender equality, women empowerment and protection of men and women against all forms of abuse. In addition to these efforts, Dr. Ssali acknowledged the Vice Chancellor; who is renowned for championing the mainstreaming of gender into university processes, for appointing the Gender Equality Seal Committee to take on an oversight role that will drive the transformation of Makerere University with regard to gender parity.
Dr. Ssali highlighted that the gender equality seal process will not only help Makerere University to deliver on its gender gains, but also contribute to its transformation into a competitive centre of gender excellence. She revealed that Makerere University requested for the Gender Equality Seal programme in consideration of SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality. She noted that the Gender Equality Seal Committee is very central because universities will be ranked on gender equality.
“Under SDG 5, universities will be ranked on gender equality issues. It is very encouraging to see that UNDP has started this process with Makerere University. It helps us to check and monitor ourselves, to perform better in gender equality issues and to meet international expectations,” she said.
Dr. Ssali emphasized the need to document evidence and processes as well as have indicators to measure policies and inform policy implementation. “To execute this role of documenting evidence, which is embedded in all the processes, the Vice Chancellor ensured that the planning unit of the University is part of the Gender Equality Seal Committee,” she said.
Underscoring the need for institutional commitment, Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi, the Team Leader, Governance and Peace at UNDP commended Makerere University for its contribution to national development. She appreciated the leadership at Makerere University for choosing to set the pace in the gender equality seal implementation and processes.
Highlighting that gender equality is a pre-condition for achieving development agenda 2030 and 2063, she explained that the task at hand involves the leadership and the gender equality seal committee to work together to address institutional resistances to gender equality, which includes breaking standards and patterns.
Ms. Mpabalungi provided an account of the existing partnerships between Makerere University and UNDP including the Makerere University Innovations Hub, the ongoing proposal to support a day care centre at Makerere University, and this particular initiative towards the promotion of the Gender Equality Seal in public institutions.
The Team Leader reiterated the commitment and readiness of UNDP to support the realization of the gender equality seal at Makerere, and wished the University leadership and the Gender Equality Seal Committee a fruitful engagement that will result into the gold seal standard. This commitment will be represented in communications through a hash tag: #MakStrive4Gold.
The UNDP team that interacted with the Gender Equality Seal committee at Makerere University included: Ms. Annet Mpabulungi-Team Leader, Ms. Harriet Karusigarira, Ms. Beatrice Mugambe, Angela Bageine and Voilet Namata.
Addressing the Gender Equality Seal Committee and the UNDP team, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the measures that have been undertaken towards gender equity and equality. He mentioned that the strides need to be understood and appreciated within the broader context of the attitudes towards education in general and the cultural norms and practices. Established in 1922 as a technical school, Makerere opened its doors to 14 male students with a motto, let us be men. It was later on in the 1940’s that the female students joined this institution. He disclosed that when he joined the Faculty of Technology (30 years ago), there was only one (1) female student, and everyone in the University knew her. At that time, the enrolment of female students in the University stood at 5%.
To address the low levels of female students’ enrolment, Makerere University in the early 1990s, came up with an affirmative action whereby each female student who qualified to join the University would be added 1.5 points, which gradually raised the enrolment from 5% to growing numbers of up to 42% to date. With this measure, the Vice Chancellor noted that Makerere University has made a tremendous impact on the gender terrain in Uganda and the region. In the same vein, other partners namely Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, and the Makerere University Council through the Female Scholarship Foundation, the Embassy of China in Uganda came on board to provide scholarships to female students.
For staff members, the Vice Chancellor pointed out that women were the majority in the category of support staff and were very few within the administrative and academic staff categories. However, with the access of women to university education and scholarships, the percentage of women in administrative and academic staff positions/ranks has continued to rise. He noted that although the University has not yet reached the desired levels of women in administrative and academic staff categories, the future is bright and promising. Makerere University also subscribes to the Employment laws of Uganda, and the Equal Opportunities Act. In the adverts, qualified women are encouraged to apply. During the recruitment processes, qualified women compete with men, and the best candidate is considered.
On the issue of women in leadership, the Vice Chancellor outlined the deliberate effort to identify qualifying women to take on key roles. For instance, the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate is headed by Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has been headed by women (Ms. Catherine Kanabahita, Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, and Dr. Justine Namaalwa). The Makerere University Grants Administration and Support Management Unit (GAMSU) was headed by Prof. Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, and following her appointment to become the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Bunyoro University, Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nannyonga-Tamusuza.
Going forward, the Vice Chancellor guided that the drive of Makerere University should be geared towards achieving 50/50 per cent parity in all these issues and expressed confidence that this would be feasible thanks to the capacity built over the years. “Once again, I thank the Gender Equality Seal Committee for accepting to serve. Please make sure that Makerere University gets the Gold seal in gender equality. I officially commission the Gender Equality Seal Committee to start its work,’’ remarked the Vice Chancellor amidst applause.
The specific objectives of the Gender Equality Seal Initiative include:
To enhance the understanding of the Gender Equality Seal for public institutions including the overall goals, objectives and principles of the Gender Equality Seal and how it works.
To support the University leadership’s commitment to rolling out and implementing the Gender Equality Seal programme.
To facilitate and support the transfer of knowledge and skills to Makerere University and establish a core team of Gender Advisors to support the roll out and implementation of the seal programme.
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Little Angels Junior School, Mawotto Village, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District celebrated an inspiring, joy-filled event. These two schools were selected to receive the generosity of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service.
At St. Charles Rwahunga Nursery and Primary School, the Scholars donated various products, including Learning Materials, Geometry sets, Sanitary towels for the girls, sportswear for the boys’ football team, and other goodies.
The Community Nursery and Primary School serves 412 pupils with severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The buildings are dilapidated, there is a shortage of desks, and the classrooms are small and overcrowded. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a better student learning environment.
Mr. Alex Mugisha, the Headteacher of the School, expressed gratitude to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for the kind gesture they extended to his school.
“I am deeply grateful, along with the students and staff, for the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These materials will significantly enhance the learning environment for our pupils,” remarked Mr. Mugisha.
Mr. Nelson Ddumba, the Scholars Council Representative, encouraged the young learners at the event not to lose hope. He emphasized that regardless of their starting point, they can improve their circumstances by staying in school.
“Listen, my fellow students: do not give up. The only path to transforming your circumstances is through a steadfast commitment to your education and remaining in school. I have been in your shoes, but I pushed through and succeeded thanks to my mother’s unwavering support. Today, I proudly attend Makerere University, one of the leading institutions in Uganda. Embrace the challenge ahead and make your education your top priority!” Mr. Ddumba declared.
At Little Angels Junior School, pupils were excited to receive educational materials, reusable sanitary towels, mathematical sets, dictionaries, and textbooks for nursery to primary seven students.
Ms. Sarah Nturo, the headteacher, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University for the kind gesture.
She said the books will help the school improve its reading culture and performance.
“We are grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University; we believe these books will significantly contribute to improving our pupils’ performance,” Ms. Nturo said.
Nturo also pointed out that they have challenges with the facilities and water as a school.
“Ever since we started this School, the education has improved because, in the past, parents could not allow their children to come here; instead, they would send them to the lake for fishing. But now, the children come only because they do not have somewhere to sit. We have few desks,” Nturo said.
During the visit, the pupils mesmerised the scholars with rare dance moves. The excitement did not leave the Programme Implementation team and teachers in their seats, making it a fun-filled event. The audience was left yearning for more.
Addressing the school, Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, urged the pupils to use their school time to prepare for a bright future.
“Do not mind where you are coming from. We all started like this. Education is an equalizer. Now that you have an opportunity to study, focus on making the best out of it. Be disciplined pupils and listen to your teachers. The sky will be the limit,” Mr Osuna said.
During the event, Francis Kabuye Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) leadership, said that ever since the school started over 10 years back, they have never received guests who bring them gifts like how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars did.
“I think you have seen how excited the children were. We are all happy this has never happened to our school. Who are we to receive these gifts? We have challenges, but with friends like God on our side, we shall conquer,” Mr. Kabuye noted.
The Scholars’ Day of Community Service is an annual event where Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University engage in community service as a way of giving back. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals in the community and contribute positively to society.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while speaking at the inaugural commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Makerere University has appealed to the Government to increase the number of students with disabilities on government sponsorship.
The event held on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 was organised by the Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students’ Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities and held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
The day’s theme was: “Empowering Inclusion: Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential”
“Students with disabilities should be the first to be admitted on Government sponsorship because there are not so many,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe called upon the government to devise a scheme and policy for integrating students with disabilities into the working environment after graduation.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that the University has established a Disability Support Centre, a one-stop facility to ensure equal access to education and life, promote inclusivity, and support students and staff with disabilities.
“Over the years, Makerere University has branded itself as a place that actively and loudly promotes increased awareness about the rights and needs of students and staff with disabilities.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the State minister for Disability Affairs, called upon Persons with Disabilities to always believe in themselves and be able to break the barriers of the inferiority complex.
“You have to show people that you have the potential, and when people get to know your potential, they will begin to include and engage you. But if you do not have your potential, nobody will include you. They will think you are just someone who is just there seated and begging,” Hon. Asamo noted.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, said that the University is making a deliberate effort to pay particular attention to the decisive implementation of inclusive Policies and Practices.
“This is where we want all people to thrive and grow. Therefore, we are proud to accept and celebrate our differences and uniqueness. We welcome you here to build a culture of active support for each other and to declare that by championing a conducive environment for students and staff with disability, we are part of the change-makers of today,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli also highlighted several policies the University has implemented, such as the Policy for Persons with Disabilities and safeguarding, Accommodation policy, University rules and regulations, the Human resource manual, and the student guild constitution that provides inclusive participation in student leadership and admission policies.
“These policies protect and enhance the rights of both staff and students with disabilities. For example, we have a student guild minister for persons with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.
Makerere has directed attention to ensuring accessible and comfortable accommodations for students with Disabilities by having designated accessible hostels and rooms. The University provides salaries, lodging, and meals for helpers who assist students with disabilities. A concentrated effort is also being made to build ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to facilitate navigation for students and staff.
According to Dr Kabumbuli, the University has embraced a drive to facilitate students’ access to assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, brailling machines, hearing aids, etc.
“As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the University has designated a specialized space within the library, equipped with assistive technologies and resources, specifically for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to knowledge and academic success for all. We have also put in place special arrangements, such as extra time during examinations to enable access to education,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Ministry of Gender, and the School of Law, which are committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and equity for People with Disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities worldwide.
The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.
The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.
‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output. He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs. ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’. The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work. While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible. ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match. He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.
Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning. He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.
Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.
The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies. He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.
Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.