Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre), Associate Professor Sarah N. Ssali, (on his left), Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi, the Team Leader, Governance and Peace at UNDP(on his right) after a meeting on 6th April 2023 that saw the commissioning the Mak Gender Equality Seal Committee. Extreme Left (seated) is Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha-University Bursar and extreme right is Ms. Angela Bageine from UNDP.
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.
[L-R] Assoc. Prof. Sarah N. Ssali, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Angela Bageine and Ms Annet Mpabulungi Wakabi.
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.
A section of some of the members of the GES (Left-Right) Mr. Ayub Kiranda- Secretary, Ms. Dona Keirungi representing the Dean of Students, Ms. Ritah Namisango, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha and Mr. Lawrence Sanyu
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.
Mr. Emanuel Kitamirike- Member of GES Committee
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%.
[L_R] Ms. Harriet Karusigarira, Mr. Eric Tumwesigye and Ms. Beatrice Mugambe
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.
Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.
Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.
We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!
Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025. Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.
Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.
“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.
Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.
Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.
“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.
Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.
Mr. Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.
Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.
“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.
Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.
Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.
Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:
Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.