General
Mak PIs & Project Admins Urged to Harmonize the Grants Administration & Management Policy with other University Laws
By Lubanga Elvis
The call for harmonization aims to ensure that individuals involved in grant projects have a comprehensive understanding of how the University Grants Administration and Management Policy aligns with broader University regulations, fostering a culture of compliance and effective grants management. This was during the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU) workshop on the University Grants Administration and Management Policy held at the Food Science and Technology Conference Hall on September 14, 2023, attended by Principal investigators and Administrators from all colleges and Units, who were given informative sessions on financial and procurement policies, legal and audit procedures associated with grants management.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary underscored the importance of understanding the Grants Administration and Management Policy in conjunction with the broader university regulatory framework, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to policy compliance.
During her presentation at the workshop, Prof. Sylvia A. Nakimera Nannyonga – Tamusuza, Head of GAMSU assured attendees that GAMSU will continue to serve as a valuable resource, providing guidance and assistance to Principal Investigators, Grants Administrators, and all stakeholders involved in the grant process under the vision of supporting grant acquisition and promoting compliance.
Mr. Gyaviira Lubowa, deputy University Bursar, shared insights into the financial policies and procedures governing grants at Makerere University, where he clarified on financial aspects and accountability, as key for effective grants management.
“Transparency and financial accountability are non-negotiable in grants management,” Mr. Lubowa emphasized.
Ms. Esther Kabinga, senior legal officer shared insights into legal policies and procedures, where she emphasized the importance of compliance and risk mitigation in grants management.
“At Makerere, we adhere to national guidelines, which means we do not accept grants from terrorist-linked organizations or those prohibited by the Government of Uganda” Ms. Kabinga added.
Mr. Paul Agaba, Manager of Procurement, guided on procurement policies and procedures and their impact on grant-related activities.
“In project Management, Own it! “Be present during deliveries, and don’t compromise on standards” Mr. Agaba explained.
Mr. Patrick Okonyet, Manager Internal Audit addressed audit policies and the importance of transparency and accountability in grant management.
He advised attendees to maintain fiscal prudence and transparency when dealing with project funds and properties.
“Audits are not meant to be feared; they are tools for improvement,” Mr. Okonyet further noted.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda thanked all participants and emphasized the university’s continuous support towards effective grants administration.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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