General
Prof. Senteza Kajubi eulogized for enormous contribution towards the education sector
![[L -R] Ms. Amy Petersen - Education and Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Kampala; Dr. Ronald Bisaso - Deputy Principal CEES; Mr. Yusuf Kiranda - University Secretary; Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe -Vice Chancellor; H.E William W. Popp - US Ambassador to Uganda; Prof. Anthony Mugagga Muwagga, Principal CEES and Ms. Ellen B. Masi - Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Kampala at the Yusuf Lule Auditorium before the lecture on 7th November 2023.](https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4th-Annual-Senteza-Kajubi-Lecture-7thNov2023.jpg)
The United States Ambassador to Uganda His Excellence William W. Popp and Makerere University professors have praised the two-time Vice Chancellor the late Prof. William Senteza Kajubi for his enormous contribution towards the education sector.
This was during the 4th Fulbright memorial lecture held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Makerere University in memory of a great educationist under the theme: “Uganda’s Higher Education in the Digital Age: Navigating the future through technological advancements”.
According to Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kajubi left a remarkable legacy, which advocated for equal access to quality education and he is described as the father of the education sector.
“We celebrate him, not only as a leader but also a symbol of unity and resilience. His dedication to our nation’s progress and his unwavering commitment to the development of the education system continue to inspire us all,” he said.
The late Prof. Kajubi is remembered for being the father of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) that ensured that all children can have access to education.
Prof. Nawangwe called for togetherness to work towards the future of the country as they celebrate the legacy of the late scholar.
He lauded the U.S for their continued commitment to nurturing change makers through its Fulbright Program which facilitates exchange of knowledge, skills and culture. The late Prof Kajubi is celebrated as one of the first Africans to benefit from the Fulbright program in 1952.
The Fulbright program is an international exchange program that is sponsored by the U.S government and it has fostered mutual understanding between the United States and other countries since 1946.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that since the outbreak of Covid 19, the university has continued to embrace digital technology inform of blended learning. And he said the university’s obligation to conducting research that will alleviate Ugandans from poverty is a sign of giving back to the government of Uganda for the investments done at the University.
“We are looking at what we can do in order to help the country to move forward on this digitization front. What we are going to do is to study the other countries that have gone before us, to know what they are doing, and pave away of how best we can do it without repeating what they did,” he said.
“We are recognized as one of the most proficient and research intensive institutions in Africa. And when it comes to clinical medicine, we compete with the best in the world,” He said.
He asked different stakeholders to utilize the available resources to deliver change in their communities saying, “There are countries that are more advanced in the digital platform than we are but I don’t think that can stop us from doing things that they are doing and going further than they have done. We can use the equipment we have like smartphones and simple computers that we can afford that can do the same work that the complex computers in advanced countries can do.” The Vice Chancellor emphasised.
“We must address challenges of climate change, youth unemployment, good governance, emerging diseases among others”.
His Excellency William Popp acknowledged Makerere’s collaboration with the institutions in the US and applauded the VC for the far he has moved the University to being the one of the leading academic institutions in Africa.
He pledged more support and a good working relationship of the US and Makerere University.
Prof Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies called for the need for teachers to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their teaching and emulate Prof. Ssenteza who did great things in the education terrain for close to 30 years.
“At the start of the year, I asked my colleagues whether robots won’t replace us. But what I know is that a well-trained teacher will never be replaced.” He noted.
He described Prof. Kajubi as a beacon of hope and progress in the field of education. “His unwavering dedication to the betterment of our region, and his indomitable spirit in the face of challenges, serves as an inspiration for all of us in the realm of education”.
Staff and students at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been sensitized on Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy (GEP) and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), in an engagement aimed at strengthening awareness of staff rights and responsibilities and promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful University environment.
The two-hour sensitization session, held on Friday, 30th October 2026 in the Chemistry Boardroom, was organized by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) and led by its Director, Dr Euzobia Baine.
The engagement provided staff with an opportunity to understand the purpose and scope of the two policies, their role in promoting gender equality and preventing sexual harassment, as well as the mechanisms available for reporting and addressing cases of sexual harassment within the University.
Sensitization on the Gender Equality Policy
The Makerere University Gender Equality Policy, originally adopted in 2009 and amended in 2022, provides a broad institutional framework for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. It seeks to integrate gender considerations into the University’s core functions, including teaching and learning, research and innovation, institutional management, recruitment, staff development and leadership.
The policy also promotes equal opportunity and non-discrimination, equitable participation and progression of students, increased participation of women in leadership and decision-making, and a gender-responsive, inclusive and secure University environment.
The Policy Against Sexual Harassment
Staff were also sensitized on PRASH, which provides the institutional framework for preventing and responding to sexual harassment at Makerere University. The policy establishes mechanisms for sensitization, reporting, investigation and management of complaints, while providing for accountability and protection of members of the University community.
The policy applies to members of the University community, including academic, administrative and support staff, students, contractors, partners and visitors to University premises. Sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours and other unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
The sensitization highlighted the complementary role of the two policies. While the GEP provides the broader framework for gender equality, equity and inclusion across the University, PRASH specifically addresses sexual harassment and establishes measures for its prevention and response.
Implementation and Institutional Commitment
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Principal Gender Officer in Makerere University’s Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, briefed staff on progress in implementing MakPRASH, sharing experiences and lessons learned, as well as the consequences of persistent sexual harassment.
On behalf of CoNAS, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba, welcomed the initiative and called for continued sensitization of staff and students on the policies.
Prof. Kakuba pledged support towards ensuring that the policies are understood and observed, noting that regular awareness and engagement are important in creating a respectful and safe working and learning environment.
The sensitization forms part of the University’s ongoing efforts, through the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, to strengthen implementation of its gender-related policies and promote a University community where all members can participate, work and learn in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and other forms of gender-based harm.
Staff and students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) were encouraged to embrace gender-responsive practices as a key step towards building an inclusive, equitable, and productive academic environment.
The call was made during a gender sensitization workshop held on October 28th, 2026, organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, which brought together members of the CoVAB community to deepen their understanding of gender issues and their relevance in higher education institutions.
Principal Calls for Active Participation
A section of the participants that included academic and administrative staff listen attentively
Welcoming participants to the workshop, CoVAB Principal Prof. Clovice Kankya thanked the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming for choosing the College to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take advantage of such learning opportunities.
He described the meeting as one of his first major engagements with members of the College community since assuming office and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and participation in institutional programs.
“Opportunities such as these should not be taken for granted. When experts come to share knowledge and experiences, it is important that we make time to attend, listen, and learn,” he said.
Prof. Kankya noted that he was one of the staff training gender in the past and noted that to date, there were many gender experts who together work towards ensuring the student community gains the needed knowledge and skills to mainstream gender concerns in the college activities.
Gender Concerns Everyone
Some energizers to keep the participants fully engaged
Addressing common misconceptions about gender-related discussions, the Principal emphasized that gender is not exclusively a women’s issue but one that concerns all members of society.
“Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles, responsibilities, and relationships that shape our lives and workplaces. Understanding these issues helps us create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone,” he explained.
Drawing from his academic experience, Prof. Kankya noted that gender considerations cut across disciplines and sectors and remain an important component of sustainable development efforts worldwide. He urged participants to appreciate the role of gender mainstreaming in fostering equal opportunities, promoting respectful working relationships, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) recently hosted a gender sensitization session aimed at increasing awareness of Makerere University’s gender policies and gathering stakeholder feedback to support their effective implementation.
Organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, the engagement brought together staff and students to discuss gender equality, prevention of sexual harassment, gender-responsive planning and budgeting, and the role of university stakeholders in fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Principal Welcomes Gender Mainstreaming Directorate
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Principal CoVAB – made welcome remarks, acknowledging the importance of gender in all areas
The session was officiated by the new CoVAB Principal, who thanked the Directorate for selecting CoVAB to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take full advantage of opportunities that contribute to professional and personal growth. While challenging the common misconception that gender discussions are solely women’s affairs, he emphasized the importance of participation in university activities, noting that such engagements provide valuable opportunities to learn, share experiences, and contribute to institutional development. “Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles and responsibilities that shape our interactions and work environments. Understanding these issues is important for all of us.”, he stated.
Disseminating University Gender Policies
R-L: The Director of the Gender mainstreaming Directorate at Makerere University Dr. Euzobia Baine, and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye facilitated the session.
Facilitators from the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming led by Dr. Euzobia Baine explained the purpose and scope of Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment. Dr. Baine said the sensitization session aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the University’s gender policies and to obtain feedback from stakeholders to guide their implementation and continuous improvement.
Participants were informed that the policies apply to students, academic staff, administrative staff, and all other individuals who study, work, or undertake activities within university spaces. The Directorate also highlighted its mandate to coordinate policy implementation and provide technical support to colleges, schools, departments, and administrative units across the University.
Promoting Gender Equality across University Functions
The meeting highlighted the broad scope of the Gender Equality Policy, which seeks to integrate gender considerations into teaching, learning, research, outreach, partnerships, and institutional management.
Participants learned that the policy promotes the integration of gender perspectives into curricula and research activities, equitable access, participation, retention, and progression for students and staff, increased participation of women and other underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and leadership positions, Gender-responsive community engagement and university partnerships and a university culture founded on respect, inclusion, equity, and equal opportunity. The facilitators emphasized that gender mainstreaming is not a stand-alone activity but a responsibility that should be incorporated into all university programs and operations.
Addressing Sexual Harassment in University Spaces
A key component of the sensitization focused on the University’s Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment. Participants were informed that the policy was developed in response to evidence showing that sexual harassment was affecting members of the university community and that stronger preventive and response mechanisms were needed.
It was explained that the policy provides guidance on prevention, reporting, investigation, and management of sexual harassment cases while promoting safe and respectful learning and working environments for all and that the was commited to supporting colleges and administrative units in implementing the policy and creating awareness among staff and students.
Gender and Equity in Planning and Budgeting
The session also highlighted the growing importance of gender and equity considerations in institutional planning and resource allocation. Participants were informed that the Public Finance Management Act requires public institutions to mainstream gender and equity concerns in their plans and budgets. They also learned that the Equal Opportunities Commission assesses institutional performance in implementing gender and equity commitments. The discussion prompted reflection on how colleges can strengthen compliance with these requirements and address existing gaps in implementing gender-responsive activities.
Fostering an Inclusive University Community
The sensitization session provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback on the implementation of the University’s policies. Participants welcomed the engagement, noting that it enhanced their understanding of gender issues and underscored their role in promoting a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for both staff and students.
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoPIM CoE equips Public Officers to Make Better Public Investment Decisions
-
Agriculture & Environment4 days agoWhat two weeks with Farmers in Mwera, Mityana, taught Makerere’s PhD Students about Agricultural Innovation
-
General3 days agoMURBS Presents FY 2025/26 Performance with 15% Growth
-
General2 days agoADVERT: Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations – 2027/2028
-
General1 week agoMakerere Strengthens Doctoral Training Through BURST-Excel Research Network