General
Mak Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Holds Reflective Workshop on Promoting Women’s Participation in Leadership
By Racheal Kanyi
“Position yourself and make yourself visible and known for something”, this was among the many takeaway points for participants at the reflective workshop for the women leaders at Makerere University. The workshop held on the 13th June 2024 in the Auditorium at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility (CTF 2) was convened by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming (GMD) at Makerere University. It was one of a series of activities that have been conducted by the Directorate under a project titled: Enhancing women’s participation and visibility in leadership and decisionmaking in Universities in Uganda through action and evaluation research, 2019-2024. This is one of the multi-year research projects funded under the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF) and is led by the Director GMD, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine. Participating Universities are: Makerere, Gulu, Busitema, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kabale and Muni.
Purpose of the workshop
Held under the theme – Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing, the purpose of the workshop was to provide a forum for experience sharing among female staff in middle and senior level leadership and management positions equivalent to M3-M5 salary scale.
Setting pace for experience sharing, the Director, Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming at Makerere University, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine briefed participants on the mandate of GMD, outlining the policies and their role in promoting gender equality at the University. In her remarks, she noted that the mandate of GMD is derived from two main policies namely; i) the Makerere University Gender Equality Policy 2009, which envisions Makerere University to become a gender-responsive University in which substantive gender equality is reality, and ii) the Makerere University Policy & Regulations against Sexual Harassment of 2006, as amended in 2018 with a vision to coordinate, facilitate and monitor the integration of the gender dimension into the core functions of Makerere University including; Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovations, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and Support Services.
Dr. Baine noted that the purpose of conducting the workshop was;
- In response to two strategic areas of the GMD Gender Equality Policy namely;
- Gender-responsive staff recruitment, training, promotion and recognition (eg numbers of women and their progression),
- And promotion of women’s participation in leadership and decision-making organs (numbers and visibility).
Other objectives included; Providing an opportunity for participants to understand the gender and leadership landscape in Higher education, enable them appreciate the gender-based challenges along women’s career path and how to overcome them, and to generate strategies on how women senior staff can position themselves for future leadership.
In her presentation, Dr. Baine who is also the project Principal Investigator, called upon women to gain confidence and stand out whenever leadership opportunities arise. “There is need for women to be on the discussion table, making decisions as opposed to keeping at the back. It is high time women gained confidence and took on these leadership opportunities. It all starts right from where you are,” she said.
Factors holding back women from taking up leadership roles
Presenting the research findings on behalf of the project team, Dr. Anna Ninsiima noted that despite all efforts at national and international levels, women were persistently fewer in leadership and decision-making organs in both public and private universities. The main objective of the study was to conduct a situational analysis of the gender terrain of the six public Universities to obtain baseline information encompassing: composition of governance and leadership organs by sex, composition of senior staff by sex, needs assessment and profiles of potential mentors and mentees, capacity to conduct gender-responsive research, exploration of men staff engagement in gender equality/equity interventions, and to establish a functional Uganda University Women Forum starting with the 6 universities.
Dr. Ninsiima revealed that according to the feedback collected, the main causes of low numbers of women in leadership in universities were;
- A strong disconnection between the laws and policies at national level and the Universities,
- Patriarchal traditional norms and perceptions regarding female leadership, where there is unacknowledged institutional bias against women leaders,
- Top positions in the University are political and require women to do more background work, and to lobby their way into leadership positions,
- Institutional-toxic, militaristic environment. Unsaid resistance by institutions,
- Personal – poor self-image and esteem, want soft landing- some fear judgment,
- And social/family background.
Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze on promoting women’s participation in leadership
The Dean, School of Public Health, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze urged women to dedicate time to understanding themselves better, capitalize their strengths, acquire soft skills and competencies, and to rebuke toxic talk if they are to effectively participate in leadership. “Leadership starts with understanding yourself. Speak to yourself, identify good things in you, know you capabilities and work on your weakness. There is need for women to mentor each other, its one way of uplifting ourselves. We also need to know that not everyone can make it into leadership – some of us have to open doors for others to get there. Let’s sponsor each other and avoid toxic talk that holds us back and encourage each other into these leadership spaces,” she noted.
Strategizing for leadership
Sharing on her leadership experience, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Bunyoro University, Prof. Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo advised women to strategize and use every opportunity available in leadership by showing up, even when they know they will not win the race. “Mere showing interest is a visibility gate for you to be known and adopt good networks in the world. If you intend to be a leader, study the big picture. You have to prepare, get the skills, get collaborations, know what you want, be available and willing to take on responsibilities. Study the environment and be careful how you share your intentions with people. If there is an opportunity and you have interest in it, apply for it, if you go through, that’s great, if you don’t, you won’t die, other doors will still open,” she advised.
Genesis and mandate of GMD
The Chairperson Makerere Council Committee responsible for Gender Mainstreaming who also doubles as the Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies, Prof. Ssali Sarah revealed that the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate came to existence by visionary women who also contributed to the establishment of the School of Women and Gender Studies with mainly two objectives;
- To promote gender parity
- To monitor and hold people accountable
She reiterated the need to address the behavioral and structural barriers that limit women from rising and staying in leadership noting that this will help have more women occupy the leadership spaces in the universities.
The newly appointed Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Helen Nkabala urged women to acquaint themselves with the different university policies if they are to effectively compete and take on leadership positions. “Know what is required of the leadership space you are vying for. You need to do policy spotlighting and read the human resource manual well as you aspire for leadership,” she advised.
Emphasizing the need for women to support each other into leadership, she appreciated Prof. Wanyenze for looking out for her when she showed interest in taking up leadership in the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA). “Prof Wanyenze reached out to me and encouraged me. This greatly motivated me. As women, we need to support each other into these positions.”
Remarks by the DVCFA
Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe commended the Directorate for organizing the workshop to empower women leaders and pledged management to take action on the resolutions.
He thanked the Directorate for holding the Male engagement roundtable to discuss issues pertinent to them. He decried the dropping numbers of male graduates and called for an investigation into the causes.
Proposed objectives of a 4W Initiative Pilot at Makerere University
The Director for Africa 4W Women and Wellbeing Initiative at the School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, Ms. Deborah Kaddu-Serwadda noted that Uganda can leverage the successes of Makerere University’s gender mainstreaming policy to build a critical mass of university students, faculty, and staff, able to work together. She mentioned some of the proposed objectives of a 4W Initiative Pilot at Makerere University, Uganda as: piloting an interdisciplinary multigenerational higher education collaboration for the promotion of gender equality and women’s wellbeing. The pilot project would further initiate an academic women leaders’ South to North research-to-action network for gender equality and social transformation.
Giving the background on the women in leadership training workshops, a Principal Gender Officer at GMD, Ms. Susan Mbabazi noted that the programme had accomplished many activities such as ; 1) A situational analysis of the gender terrain of the 6 universities focusing on among others the gender composition of staff in leadership positions, 2) Development of training guides/manuals on women in leadership, mentorship, gender responsive research and male engagement, and 3) Findings of the situational analysis in the six participating universities were disseminated in each of them.
Ms. Mbabazi noted that that the programme still had pending activities such as conducting workshops using the developed training guides/manuals in all participating universities starting with Makerere University.
The Senior Gender Officer at GMD, Mr. Eric Tumwesigye commended women for being supportive and inspirational. “All the ladies I have moved and worked with in my life journey have really been inspirational,” he said.
The workshop was moderated by Mr. Tumwesigye and attended by senior academic and administrative female staff of Makerere University.
General
From Campus to Career: Makerere Advancement Office, 91st Guild and the DFCU Foundation Equip Students with Financial and Employability Skills
On 4th December, 2025, over 200 final-year students gathered at the School of Pharmacy Auditorium for the highly engaging Career & Financial Literacy Symposium, hosted by the 91st Students’ Guild, in partnership with the Makerere Advancement Office and the DFCU Foundation.
The symposium centred on student advancement through strategic partnership, convening students, administrators and development partners for a practical conversation on career readiness, financial literacy, employability, and personal development.
Advancement Through Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of the Makerere Advancement Office, Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer, underscored the importance of partnerships such as the one with DFCU Foundation. He highlighted their importance in equipping students with marketplace skills and opportunities vital for individual growth after University.
He reflected on the university journey as a formative period for ideas, innovation, and lifelong relationships, noting that:
“University is where impressions are made, and future networks are born. The friendships, character, and collaborations you develop here become foundations for careers, enterprises and leadership later in life.”
Mr. Uwihanganye encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, arguing that the emerging workforce is driven by technology, multi-tasking ability and idea generation rather than traditional single-path employment. He challenged students to build businesses, use digital platforms productively, and regard employment as only one income stream, not the only one.
The Student Perspective — Discipline, Skills and Trust
Speaking on student growth and personal development, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Deputy Dean of Students, highlighted the realities facing new graduates, especially those entering the job market for the first time. With humour and honesty, he urged students to approach growth intentionally and responsibly.
He called for delayed gratification, financial discipline and long-term decision-making, reminding students that wealth is built, not wished for. He emphasised the importance of skills beyond academic papers, stating that students must be equipped to create value, adapt, learn continuously, and gain competence relevant to modern work demands.
Dr. Rugyema underscored that trust, integrity and reliability remain the most non-negotiable pillars of professional advancement.
“Let people trust you enough to lend you an opportunity. Be a person who delivers. Your reputation is currency; it travels to rooms you are not in.” He noted
Financial Literacy for the Next Generation
The keynote training session was delivered by Mr. Simon Omara, Business Advisor representing the DFCU Foundation, who walked students through a highly practical presentation on financial planning, savings culture, credit management, record-keeping, career positioning and entrepreneurship.
With more than 10,000 graduates annually and less than 35% securing employment within the first year, Mr. Omara challenged students to practice financial and career ownership early. His presentation explored:
Key Competencies Students Must Build
- Financial management with a focus on budgeting, saving, and investing early
- Career readiness, CV development, interview skills, and personal branding
- Entrepreneurship and income diversification
- Record keeping and credit management
- Professional conduct and workplace preparation
He reminded students that the future belongs to those who are financially literate, skilled, trusted and entrepreneurial. Through relatable examples and actionable frameworks such as the 70–20–10 rule, the 7-second CV scan, and the 90-day post-graduation growth plan, Mr. Omara equipped participants with practical knowledge they could act upon immediately.
Why This Symposium Matters
This event stands as a testament to the power of partnership-driven student advancement, a core mandate of the Makerere Advancement Office. By convening industry partners like DFCU Foundation, the University continues to ensure that students graduate not only with knowledge, but with tools and readiness for opportunity.
The symposium strengthened linkages between academia and the labour market, expanded students’ perspective on financial independence, and emphasised the value of entrepreneurship, networks and character in shaping future leadership
The Makerere Advancement Office remains committed to facilitating opportunities that empower students to thrive beyond the gates of the University, through partnerships, mentorship, capacity-building, and exposure to real-world skillsets.
“ A degree alone is no longer enough. With partnership, preparation and purpose, our students can build futures anchored in knowledge, opportunity and resilience.” Mr Awel Uwihanganye noted during his remarks.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Makerere Advancement Office
Makerere University on 3rd December, 2025 hosted the Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Lecture, a tradition established to honour the life and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, an outstanding alumnus and former Governor of the Bank of Uganda who passed away in 2022. The lecture not only reflects on his remarkable contribution to Uganda’s economic leadership, but also highlights how innovation, resilience, and intergenerational vision can shape Africa’s future.
This year’s edition was anchored on three key pillars—intergenerational leadership, economic resilience, and the power of innovation—themes that defined Prof. Mutebile’s career and continue to influence national development. Through this annual series, the University upholds his memory while also celebrating other African leaders whose work has left a lasting mark on the continent, using their legacies to inspire thoughtful dialogue, policy reflection, and the next generation of transformative thinkers.
Celebrating an Enduring Legacy
In her remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, reflected on Prof. Mutebile’s lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and the transformative power of education. She highlighted his journey from a student leader at Makerere to one of the country’s most influential economic thinkers, noting how his leadership in monetary policy, fiscal reform, and economic stabilization reshaped Uganda’s economic trajectory.
Prof. Ssali emphasized that this public lecture series not only honours Mutebile’s legacy but also bridges academia and practice—challenging students, scholars, and national leaders to pursue knowledge that serves the public good. She expressed gratitude to the Bank of Uganda under Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, dfcu Bank, the GRO Foundation, the Mutebile family, and the Advancement Office for their continued support in sustaining a platform that nurtures economic thought leadership and inspires future generations.
Rt. Hon. Emeritus Amama Mbabazi, a lifelong friend and contemporary of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, delivered a deeply personal reflection during the lecture. He recalled their shared beginnings as young student leaders at Makerere, their early political activism, and the historical moments that shaped both their lives and the nation. Speaking as both confidant and colleague, he emphasized Mutebile’s disciplined approach to economic policy, his unwavering belief in strong, accountable institutions, and his commitment to evidence-based, long-term decision making. Mbabazi outlined three pillars of Mutebile’s legacy—policy integrity, institutional strength, and leadership that prepares the next generation—values he affirmed are central to the work of the Tumusiime Foundation, which he now chairs.
He underscored the critical role of the private sector in Africa’s transformation, stressing the need for productivity-driven economies, skilled young people, and policy ecosystems that encourage innovation. He further called for intergenerational leadership that deliberately transfers knowledge, builds enduring institutions, and creates real opportunities for young Africans to lead. In closing, he urged academia, policymakers, and industry to work in partnership, noting that Africa’s progress depends on disciplined leadership, investment in human capital, and a shared commitment to building a future stronger than the present.
Fiscal Policies that have stood the test of time
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, honored the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile with a heartfelt tribute, praising him as “a great tree whose roots ran deep beneath the soil of this nation, nourishing all who followed.” He noted that Uganda continues to benefit from the “shade” of the policies Mutebile planted during his 21-year tenure—policies that stabilized the economy, strengthened institutions, and protected the financial system through multiple crises. He highlighted Mutebile’s role in restoring price stability through cash budgeting, bringing inflation down from triple digits to single digits, guiding the country through the 2008 global financial crisis with disciplined monetary policy, and maintaining public trust during the 2011 inflation spike through clear and transparent communication.
Dr. Atingi-Ego also credited him for steering Uganda safely through the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing liquidity support for banks, credit relief for borrowers, and targeted foreign exchange interventions. Reflecting on Mutebile’s long-term impact, the Governor remarked, “These are the ideas he planted—he never lived to enjoy the shade of the tree, but today, the country rests under it.” He further celebrated Mutebile’s commitment to innovation, citing the 2016 amendments to the Financial Institutions Act that unlocked agency banking, bancassurance, and Islamic banking—reforms that today anchor Uganda’s impressive financial inclusion gains.
Intergenerational Leadership blends agility and emotional intelligence
Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira delivered a compelling and deeply reflective keynote, grounding the theme “Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation” in both history and lived institutional experience. He expressed serious concern that although Africa is the world’s youngest continent—with over 65% of its population below 35—its systems continue to sideline young people from leadership and national decision-making, even as they are repeatedly called “leaders of tomorrow.” He argued that this generational exclusion is not merely unfair but dangerous, warning that nations cannot secure economic resilience while locking out the very demographic best equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
Drawing on African proverbs, global case studies, and personal anecdotes from Makerere and national institutions, he demonstrated how younger generations bring idealism, agility, innovation, and risk-taking—qualities essential for competitiveness—while older generations contribute emotional intelligence, institutional memory and a heightened sense of danger. He emphasized that progress requires blending these strengths through deliberate structures: fair representation of youth in boards and executive spaces, shared decision-making, reverse mentorship, and an institutional culture that values every generational perspective.
Dr. Tusubira also highlighted the urgent need for education reform, criticizing the continent’s entrenched “learning to pass exams” culture and calling for systems that cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and technical capability. He cautioned that without investing in human capital, digital literacy, and inclusive innovation ecosystems, Africa risks losing the very foundation of future competitiveness. His message was clear and powerful: intergenerational leadership is not optional—it is a survival strategy for institutions, businesses, and nations, especially in an era where, as he quoted, “it is not the strongest who survive, but those most responsive to change.”
The lecture was further enriched by an engaging panel discussion, which was moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences. He opened the discussion by deliberately centering today’s students and emerging leaders, framing the session as an intellectual reflection on the life, values and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. He positioned the lecture’s theme — Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation — as urgent and practical, and introduced a cross-disciplinary panel whose expertise mirrors that urgency: Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira, Mr. Charles Mudiwa the Managing Director Dfcu Bank, and Prof. Faisal Buyinza the Ag. Dean, School of Economics.
Prof. Bbaale’s moderation enabled panelists to offer guidance on structural and cultural barriers to youth inclusion, the role of institutions in building resilience, and how academia, industry and policy can work together to turn innovation into jobs and scalable solutions — all the while reserving time for direct audience engagement and practical policy takeaways. Collectively, the panelists urged dismantling age-biased barriers and credential rigidities, creating new entry points and “tables” for youth leadership, scaling finance and training for startups and agribusiness, reforming pedagogy to prioritise skills and creativity, and deepening public-private-academic partnerships so innovation becomes inclusive growth rather than isolated experimentation.
The Family’s heartfelt appreciation
Mrs. Betty Tumusiime-Mutebile delivered heartfelt closing remarks, offering gratitude on behalf of the family and the Tumusiime-Mutebile Foundation. Speaking with deep emotion, she reflected on the late Professor’s character—his honesty, humility, hard work, and unwavering commitment to service above self. She thanked Makerere University, the Bank of Uganda, the Foundation’s leadership, and the many friends and colleagues who have continued to uphold his legacy, noting that although nearly four years have passed since his departure, his memory remains vivid and powerful for the family.
She recalled his devotion to both his public duty and his home, sharing personal stories of his leadership within the family and his steadfast faith that shaped their daily lives. Mrs. Tumusiime-Mutebile also highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work in youth skilling, ethical governance, and private-sector development—initiatives rooted in his own vision. She concluded by inviting continued partnership to sustain the legacy he built, and led the gathering in singing his favourite chorus, a tender tribute to a man whose influence, she said, endures through the lives he touched.
-
General2 weeks agoIn Honor of the Life and Legacy of Mr. Francis Seletze Ngabirano-A Steady Hand through the Storms
-
Health1 week agoIDI launches the Sewankambo Training Program for Global Health Security in Africa
-
Engineering, Art & Tech2 weeks agoErasmus Exchange Prof.’s Mak Photo wins Poland National Prize
-
General1 week agoMakerere University Hosts Ambassador Judyth Nsababera for Strategic Dialogue Advancing Uganda–China Engagement
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere Students share experiences, connections and inspiration at inaugural For Youth, By Youth Conference in Turkey