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Mak Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Holds Reflective Workshop on Promoting Women’s Participation in Leadership

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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;

  1. In response to two strategic areas of the GMD Gender Equality Policy namely;
  2. Gender-responsive staff recruitment, training, promotion and recognition (eg numbers of women and their progression),
  3. 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.

Dr. Baine delivering her remarks. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Baine delivering her remarks.

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. Anna Ninsiima sharing the research findings. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Anna Ninsiima sharing the research findings.

Dr. Ninsiima revealed that according to the feedback collected, the main causes of low numbers of women in leadership in universities were;

  1. A strong disconnection between the laws and policies at national level and the Universities,
  2. Patriarchal traditional norms and perceptions regarding female leadership, where there is unacknowledged institutional bias against women leaders,
  3. Top positions in the University are political and require women to do more background work, and to lobby their way into leadership positions,
  4. Institutional-toxic, militaristic environment. Unsaid resistance by institutions,
  5. Personal – poor self-image and esteem, want soft landing- some fear judgment,
  6. 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.

Prof. Wanyenze sharing on the role of senior women leaders in nurturing the next generation of women leaders in the academia. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Wanyenze sharing on the role of senior women leaders in nurturing the next generation of women leaders in the academia.

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.

Prof. Bantebya advising women on positioning oneself for the leadership journey. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Bantebya advising women on positioning oneself for the leadership journey.

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;

  1. To promote gender parity
  2. 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.

Prof. Sarah Ssali sharing the history of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sarah Ssali sharing the history of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate.

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.

Left-Right: Prof. Wanyenze, Prof. Bantebya and Prof. Nkabala during a panel discussion on strategies for promoting women’s participation in leadership. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left-Right: Prof. Wanyenze, Prof. Bantebya and Prof. Nkabala during a panel discussion on strategies for promoting women’s participation in leadership.

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.  

The DVCFA Prof. Alinaitwe giving closing remarks. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The DVCFA Prof. Alinaitwe giving closing remarks.

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.

Some of the participants sharing their leadership experiences. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the participants sharing their leadership experiences.

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. Susan Mbabazi deliberating on the successful accomplishments of the program. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Susan Mbabazi deliberating on the successful accomplishments of the program.

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.

Mr. Eric Tumwesigye moderated the workshop. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), CHUSS workshop for women leaders under Mak-RIF project titled; Enhancing Women’s Participation and Visibility in Leadership and decision-making organs of Public Universities in Uganda through Action Research, 13th June 2024, theme: ‘Nurturing women in University leadership through mentorship and experience sharing’, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye moderated the workshop.

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Applications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/26 AY

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2024, 2023 and 2022 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Wednesday 16th April 2025. 

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals  plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                           

 Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.                                                           

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Embrace the Safeguarding Policy- Makerere Jinja Campus Students urged

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Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.

The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.

Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.

“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.

Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, the Director Makerere University Jinja Campus.

In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.

Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.

On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.

The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.

Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Emmanuel Muchake addressing guests.

Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.

The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.

The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.

“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.

Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization. Makerere University Jinja Campus safeguarding policy sensitization meeting for students, staff and stakeholders by the Office of the Dean of Students, 15th April 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Rodney Rugyema (Left) and Prof. Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala (Right) during the sensitization.

The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.

Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.

Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.

“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.

The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.

The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.

Carol Kasujja
Carol Kasujja Adii

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Government Sponsorship Undergraduate Admission Lists 2025/26

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026. The Office has also released Cut Off Points for Government Admissions.

Below are lists of candidates admitted to the respective courses tenable at Makerere University and Makerere University Business School:

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