On Friday, August 2^nd, 2024, Makerere University was hailed for championing efforts to safeguard students and staff by developing and ratifying the Safeguarding policy. This was during the Mastercard Foundation Uganda Program Partner Convening 2024, which took place at Sheraton-Kampala Hotel.

While appearing in a panel interview, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, informed the attentive audience of Makerere University‘s steps to create a safe space for everyone.

“Makerere University has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of Uganda’s top minds. The university’s alumni drive our economy, and their forefathers fought for our independence. Therefore, it is only fair to ensure the safety of these students and staff,” pointed out Prof. Nawangwe.

Professor Nawangwe informed the audience that Makerere University has implemented several policies to ensure the safety of its students and staff, including the anti-sexual harassment policy. He also mentioned that Makerere University is a pioneer in Gender Mainstreaming, which has brought about significant changes to the university.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Mastercard Foundation for its support in helping the university develop a more comprehensive safeguarding policy. He emphasized that although the university has various policies in place to ensure the safety of students and staff, it currently lacks a broader safeguarding policy.

“I would like to thank the Mastercard Foundation for our outstanding partnership. This collaboration allowed us to train over 1,000 young people, a target we have surpassed. Additionally, the Foundation has supported us in making Makerere University a much safer place by assisting with a comprehensive safeguarding policy,” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.

At the same event, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, emphasized the university’s commitment to establishing a safe environment for students, staff, partners, contractors, and everyone associated with Makerere University.

“I would like to thank the Vice Chancellor and the entire university management for embracing the safeguarding policy wholeheartedly. It will be a game changer in the university’s learning and teaching component. We all know that a safe environment is critical for teaching and learning, which is at the core of university activities.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.

Professor Namaalwa, accompanied by student representatives including Mr. Wilson Gonza, the 89^th Guild Speaker, Ms. Mariat Namiiro, the 89^th Vice Guild President, and Mr. Paul Kakooza, the representative of students with disabilities, all praised the efforts and direction Makerere University is taking to safeguard its stakeholders.

The Mastercard Foundation Program Partners Convening in Uganda is an annual event that brings together all Mastercard Foundation program partners in Uganda to review and assess the impact of their respective programs and discuss the way forward.

Bernard Buteera is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.