The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has urged universities, leaders, and researchers to take lead in the renaissance of Africa.
“We are the people to handle the renaissance. We must ensure that Africa leads.The renaissance of Africa should be inclusive. Women should not be left behind. Women should be part of leadership, higher education and development,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe made the remarks on 18th September 2024 at the United Nations General Assembly’s Science Summit in New York, USA in a Panel Discussion titled: AAP Dialogue Series “Advancing The Role of Women in Science for Sustainable Development in Africa: Lessons for Leadership of Higher Education Institutions.”
According to AAP, this specific panel discussion was very critical because the process of fundamental change in gender equity at African higher education institutions remains slow. Some of the significant challenges include deeply entrenched cultural norms, inadequate policy implementation, and resource constraints.
He implored participants from Africa and the world at large, to always remember the resounding question from the Beijing Convention, “Will Africa be left behind again?”
Aware of the aforementioned significant challenges, drawing from his lived experiences in Uganda and at Makerere University, and inspired by the conviction that Africans have the potential to bring about the desired change, Prof. Nawangwe stressed the power of gender inclusion and positive policies in the renaissance of Africa as well as transformation of livelihoods.
Citing statistics, studies and investigations conducted by reputable researchers, that proved that the ratio of women in leadership, science and development in African institutions was very low compared to that of men, Prof. Nawangwe rallied stakeholders to prioritize inclusion of women in education, development and all processes leading to shaping the future of the African continent.
Noting that one of the studies indicated that the enrolment of women in higher education across African countries was still below 15%, Prof. Nawangwe advocated for planned and deliberate gender inclusive strategies to be undertaken at the national, regional and continental levels to increase the percentage of women in higher education. He also highlighted statistics from the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) which indicated that women are still very low in this sector.
“We need to come up with strong policies about the inclusion of women in higher education and development,” he stressed.
The Vice Chancellor shared Makerere University’s experience, which provides hope to any institution that embraces positive policy to support gender inclusion. He pointed out that when Uganda attained independence (1962), 90% of the secondary schools in Uganda were for the boys and only two (2) girls’ schools taught sciences. In 1990, the enrolment of women in universities in Uganda was less than 15%. However, when the Government of Uganda, Parliament of Uganda and Makerere University embraced the affirmative action policy, more girls and women were empowered and supported to access education.
“The policy on affirmative action for girls who qualified to enter Makerere in 1990 has led to a rise in women enrollment to 53% presently. The policy on affirmative action for women in STEM at Makerere has seen a rise in enrollment from 30% to 45% in three years” Prof. Nawangwe reported.
Prof. Nawangwe stated that Makerere University has over the years increased its staff composition by gender with women members of staff constituting 35%. He explained that Makerere University remains committed to implementing gender inclusive policies. The Vice Chancellor added that majority of respondents in a recent study, including both men and women, recommended that there should be more enrolment of women in higher education institutions.
He disclosed to the participants that when he instituted the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards, the second best researcher was a woman in Science-Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, who is the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health.
Committed to increasing the ratio of women in leadership, science and development, the Vice Chancellor revealed that Makerere University has continued to benchmark some universities in South Africa. According to Prof. Nawangwe, this decision was informed by studies, which indicated that universities in South Africa were having realistic percentages of women in leadership and science in general. During its journey, Makerere University will continue to undertake intervention areas such as mentorship, early career research programmes, and soliciting for grants dedicated to women’s growth and empowerment.
In a keynote address, Dr. Teressa Woodruff-President Emerita of Michigan State University appealed to global leaders in Africa to ensure that women are visible.
“If women are not visible, that country will not advance. Make women visible through governance, economic empowerment, end violence against women, and ensure peace and stability,” she said.
Dr. Woodruff reiterated that universities are critical in the advancement of women in Africa. She explained that women are missing at the higher ranks in the Science disciplines. She noted the need to bridge the that gap and also advocated for value proposition to maintain women in the academy. “Value proposition focuses on the individual. Higher Education institutions should invest in the individual.”
Moderated by Dr. Aminda Smith and Dr. Tony Milanzi from Michigan State University, the Panel Discussion included the following distinguished panelists: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe-Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Dorothy Ngila-Director of Strategic Partnerships, National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa, Dr. Lorenza Fluks-Human Sciences Research Council, Dr. Michele Mbo’o-Tchouawou-Deputy Director for Programs at the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development, Dr. Teresa Woodruff-President Emerita at Michigan State University, Dr. Pulane Mswela-Lecturer at the University of Botswana, and Dr. Evelyn Gitau-Chief Executive Officer, Science for Africa Foundation.
In a strategic move to enhance academic leadership and institutional efficiency, Makerere University conducted a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop for all Heads of Department (HoDs) on August 5, 2025. The workshop, held at the Senate Conference Hall, brought together HoDs from various academic units to deepen their understanding of university academic policies, graduate training guidelines, and intellectual property management.
The training was organized under the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs. The session aimed at aligning departmental leadership with the University’s strategic goals, policies, and operational frameworks, particularly in relation to graduate education and research governance.
Opening the workshop, Prof. Buyinza Bukadasi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), underscored the importance of strong departmental leadership in driving the University’s vision:
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi makes his remarks.
“The Head of Department is not merely an administrator; they are the academic engine of their unit. By equipping our HoDs with up-to-date policy knowledge, research management skills, and leadership tools, we are investing in the core structures that sustain academic excellence and innovation at Makerere.”
Emphasis on Graduate Policy and Structured PhD Training
Dr. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), led an engaging presentation on the Makerere University Graduate Policies, Guidelines, and Procedures. His session unpacked critical updates in the revised 2024 Graduate Handbook, including:
Removal of provisional admission for PhD by Research.
A structured PhD framework requiring a minimum of three years and 40 credit units.
Strengthened supervision standards and doctoral mentorship structures.
Cohort-based admissions to improve program coherence and tracking.
Integration of cross-cutting courses such as Scholarly Writing, Advanced Research Methods, and Teaching Assistantship into PhD training.
The new framework, supported by the Research Information Management System (RIMS), enhances monitoring of student progress and ensures timely completion of graduate programs. Dr. Kikooma emphasized the importance of departmental roles in guiding and supporting students, noting that departments serve as the primary disciplinary homes for graduate students and are key in fostering research cultures.
A section of HoDs listens to the DVCAA make his address.
Understanding and Applying Intellectual Property Policies
The session also featured a detailed presentation on the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Policy (2008, as amended), delivered by Counsel Esther Kabinga, Ag. Manager of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). Participants were guided through the obligations and rights related to IP created by staff, students, and visitors.
The presentation highlighted:
Ownership structures for IP generated at the University.
Procedures for disclosing, protecting, and commercializing IP.
Roles of departments in supporting creators and liaising with IPMO.
Revenue-sharing mechanisms and the inclusion of IP outputs in staff promotion criteria.
Counsel Kabinga encouraged HoDs to promote awareness of IP rights and responsibilities within their units, especially given the increasing volume of research outputs and innovations emerging from the University.
Strategic Alignment with the University’s Research Agenda
The workshop is part of broader efforts to implement the Makerere University Research Agenda 2025/26 – 2029/30, which prioritizes talent development, research visibility, and knowledge transfer. According to Dr. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), strengthening administrative and academic capacity at departmental level is critical for sustaining Makerere’s status as a leading research institution.
Dr. Robert Wamala makes his presentation.
The Research Agenda also supports the operationalization of structures like the IP Management Committee and GAMSU (Grants Administration and Support Unit), both of which are instrumental in streamlining research support services.
The training reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to continuous professional development and the strategic empowerment of academic leaders. With a renewed understanding of policies and tools, Heads of Department are now better equipped to foster academic excellence, supervise graduate research, and steward innovation at the departmental level.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission lists for candidates for those whose appeals have been successful for the 2025/26 Academic Year.
Kindly follow the links below to access the lists respectively:-
Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.
A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre
Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.
Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.
A view of the general play and lounge area of the Daycare Centre.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.
“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe holds a baby as he makes his remarks at the Daycare facility.
He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.
The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.
Prof. Sarah Ssali (Right) welcomes officials to the Institute of Gender and Development Studies.
Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.
“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.
Ms. Donna Keirungi leads officials on a tour of the Daycare Centre.
The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.
Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched
In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.
Mr. Ian King makes his remarks prior to launching the Multimedia Studio.
He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.
Left to Right: Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Mr. Ian King, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Ms. Annet Mpabalungi Wakabi in the Multimedia Studio.
He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.
Officials pose for a group photo shortly after the launch of the Multimedia Studio.
He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende observes as Mr. Ian King tests the Multimedia Studio’s provisions that support teaching of subjects that necessitate writing of formulae and other hand-drawn illustrations.
The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.