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Gender inclusion will spur Africa’s renaissance and development

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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.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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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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