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Mak GMD Partners with MSU and MFAI to Build Capacity on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct

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In an effort to tackle the ongoing issues of Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) in higher education, Makerere University‘s Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, organized a symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents. The workshop, held on September 10, 2024, at the Makerere University Telepresence Center in the Senate Building, focused on enhancing campus safety and providing increased support for RVSM victims and survivors.

Giving the opening remarks, the Director Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine noted that Makerere University has two major policies related to RVSM; Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH) of 2006 as amended in 2018 and the Gender Equality Policy 2009 as amended in 2022. The policies are aimed at coordinating, facilitating and monitoring the integration of Gender dimension into core functions of the university. The Directorate is mandated to supervise the implementation of these policies through policy dissemination across all the university stakeholders, students and staff. This is conducted through orientation of new students, peer-to-peer training, and participating in the national and international campaigns against gender based violence (GBV) such as the ‘Me Too’ Campaign, and the 16 days of Activism against GBV, among others.

Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine makes her remarks. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine makes her remarks.

She further noted that the Directorate is supported by many University units such as the Directorate of Legal Affairs, the Office of the Vice Chancellor as well as the different college leaders and staff at various levels. These are represented through the Vice Chancellor’s Roster of 100 a committee of members from all colleges and departments of the university. The Members are appointed and trained on how to contribute to ending sexual harassment through various activities such as investigation of complaints and sexual harassment prevention education, in partnership with the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate to fight sexual harassment.

She explained that cases involving staff are forwarded to the Appointments Board, while those involving students to the Students Disciplinary Committee. If a student or staff is not contented with the ruling of either the Appointments Board or Students Disciplinary Committee, he or she has a right to appeal as prescribed in the Policy.

Dr. Mugisha Baine revealed that the Directorate finds challenges with handling cases in the social media era where often details about a given case go public before they reach the Directorate. This negatively affects the investigation process with regard to ensuring confidentiality, which discourages other stakeholders who face sexual harassment to come out and report. Additionally, cases where a survivor or victim is implicated as a bad person often lead to stigmatization. She called upon all stakeholders to make personal commitments to ending sexual harassment in the university and society at large.

Prof. Arthur K. Tugume, Dean, School of Biosciences makes his contribution to the discussion. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Prof. Arthur K. Tugume, Dean, School of Biosciences makes his contribution to the discussion.
Some of the participants at the symposium. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Some of the participants at the symposium.

Presenting on the RVSM survivor support, prevention and investigation reporting at MSU, the Vice President, Office of the Civil Rights (OCR) Title IX H.E Laura Rugless revealed that her unit is subdivided into different departments. These include; the investigative department, Support and Resolution system and Prevention Education. This facilitates the university’s ability to promote zero tolerance to RVSM including sexual harassment.

H.E Laura Rugless presents on how Michigan States University handles RVSM. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
H.E Laura Rugless presents on how Michigan States University handles RVSM.

She revealed that the Prevention Education method is conducted through; best practice models, community needs, compliance, and empowerment programs that engage people. She added that MSU has a caring for identity system which breaks down stigmas. Through this system, survivors of sexual harassment have people to talk to through a flow of service that includes; survivors, helpers, advocates and therapists.

Laura noted that MSU has a sexual Assault Response Team (SART) which quickly responds to assault cases, thus providing survivor service centers across the university. These include safe spaces, Health Care programs for people with relationship problems among others.

Part of the audience listens to Ms. Kelly Schweda (Right) and H.E Laura Rugless (Left) during the deliberations. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Part of the audience listens to Ms. Kelly Schweda (Right) and H.E Laura Rugless (Left) during the deliberations.

Discussing the different ways MSU handles sexual Harassment, the Executive Director of the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department Ms. Kelly Schweda shared the three stages of; policies and investigations, Prevention Education and survivor support, that serve as a benchmark to address RVSM.  MSU conducts sensitization of the RVSM policies to all new students and has a full time strong investigation system which enables fair ruling and also allows external investigators for cases involving high profile figures. She further noted that MSU has a full time prevention and education team making it easy for the sensitization to be conducted with a strong policy against retaliation, and ensures that everyone has access to information about a given case with consent from the people in charge.

Ms. Kelly Schweda, Executive Director of the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department MSU. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Ms. Kelly Schweda, Executive Director of the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department MSU.

Ms. Schweda also noted that MSU offers free training to people who are interested in understanding and navigating the policy of Relation Violence and Sexual Misconduct.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Deputy Director Directorate of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University appreciated GMD for opening up safe spaces for men to come out and share their challenges and fears on Sexual and Gender Based Violence and other gender-related issues. He noted this has fostered peer learning on ways of ending Sexual Gender Based Violence and Sexual Harassment in University.

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Julius Kikooma addresses the participants. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Julius Kikooma addresses the participants.

Prof. Kikooma admitted that Makerere University still faces challenges on the question of masculinity and requested the Directorate to conduct trainings on the same. He called upon fellow staff members to proactively participate in the sensitization of the university students and staff on the Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment.

“There is a big challenge with toxic masculinity, not only within but also outside the university. One of the things that needs to be done is to conduct sessions that entirely interrogate toxic masculinity.” He echoed.

Director Mak GMD Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine (4th Right) poses with Staff of Michigan State University (MSU) and Michigan Fellows Africa Initiatives (MFAI) Uganda. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Director Mak GMD Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine (4th Right) poses with Staff of Michigan State University (MSU) and Michigan Fellows Africa Initiatives (MFAI) Uganda.

Prof. Kikooma who is also a member of the Makerere University Men’s hub called upon fellow men to learn how to work and support women, noting that everyone is important in the functioning of the university. He decried the act of labelling men as perpetrators all the time, and advocated for both genders work towards creating an environment that is conducive for work and academic excellence.

“When women are not okay, men are also not okay and therefore we need each other. Let’s end the act of blaming men for being the wrong doers all the time and try to adopt measures to create a good working environment for both genders.” Prof. Kikoma said.

Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) shares his views on how to tackle sexual harassment in the University. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) shares his views on how to tackle sexual harassment in the University.
Dr. Harriet Nabushawo. Dean, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning (SoDLL) shares her views on how to tackle sexual harassment in the University. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Dr. Harriet Nabushawo. Dean, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning (SoDLL) shares her views on how to tackle sexual harassment in the University.

The symposium was moderated by the Programs Manager at Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Ms. Dorcus Asiimwe.

Ms. Dorcus Asiimwe moderates the event. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Ms. Dorcus Asiimwe moderates the event.
Some of the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiatives (MFAI) staff members at the symposium. Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda, symposium aimed at raising awareness among university staff on how to address sexual harassment and related incidents, Telepresence Centre, Senate Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa 10th September 2024.
Some of the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiatives (MFAI) staff members at the symposium.

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Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

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Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

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Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

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