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Mak Launches “Safer Campuses Campaign” to Combat Gender-Based Violence

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Makerere University hosted the launch of the “Safer Campuses Campaign,” aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across universities in Uganda.

The initiative is being piloted at Makerere University and its branch campus in Jinja, Ndejje University, and Kampala International University, in partnership with UNESCO.

Students and Staff from the various universities display their collective commitment. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students and Staff from the various universities display their collective commitment.

On 4th October 2024, more than three universities convened at Makerere University Freedom Square to witness the event, which is a crucial step toward tackling GBV in higher education institutions.

A significant feature of the campaign is the unveiling of the Yamba App, designed to provide students with sexual and reproductive health information, as well as access to professional and peer counseling services.

Students led by a Band march during the launch. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students led by a Band march during the launch.

The project seeks to promote positive health, education, and gender equality outcomes in Uganda’s tertiary institutions by reducing rates of new HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence.

At Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor, the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, the Office of the Dean of Students, and the 90th Students’ Guild through its Ministry of Gender, Ethics and Integrity are maximally involved in championing the Safer Campuses Campaign.

Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe gives her welcome remarks. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe gives her welcome remarks.

“We (especially we men), must stand firm against Gender Based Violence. We must protect our mothers, sisters, daughters and wives, so that they can be able to more meaningfully contribute to the development of society,” stated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while endorsing the publicity efforts for the Safer Campuses Campaign.

The Vice Chancellor was represented at the launch of the Safer Campuses Campaign by the Dean of Students, Mrs. Winfred Kabumbuli, who expressed pride in Makerere’s legacy of promoting gender equality.

A sign-language interpreter ensures participants with hearing disability follow the proceedings. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A sign-language interpreter ensures participants with hearing disability follow the proceedings.

She highlighted that Makerere was the first university in sub-Saharan Africa to establish a Department of Women Studies in 1991, a step toward building a more inclusive education system.

Makerere University has had a history of promoting gender awareness and protection of individuals for a long time ago. When this university started, it was a male institution, but it was realized that one gender cannot build a country, so the motto of this university was intentionally changed from “Let us be men” to “We build for the future,” she said.

Participants at the event. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants at the event.

“The ‘we’ in our motto is not accidental, and increasingly over the years, this university has worked to make the motto a reality to all who come here. It is a well-known fact that Makerere University was the first to create the Department of Women Studies in 1991 in sub-Saharan Africa. This is important history, it shows that we have worked hard to build the blocks of an all-inclusive education,” she added.

Mrs. Kabumbuli also noted that the university has produced many prominent human rights activists, making Makerere a natural home for those dedicated to the fight against GBV. She referenced notable figures such as Prof. Joy Kwesiga, Prof. Sylvia Tamale, and Prof. Ruth Mukama, who have been at the forefront of human rights and gender equality advocacy.

Artiste APass entertains participants. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Artiste APass entertains participants.

Makerere’s desire is to fight for both the rights of boys and girls. There are names on this campus for instance Joy Kwesiga, Sylvia Tamale, Joe Oloka-Onyango, Ruth Mukama among others, renowned for the fight for human rights, politics, and this fight for gender and educational rights,” she said.

“So when I say feel at home and feel inspired to fight and raise awareness of how precious and valuable each human being is, I have a basis and platform,” she remarked.

Dr. Primrose Nakazibwe (holding microphone) presents on behalf of the O3 Plus Focal Persons. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Primrose Nakazibwe (holding microphone) presents on behalf of the O3 Plus Focal Persons.

Dr. Primrose Nakazibwe of Ndejje University shared alarming findings from a recent survey among higher education institutions, which revealed that a significant number of male students believe physical violence against women is acceptable in cases of disagreement. She called for concerted efforts to change these harmful attitudes.

“Almost 90% of the boys in these institutions of higher learning believe that it is okay to beat a woman because it is the right thing. So when they grow up with such attitudes, these boys are going to beat our daughters like chicken thieves. So the efforts to correct this mindset have been amplified in the sixteen days of activism,” she stated.

Mr. Charles Draecabo, the team leader at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said that Education is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.

Guests at the event. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Guests at the event.

He warned that anything disrupting students’ education such as GBV also threatens broader development goals, and therefore expressed belief that the Safer Campuses Campaign would contribute significantly to reducing these threats.

“Education is not only a fundamental Human right but also the cornerstone of sustainable development, peace and prosperity. Across the globe you know that UNESCO and the UN in general continue to prioritize efforts to address GBV, sexual harassment, and harmful social norms,” he said.

“The focus of Safer Campuses Campaign launch is therefore an integral part of this global agenda as we look to foster an environment where every student regardless of the gender can pursue his or her education free from violence,” he added,

Ms. Angela Nakafeero delivers the keynote address. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Angela Nakafeero delivers the keynote address.

Ms. Angela Nakafeero, the Commissioner for Gender and Women Affairs from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development said that because of the exposure brought by the Internet and technology, many students have been forced into lifestyles that affect their lives and subsequently impact their education. These include early pregnancies, HIV/AIDS infections, and abortions among others.

Ms Nakafeero rallied stakeholders to form partnerships that ensure that the young people use technology and the Internet for only important things, and avoid getting information that does not add value to their lives. 

Hajji Mukwatampola Muzamiru, Commissioner for Admissions, Scholarships and Students Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Sports, who represented the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. John C. Muyingo, underscored the government’s concern about the rising levels of GBV. He revealed that the Safer Campuses Campaign was a timely intervention, particularly in light of research indicating that 25% of female students and nearly 30% of male students believe wife-beating is justifiable.

Mr. Mukwatampola Muzamiru officially launches the campaign. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Mukwatampola Muzamiru officially launches the campaign.

“Research reports from the O3PLUS project revealed that over 25% of female students and nearly 30% of male students believed that violence such as wife beating is justifiable. While 5.2% have experienced forced sexual activity in their lives and many students lack the critical knowledge and support to make safe and informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health,” he said.

“These statistics are a representation of deeply embedded cultural and social norms that spread violence in our activities. This reality is unacceptable, violence should have no place in our education system where young minds should flourish in safety – free from fear and intimidation,” he added.

On his part, Makerere University Guild President, H.E. Vincent Lubega Nsamba, affirmed students’ commitment to raising awareness about GBV and promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and equality.

H.E. Nsamba (at podium) with Guild Presidents and guild representatives from participating universities. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
H.E. Nsamba (at podium) with Guild Presidents and guild representatives from participating universities.

“We the students of higher education institutions, shall raise awareness about any form of gender-based violence in our universities, we shall promote a culture of respect, dignity, equality, nonviolence among students, faculty and non-staff, we shall continue educating one another about sexual health,” he said.

“We shall support one another about any form of sexual harassment. We shall establish a confidential accessible reporting mechanism for victims of GBV ensuring that survivors are supported and that their cases are handled sensitively,” he stated.

Hon. Denise Christine, Makerere University Guild Minister of Gender, Ethics and Integrity during the panel discussion. Launch of the "Safer Campuses Campaign," aimed at shattering the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in partnership with UNESCO, 4th October 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Denise Christine, Makerere University Guild Minister of Gender, Ethics and Integrity during the panel discussion.

The Safer Campuses Campaign is a regional campaign with universities from Uganda, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya participating in the implementation of various initiatives/ programmes aimed at fighting against Gender Based Violence.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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