General
Mak Launches “Safer Campuses Campaign” to Combat Gender-Based Violence
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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 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.
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, 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.
“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.
“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.
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.
The grounds of Makerere University came alive with energy and ambition as students, graduates, and industry leaders gathered for the 2026 Makerere Careers Fair, an engagement that continues to cement the University’s role as a bridge between academic training and the realities of the modern workplace.
Held in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as part of the wider NSSF Career Expo, and the US-Mission Uganda, the three-day event created a vibrant space where conversations about careers moved beyond theory into lived, practical experience. The Yusuf Lule, Central Teaching Facility, Auditorium, the Freedom Square and exhibition spaces transformed into arenas of exchange, where students interacted directly with employers, asked difficult questions about their futures, and began to map out their professional journeys with greater clarity.
At the heart of this year’s engagement on day one, 11th March, 2026, was a theme that resonated deeply with a generation stepping into uncertainty: “Man or Machine: Exploring AI’s Impact on Careers.” Across panel discussions and keynote sessions, speakers challenged students to confront the realities of a rapidly shifting job market. The message was consistent: technology is not simply displacing jobs; it is reshaping them, demanding a workforce that is adaptable, digitally fluent, and grounded in distinctly human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Day Two, 12th March, 2026, led by the United States Mission to Uganda, shifted the focus to global opportunities, equipping students with practical guidance on U.S. university applications, scholarships, and visa processes, as well as fully funded fellowships they can apply for. Through direct engagement with credible experts, students gained clarity on navigating international academic pathways and positioning themselves competitively beyond national borders, expanding the Careers Fair’s scope from local employability to global mobility.
The final day, 13th March 2026, under the theme “Connecting potential to purpose: Partnerships for sustainable impact,” brought together Makerere University and key partners, including Stanbic Bank, Absa Bank Uganda, TotalEnergies Uganda, the Uganda Police, Pslams Food Industries, among others, to emphasise collaboration as the cornerstone of career readiness. The conversations underscored a shared commitment to aligning education with industry needs, demonstrating that sustainable career pathways are built through strong partnerships that connect talent to opportunity in a rapidly evolving world.
What stood out most was not just the content of these conversations, but the way students engaged with them. There was a palpable sense of curiosity and urgency, as young people sought to understand where they fit in a future increasingly defined by automation and innovation. For many, the Careers Fair became more than an event; it was a bridge to internship and graduate trainee opportunities, and to careers whose balls were set rolling. It was a moment of reckoning and possibility.
This transformation was made possible through a strong network of partners whose presence underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping career pathways. NSSF Uganda anchored the engagement with insights into financial planning and long-term security, reframing how young professionals think about work beyond immediate income. Stanbic Bank Uganda brought industry perspective, offering students a clearer understanding of the competencies required to thrive in the financial sector. The United States Mission to Uganda contributed to broadening horizons through knowledge exchange and exposure to global opportunities, while TotalEnergies Uganda highlighted the evolving energy sector landscape and the role of innovation in driving sustainability, among other players.
Together, these partners did more than exhibit; they participated in shaping a narrative about the future of work that is inclusive, dynamic, and grounded in real-world demands.
For Makerere University, the Careers Fair represents more than an annual engagement; it is a reflection of its enduring commitment to preparing students for life beyond the lecture room. By convening diverse actors from academia, industry, and development spaces, the University continues to position itself as a national hub for talent development and thought leadership. It is within these spaces that education becomes truly transformative, where knowledge meets opportunity, and where ambition is matched with access.
Advancing Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
The Careers Fair also speaks directly to Makerere University’s Advancement agenda, which is increasingly focused on building purposeful, long-term partnerships that extend the University’s impact beyond its campus.
Through such engagements, Makerere is intentionally cultivating relationships that create shared value. The presence of industry leaders and development partners is not incidental; it is part of a deliberate strategy to align academic training with market realities while opening up pathways for mentorship, internships, and employment. These collaborations are gradually shaping an ecosystem in which students are not only educated but also actively supported in their transition into the workforce.
What emerges is a model of engagement that moves beyond transactional interactions to something far more meaningful. Partners are not just sponsors or participants; they are co-creators in preparing the next generation of professionals. In turn, Makerere strengthens its position as a trusted partner, one capable of convening, connecting, and contributing to national and global development priorities.
As conversations from the Careers Fair continue to echo across campus, one thing remains clear: the future of work will belong to those prepared to evolve with it. Makerere University, through platforms such as this, is ensuring that its students are not merely observers of change but active participants in shaping it.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Makerere University and Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation Sign MOU to Advance Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development
Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development, marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between academia, policy actors, and the private sector.
The agreement formalises a strategic partnership aimed at promoting research, policy dialogue, entrepreneurship development, innovation, and knowledge exchange to support Uganda’s economic transformation and the growth of its private sector.
The MoU, which will run for an initial five-year term, brings together Makerere University’s academic and research expertise with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation’s commitment to advancing the legacy of the late Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, one of Uganda’s most influential economic reformers and a proud alumnus of the University.
Advancing a Shared Vision for Private Sector Development
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, SC, Chairman of the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, described the occasion as an important milestone that establishes a purposeful partnership between two institutions committed to knowledge, national development, and the advancement of Uganda’s private sector.
“This is an important occasion because it formalises a partnership between two institutions with a shared commitment to knowledge, to national development, and to the advancement of Uganda’s private sector,” he noted.
Rt. Hon. Mbabazi emphasised that Uganda’s future prosperity will depend on the strength and competitiveness of its private sector and the country’s ability to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and sound policy.
According to him, the Centre will provide a practical platform through which research can inform policy, young people can be trained and inspired, partnerships can be built, and innovation can be supported to help enterprise flourish.
“These are not separate concerns,” he said. “They are all part of the same national task: building an economy that creates jobs, expands opportunity, and improves the lives of our people.”
Makerere’s Role in Hosting the Centre
Makerere University will host the Centre of Excellence and support its work through its research capacity, innovation ecosystem, and network of scholars and experts. The University leadership noted that the partnership aligns closely with Makerere’s mission as one of Africa’s leading research universities and its commitment to knowledge-driven development.
In her remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali noted, “Makerere University is fully committed to hosting, resourcing, and championing the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence, and we look forward to working closely with the Foundation to attract additional partnerships that will strengthen its impact.”
The collaboration will bring together academic excellence and practical engagement with the private sector, positioning the Centre as a national resource for policy research, entrepreneurship development, and dialogue on economic transformation.
She also reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to working closely with the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation to attract additional partnerships and funding to strengthen the Centre and expand its impact.
Honouring the Legacy of Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile
Beyond its institutional significance, the establishment of the Centre represents a tribute to the enduring legacy of Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, who served for many years as Governor of the Bank of Uganda and played a central role in shaping Uganda’s economic policy and institutional development.
Governor Mutebile was widely recognised for his intellectual rigour, commitment to sound economic policy, and dedication to building strong institutions that could support sustainable growth and stability.
Through the Centre of Excellence bearing his name, Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation seek not only to commemorate his contributions but also to continue advancing the values he championed, including policy discipline, intellectual seriousness, and a commitment to national development.
As Rt. Hon. Mbabazi noted that legacy should be understood not merely as remembrance but as meaningful work that benefits future generations. “It is about creating a platform through which research can inform policy, through which young people can be trained and inspired, and through which innovation can be supported,” he said.
A Platform for Ideas, Innovation, and National Development
The Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development is expected to serve as a hub for research, capacity building, entrepreneurship support, and policy engagement aimed at strengthening Uganda’s private sector and expanding economic opportunity.
By bringing together academia, policymakers, business leaders, and innovators, the Centre will help foster practical solutions to the challenges facing enterprise development while nurturing the next generation of Ugandan entrepreneurs and economic leaders.
Through this partnership, Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have taken an important step toward ensuring that Governor Mutebile’s legacy continues to inspire ideas, institutions, and opportunities that contribute to Uganda’s long-term prosperity.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Career Expo 2026 Concludes as Students Gain Industry Insights, Career Guidance, and Networking Opportunities
The Makerere University Careers Expo 2026 has successfully concluded, offering a wealth of opportunities to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Held from March 11–13, 2026, the three-day event climaxed under the theme “Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for Sustainable Impact.” It provided a dynamic platform for career guidance, job opportunities, entrepreneurship training, networking, innovation, and insights into evolving workplace dynamics.
Associate Professor Anthony Gidudu, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to sponsors and participants for their support.
“Thank you, Makerere University, for entrusting me with this immense responsibility,” he said, acknowledging the collective effort behind the event’s success.
He encouraged students to fully utilize the opportunities presented at the expo. “Make the most of it,” he urged.
The expo attracted prominent partners, including the Parliament of Uganda and the Uganda Police Force, who offered valuable career insights and opportunities. Gidudu also welcomed Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar of Makerere University, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping students’ academic journeys.
On behalf of the University, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi emphasized the significance of the Career Expo 2026.
“This event gives us a chance to support our students in transitioning from the academic world to the world of work,” he noted.
He commended the theme for underscoring the importance of aligning students’ abilities with purpose and societal contribution. Prof. Mukadasi also expressed appreciation to key partners, including the MasterCard Foundation, NSSF, and the Parliament of Uganda, as well as collaborators such as the Makerere University Advancement Office, Stanbic Bank, Old Mutual, DFCU Bank, Uganda Baati, and ABSA.
Reflecting on the role of technology, he noted that artificial intelligence enhances efficiency but does not replace human potential. He urged students to embrace lifelong learning, referencing the well-known assertion that “the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
In his keynote address, Paul Rumanda Rugambwa, Head of Human Resources at the Infectious Diseases Institute, emphasized the importance of aligning potential with purpose.
“Potential is what you have, while purpose is what the world expects from you tomorrow,” he said.
Rugambwa encouraged students to develop transferable skills, seek mentorship, and uphold integrity. He highlighted agility and digital literacy as essential competencies in today’s job market.
“It doesn’t matter what course you are pursuing, you must be digitally literate,” he emphasized.
He also urged students to view their peers as future collaborators, drawing inspiration from global success stories built on partnerships.
The closing session featured a panel discussion with representatives from various organizations who deliberated on key issues across multiple sectors.
Israel Arinaitwe, Head of Personal Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives. He noted the availability of internship opportunities, skills training, and the Stanbic Business Incubator, which equips young people with practical business skills. He encouraged students to build financial discipline and relationships early.
On inclusion, Gorretti Byomire, Director of the Disability Research and Learning Centre at Makerere University Business School, emphasized the need for inclusive employment practices for persons with disabilities. She called for stronger commitments from both government and the private sector, including the adoption of employment quotas and incentives. She also underscored the importance of building confidence and resilience among persons with disabilities.
Addressing technology adoption, Fred Percy Kisa, Senior Manager Transformation at NSSF Uganda, urged students to embrace artificial intelligence as a complementary tool.
“It is not machine versus human; it is human plus machine versus human,” he noted, encouraging a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.
He highlighted the growing global AI economy and called on Africa to strengthen its contribution to research and innovation.
On employment dynamics, Evelyn Kisakye, Placement Officer at the Federation of Uganda Employers, emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability in today’s job market. She highlighted initiatives such as the Work Readiness Project, which connects graduates to opportunities in sectors like agriculture and tourism while equipping them with essential soft skills.
Commissioner of Police Anatoli Muleterwa, Head of Community Policing Department, outlined career opportunities within the Uganda Police Force. He noted that the institution accommodates a wide range of professional qualifications and highlighted four entry pathways, from constable to officer level. He encouraged students to prepare for and consider careers in national service.
The Career Expo 2026 concluded with a strong call to action, urging students to harness their potential, embrace innovation, and pursue purpose-driven careers. Participants, predominantly students, left with renewed clarity and direction, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to make meaningful contributions to Uganda’s development.
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