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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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 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’Levelresults should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.
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.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:
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The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 20th May 2025.
WARNING:
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.
Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.