General
Mak, MSU and MFAI Partner to Addressing Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM)
By Rachael P. Kanyi
Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (MakGMD), Michigan States University (MSU) and Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI), held capacity building trainings for lecturers and students on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM). The two days’ symposium was held from 10th -11th October 2024 at the Makerere University Telepresence Center-Senate Building. Participants across different Colleges including lecturers, senior staff members and students were joined by experts from MSU and civil society organizations at Makerere University.
The keynote speaker who is the Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Mission in Uganda, Amy Petersen commended Mak Gender Mainstreaming Directorate for its great work in fighting against sexual harassment. Amy noted that Mak GMD has on several occasions contacted the U.S Embassy to support the Annual International 16 days of Activism with the goal of enhancing safe learning environments. She mentioned that the embassy has always supported higher institutions leading to a good relationship between the two parties.
She noted that sexual relationship violence is one of the biggest challenges hindering girls from meeting their goals. Amy advocated for more efforts in addressing sexual harassment not only at Makerere University, but also beyond the university pointing to Gender Based Violence (GBV) contribution to the spread of HIV/AIDs in Uganda.
Reiterating the impact of sexual harassment, the Guest of Honor Prof. Sylvia Tamale, a distinguished scholar and human rights defender called upon the Mak GMD to ensure that the sexual harassment policy is implemented. She emphasized the need to revisit the interpretation of the policies against GBV citing instances where the policy may be exploited by perpetrators to commit abuses outside the confines of the university.
“We have the policy and laws on sexual harassment, but we haven’t made them touch the root cause of sexual harassment. Many people haven’t felt its impacts and that’s why most perpetrators tend to intimidate the victims and go away with it. We need to implement every part of this policy and, have these laws enforced,” she said.
Prof. Tamale further disclosed that men too are violated, but the rate of women violation is overwhelming, a sign that women need more protection and education against sexual harassment and Gender Based Violence (GBV). She noted that the root causes of such injustices are anchored in colonial histories, patriarchy and sexuality.
Addressing the participants, the Director Mak Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, pointed out that the Directorate has since 2019 handled many cases. She observed that majority of the cases are not reported because the victims fear to be victimized and stigmatized and some are intimidated by the perpetrators. She called upon all university staff and students who face sexual harassment to reach out and file complaints in those cases.
“Since 2019, the Directorate has registered a number of cases and action has been taken. However, some victims of sexual harassment fear to open up and file cases against the perpetrators for fear of being victimized and being intimidated by the perpetrators. So they keep it to themselves and some give up on the cases, while some victims leave the university and join other universities to continue with their studies,” said Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine.
She revealed that the Directorate’s desires to shift the institution from being a reactive to proactive institution when addressing issues of Gender Based Violence. Dr Mugisha Baine called upon staff and students to join the Directorate to campaign for a zero tolerance to sexual harassment culture in the university.
The Director GMD revealed that the directorate has a lot of programs to implement, but it lacks enough resources such as technical human resource and funds. She appreciated Michigan State University for offering the Directorate an opportunity to learn and engage with initiatives from a different context. She emphasized that the Directorate looks forward to implementing some of the knowledge it has acquired.
The Co- founder of Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Raymond Musiima noted that partners are purposeful in addressing the persistent challenge of Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) within higher education institutions to enhance campus safety, increase support for RVSM victims and survivors through response to developing RVSM cases.
Musiima who is also a student at Michigan State University thanked the Mak Gender Mainstreaming Directorate for its efforts in fighting against sexual harassment in Makerere University pledging partnership continuity with MFAI.
Addressing the policy and regulations against sexual harassment, the Executive Director of the Prevention, Outreach and Education (POE) Department under the office of Civil Rights at MSU Kelly Schweda explained that sexual harassment conduct has the purpose or effects of unreasonably interfering with individual’s work or academic performance by creating an intimidating, threatening and hostile offensive working or learning environment.
When sharing the global impacts of gender based violence among men and women, Kelly highlighted that 1 out of 3 women worldwide have experienced gender based-violence and 1 of 10 men experience an instance of GBV during their lifetime necessitating a proactive response when handling the cases. She reminded the participants on the need for each and everyone’s intervention, and tipped the participants on the 5 steps of intervention.
Kelly acknowledged the challenge of power and authority where the perpetrator is in high position and takes that as an advantage over the victim and tipped participants on how to handle the situation and the reporting mechanism through use of the 5Ds cautioning them to be mindful of their body language as it speaks volume of what they intended to communicate.
Presenting about the health and unhealthy relationships, the Director for Employee and Graduate Students Programs within the Prevention, Outreach and Education department Mr. Michael Allensworth advised students to avoid toxic relationships. He tipped them on identifying and distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
He elaborated on the importance of having boundaries such as time, physical, emotional, conversational, social among other boundaries guiding that its one way to help them keep safe in the university spaces. He stressed to the participants the power of their consent in everything advising them on how to make restrained consents to avoid making wrong decisions.
The workshop was moderated by the Programs Manager Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative Dorcus Asiimwe who reminded the participants that they have a key role to play in ending the sexual violence in their communities.
Hosts Makerere University have officially kicked off the East African Universities’ Debate Championship EAUDC ZAABU 2026, bringing together student debaters, university leaders, and representatives from universities across the region to promote intellectual engagement, critical thinking, leadership development, and regional collaboration. The championship provides a platform for students to exchange ideas, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop solutions through constructive dialogue. This year’s theme is: From Dialogue to Action: The Role of Youth in Africa’s Transformation.
The event reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to nurturing student leadership, academic excellence, and regional integration by providing opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and build networks beyond national borders.
Debate as a Platform for Regional Engagement
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee and Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), Mr. Arthur Akatwijuka highlighted the importance of hosting the championship and bringing together universities from different countries across East Africa. He noted that the event demonstrates the role of debate in connecting young leaders, promoting intellectual diversity, and strengthening collaboration among institutions of higher learning.
‘We are excited to have representation from the different countries and universities. This championship is not only about competition but also about creating a platform where young leaders can engage, share ideas, and shape the future of our region,’ said Mr. Akatwijuka.
Mr. Akatwijuka further explained that the championship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, develop confidence, and build skills that will contribute to their leadership journey. He encouraged students to embrace the experience as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
Reaffirming Makerere University‘s Commitment to Regional Integration
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to advancing regional integration and nurturing future leaders through the EAUDC2026. He descried the championship as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among universities.
‘Makerere was the first university in East Africa, so you are coming back home. This is your university, and its doors are always open to you,’ said Prof. Alinaitwe.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the championship builds on Makerere University‘s efforts to promote youth leadership and regional cooperation through debate. He said the competition equips participants with critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills while fostering unity among East African youth. ‘As we debate regionally, we are strengthening regional integration. By coming here, articulating your points and convincing others, you are being groomed to become formidable leaders and a force for production and transformation in our societies,’ he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe emphasized that beyond the competition, the championship creates opportunities for participants to build regional networks and lasting partnerships that can support future academic, professional, and leadership opportunities. He encouraged all participants to view themselves as winners for contributing to East Africa’s shared vision of integration and development.
‘All of us are already winners simply by participating in this championship. Whether you finish first or sixth, you have strengthened your skills and contributed to building the future of our region,’ stated Prof. Alinaitwe.
Developing Responsible Leaders Through Debate
The Dean of Students Makerere University, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli warmly welcomed participants and described the championship as an important opportunity for developing responsible and innovative leaders. Dr. Namuwonge noted that debate enables students to improve their communication skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and become better prepared for future leadership roles.
Dr. Namuwonge encouraged participants to uphold integrity, respect different viewpoints, and use the championship as a platform for learning and cultural exchange. ‘Makerere University is proud to host this championship because debate develops leaders who can engage society with knowledge, confidence, and respect,’ Dr. Namuwonge noted.
Communication Skills for Future Leaders
The Electoral Commission Uganda, Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, Mr. Julius Mucunguzi congratulated the organizers and participants for promoting intellectual dialogue through the championship. He emphasized that debate plays a significant role in preparing young people to communicate effectively and participate in leadership.
Mr. Mucunguzi explained that the skills acquired through debating extend beyond competition and are valuable in professional and public spaces. ‘Debate equips young people with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. Makerere is proud to provide this platform for East Africa’s future leaders.’
He encouraged students to continue embracing debate as a tool for knowledge sharing, understanding different perspectives, and contributing positively to society.
Transform Dialogue into Action
The keynote speaker and Executive Secretary of Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Idris A. Rai who was represented by Dr. Gervais Ndayizeye challenged young people across East Africa to move beyond discussions and take action in addressing challenges facing the continent. He described the championship as a platform for developing future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will contribute to Africa’s transformation.
‘We wish that the end comes not only with debate but with action. The role of youth in African transformation is very important,’ the keynote speaker said.
Dr. Ndayizeye emphasized that young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of Africa’s population, have the potential to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He encouraged the youth to change their mindset from seeking employment to creating solutions and opportunities for others.
‘The question should no longer be, ‘Who will employ me?’ The new question should be, ‘What problem can I solve?’ challenged Dr. Ndayizeye.
Dr. Ndayizeye urged young leaders to actively participate in governance by voting, engaging in public affairs, and holding leaders accountable. He also highlighted the importance of East African integration, calling on young people to embrace regional cooperation and take advantage of opportunities across member states.
‘You must vote. You must engage. You must contribute. You must hold leaders accountable. You must become part of the leadership,’ Dr. Ndayizeye stated.
He further stressed that discipline is essential for success, noting that talent and education must be supported by commitment and responsibility. ‘Talent without discipline is wasted potential. Discipline is what transforms goals into achievements,’ Prof. Idris said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ndayizeye challenged participants to become innovators, responsible citizens, and creators of opportunities who will turn ideas into action. ‘This generation will be remembered as the generation that transformed dialogue into action, challenges into opportunities, and possibilities into progress. The future of this East African Community is sitting in this room today,’ he concluded.
EAUDC ZAABU 2026 is organised by the Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), the official student organization that promotes debate, public speaking, poetry, and critical discourse. The debate will be held from 27th to 31st July 2026 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.
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