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.
General
Stakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration
By Damali Mukhaye
On 9th July 2026, the Mastercard Foundation-supported initiatives at Makerere University convened the 2nd Partnership Development Breakfast meeting at Mestil hotel in Kampala, to review progress, share experiences, and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration and advance education, research, innovation, and youth empowerment.
The partnership development meeting brought together Makerere University leadership, government officials, Mastercard Foundation representatives, development partners, private sector actors, and other key stakeholders to reflect on ongoing interventions and identify areas for deeper collaboration.
The engagement highlighted the progress and impact of key Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, the Africa Climate Collaborative (ACC), and the e-learning initiative, which are promoting increased access to education, research development, climate resilience, skills enhancement, and preparing young people for future opportunities.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali, stated that stakeholder engagement was vital in building stronger links between the University, students, academic staff, employers, and other parties involved in shaping graduates’ futures.
“You have been chosen for a purpose because it was not just about engaging with the students and stakeholders, but also with those involved in developing knowledge products and those who train and mentor our students,” Prof. Ssali said.
She emphasised the significance of partnerships in widening access to higher education, especially for students from marginalised backgrounds, highlighting that through scholarship programmes and inclusive education initiatives, Makerere University continues to attract and support talented students who might otherwise face obstacles to university access.
Prof. Ssali acknowledged the contribution of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alongside other university initiatives, including the Africa Climate Collaborative, fee waiver schemes, and Council scholarships, which offer opportunities for students—especially those from vulnerable communities and talented female learners.
“Your investment in these young people is not charity, but a shared national development priority,” she said.
She explained that Makerere University’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation aligns with the University’s strategic aim to enhance human capital development, research, and innovation in support of national development priorities under Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan.
Prof. Ssali noted that the University has, over the years, transformed into a research-focused institution, with partnerships enabling it to address critical societal challenges.
She urged stakeholders to continue supporting young people through mentorship and guidance as they prepare for employment and entrepreneurship.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr Aggrey David Kibenge, praised the collaboration between Makerere University, the Mastercard Foundation, and other stakeholders, emphasising that teamwork is vital in tackling Uganda’s youth unemployment problem.
He observed that Uganda’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and a responsibility, with more than 70 per cent of the population under 30 years.
Mr Kibenge said the government alone cannot address youth unemployment and welcomed partnerships that support young people with relevant skills, employment pathways, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
He highlighted government interventions, including the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Programme Management Information System (NAGVPMIS), which links graduates with potential employers via a digital platform.
The platform enables young people to upload their qualifications and skills, while employers can find suitable candidates based on available opportunities.
“By digitising the matching and recruitment process, we are making the system more transparent, efficient, and merit-based,” Kibenge said.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasised the need for education institutions, employers, and the government to work together to address the skills gap affecting many graduates entering the labour market.
He noted that stronger partnerships with initiatives such as those supported by the Mastercard Foundation will help young people acquire skills that respond to changing labour market needs.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the Mastercard Foundation and other partners to create more opportunities for young people to access dignified work.
Mastercard Foundation Highlights Young Africa Works Progress
Representing the Mastercard Foundation, Ms Maria Mugerwa, the Finance Lead at the Foundation, provided an update on the Young Africa Works Strategy, which seeks to enable 30 million young people, 70 per cent of them women, across Africa to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
She explained that, in Uganda, the strategy aims to reach 4.3 million young people aged 18 to 35 through initiatives centred on entrepreneurship, enterprise development, education, and skills enhancement.
The strategy supports key areas, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, the digital economy, creative industries, and inclusive opportunities for young people.
Ms. Mugerwa noted that the Foundation’s approach is built on partnerships that bring together universities, government, private-sector actors, and communities to create pathways for young people to transition from education to employment.
“Closing this gap will require stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, including linking universities and graduates to opportunities created under the Young Africa Works Strategy.” She said.
She emphasised that ongoing collaboration will be essential in widening access to employment opportunities, finance, markets, and entrepreneurship support for young people.
Highlights of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University continues to transform the lives of academically talented but economically constrained young Africans by expanding access to quality university education and nurturing the next generation of transformative leaders.
In a presentation by Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director, the initiative was emphasised as a comprehensive support model that extends beyond scholarships to offer academic assistance, leadership growth, psychosocial well-being, community involvement, and pathways to dignified employment, entrepreneurship, and further education.
The Program has supported 971 Scholars and alumni, with many transitioning into formal employment, entrepreneurship, and advanced studies.
Guided by the values of listening, humility, kindness and respect, co-creation, and impact, the program promotes inclusion, belonging, and agency among young people.
Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University
The Program Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, said that the programme, which kicked off in 2025, is a transformative eight-year university-wide initiative designed to empower young people and strengthen Africa’s capacity to develop inclusive, equitable, and innovative responses to climate change.
Implemented in collaboration with global and regional partners, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Cape Town, the University of Ghana, and the Association of African Universities, the Collaborative focuses on four interconnected pillars: workforce development, entrepreneurship, research and innovation, and networks, policy, and learning.
Through its workforce development pillar, ACC will expand access to quality education by providing comprehensive scholarships to 250 Master’s students and 40 PhD students, while strengthening research capacity through academic mentorship and support.
The entrepreneurship pillar will equip 500 youth not in education, employment, or training with green entrepreneurship skills, provide incubation support, and promote youth-led green innovations.
The Collaborative will also establish a Climate Resilience Support Centre to drive interdisciplinary research and innovation while fostering partnerships, policy dialogues, and knowledge exchange to support climate-resilient communities.
e-Learning Initiative Phase II
In a presentation by Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning (IODeL) at Makerere University, the progress and future direction of the Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative Phase II were highlighted.
Building on the successful completion of Phase I in December 2024, Makerere University secured participation in the second phase, which aims to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen inclusive, learner-centred, and scalable e-learning systems across the institution.
The initiative seeks to enhance access to quality digital education by developing 10 fully online academic programmes and 10 micro-credentials by 2030. It will also establish integrated digital learner support services, strengthen digital infrastructure, and promote digitally empowered leadership and governance within the University.
A key component of the initiative is building institutional capacity in learning design and technology.
Since January 2026, 35 Makerere University staff members have been undertaking graduate-level training at Arizona State University, with 13 pursuing Master’s programmes and 22 enrolled for graduate certificates in Learning Design and Technology.
Through strategic partnerships and innovation, the initiative will position Makerere University as a leader in digital education, expand opportunities for inclusive learning, and strengthen resilience in higher education.
The second stakeholder engagement session concluded with several stakeholders, including DFCU Bank, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and Finn Church Aid, among others, committing to building stronger pathways that will enable students and graduates to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
Damali Mukhaye is the Communication, Public Relations, and Branding Officer for Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University.
General
Benchmarking Best Practices In Quality Assurance: Official Visit To The University Of Cape Town
By Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
1.0 BACKGROUND
A team of four members of staff from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University undertook an official benchmarking visit to the University of Cape Town (UCT) from 19th to 26th April, 2026. The four are members of the Quality Assurance, Gender Mainstreaming and ICT Committee-CHS. The delegation comprised two academic and two administrative staff led by the Dean, School of Dentistry, Prof. Annet Kutesa. Other members included;
- Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende – Quality Assurance Officer-CHS
- Dr. Kalidi Rajab – Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy
- Mr. Bataamye Herbert – CHS Registrar.
The primary purpose of the visit was to benchmark Quality Assurance (QA) systems in teaching, learning, and governance; strengthen institutional collaboration; and explore opportunities for academic exchange and joint initiatives between Makerere University and the University of Cape Town.
1.1 Purpose of the Visit to UCT was
- To gain an understanding of institutional QA frameworks at UCT across teaching, research and governance, and identify adaptable best practices for Makerere University.
- To explore effective strategies used by UCT to design, monitor, and continuously improve academic programmes, ensuring relevance, consistency, and excellence.
- To learn from UCT’s experiences and approaches to national and international accreditation processes, including preparation, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.
- To examine mechanisms for fostering staff engagement, ownership, and accountability in QA and continuous improvement processes.
2.0 Key Areas Covered During the Visit
2.1 Quality Assurance Systems
The visit explored the institutional quality assurance framework at the University of Cape Town, focusing on its structured approach to academic quality management. Emphasis was placed on clearly defined QA units, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and the integration of quality assurance processes into routine academic delivery and programme oversight. Discussions also highlighted systematic approaches to curriculum design and periodic review, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards and evolving educational needs.
We found that QA frameworks at UCT cut across teaching, research and governance. Here below are some of the key findings;
- All programmes must be approved by the Council of Higher Education, Quality Regulation Framework.
- All programmes must be accessible to the Council of Higher Education (CHE).
- The Academic Programmes at UCT are reviewed after every 5 years.
- Every programme goes through detailed evaluation before approval.
- Support Staff are also interviewed before appointment into university service.
- Each programme must be accounted for by UCT to the Councils
- Comprehensive information for each programme is required by the Councils before approval is given.
- It is important to have integrity of qualifications and qualification of programmes.
- After O. Level the students sit for a National Benchmark Test.
2.2 Governance and Leadership
The visit provided insights into transparent and participatory governance structures that support effective decision-making. There is a strong emphasis on staff engagement, accountability, and leadership at different institutional levels. A culture of continuous improvement is embedded within governance systems, supported by regular review and feedback mechanisms.
2.3 Teaching and Learning
The discussions further highlighted the institution’s diverse student assessment methods and structured feedback systems, alongside the effective integration of digital technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and student engagement.
Here below are the key outcomes;
- Every Course unit exam should be moderated by an External Moderator.
- The external moderator is appointed at the beginning of the year.
- The external moderator makes recommendations.
- These recommendations are in form of policies.
- Ensure overall examination preparedness for all students
- The template for external moderation is revised regularly.
- The moderators also assess if, the exams are fair or not.
Conclusion:
Key Takeaways
- The promotion ladder at UCT is more on the Competences, individual contributions on supervision, publications, community service and experience.
- QA is embedded in every unit and department.
We thank the Principal, College of Health Sciences and CMT for the support that facilitated this benchmarking visit.
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