General
President Museveni Reopens Makerere’s Main Building, Installs Dr. Kiyonga as Chancellor
On 2nd October 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially opened the re-constructed Makerere University’s iconic Main Building, and installed Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as the new Chancellor.
The event held at Makerere University’s Freedom Square, was presided over by President Museveni, the university’s Visitor, alongside First Lady, Hon Janet Kataaha Museveni, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports.
Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including former Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, members of the University Council, administration, development partners, a delegation from the University of Bergen in Norway as well as alumni of Makerere University. The reopening of the main building comes four years after a disastrous fire that resulted from a short circuit destroyed the building in September 2020.
Speaking at the event, President Museveni congratulated the university for getting back the building which has been funded by the government of Uganda. He added that his initial concerns about the potential loss of student records, but he was relieved when he was reassured by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe that the records were safe.
“When this unfortunate incident happened, as Professor Nawangwe said, my main concern was the records of the students. For the building, we could construct a new one, and we have constructed it,” he said.
The reconstruction preserved the building’s historic exterior while modernizing the interior to enhance safety and accessibility. Traditional wooden floors were replaced with tiles and terrazzo, and pathways for persons with disabilities were added. The building also features more durable concrete walls, fire detection and fighting equipment, and a restored bell that rings every hour.
President Museveni also congratulated the university on appointing Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as Chancellor, succeeding Prof. Ezra Suruma. He praised Dr. Kiyonga as a longstanding and key figure in the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“Secondly, I want to congratulate you on having a new chancellor, in the person of Dr. Crispus Kiyonga. He is an outstanding cadre and leader of the NRM. He is a member of the central executive committee and has been very active in our efforts since 1980 when we were involved with UPM, so I congratulate him and I congratulate the University,” The President said.
The President explained the fundamental role of some disciplines at Makerere University such as Food Science and Quantitative economics. He also underscored the relevance of science disciplines to national development.
Hon. Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education thanked President Museveni for his swift response when Makerere’s ivory tower was destroyed by the fire. She also commended the President for providing funds for the renovation of the students’ halls of residence.
“On behalf of the education sector, I thank you, Your Excellency, for your immediate directive to fund the restoration of the iconic building and other critical projects at Makerere including the students’ residences following a request from the University Council. Your timely intervention, Mr. President underscores your unwavering support for the higher education sector and Makerere University in particular,” she said.
Dr. Kiyonga expressed gratitude for his appointment and emphasized his commitment to strengthening ties between the university, government, and the broader community. He promised to work closely with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe and other stakeholders to align Makerere University’s research with Uganda’s development agenda.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the University Council, thanked the government for funding several projects at Makerere, including the restoration of the main building, the construction of the new building for the Law School, and the renovation of halls of residence.
“The restoration of the main building strongly symbolizes the government’s commitment to investing in Makerere University and indeed the education sector. In addition to the main building, the government has generously funded several infrastructural projects including the construction of the School of Law new building, the school of dentistry, the renovation of Lumumba Hall, the wall around the university, and several others,” she said.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the ministry of finance, planning and economic development for implementing the president’s directive and providing the necessary funding for these critical projects,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, thanked the President for swiftly approving the release of funds for the restoration of the building after he had presented the case to the Cabinet.
He also highlighted that the basement of the restored building will be reserved for a museum, and the university hopes to host the Luweero War Memorial Museum in this space.
When Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and I, came to the Cabinet to explain the cause of the fire, you guided the Cabinet to immediately approve the release of the 21 billion shillings that were required to reconstruct the building. Your excellency and Mama Janet, this afternoon, we have just re-opened the reconstructed main building, and the building is entirely funded by the government of Uganda,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to request the President that the government provides Makerere University with a road maintenance unit under the National District Road Maintenance Program.
He explained that such a unit would allow engineering students to gain practical experience by maintaining university roads and those in nearby communities. This initiative, he added, would contribute to producing well-trained engineers who could strengthen the construction industry in Uganda.
“We wish to enhance the training of our engineers through advanced technical and business development skills so that they can compete with international firms. We therefore request for your support, Your Excellency to consider Makerere University in form of a district for the allocation of a road maintenance unit as part of the district road maintenance unit program,” he requested.
“With this unit we would be able to train our students by maintaining the university’s roads and the roads of the surrounding communities. The ultimate aim is to produce engineers who will build strong constructing firms for our country. I pray that this proposal is given consideration in the next financial year budget.”
In response, President Museveni welcomed the idea and offered his support, agreeing that it would provide valuable practical learning for Makerere’s students.
“Regarding the road unit, that is a very good idea, I will definitely support that so that you can have your own road unit to teach your engineers how to make roads and how to build practically. I totally agree with that,” President Museveni said.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the Mastercard Foundation for the support extended to Makerere University when the Main Building was gutted by a fire. “I received the first international call, from Reeta Roy, President of the Mastercard Foundation, who in a very short statement said: We are going to support you with one million dollars to help you recover the student records. Indeed, the seed sown by the Mastercard Foundation has transformed Makerere into one of the most digitalised universities,” he said.
The Guild President, Lubega Vincent Nsamba acknowledged the President for providing funds for the reconstruction of the main building, but most importantly providing funds to renovate the different halls of residence.
“I thank you for the funds that have been contributed to the reconstruction of the main building, but most importantly and particularly to the renovation of halls of residence. They have completed Lumumba hall and they are now at Mary Stuart,” he said.
“We extend a vote of appreciation for recognizing that need and providing funds to cater for that. This has not only contributed to the welfare of the students, and has also improved their academic life on Campus,” he added.
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
General
Makerere University Leads EU-Funded MAGNETISE Project to Strengthen Gender Equality in Higher Education Across Sub-Saharan Africa
A consortium of African and European universities has intensified efforts to mainstream gender equality in higher education through the MAGNETISE project, with Makerere University taking a leading role in hosting a high-level workshop that brought together policymakers, researchers, and gender experts to reflect on institutional progress, persistent gaps, and future strategies.
The initiative, focused on Mainstreaming Gender in Higher Education Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa (MAGNETISE), is supported by the European Union and implemented through a multi-country partnership involving institutions in Uganda, South Africa, and Europe. It aims to move beyond policy formulation to practical implementation, monitoring, and institutional accountability in gender equality.
At the heart of the discussions was a shared concern: while universities across the region have developed gender policies over the past decades, translating these frameworks into measurable, lived institutional change remains uneven.
A Consortium Approach to Gender Mainstreaming in Academia
Opening the workshop, held at Makerere University recently, the project lead, Professor James Acai Okwee who is also deputy Principal CoVAB, described MAGNETISE as a collaborative effort designed to strengthen institutional capacity for gender equality planning across higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He explained that the consortium includes Ugandan partners such as Makerere University and Muni University, alongside South African institutions including University of KwaZulu-Natal, Rhodes University, and Nelson Mandela University. European partners include Katholieke Hoge school VIVES Zuid (VIVES) and KMOP Policy Centre from Belgium, as well as Research Innovation and Development Lab (ReadLab) and University of Peloponnese. The consortium also includes additional European academic collaboration through the University of Applied Sciences and related policy and research networks.
According to Acai, the core objective is not simply to produce policies, but to ensure universities develop functional gender equality plans supported by implementation tools, monitoring frameworks, and institutional accountability systems.
“We have had policies since the early 2000s, but the real question is: where is the implementation plan, and how do we track progress?” he noted. “If a policy says 40 percent representation for women in leadership, we must be able to measure whether that is being achieved.”
He emphasized that MAGNETISE would support training, capacity-building exchanges with European institutions, student engagement programmes, and the development of a digital knowledge hub for gender equality.
Makerere University’s Institutional Position on Gender Equality
Representing university leadership, Dr. Suzan Mbabazi of Makerere University’s Gender Mainstreaming Directorate reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing gender equality across its academic, research, and community engagement mandate. She highlighted significant progress made over more than two decades, citing policies such as the Gender Equality Policy and the Regulations Against Sexual Harassment, alongside governance frameworks that have institutionalized gender equity. Makerere has also established key structures, including the Institute of Gender and Development Studies and the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, to coordinate initiatives across faculties. Yet, Dr. Mbabazi cautioned that structural achievements do not erase systemic challenges. “Despite progress globally and locally, we must acknowledge persistent gaps, biases, and inequalities within higher education institutions,” she said, stressing the need to bridge policy and practice. She urged participants to prioritize awareness creation, institutional analysis of existing gaps, and deliberate action to dismantle structural barriers. Reaffirming management’s support, she called for continued collaboration among institutions and stakeholders to sustain momentum in gender mainstreaming.
Preliminary Survey Findings Reveal Mixed Progress
Presenting the initial findings of a university-wide survey, Dr. Peace Musiimenta of the School of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University revealed that responses from 82 participants across various units highlight both progress and persistent challenges in advancing gender equality. While many acknowledged strides in gender mainstreaming, structural and cultural barriers remain entrenched. The study found that although gender policies exist, their implementation is often inconsistent, and initiatives risk being treated as isolated projects rather than integrated institutional practices. Dr. Musiimenta noted that some staff perceive gender programs as overly focused on women, fueling resistance and ideological tensions within academic spaces. She emphasized that the challenge is no longer the absence of policy but the need to ensure visibility, ownership, and effective application of existing frameworks to embed gender equality across the institution.
Gender Audit Highlights Structural Gaps and Progress
Expanding on the institutional audit, Dr. Florence Ebila outlined the methodology and preliminary findings of the gender audit conducted between May and June 2026.She explained that the audit examined institutional policies, governance systems, practices, organizational culture, and perceptions of gender equality.
The study drew data from multiple administrative units including human resources, academic registrars, estates and works departments, and student leadership structures. Ebila reported that Makerere University has made significant institutional progress, including the establishment of gender-focused units and integration of gender considerations into teaching, research, and governance. However, she identified persistent disparities in representation, particularly in science-related disciplines where male staff and students remain dominant.
She also highlighted infrastructural gaps, noting that while newer buildings are increasingly accessible, several older facilities lack adequate support for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Another concern raised was limited gender-responsive budgeting, with insufficient allocation of resources to sustain gender mainstreaming activities across all units. “The challenge is not just policy design, but operationalization at all levels of the institution,” she said.
Gender, Identity, and Institutional Culture: A Critical Reflection
A keynote reflection by Dr Josephine Ahikire introduced a deeper theoretical lens to the discussion, situating gender mainstreaming within broader questions of institutional power, identity, and cultural norms.
Ahikire emphasized that gender mainstreaming is not a technical exercise but a structural transformation process that challenges entrenched systems of privilege.
She used the example of Makerere University’s centenary monument, where a male graduate is prominently positioned in front view while a female graduate is placed at the rear, to illustrate how symbolic representations can reflect deeper institutional biases.
“What appears natural often hides embedded inequality,” she argued. “Even symbolic structures matter because they reflect how institutions imagine gender.”
Ahikire acknowledged Makerere University’s progress in policy development and institutional frameworks but cautioned that deeper cultural transformation is still required.
She emphasized the need to interrogate curriculum design, research systems, and informal institutional practices that may perpetuate inequality despite formal commitments to inclusion.
She further argued that gender discourse must retain its political dimension, noting that terms such as feminism should not be avoided but engaged critically in order to address structural inequality.
“Gender equality work is not about comfort,” she said. “It is about questioning established norms and rethinking how power is distributed.”
Institutional Achievements and Remaining Challenges
Across presentations, several common themes emerged.
Participants acknowledged that Makerere University has developed one of the most advanced gender mainstreaming frameworks in the region, including:
- A dedicated gender equality policy framework
- Sexual harassment regulations and safeguarding policies
- Institutional gender mainstreaming structures
- Student engagement programmes and gender clubs
- Scholarships supporting women in science and disadvantaged backgrounds
- Increasing integration of gender into teaching and research
However, speakers consistently highlighted persistent challenges, including:
- Limited implementation of gender policies at departmental level
- Uneven representation of women in senior academic ranks
- Infrastructure gaps affecting accessibility and inclusion
- Weak gender-responsive budgeting mechanisms
- Resistance and misunderstanding of gender equality concepts
- Fragmentation of gender work across isolated units
Towards a Comprehensive Gender Equality Plan
A key outcome of the MAGNETISE project is the development of a comprehensive institutional gender equality plan for Makerere University, supported by monitoring tools and a sustainability framework.
The plan is expected to consolidate existing policies into a coherent implementation strategy, linking institutional commitments to measurable outcomes.
It will also include a handbook for monitoring gender equality initiatives and a digital platform for knowledge sharing among students and staff.
Project leaders emphasized that sustainability will depend on institutional ownership beyond donor funding, particularly through integration into university governance systems.
A Continuing Institutional Journey
The workshop concluded with a shared recognition that gender equality in higher education remains a work in progress, requiring sustained institutional commitment, cultural transformation, and accountability mechanisms.
While Makerere University has made notable progress over the past decades, speakers agreed that the next phase of gender mainstreaming must focus on implementation, visibility, and structural change.
As the MAGNETISE project continues across partner institutions in Africa and Europe, it positions itself not only as a research initiative, but as a long-term institutional reform effort aimed at reshaping how universities understand and operationalize gender equality in higher education.
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