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Celebrating Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende

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Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende who serves as the Quality Assurance Officer, College of Health Sciences Makerere University (MakCHS) received her PhD at the 75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University held 13th – 17th January 2025. Congratulations to her on reaching this milestone. Following is a brief interview with Dr. Namatende sharing her PhD journey and inspiration.

Who is Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende? She hails from Busoga-Iganga-Bubago-Buwaya in Mayuge District. She is the daughter of Mr. Tenywa Mudiba Amuraphel, a Fine Artist, and the late Ms. Aidha Mukyala, a teacher. Irene Rebecca Namatende attended Naluwoli Primary School in Kamuli District, Kiira Academy in Jinja for her O-levels, and Mukono Town Academy for her A-levels.

Prior to PhD studies, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from Makerere University, Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management (DPAM) and a Master’s in Public Administration and Management from Uganda Management Institute. She also has a certificate in Research Management and Leadership Programme from George Mason University (USA) through IREX/UASP Fellowship in 2019-2020.

Her PhD Journey: My pursuit of a PhD began in 2015 at the East African School of Higher Education and Development Studies, Makerere University. Driven by my enthusiasm for Quality Assurance, I decided to pursue a PhD in Education Management; my research focused on the Management of External Examination of PhD Theses at Makerere University.

The PhD program allowed Irene to develop enhanced research skills and knowledge in quality assurance. She said, ‘I am now well versed in QA mechanisms and have a clear understanding of the policies, processes, and principles that govern external examination in higher education institutions. – I have gained insight into the experiences faced by PhD students. To date, I have published two papers in internationally recognized journals’.

A brief about her Study: The study explored the methods and principles involved in the external evaluation of PhD theses at Makerere University. It outlines the historical, theoretical, conceptual, and contextual aspects of external PhD thesis evaluation at Makerere University. Additionally, it traces the worldwide origins of external examination, examines Makerere‘s specific context, and employs Pryor et al.’s 5Ps Model to assess its effectiveness. The research highlights various challenges, such as delays, compensation for external examiners, and discussions regarding relevance. Furthermore, the study suggests that Makerere University improve its external examination processes, create a solid tracking system for all PhD theses, and recognize and reward both internal and external examiners, as this would inherently encourage examiners to perform diligently and submit the PhD reports promptly, allowing PhD students to graduate within the expected time frame. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of efficient performance metrics and principled examination procedures for ensuring the academic quality of PhD theses.

What motivated the PhD studies? Her inspiration was Professor Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikunbinza, a Justice of the Supreme Court. Professor Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza who served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Makerere University and simultaneously held the role of Principal Investigator (PI) for the Quality Assurance Project, sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2005-2006

In 2006, Irene was appointed as the secretary for the Quality Assurance project, working under Professor Elisha Semakula. Both he and Prof. Ekirikunbinza motivated her to aspire to more than just being a project secretary. During this period, she supported the drafting and the writing of QA Policy framework/policy in 2006 and formulated the proposed strategic plan for the Quality Assurance Directorate.    She noted,’my enthusiasm for Quality Assurance, combined with my professional journey from 2006 to 2025, led me to enroll in a PhD program in Education Management at the East African School of Higher Education and Development’.

Challenges during PhD Study: Dr. Namatende highlighted the challenges during her PhD journey thus, “The path to my PhD has not been very smooth. The onset of COVID-19 in 2019/2020 dramatically hindered my ability to concentrate, leaving me at a standstill. 2. During my studies, I experienced the loss of my second supervisor, Dr. Hilary Mukwenda (RIP), with whom I had closely collaborated, which affected my progress. 3. Although my school submitted my book to the external examiner on time, the feedback took nearly eight months, making me feel like a hindrance in my research. Amidst all these challenges, I became victorious”.

Community Service/Contribution: Beside her work as a Quality Assurnace Officer, she also holds various assignments including General Secretary, of Makerere University Senior Administrative Staff (MASA); Chairperson Joint Hymnal Choir – St. Francis Chapel Makerere University from 2019 to 2020; member – Welfare Committee MakCHS; member – Quality Assurance, ICT and Gender Committee, MakCHS; member of the Principal’s Operation Team (POT), MakCHS.

Her quote: ‘Everything Ends according to God’s Purpose’

Zaam Ssali

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Women in Business Empowered at Makerere

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Prof. Sarah Ssali (Seated 3rd Right) with officials and participants during the Women in Business training on 20th August 2025. Institute of Gender and Development Studies in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), training program focusing on procurement and business development for women in business, 20th August 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Institute of Gender and Development Studies in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on 20th August 2025 commenced a training program focusing on procurement and business development for women in business. The two sessions, which brought together women from diverse business sectors, were held at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility. The training covered critical areas such as business requirements and strategic positioning, access to credit—particularly the Women in Business initiative by Stanbic Bank—and navigating procurement processes in the public service, among other vital aspects.

In his remarks, Mr. Paul Agaba, Director of the Procurement and Disposal Unit (PDU) at Makerere University, outlined relevant laws and shed light on reservation schemes for women-owned businesses. He detailed the requirements for companies to participate in procurement reserved for women, the necessary qualifying documents, and the benefits associated with such schemes. Mr. Agaba referred to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act of 2003, a law aimed at regulating procurement processes while enhancing service delivery and ensuring value for money. He noted that the Act has undergone several amendments to address emerging issues and reinforce principles of fairness and inclusivity, including measures to integrate previously marginalized groups—women, youth, and persons with disabilities—into business opportunities.

He further emphasized that reservation schemes are designed to provide incentives for women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must be registered with the appropriate authorities, with at least 51% of its shares owned by one or more Ugandan women. On specific requirements, he highlighted the need for registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), annual registration with the PPDA to be listed among providers, and documentation proving 51% female shareholding. However, Mr. Agaba noted that more effort is needed to actualize some provisions, such as ensuring that 15% of every procurement plan in public institutions and all procurements below UGX 30 million are reserved for women.

Representing UNDP, Ms. Beatrice Nabagya Mugambe, whose organization funded the training, underscored the importance of the program, describing it as a response to critical gaps identified through organizational assessments and surveys. She observed that despite ongoing efforts in gender-responsive procurement, women’s participation in procurement processes remains limited—a challenge not unique to Makerere but also evident across other agencies. She pointed to barriers such as lack of capital, insufficient information about bid opportunities and procedures, perceptions that bid amounts are beyond their reach, and limited business networks that could otherwise facilitate collective bidding. She stressed that such limitations can be overcome through collective action.

Addressing the topic of access to credit, Mr. Joel Mukasa, Relationship Manager at Stanbic Bank, highlighted opportunities available to women-owned businesses through the bank. Drawing from over seven years of experience, he noted that women tend to be better business managers, with 90% of loans disbursed to women being repaid, compared to less than 50% among men, attributing the gap to men often diverting business funds for personal use. Mr. Mukasa explained that Stanbic Bank has established several initiatives tailored for women, including the ‘Grow Project’ in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the government, and the ‘Stanbic for Her’ program. He clarified that the ‘Grow Project’ does not provide free money but rather credit facilities designed for active women entrepreneurs. To qualify, businesses must be registered as sole proprietorships headed by women, companies with at least 51% female shareholding, partnerships led by women, or formal/informal savings groups composed entirely of women. Applicants are also required to have an operational account with Stanbic Bank for at least six months, which eases qualification without the need for audited books.

Prof. Sarah Ssali, Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to gender equity and justice as central pillars of its operations. She noted that Makerere is the first public institution globally to apply for the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal, with the process beginning in 2022. As part of this commitment, the university is evaluated on gender parity in student enrollment. Since 1991, initiatives such as the 1.5 scheme, the establishment of a gender institute, and other affirmative action programs, including those addressing disability and inclusion, have been implemented to promote gender balance among students.

She added that as a gender-responsive employer, the university emphasizes women’s representation in its workforce, particularly in leadership and staffing. Makerere has a comprehensive Gender Equality Policy and Framework supported by affirmative action, which has significantly increased women’s representation in both employment and leadership roles. However, Prof. Ssali acknowledged that challenges persist in the area of procurement. Bound by the PPDA Act, the university cannot impose gender quotas since bidding is based on merit and fair competition. Low participation of women in bids is often due to their operation at a micro-level, lack of familiarity with the PPDA Act, and insufficient capital to handle large contracts.

To address these challenges, Prof. Ssali said Makerere is exploring lawful strategies to promote gender parity in procurement. The main focus is to strengthen women-owned businesses so they can compete effectively for large contracts, while also supporting small and medium women entrepreneurs as they scale up. She explained that the current workshop was deliberately designed for women in business, with participation restricted to women-owned companies. Its primary goal was to build competitiveness by equipping participants with knowledge of pre-qualification, bid submission, assessment, appraisal, and selection processes—ensuring women-owned businesses are fully integrated into Makerere’s procurement activities as part of the university’s broader gender inclusivity agenda.

Ms. Sara Nakibuuka, a practicing procurement professional at Makerere University, stressed the importance of such initiatives in supporting women entrepreneurs. She encouraged women to take full advantage of provisions under the existing Acts of Parliament to expand their business opportunities and strengthen their market presence.

The Women in Business Training 2025 was moderated by Donna Keirungi, a member of the Makerere University Gender Equality Seal implementation team.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2 Applications Now Open!

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E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda launched! Apply by September 1, 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University Innovation Pod is thrilled to announce the launch of the E-Mobility Skilling Programme: Cohort 2, in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation and UNDP Uganda! This immersive one-year program offers exceptional Bachelor of Science and related discipline students (2nd-3rd year) the opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills in electric vehicle technology.

We are seeking motivated individuals from Physics, various Engineering fields, Industrial Art, Architecture, and Business (Marketing) with a strong academic record. Participants will engage in hands-on training, industrial immersion at Kiira Motors, and contribute to the development of the “Moonshot Project.”

Apply by September 1, 2025, to be part of this transformative skilling initiative. Female students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply here: https://forms.gle/jntp2TrzYqJ4TrKv9

Mak Editor

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Bid Notice: Refugee Law Project Mid-Term Review

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An aerial view of Left to Right: Mitchell Hall, Senate, CoCIS Blocks B and A, Lincoln Flats, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility and School of Social Sciences (white) Buildings, Makerere University, with Kampala City in the background, October 2018. Uganda.

DETAILED BID NOTICE UNDER OPEN BIDDING

Invitation to bid for Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
Proc. Ref. No. MAK/SRVCS/2025-26/00013

  1. The Makerere University under Refugee Law Project has allocated funds to be used for the acquisition of Consultancy Services for Midterm Review of The Embassy of The Kingdom of Netherlands Funded Project; Securing Refugee-Host Relations Through Enhanced Protection, under Refugee Law Project, School of Law, Makerere University.
  2. The Entity invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the provision of the above consultancy services.
  3. Bidding will be conducted in accordance with the open domestic bidding procedures contained in the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003, and is open to all bidders.
  4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address given below at 8(a) from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
  5. The Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address at 2 above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of UGX. 100,000/= (One Hundred Thousand), only. The method of payment shall be cash payment after downloading Application Advice Slip from https://payments.mak.ac.ug/ and thereafter obtain a receipt from the bank before picking the document.
  6. Proposals must be delivered to the address below at 8(c) at or before 10:00am on Wednesday 20th August 2025. All proposals must be accompanied by a proposal securing declaration which must be valid until 28th February 2026. Late proposals shall be rejected. Proposals will be opened in the presence of the consultants’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below at 8(a) at 10:15am on 20th August 2025.

See below for detailed bid notice.

Mak Editor

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