General
Warm Reflections as VC Hosts Dinner for Muslim Fraternity
It was a warm and cordial evening on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hosted the Makerere University Community Muslim Fraternity to dinner in commemoration of their completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Held at the Okot P’Bitek Lounge in the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) Gardens, the event was graced by Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) – Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta who represented the Vice Chancellor, University Secretary – Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, University Librarian – Dr. Ruth Nalumaga, Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja, Chairman University Mosque – Dr. Hussein Oria, and Director MISR – Dr. Lyn Ossome represented by Dr. Joseph Kasule among other officials.
The Vice Chancellor in his remarks noted that the self-discipline, generosity and devotion to faith exhibited by Muslim Fraternity during Ramadan was not only commendable but also a source of inspiration to the rest of the Makerere Community regardless of faith.
“At Makerere University, we pride ourselves in fostering an environment of inclusivity, diversity and mutual respect. Our strength as an institution comes from our ability to embrace and celebrate different faiths, cultures and perspectives” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
He added that this diversity not only enriches academic scholarship but also prepares students to become global citizens, embodying tolerance, respect and integrity. “As we gather here tonight, let us reflect on the lessons learnt during this sacred period and carry them forward in our daily lives; let us continue to extend kindness to one another, work towards a more harmonious society and remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity and service” Prof. Nawangwe’s remarks further encouraged.
The Vice Chancellor further lauded the Muslim community for their great show of philanthropy by raising tuition for students who couldn’t afford to on their own, undertaking various works on the University Mosque and conducting community outreaches. He urged students present to take advantage of opportunities presented by the Student Work Scheme to both raise funds for their tuition and upkeep, as well as gaining work experience.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda in his remarks appreciated the Vice Chancellor for the tradition of hosting dinners in the fraternity’s honour, which he added made the Muslims feel proud as members of the larger Makerere University Community.
“We notice that our contribution to the University in various ways is not only recognized but is also celebrated” said the University Secretary, who also added “I hope that one day Management takes interest to visit the Mosque. The Mosque has transformed significantly and the changes that have occurred there are initiatives that have been taken by the Muslim Community of this University.”
Elaborating on the changes, the Chairman noted that the Muslim community has contributed to; roofing the University Mosque, installing CCTV cameras, renovating toilets. Dr. Oria added that the next projects the Muslim Community seeks to undertake are; expanding the Mosque to cater for the growing numbers and beautifying the grounds.
The Chairman University Mosque Board introduced other members present as; Vice Chairperson-Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Treasurer-Dr. Joweria Teera, Secretary-Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja, Vice Secretary-Deputy Imam University Mosque – Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Musungule, and Patron Makerere University Muslim Students’ Association (MUMSA)-Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke.
Other Board Members introduced were; Representative of Female Alumni and former Vice Chair MUMSA-Hajat Shamim Namuddu, Representative of Male Alumni-Al-Hajji Abdul Ssekandi, Representative of Male Administrative Staff-Juma Katongole, Representative of Female Administrative Staff-Mariam Kasemiire, Chair MUMSA-Fahad Mukalazi, Chairlady MUMSA-Hanan Kuddiza, Minute Secretary-Advocate Sekalala and Chair Makerere Muslim Staff Association-Prof. Abasi Kiyimba.
Sheikh Sowed Juma Mayanja led prayers at the dinner, which was ably moderated by Dr. Muhammad Kiggundu Musoke.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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