General
Mak, HERS-EA Discuss Nurturing More Women Leaders
Published
3 months agoon

Professor Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, Professor Maria Goretti Musoke, Professor Mary Okwakol, Dr. Ruth Muwazi, Professor Grace Bantebya, Ms. Catherine Kanabahita, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, among others are some of the notable alumnae of Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) that have gone on to blaze a trail of firsts for women leaders in higher education. Founded in 1972, the Denver, Colorado-based HERS has for the last 50 years been at the forefront of working for inclusive and equitable leadership in higher education by nurturing and empowering women leaders.
Following their own participation in a HERS academy, Dr. Naomi Lumutenga and Prof. Margaret Khaitsa in 2014 co-founded Higher Education Resource Services–East Africa (HERS-EA), as an educational non-profit organization to advance women leadership management in the region. On Tuesday 8th July 2025 the HERS-EA co-founders accompanied a delegation that paid a courtesy call on the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi ahead of the HERS-EA Eighth Academy due to be hosted by Kabale University from 14th to 18th July 2025.
The delegation included Prof. Marlene Rebori-Professor and Community Development Specialist at the University of Nevada, and Dr. Soraya Beukes-Chairperson of HERS‑South Africa (HERS-SA) and Lecturer in Law, Community Engagement, and Social Justice at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape.

In attendance were the Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer-Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Ag. Director Graduate Training-Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma, Ag. Director Research Innovation and Partnerships-Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala, Head Advancement Office-Mr. Awel Uwihanganye, and staff from the Vice Chancellor’s Office.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi expressed the University Top Management’s appreciation of the work HERS and HERS-EA do to improve the gender terrain, especially with regard to leadership in academics and research. “We are happy that you have sustained this interest in collaborating with us.”
He added that the bringing on board of facilitators from other HERS networks and partner institutions not only enriches the content but also underlines the value that the HERS-EA attaches to mentoring and inspiring more future women leaders in the region.

Making a presentation on behalf of the delegation, the Executive Director-Dr. Naomi Lumutenga sincerely appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who during his term as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) offered unwavering support that enabled HERS-EA to get off to a flying start. This support, she added, has continued to-date.
The presentation titled “Gender inequality in leadership in Higher Education: a pervasive problem!” was a summary of a study undertaken in partnership with the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) and the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) across seven regional Universities. Published in 2024, the study observed that only two institutions had female Chancellors/Rectors, while only one had a female DVCAA and two had a female DVCFA.
Furthermore, the study reported some pipeline issues limiting women’s participation in leadership such as the PhD requirement for promotion, few universities running PhD programmes in some countries, further exacerbated by age caps on PhD scholarships. Career and socio-cultural issues identified included; demands on graduate women to get married and have children early, the tough work-life balance of raising children versus pursuing a career, and the subtle yet perverse finding that women were comfortable being led by men, an extrapolation beyond marriage of the need for women to submit to their husbands.
Findings classified under institutional culture and implementation noted that policies targeting recruitment of female graduates were either nonexistent or not institutionalized in regional universities. This was in addition to reported favoring of male leaders and their leadership style, insubordination of female leaders by their male colleagues, the need for women to work extra hard to be accepted as leaders, and the elephant in the room, sexual harassment.
Additional qualitative responses from the seventy-seven respondents identified networking issues such as absent or limited platforms for women to coalesce and encourage each other, as well as limited institutional exchange and learning opportunities. Under measurement and accountability issues, the study observed that policies despite existing in several institutions are not fully implemented, while the 30% gender rule only exists on paper in several countries. Finally, the study observed that the lack of a monitoring and evaluation frameworks for gender policies limits the generation of actionable data on women’s participation in research, funding and research outputs.

As gloomy a picture as the study findings painted, Dr. Lumutenga shared that collaboration with HERS-EA avails opportunities at both individual and institutional levels. At individual level, HERS-EA provides access to; formal and informal mentors at national, South-South and North-South levels, training and career opportunities, negotiated payment terms for webinars, review and tracking of alumni leadership projects with a view of turning them into grants, additional supervisors or advisors for research undertakings, leadership training, and ongoing workshops on grant writing, research and publishing.
At institutional level, HERS-EA facilitates student and faculty exchange between universities and links senior administrators to mentorship opportunities. In addition, HERS-EA fosters access to specialist academic institutions such as the Ethiopian Academy of Science and their regional networks, as well as to a pool of external examiners for PhDs.
Concluding the presentation, Dr. Lumutenga expressed the HERS-EA’s willingness to present study findings to the University Council and/or Senate so as to help the aspirations to empower more women leaders gain more traction. Supplementing the presentation, Prof. Margaret Khaitsa- Professor at Mississippi State University and Chairperson HERS-EA Board said preparations were underway to hold a conference for academy alumni to touch base and network. She added that HERS-EA had also held talks with the Makerere University Press (MakPress) to produce a journal of research work conducted by alumni.
Discussions on the way forward proposed that:
- Whereas their participation has been largely virtual, more female staff from Makerere should be facilitated to participate in HERS-EA academies as residents by incorporating the activity in the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD)’s annual budget.
- GMD may work with the Directorate of Graduate Training to develop a foundational crosscutting course for PhD students to better appreciate the gaps in women leadership and empowerment beyond the Advanced Gender Research Methodology.
- GMD may work with academic units to conduct more seminars and trainings on gender mainstreaming and leadership especially for entry-level positions with a view of building a critical mass for the next mid to long-term period.
- Makerere’s existing MoUs with partners such as Michigan State University (MSU) should be leveraged to link Emerging/Early-Career researchers/administrators, students and other special categories to professional mentors in relevant disciplines.
- HERS-EA’s milestones and achievements should be disseminated and popularized more so as to appraise future leaders of the limitless possibilities that exist. Existing platforms such as Annual Doctoral Seminars should particularly be taken advantage of.
- More South-South collaborations should be forged and encouraged so as to secure more of Africa’s Intellectual Property on the continent.
- More men should be brought on board as champions of the targets being set to empower more women leaders in society.
- A HERS-EA alumni network should be founded with an annual gathering to share best practices and explore how to further goals of the programme.
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General
Makerere and Nelson Mandela University Move to Actualize Existing MoU
Published
2 hours agoon
October 7, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.
The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.

Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives. “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”
Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.
In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.
Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.
Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.
From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.

The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.
The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.
The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.
General
Vice Chancellor Updates Media on DVC AA Appointment, Acquisitions, Research & Various Issues
Published
4 hours agoon
October 7, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Tuesday 7th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the; New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Acquisition of Land in Kyankwanzi, Acquisition of 3 buses from Kiira Motors, Anti-Tick vaccine, Makerere Innovation Hub upgrade, Promotion of Student Freedoms and Responsible Leadership, Student Allowances, and Staff Hires and Exits.
The event held in the Council Room, Main Building, was attended by the DVC AA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, Ag. DVC F&A-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
I welcome the media to this briefing. I would like to start by thanking our staff for their diligent and dedicated service to our University and Country.
In our teaching and learning, Makerere University seeks to respond to real-world problems within clearly defined industries and economic sectors. We align core university interventions with social economic transformation, by leveraging partnerships, technology, creative arts, sciences, research and innovations. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for both students and staff in order to produce graduates who are globally competitive, relevant and responsive to development needs.
To this end, we have made some strides that I would like to share, starting with the introduction of the new Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs.
1. Introduction of the New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga on September 23rd 2025, appointed Professor Sarah Evelyn Nabwire Ssali as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Prof. Ssali has had a distinguished career at Makerere University spanning over two decades. Until her appointment, she was the Acting Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), having previously served as Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies (2017–2024). She is also the Director of the Centre of Excellence in African Identities under the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). An accomplished scholar, Prof. Ssali is a Professor of Gender and Development Studies and a prolific researcher. Beyond academia, she has contributed significantly to university governance, and also played a leading role in curriculum reviews and policy reforms.
I warmly congratulate Prof. Sarah Ssali on her appointment and look forward to her leadership in steering academic affairs to greater heights.
2. Acquisition of Land in Kyankwanzi Land
The University is delighted to report that, on September 26th, 2025, Makerere University officially received one square mile (approximately 640 acres) of land from the Government of Uganda. This land, located in Kyankwanzi District, has been earmarked for the establishment of a Makerere University Agro-Demonstration and Training Facility.
This facility will serve as a living laboratory for practical agricultural training, research, and community engagement. It will host demonstration farms, improved livestock breeds, and innovative technologies designed to transform subsistence agriculture into a productive, market-oriented enterprise. Through this initiative, Makerere will train farmers and extension workers in modern farming practices, sustainable land use, pest and disease control, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness management.
The Kyankwanzi project aligns with Makerere University’s broader mission to generate and disseminate knowledge that directly impacts communities and supports Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
3. Makerere Acquires 3 buses from Kiira Motors
I am pleased to announce that on September 27th, 2025, we strengthened our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation through the acquisition of three modern buses. Of these, two are diesel-powered while the third is an electric bus, specifically brought to ease mobility of students and staff with special needs across campus.
This initiative speaks directly to our core values of inclusivity, equity, and care for all members of the university community. By ensuring that every student and staff can fully participate in academic life, Makerere continues to create a learning environment where everyone can thrive.
Our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation reflects Makerere’s support for Uganda’s homegrown innovation ecosystem. That Kiira Motors was founded on research from within our own College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), is a demonstration of how university knowledge can be translated into practical solutions that serve society.
We extend our appreciation to the management and team at Kiira Motors for their generous contribution and continued collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing sustainable transport and green technology, but also reaffirming our shared vision of a modern, inclusive, and innovation-driven Uganda.
4. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION UPDATES
i. Anti- Tick vaccine
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB) has successfully completed the formulation of an anti-tick vaccine, marking a major milestone in Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s livestock sector. The vaccine, which has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 86%, is expected to reduce calf mortality by 14% and significantly improve productivity across the livestock value chain. Uganda’s livestock industry currently contributes 19.4% to the national GDP, valued at approximately USD 17.09 billion.
Once fully developed and approved, the anti-tick vaccine is projected to reduce product losses in milk and meat by 11% and 29% respectively, and cut down on acaricide importation (An acaricide is a chemical substance used to kill ticks and mites). The vaccine is now awaiting clinical trials and regulatory approval from the relevant drug authorities before commercialization.
ii. Makerere University’s Innovation Hub upgraded
In 2022, we established an Innovation Hub dubbed the Unipod, which in 2024 got a grant from UNDP under the Timbukutoo Africa Initiative. The Unipod has now been formally upgraded to Makerere University Technology and Innovations Center (MUTIC) with the mandate to offer support to innovations university-wide.
MUTIC is a state-of-the-art innovation center that nurtures, incubates and accelerates ideas into companies. It has 10 makerspaces including Computer-Aided Design rooms, Textile space, Electrical space, Renewable Energy, E-Mobility, a Multimedia Studio among others.
The Center will be under the administration of a board of Directors chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration and comprising members from the student body, academic staff, government and the private sector.
5. STUDENT AFFAIRS
Promoting Student Freedoms and Responsible Leadership
Makerere University continues to make deliberate and progressive efforts to enhance student freedoms and participation in leadership.
In a development that reflects Makerere’s continued commitment to empower and nurture responsible future leaders, the University recently made the decision to reinstate open guild campaigns, which had previously been suspended following the tragic loss of a student during campaign activities. This decision was reached after extensive consultations with the Student Guild leadership, guided by our shared desire to restore a vibrant, participatory, and safe democratic culture on campus.
The resumption of open campaigns comes with a renewed understanding and agreement to balance freedom with responsibility, emphasizing peaceful and respectful campaigns that do not disrupt academic programmes or endanger persons, property, or businesses within and around the University.
As an institution that values dialogue, democracy, and responsible citizenship, we recognize that a truly great university must not only nurture academic excellence but also provide a space for free expression and engagement in governance.
Student Allowances
Students received some of their allowances in Quarter One and will receive the balance this quarter as soon as government releases the Quarter 2 funds. Management has met and harmonized with the Students leadership and we have committed to pay.
6. STAFF AFFAIRS
Staff Hires and Exits
There has been some media attention owing to the recent appointments and departures of staff from Makerere University. Allow me comment on this.
At its 769th meeting, the Makerere University Appointments Board appointed twenty-three (23) new members of staff, confirmed fifty-eight (58) members into University service, and also accepted resignations for eighteen (18) members of staff. Most of the colleagues who resigned went to take up other opportunities in various capacities. We congratulate all departing staff and wish them well in their new positions of service.
We recognize that transition is a natural process in all institutions of higher learning. The career growth and accomplishments of former Makerere staff reflects not only their individual achievements but also Makerere’s enduring role as a crucible for leadership and knowledge production.
It is important to acknowledge that while staff inevitably transition out of the University, Makerere maintains a robust recruitment pipeline to ensure that teaching, learning, and research remain uninterrupted. You will, therefore, note that while 18 staff left, 58 were confirmed and 23 joined the University’s service within the same period. Makerere, therefore, continues to demonstrate sound institutional planning and has in no way reneged on our responsibility to safeguard academic continuity for our students and partners.
End.
Agriculture & Environment
Call for Grants to Develop Policy Briefs and Working Papers on Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems
Published
1 day agoon
October 6, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in close collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the vital role of young researchers in shaping Africa’s future. Graduate students, in particular, bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and rigorous research to the climate and agriculture discourse. Yet, much of this knowledge remains locked in academic theses and journal articles, with limited translation into policy and practice spaces where it can have the greatest impact. To bridge this gap, RUFORUM & AGRA are launching a grant opportunity for graduate students
(Master and PhD Candidates & Post-Doctoral Fellows) enrolled in African universities to develop policy briefs and/or working papers on strengthening climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative is designed to support students not only to generate high-quality academic outputs but also to translate their findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.
The program will provide educational, skilling, and incubation opportunities, preparing young people; especially young women for the world of work. It will also enhance access to market-relevant training and practical skilling opportunities, enabling youth to gain the competencies needed by the labor market for both self-employment and wage employment. Through this call, RUFORUM & AGRA seeks to empower a new generation of African scholars to contribute directly to national, regional, and continental dialogues on climate change, resilience, and sustainable agri-food systems.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Applicants must submit an abstract of no more than 500 words through the RUFORUM online application portal (https://rims2.ruforum.org/)
o Instructions for submission can be accessed on this link - Inquiries: cgs[@]ruforum.org
- RUFORUM reserves the right to make final award decisions.
IMPORTANT DATES
Call Opens: September 5, 2025
- Deadline for Abstract Submission: October 15, 2025
- Notification of Selected Abstracts: October 30, 2025
- Submission of Final Policy Brief/Working Paper: December 31, 2025
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