General
Mak, HERS-EA Discuss Nurturing More Women Leaders
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.
Education
Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships
Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.
Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee, Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.
According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.
Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.
At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.
To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025 involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.
The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator, Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.
The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.
In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.
Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.
Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.
“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”
Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.
Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”
Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.
On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.
About IRC
Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.
General
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University encouraged to participate in philanthropy work
By Carol Kasujja Adii and Bernard Buteera
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University have been encouraged to embrace the spirit of philanthropy as a vital foundation for fostering stronger and more resilient communities. This inspiring call to action took place during the 2025 Community Open Day at the Freedom Square on Saturday, September 6, 2025, where hundreds of Mastercard Scholars, Scholar-alumni, and partners of the Scholars Program gathered to initiate a fundraising drive for the signature Annual Scholars Day of Service.
The Annual Scholars Day of Service stands as a hallmark event through which the Scholars give back to the community in impactful and sustainable ways. During a keynote address titled “How Philanthropy Shapes Resilient Communities,” Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, emphasised that while local philanthropy is not a new concept in Uganda, a more intentional mobilisation of this giving back power is necessary to address broader social challenges.
“Communities that mobilise their own resources—financial, human, and material—are empowered to take ownership of their development. Ownership naturally leads to sustainability, ensuring that solutions emerge from local knowledge, context, and values rather than being imposed from the outside. This approach is essential for effectively tackling our social challenges,” Prof. Ireeta stated.
In his remarks delivered by Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Ireeta highlighted the importance of nurturing the inherent power of local giving. He urged the celebration of current local philanthropic efforts, which can be initiated at the individual, religious, and community levels.
“To foster a culture of giving, we need to create platforms that promote structured, transparent, and impactful contributions,” he argued. “It’s crucial to strengthen our generosity, particularly among the youth, and cultivate a society where giving is valued as a core aspect of leadership and citizenship.”
Prof. Ireeta further noted, “The future of our Communities’ strength lies not in distant promises but in our own hands and collective actions. By fostering local philanthropy, we can build a society that is not only fairer but also more resilient and united.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. John Osuna, Transition Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, who spoke on behalf of the Program Director, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, expressed gratitude to the Scholars for their collaborative efforts in turning the idea of giving back into reality.
“Let us embody humility, kindness, and compassion through actionable philanthropy. By doing so, we can create lasting impacts, enhancing our reputation as a community that genuinely cares,” Mr. Osuna stated.
The Community Open Day was organised under the inspiring theme: “Nurturing Philanthropy for Resilient Communities,” paving the way for future initiatives that strengthen community bonds through collective generosity.
“We believe that through nurturing philanthropy for resilient communities, our communities shall be able to organise themselves to build resilience beyond what we shall give back,” Mr. Osuna explained.
The vibrant event saw Scholars and Scholar-alumni actively participating by bringing items for auction and buying tickets for the raffle draw as a means of mobilising resources for the construction of a ventilated pit latrine, renovation of two classroom blocks and providing tanks for harvesting clean water for Bwera Primary School in Kabale District.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Agnes Katumba, the Director of Katumba Estates, one of the long-standing partners of the Scholars Program at Makerere University, tasked the Scholars to embrace the heart of giving back without expecting something in return.
“I thank the Mastercard Foundation; they not only provide scholarships but also give back to the community. I have been able to grow because of them. For scholars, you do not have to wait to be wealthy to give back; every coin counts,” Mrs. Katumba said.
Katumba Estates Ltd contributed three million shillings to the Scholars Give Back project. Another long-standing partner, DFCU Bank, pledged over sh10 million towards the Scholars’ building project.
In her presentation, Ms. Malvin Akwara, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar-alumna, urged current Scholars to contribute to their communities in various ways, including mentorship and guiding young people.
“We are all here because someone chose to give. During my first year at Makerere, I contributed to some young man’s school fees back home in my community. The young man is now in his second year at Makerere. You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact; be intentional in your giving, and you will witness the difference it makes. There is no greater fulfilment than helping someone in need,” Akwara stated.
The event was punctuated with a number of activities that ranged from auctioning items, raffle draws, exhibitions, quizzes and a lot of games and fun.
Carol Kasujja and Bernard Buteera form the communications team for the Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
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