General
Breaking the Silence on Digital and Gender-Based Violence: Male Changemakers Lead Makerere University’s Strides for Change
By Eric Tumwesigye and Cynthia Ayaa Komakec
Introduction
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive and entrenched human rights violations in Uganda. Within institutions of higher learning—spaces intended to cultivate intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, and civic responsibility—GBV persists in both visible and covert forms, often sustained by silence, stigma, and institutional inertia. As Uganda’s oldest and most influential public university, Makerere University bears a dual responsibility: to respond decisively to these challenges and to model transformative, ethical leadership for the nation.
It is within this context that the Strides for Change walk, led by 16 male changemakers during the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, emerges as a strategic and symbolic intervention. The initiative addresses both digital and offline forms of violence against women and girls and aligns with the 2025 global theme, UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls. It reflects a growing recognition that gendered harm increasingly transcends physical boundaries, manifesting in digital spaces in ways that exacerbate the vulnerabilities of female students, staff, and young women across Uganda.
Linking Digital Violence with Physical and Psychological Harm
As Uganda’s digital ecosystem continues to expand, emergent forms of violence have surfaced that intersect with, reinforce, and intensify established patterns of gender-based violence (GBV). Research undertaken by the Makerere University Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), in collaboration with the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), documents the breadth and complexity of online GBV practices prevalent within the Ugandan context. Their study identifies a wide spectrum of digitally mediated abuses, including the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (commonly referred to as revenge pornography), online sexual harassment, cyberbullying, stalking, hacking, doxing, digital surveillance, sexist and degrading commentary, trolling, impersonation, identity theft, and threats circulated through social media platforms (IGDS and WOUGNET, 2021, p. 18).
Crucially, these manifestations of digital violence are not confined to virtual environments. Rather, they produce tangible and often severe consequences that extend into survivors’ offline lives. Empirical evidence indicates that women are disproportionately targeted by online GBV compared to men, reflecting entrenched gendered power asymmetries that are reproduced and amplified within digital spaces (IGDS and WOUGWET, 2021, p. 34). Survivours frequently experience profound psychological harm, including heightened anxiety, depression, chronic fear, and diminished self-esteem (Monteagudo Martinez et al, 2020). In response to persistent victimisation, many withdraw from social, academic, and professional spheres as a protective strategy, while others face significant economic repercussions, such as job loss or reduced income, arising from stigma, reputational damage, and trauma.
Within university settings, the consequences of digital violence may escalate further, in some instances culminating in threats of, or exposure to, physical harm (Pew Research Center, 2014). Oksanen et al. (2022) demonstrate that online hostility and harassment within academic environments are associated with acute psychological distress and deteriorating social relations at work. As the authors observe, “victims experienced higher psychological distress and lower perceived social support at work—indicative of social isolation and disengagement in academic roles” (Oksanen et al., 2022, pp. 541–567). Such findings underscore the manner in which sustained online harassment undermines not only individual well-being but also academic participation and institutional belonging.
Similarly, Cassidy, Faucher, and Jackson’s (2017) examination of cyberbullying in higher education institutions highlights the pervasive sense of insecurity engendered by digitally mediated abuse. Their study reports that “victims reported stress, anxiety, and threats to safety, reinforcing that harassment in academic settings is not merely emotional but also threatens well-being” (Cassidy, et al, 2017, p. 888). These dynamics contribute to academic disengagement, social isolation, and long-term reputational damage, with potentially enduring implications for future employment and career trajectories. Taken together, this body of evidence illustrates that digital violence functions as an extension of physical and emotional abuse, forming part of a broader continuum of harm. By eroding women’s psychological health, social participation, academic engagement, and professional prospects, online GBV undermines women’s safety, dignity, and capacity to participate fully in public and academic life. Addressing digital violence, therefore, is not merely a matter of regulating online conduct but a critical component of broader efforts to combat gender-based violence in all its interconnected forms.
The Role of Male Changemakers: Transforming Culture and Accountability
The Strides for Change campaign strategically positions men as visible allies in gender equality advocacy—not to displace women’s lived experiences, but to confront and dismantle patriarchal norms from within. Male changemakers play a pivotal role in advancing cultural transformation and accountability through three interrelated contributions.
First, they reframe gender-based violence (GBV) as a structural and societal concern rather than a “women’s issue,” underscoring its profound implications for human rights, social justice, and national development. This perspective is exemplified by Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentogo, one of the 16 male changemakers commemorated during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Drawing on his experience as an active social media user, he highlights the increasing prevalence of body shaming, slut shaming, and other forms of online abuse that silence girls and women and undermine their meaningful digital participation. He calls on all social media users to recognise, challenge, and reject such harmful language, emphasising that the creation of safe and inclusive online spaces for women is a shared societal responsibility.
Second, male changemakers model positive and accountable masculinities by publicly rejecting norms that equate masculinity with dominance, entitlement, or complicity in abuse. Ugandan musician and producer Navio articulates this stance by acknowledging the cultural power of artistic expression, stating that his lyrics will not perpetuate harm and that consent represents “the rhythm of respect”—not only in creative spaces, but in everyday life. Such public commitments challenge harmful gender norms while offering alternative, ethical frameworks for masculine identity.
Third, male changemakers broaden the reach and effectiveness of advocacy by engaging other men in critical dialogue, often within spaces that women may be unable to access safely or strategically. This engagement is strengthened through intellectual and academic platforms, including presentations at the Makerere University Men’s Forum, where evolving scholarship on masculinity is examined and translated into practical strategies for social transformation. Through this combination of peer engagement, cultural influence, and scholarly reflection, male changemakers contribute meaningfully to the collective effort to prevent GBV and advance gender justice.
Institutional Commitments to Gender Equality and the Elimination of Sexual Harassment
Through the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), Makerere University continues to demonstrate institutional leadership in advancing gender equality and addressing sexual harassment. The launch of the Strides for Change campaign reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the following priority areas:
Strengthening Reporting and Accountability Mechanisms
Makerere University has established confidential, survivour-centred reporting and redress systems to ensure the timely investigation and adjudication of GBV cases. These mechanisms enforce stringent sanctions, including disciplinary action, against individuals who engage in sexual exploitation, harassment, or the solicitation of sexual favours in exchange for academic or professional advancement. The GMD supports the continuous operationalisation and improvement of these accountability frameworks.
Expanding Psychosocial and Legal Support for Survivours
The University is committed to enhancing access to high-quality psychosocial care, legal aid, and referral services for survivours of GBV. The GMD coordinates capacity-building initiatives for service providers and strengthens partnerships with relevant institutions to ensure comprehensive and survivours-centred support.
Institutionalising Male Allyship and Transformative Engagement
Makerere University is advancing a structured approach to male allyship by formalising male and female champion networks that collaborate in dialogue, advocacy, and behavioural change initiatives. This includes integrating men into gender training programmes and encouraging visible public commitments, such as participation in the Strides for Change walk. The GMD leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of these transformative engagement strategies.
Conclusion
Makerere University’s Strides for Change walk and the male changemakers programme, implemented in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden and the United Nations Population Fund, represent a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence. By confronting the interconnected realities of digital and physical violence, addressing entrenched patterns of sexual harassment, and mobilising male allies as agents of change, the University sets a compelling precedent for institutional and national transformation.
Ending GBV is not solely a policy imperative; it is a cultural, structural, and ethical commitment. These initiatives align with Makerere University’s broader strategic commitment to inclusive excellence, ethical leadership, and safeguarding the well-being of its academic community.
When men stand in solidarity with women, when institutions centre survivours voices, and when society collectively rejects the normalisation of violence, Uganda moves closer to a future in which every woman and girl can pursue her aspirations free from fear, intimidation, and harm. The Strides for Change campaign is therefore more than a march—it is a call to conscience, a model for action, and a promise of a safer and more just society for generations to come.
Acknowledgement
The Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University, extends its appreciation to the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and all development partners who participated in the Strides for Change walk and the series of activities conducted during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive, 360-degree approach towards achieving zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
References:-
- Cassidy Wanda, Faucher Chantal and Jackson Margaret (2017): Adversity in University: Cyberbullying and Its Impacts on Students, Faculty and Administrators, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health journal, Article 14(8) page 888
- Institute of Women and Development Studies and Women of Uganda Network (2021): Not Just a Trend: Assessing the Types, Spread and the Impact of Online Gender Based Violence in Uganda, Research Report.
- Monteagudo Martinez (2020): Cyberbullying in the University Setting. Relationship With Emotional Problems and Adaptation to the University, Frontiers in Psychology journal, Article: 10:3074
- Oksanen et al. (2022) — Hate and harassment in academia: the rising concern of the online environment, Vol. 84, pages 541 – 567
- Pew Research Center (2014): Part 4: The Aftermath of Online Harassment, Pew Research Center, Published on October 22, 2014
Eric Tumwesigye and Cynthia Ayaa Komakec are the Senior Gender Officer and Gender Officer respectively at the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University
General
Are We Giving Enough Attention to the People Around Us Who Quietly Influence Lives Every Day?
By Marion Apio
On March 21, 2026, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with a close colleague and passionate leader, Owekitinisa Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki. We had not spoken since I moved to the United States to pursue my dream of becoming a journalist. The following day, I learned that he had been quietly undergoing treatment in and out of the hospital. True to his character, he had chosen to keep his condition private. I was shocked and saddened, wishing I had known earlier so I could offer support.
At first, reports from family and friends were encouraging. He had been diagnosed with malaria and low blood platelet counts and was receiving treatment. Respecting his wish for confidentiality, members of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community at Makerere University rallied discreetly around him.
However, on April 29, his condition worsened. He was transferred between medical facilities and underwent extensive tests, including a biopsy, as doctors searched for answers. Sadly, on May 29, Sylas passed away.
His death sparked an extraordinary outpouring of love and solidarity. Friends, colleagues, and former scholars mobilised to support his family, settle medical expenses, organise virtual vigils, and plan a dignified farewell. Hundreds gathered at St. Augustine Chapel to pay their respects. Within three days, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community raised approximately UGX 11 million, a testament to Sylas’ impact on countless lives.
In the days that followed, I found myself wrestling with difficult questions. In a world where we spend so much time following people online, are we paying enough attention to those quietly transforming lives around us? Why do we invest so much emotional energy in distant personalities while overlooking the people God has placed right in front of us?
Sylas lived with humility and served with grace. His death left more than 1,500 Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni grieving, alongside many others around the world who knew him. Yet his passing also exposed a contradiction in modern life.
We live in an age of unprecedented connectivity. Uganda has millions of internet users and WhatsApp subscribers, while globally, people spend hours each day on social media. We have more tools than ever to stay connected, yet many of us are becoming increasingly disconnected from the people who matter most.
Sylas resisted this trend. Through mentorship, service, and community-building, he remained deeply present in others’ lives. While many people retreat into individual pursuits, he consistently chose connection.
This challenge is especially relevant for Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni. Every year, young Africans leave home to pursue education and professional opportunities abroad. Distance, time zones, visa restrictions, and rising travel costs make it difficult to maintain relationships and remain actively involved in the communities that helped shape us.
For Sylas, the answer was simple: show up. Celebrate others. Offer support. Stay connected.
He never allowed geographical or personal barriers to become excuses for disengagement. Even while facing his own struggles, he invested in others. He embodied the values the Mastercard Foundation seeks to cultivate—ethical leadership, service, and community empowerment.
Sylas did not wait for a perfect platform to create change. He simply served where he was. He helped build bridges between education, culture, and professional development while remaining grounded in his values. He dreamed of creating a stronger alumni ecosystem and brought both passion and compassion to every initiative he touched.
Since his passing, social media has been filled with memories of his infectious smile and unwavering commitment to others. Those tributes reveal an important truth: people gave generously because Sylas had first given himself generously to them. People from different backgrounds, generations, and communities showed up because he had spent his life showing up for them. His legacy now challenges all of us.
The greatest tribute we can offer is not simply to mourn his loss but to continue his work. That means supporting the causes he cared about, helping the children whose education he championed, strengthening alumni networks, and pursuing the dreams we discussed with him.
The tragedy of modern life is not that we follow people online. It is that too often our attention to distant lives comes at the expense of meaningful relationships nearby. Yet strong relationships are as essential to our well-being as physical health.
As Ugandans, we take pride in our faith, culture, and sense of community. We contribute to fundraisers, attend ceremonies, and support family members in times of need. But increasingly, genuine connection is being replaced by passive digital interaction. Families and communities cannot thrive on likes, retweets, and emojis alone.
They require presence—phone calls, visits, conversations, and the willingness to notice when someone is struggling.
Before spending another hour immersed in the lives of strangers online, look around. Call the friend you have not spoken to in years. Check on a family member. Reach out to a colleague who seems withdrawn. Communities are not built by algorithms or celebrities. They are built by ordinary people who choose, day after day, to care for those within their reach.
Uganda needs more people like Sylas. At just 32 years old, he achieved what many spend a lifetime striving for. He served as Minister of Information in the Toro Kingdom and as President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Association in Uganda. More importantly, he dedicated himself to serving others.
While his death is deeply painful, his life remains a powerful example of how we should live. My prayers and condolences go to his family, friends, and the entire Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni community.
Rest in perfect peace, Owek. Sylas Ruhweza Atwooki.
The author is a Mastercard Foundation Alumna from Makerere University and the University of California, Berkeley. She is a journalist based in Southern California and the CEO of the Debunk Media Initiative.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University on May 30, 2026 to pray for the soul of Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, the first President of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Community at Makerere University.
The requiem mass was filled with emotional tributes celebrating Ruhweza’s life of service, leadership and dedication to community causes. Ruhweza passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Mildmay Uganda Hospital.
Speaker after speaker described him as a humble and visionary leader who was passionate about uplifting others and deeply committed to excellence.
“We thank God for the life of Sylas, for the years he granted him among us, and for the impact he made on countless lives. He carried himself with humility and grace, and wherever he went, he built friendships, inspired confidence, and left people better than he found them,” Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said during the Mass.
Mr. Rwomiire urged mourners to honour Ruhweza’s legacy by embracing the values he stood for, including integrity, compassion, hard work, service to community, and his unwavering love for Tooro Kingdom.
The main celebrant, Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Makoboza, echoed the message in his homily, reminding Christians to remain rooted in Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
“Sylas has gone to be with God, in a place where there is no pain, missed calls, struggle, corruption, betrayal, jealousy and tears. He is in a place with absolute peace. So, in life, never be the cause of someone’s tears, and if you do, seek reconciliation,” Fr. Lwanga, said.
Fr. Lwanga also reminded mourners that what Ruhweza needs most are prayers, not wreaths.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Grace Kabasita, Ruhweza’s maternal aunt, described him as a loving and dedicated young man whose life touched many people.
“Sylas was a counsellor, teacher, and a brilliant, loveable young man who fitted into every society. His life was marked by service, friendship, dedication, and commitment to the wellbeing of others and his culture,” she said.
Addressing mourners, Prof Justine Namaalwa, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, noted that though Sylas’s life was cut short, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, leadership and impact on the communities he served.
“Sylas, you have gone too soon. But it is well with our souls. May your legacy of Transformative Leadership live on,” Prof. Namaalwa, said.
She thanked the Mastercard Foundation for supporting his education through BRAC Uganda, supporting his university education through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, and nurturing his leadership journey through the Youth Advisory Board.
Ruhweeza at glance
Born on 19th July 1994 to the late Mr. Paul Tinkasimire Paul Adyeeri and Ms. Ategeka Margret Abwooli of Bunyangabu District.
The ninth born of eleven children attended Kaboyo Primary School for his Primary Education, and later joined Fort Portal Secondary School where he sat for his O-Level. He then proceeded to A-Level at Hannah International School.
He joined Makerere University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production in 2022, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Makerere University.
At the time of his passing, he was pursuing a Master’s degree at Victoria University.
Leadership, Service and Professional Contributions
Mr. Ruhweza served as Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network at BRAC from 2020 to 2022, demonstrating transformative leadership and commitment to social change.
He later became the President of the Makerere AlumNet Foundation, an umbrella organization that brings together the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
He worked as an eLearning Support Officer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) under the e-learning initiative at Makerere University.
He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, representing the Scholars Makerere Alumni chapter.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Minister of Information in the Tooro Kingdom, Strategy and Engagement Lead for the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network-Uganda Chapter, and Programme Associate at the Africa Climate Collaborative, one of the Mastercard Foundation initiatives at Makerere University.
Legacy
Ruhweza is remembered for his dedication to education, leadership, mentorship, and community service. He passionately championed youth empowerment, collaboration, and social responsibility.
His life reflected the transformative power of education, servant leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.
May Sylas’s soul rest in eternal peace.
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