Makerere University pushes for safe learning environment

KAMPALA - Makerere University has taken a significant step toward strengthening safety within its academic community, with Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe underscoring the institution’s commitment to protecting learners and staff through a comprehensive safeguarding policy.

During the Safeguarding Symposium at Makerere University Main Hall, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that safety is fundamental to academic success and human dignity.

“A safe learning and working environment is not a privilege but a right… we must remain vigilant and proactive to ensure everyone can pursue their ambitions free from fear and discrimination.”

The policy, adopted by Makerere University, sets out a clear framework to prevent and respond to all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and neglect within the university community.

It reflects a growing recognition among higher education institutions of the need to go beyond academic excellence and actively safeguard the well-being of students and staff.
At its core, the safeguarding policy focuses on prevention, early detection, and effective response.

University leadership has established structured reporting channels—such as confidential platforms that allow victims and witnesses to report incidents without fear of retaliation, ensuring that concerns are handled with urgency and sensitivity.

Prof. Nawangwe noted that the university is committed not only to enforcing accountability but also to supporting survivors. This includes providing access to care, guidance, and justice mechanisms, while ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate disciplinary action.

Awards

At the same event,  students from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) emerged victorious in the 2026 Safeguarding Signature Message Awards, taking home a cash prize of sh3m for their outstanding contribution.

The awards ceremony, held at the university’s main hall, recognised students for their creativity, commitment, and promotion of a safe and inclusive campus environment.

The competition received 1,393 public votes and 22 entries judged by a panel of experts. Submissions included poems, songs, posters, short films, comic concepts, and slogans.

Kamara Elphaz-Makoha won the public vote, taking home sh500,000. He then won the judges’ second place (1st runner up), winning sh2m. In total, Kamara took home sh2.5m.

The judges’ third-place award went to Mildred Ainebyoona (2nd runner-up), who was awarded sh1m.

The overall winners, Team CHUSS, were represented by Alan Mugisha. The Deputy Vice Chancellor awarded the team sh3m.

“Congratulations to Alan and the entire team for their outstanding effort,” said the Dean of Students, Dr Winnie Kabumbuli. “Your creativity, commitment, and passion for promoting safety and well-being are truly commendable.”

She said a few weeks ago, the Dean of Students Office invited the student community to create powerful safeguarding messages to inspire awareness, responsibility, and collective action across the university.

“Our students responded with remarkable creativity and enthusiasm. Submissions came in various forms, including poetry, visual arts, music, and film.”

Dr Kabumbuli also acknowledged the university leadership: “We appreciate the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, for his continued leadership and unwavering support of safeguarding initiatives within the university community. His guidance is vital in promoting safety, dignity, and the well-being of our students.”

Prof. Nawangwe, on his part, emphasised the importance of a safe learning environment: “Makerere is intentional in ensuring that our students are safe because people achieve their full potential when they are safe.”

The competition was judged by a panel chaired by Eric Tumwesigye, alongside Professor Susan Kiguli, Betty Kyakuwa, Dr Viola Karungi, and Dr Milton Wabyona.

Dr Karungi explained that submissions were evaluated on originality, alignment with policy, clarity of form, applicability, and overall impression.

The 2026 Safeguarding Signature Message Competition underscores Makerere University’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and student-centred learning environment, while celebrating the talent and creativity of its students.