Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, reaffirmed his commitment to the swift and effective implementation of the university’s new safeguarding policy.
The policy is designed to enhance the safety and well-being of the entire university community, including students, staff, and stakeholders.
Nawangwe’s pledge was made on April 4, 2025, during the policy’s official launch, an event which was presided over by the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Without Portfolio, Rukia Isanga Nakadama.
The launch was a momentous occasion aimed at addressing growing concerns over security within the university.
In his remarks, Nawangwe echoed the call for action made by the 91st Guild President, Churchill James Ssentamu, who had previously urged the administration to ensure that the policy would be fully enforced.
The guild president emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguard the rights and well-being of everyone on campus.
Nawangwe noted that the new policy was a timely response to the increasing need for a structured and responsive security framework.
He stressed that the policy would empower all members of the university community to report incidents and seek timely assistance, ensuring a safer environment for all those living and working at Makerere University.
“We call upon everyone to ensure that every member of the University community knows their rights and has access to channels where they can report cases without fear of possible retaliation,” he observed.
Nakadama commended the collective leadership at Makerere University for developing the new safeguarding policy.
She acknowledged the university’s recognition of the safeguarding risks that exist within the institution and commended its commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.
“We appreciate the Council and Management for the openness to acknowledge the existence of safeguarding risks within the institution, and the commitment to enhance the safety and well-being of all Students, Staff and associated stakeholders,” she noted.
The new policy is designed to identify and address safeguarding risks promptly, prevent harm, and establish clear mechanisms for reporting any allegations or incidents.
This will enable the university to take appropriate and timely action in response.
The University Council Chairperson, Lorna Magara, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support to Makerere University, emphasizing that the university deeply values the partnership and is committed to strengthening collaborations to benefit all stakeholders of Makerere.
