Muni University, through its Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI) Project, is strengthening gender mainstreaming, equality, inclusion, and community engagement.
The two-day workshop, taking place at Muni University from September 14 to 15, 2025, has brought together university staff, stakeholders, and representatives from Makerere University to explore how gender equality and social inclusion can be embedded in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.
The workshop was officially launched by the Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Simon Anguma Katrini, who served as the Chief Guest.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor underscored the important role of women in all aspects of community development, stressing that women should be meaningfully included in decision-making at the community, family, and political levels.
He noted that women bring equally valuable and impactful perspectives to society and should be given opportunities to participate fully alongside men.
Associate Prof. Anguma cited the example of former Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, among other Ugandan women who have made significant contributions to the country's development. He commended her leadership of Parliament, noting that her tenure contributed to the advancement of legislation and national development.
The Deputy Directorate of Research and Graduate Training at the University, Associate Prof. Clement Okia, emphasised that gender mainstreaming and inclusion are important because the University's mandate brings it into direct interaction with both female and male students.
Associate Prof. Clement Okia highlights the importance of gender mainstreaming and inclusion in higher education and community engagement.
He added that the RETI Project works closely with refugee and host communities, engaging women and men, as well as girls and boys, making it important for staff and stakeholders to be equipped with knowledge and skills in gender mainstreaming, inclusion, and community engagement.
He further called for constructive participation in conversations affecting gender equality, noting that men should not feel offended or excluded when issues affecting women and girls are discussed but should instead contribute to finding solutions.
Gender Advocate and Lecturer Sandra Langi commended Muni University for the progress it has made in advancing gender mainstreaming, including the approval of institutional gender policies. She emphasised the need to ensure the effective implementation of these policies so that no one is left behind.
The workshop is also providing an opportunity for Muni University to learn from the experiences and good practices of Makerere University in promoting gender mainstreaming and inclusion within higher education institutions.
Dr. Peace Musiimenta, a Gender Advocate from Makerere University, shared insights on the importance of strengthening gender-responsive institutional practices and ensuring that gender equality and inclusion are reflected not only in policy but also in everyday institutional practice and community engagement.
Her contribution is supporting the workshop’s broader objective of equipping Muni University staff and stakeholders with practical knowledge that can strengthen gender mainstreaming, inclusion, and meaningful engagement with the communities they serve.
Participants from Muni University and Makerere University discussing gender equality and inclusion during a collaborative workshop.
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