Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) today welcomed a delegation from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to discuss the implementation of gender equity and inclusion across all university operations, in accordance with the National Policy Framework on gender equality in higher education.
The high-level meeting, held at the university’s main campus, brought together senior university administrators, academic staff and NCHE officials to review current practices and chart a roadmap for enhanced gender mainstreaming initiatives.
The MMU team included Academic Registrar Grace K. Nyakahuma, University Counsellor Gorret Kugonza, Principal Academic Registrar Wilson Kwikiriza, Principal Accountant -Simon Oala, Dr. Hadija Nansamba from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; and Dr. Sheila Nanyanzi, among many other senior staff members.
Prof. John M. Kasenene, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Academic Affairs, represented the Vice Chancellor at the meeting, emphasizing the university’s commitment to creating an inclusive academic environment. “MMU is 80 percent compliant to gender issues through its policies, curricula and provision of opportunities, including having a comprehensive gender policy,” Prof. Kasenene stated. “Gender equity is not merely a policy requirement but a fundamental principle that enriches our academic community. This collaboration with NCHE strengthens our resolve to ensure equal opportunities for all members of our university family.”
The NCHE delegation was led by Dr. Godfrey Omoda Onyait, Principal Higher Education Officer serving as Team Lead, accompanied by Dr. Cosmos Muhumuza, Senior Higher Education Officer, among other officials. The team commended MMU for its proactive approach to gender inclusion while identifying areas for further development.
“Universities play a crucial role in transforming societal attitudes toward gender equality,” Dr. Onyait stated. “MMU’s willingness to engage in this comprehensive review demonstrates institutional leadership that will benefit not only the university community but society at large.”
The meeting ended with administration of gender audit tool and verification of gender related facilities at Mountains of the Moon University.
The gender audit tool covered twelve critical areas: student enrolment, scholarships, leadership and governance, faculty and staff composition, gender policies and implementation, gender responsiveness infrastructure and facilities, curriculum and teaching materials, resources and funding to support gender and equity, student and staff support services, research projects, community engagement to promote gender and equity, gender inclusive training and capacity building, and evaluation and accountability for gender and equity.