Kampala, Uganda – The Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Regis Mutuuzo, and High Court Registrar, Nakibuule Gladys Kisekka, are some of the candidates for the award of the Doctor of Philosophy (or Ph.D.) degree at Makerere University this week.
Makerere University, a premier institution in sub-Saharan Africa, kicks off a 4-day long celebration of academic achievement, with a record-breaking total of 12,914 students set to receive degrees and diplomas, including three honorary doctorates.
Minster Mutuuzo who will be awarded her Doctorate on Thursday, examined the effect of Affirmative Action (AA) on women’s political participation in gender transformation in Uganda. Her findings demonstrate that, although AA has increased women’s participation in politics, patriarchal disposition has led to persistent gender inequality.
The study found that inadequate civic education had limited local communities’ awareness of policies that promote women’s political participation.
She argues that AA has led to a perception that open seat is a preserve for men, thus confining women’s participation to AA seats, and yet male MPs are unwilling to support a policy for equal gender representation. AA policies have improved women’s status in society but at the cost of women shouldering both the female and male gender roles.
Her study recommends the government to consider amending Articles 78 and 180 2(b) of the Constitution to provide for a 50:50 gender representation in politics.
High Court Registrar Gladys Nakibuule Kisekka will be awarded a Doctor of Laws for Unraveling the Dilemmas of Plea Bargaining in Uganda in her doctoral thesis. Her comprehensive study, spanning the period from 2014 to 2021, scrutinized plea-bargained cases across eleven High Court circuits and two divisions, shedding light on the delicate balance between judicial efficiency and an accused individual’s right to a fair hearing. She is the only one from the Law School to graduate with a Ph.D. this morning.
As the graduation week takes off this morning, the Graduation Booklet which our news team has seen, has released comprehensive statistics on the performance of doctoral students across various colleges, shedding light on gender distribution and disparities in academic achievements. The data reveals intriguing insights into the doctoral landscape at Makerere University.
A total of 131 doctorates will be awarded this week, with 84 going to male students and 47 to their female counterparts. Last year, this figure was 102, implying a significant improvement in doctoral studies.
Breaking down the numbers by college, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences emerges as a frontrunner, boasting the highest number of doctorates with a total of 30.
Following closely is the College of Health Sciences, contributing significantly with 23 doctorates. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences completes the top three with 20 doctorates.
In contrast, certain colleges showed lower figures in doctoral achievements. The College of Business and Management Sciences reported a total of 7 doctorates, while the College of Computing and Information Sciences and the School of Law each recorded 2 and 1 doctorate, respectively.
An intriguing observation arises from the gender distribution within specific colleges. For example, the College of Natural Sciences and the College of Computing and Information Sciences exhibit a notable gender imbalance, with fewer female students pursuing doctorates.
“The data not only reflects the dedication and academic prowess of our students but also underscores the need for continued efforts to address gender disparities in certain fields,” commented an official in the Directorate of Graduate Research and Training.
Among the standout revelations is the achievement in the College of Health Sciences, which has made a significant contribution to the overall number of doctorates awarded. This college has become a hub for doctoral pursuits, reflecting its commitment to advanced research and academic excellence.
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University Business School, and the College of Education and External Studies contributed 7, 13, and 7 doctorates, respectively, showcasing a diversified academic landscape within the university.
In a noteworthy development, the School of Law reported a single doctorate, emphasizing its focused approach to doctoral programs.
These statistics, beyond showcasing academic accomplishments, spark discussions around strategies to address gender imbalances and encourage greater participation in certain disciplines. The university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment is underscored by ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and equitable opportunities for all students.
The announcement of these statistics in the booklet marks a pivotal moment in Makerere University’s ongoing efforts to transparently share insights into its academic landscape, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity.
As the university looks forward, these numbers serve as a roadmap for targeted interventions and initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic experience for all students across diverse fields of study.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the candidates upon achieving these milestones and wished them good health and God’s blessings.
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