Makerere University 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 UGX 3 million 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.
Makokha Elphas Khamala won the public vote, taking home UGX 500,000. He then won the judges’ second place (1st runner up), winning Shs2m. In total, Khamala took home Shs2.5m.
The judges’ third-place award went to Mildred Ainebyoona (2nd runner-up), who was awarded Shs1m.
The overall winners, Team CHUSS, were represented by Alan Mugisha. The Deputy Vice Chancellor awarded the team Shs3m.
“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. Barnabas 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. That is why we have put in place various policies to safeguard our students,” he said.
“Over the years, we have put in place various policies to safeguard our students. In addition to the Safeguarding policy, we have the Anti sexual harassment policy and the policy to support Students with Disabilities. Every student should know these policies to know the steps to take in case they feel threatened,” he added.
Professor Justine Namaalwa, Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere, highlighted the role of partnerships in supporting student initiatives.
“Our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation allows us to amplify student voices and advance critical safeguarding work. We also support scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, ensuring access to education for those who need it most,” she said.
She said that the partnership has successfully created a safe and inclusive environment through programmes integrated directly under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. She further emphasised the current operationalisation of the 2025 safeguarding policy alongside a comprehensive mentorship and career guidance rollout led by the Dean of Students.
The competition was judged by a panel chaired by Mr Eric Tumwesigye, Senior Gender Officer, alongside Professor Susan Kiguli, Ms Betty Kyakuwa, Dr Viola Karungi, and Dr Milton Wabyona.
Dr Karungi explained the rigorous judging process: “Submissions were evaluated on originality, alignment with policy, clarity of form, applicability, and overall impression. The process was transparent, fair, and aimed to reward the most impactful messages.”
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.
