NCHE Commends Kabale University’s Commitment to Gender Equity During Needs Assessment Visit

NCHE Commends Kabale University’s Commitment to Gender Equity During Needs Assessment Visit

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) team visited Kabale University today as part of a gender-focused institutional needs assessment. The visit aimed to evaluate the university’s progress in implementing gender equity and inclusion practices in line with national policy frameworks.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (DVC AA), Prof. Jonny Mugisha, warmly welcomed the NCHE delegation that was led by Rev. Dr. Cyrus S. Sebugenyi. He expressed appreciation for their continued support in guiding institutions of higher learning toward achieving gender-sensitive standards, aligned with government initiatives.

During the visit, university management walked through the gender assessment checklist alongside the NCHE team, reviewing what had already been accomplished and identifying areas that still required attention.

Rev. Dr. Cyrus S. Sebugenyi commended Kabale University for appointing Prof. Mugisha as DVC AA, describing him as a leader of integrity and commitment. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the Minimum Standards for Gender and Equity in Institutions of Higher Learning, noting that universities have a collective responsibility to promote inclusive environments.

While addressing the university management, Rev. Sebugenyi clarified that the visit was not a formal audit but rather a needs assessment. He thanked the administration for their openness and cooperation, noting that Kabale University has demonstrated significant progress, particularly under the leadership of its Vice Chancellor, a known advocate for gender equality and quality assurance.

A presentation outlining the university’s current state was shared, followed by recommendations to further decentralize gender inclusion efforts to the faculty and departmental levels. This, the NCHE advised, would ensure a deeper institutional understanding and implementation of gender-sensitive practices.

The representative also highlighted the importance of inclusive infrastructure, citing the need for designated changing and resting areas for support staff, as well as gender-sensitive restroom facilities. He urged the university to allocate funds specifically for gender-related improvements and ensure policies are not only in place but actively enforced.

Importantly, the NCHE emphasized the need for a broader view of disability. “Disability is not just physical,” he noted. “We must also consider psychosocial conditions, deafness, blindness, and other invisible impairments, and ensure support for all.”

After touring the university’s facilities, the NCHE team praised Kabale University for its ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion. They encouraged continued self-evaluation through regular gender audits, noting that some impactful improvements require minimal financial investment.

Prof. Mugisha, on behalf of the university, thanked the NCHE for their valuable insights and pledged to act on the recommendations. He also shared that the university is preparing to open a new campus and would welcome NCHE’s support to ensure it meets gender inclusion standards from the outset.