On March 8, 2026, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day under the profound national theme: “Give to Gain.” Organized by the 37th MUST Guild through the Ministry of Gender and Equity, the event served as a powerful forum for reflection, mentorship, and institutional commitment.
The proceedings were led by the Guild Minister for Gender and Equity, Hon. Penilope Naturinda, and expertly moderated by the Guild Speaker, Ms. Britney Tendo. To ensure the message of empowerment reached every member of the community, the event was supported by Kasweet Florence Akiiki, who served as the official sign language interpreter, embodying the university’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Key Insights and High-Level Perspectives
The event featured a series of transformative talks designed to equip both women and men with the tools for a more inclusive future:
- Creating Safe and Supportive Spaces: Nabwire Linet the branch manager UCCFS community SACCO Mbarara Branch and a President of Rotaract Club E-Global provided deep insights into the “Give to Gain” philosophy. She emphasized that by investing in safe environments both socially and professionally we create a foundation where everyone has the security to excel and contribute back to society.
- The Power of Mentorship and Resilience: Viola Nyakato, Managing a Senior Lecturer transitioning from the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies to the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, spoke passionately on “Women Supporting Women.” Her talk focused on the trio of Mentorship, Resilience, and Self-Worth, urging women to build ladders for one another as they climb.
- Leadership and Education as a Mandate: The celebrations were crowned by the Vice Chancellor, Pauline Byakika-Kibwika. In her keynote address, she highlighted MUST’s institutional commitment to empowering women through leadership and education. She reminded the audience that providing quality education to women is the ultimate “gift” that yields an exponential “gain” for the entire nation.
Aligning with the University Mission
This event directly fulfills the MUST Mission to provide relevant education and community-focused leadership. By bringing together experts from Rotaract Uganda and our own academic faculties, the 37th Guild Council demonstrated that Science and Technology must be supported by Social Equity to achieve true national development.
The transition of leadership and expertise across faculties, as seen with Dr. Nyakato, exemplifies the university’s mandate to foster interdisciplinary growth and versatile professional excellence.
At MUST, we recognize that “Give to Gain” is more than a theme; it is our blueprint for progress. When we give women the platform to lead, the education to innovate, and the mentorship to endure, the entire community gains a future that is more resilient, more brilliant, and more just. We stand firm in our belief that an empowered woman is not just a beneficiary of progress she is the very engine that drives it.
