Human dignity is a fundamental aspect of a just society, and Universities play a crucial role in fostering discussions around it. Recognizing this, the Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO) today 26th March 2025, engaged a section of our students who are the ‘UTU Champions’ at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in a discussion on the impact of their campaign. This sensitization program aims to promote awareness and practice of ‘UTU’ a Swahili term for humanity and dignity within the University settings. The team was led by Mr. Duncan Maigua and Ms. Mercy Wangui.
This initiative which is set to lead to the establishment of ‘UTU Club’ at the University, seeks to instill values of mutual respect, equity, and responsible leadership among students. By incorporating these conversations into academic institutions, CRECO hopes to build a culture of inclusivity and social justice that extends beyond University life.
A section of the UTU Champions having a discussion.
During the engagement at MMUST, students shared their experiences and perspectives on the importance of upholding dignity in academic and social interactions. They highlighted various issues including discrimination, harassment, and lack of inclusivity as challenges affecting student life. The ‘UTU Chuoni’ campaign provides a platform to address these concerns while encouraging students to become advocates for human dignity.
Speaking at the event, the Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences Dr. Rose Auma emphasized the significance of fostering ethical leadership among young people. “Universities should not only be spaces for academic excellence but also for nurturing responsible and humane citizens who uphold human dignity and MMUST is glad to be part of such an endeavor,” said Dr. Auma.
Participants during the joint meeting.
Reiterating the Dean, the Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing- Dr. Lydia Anyonje expressed appreciation to CRECO, acknowledging the importance of integrating dignity-driven conversations into university practices. “Our behavior and actions at the University should reflect our appreciation and respect for other people and humanity. We need to imbibe and embrace practices that elevate our reputation as a University that trains all round citizens,” stated Dr. Anyonje.
As the campaign gains momentum, CRECO plans to expand its reach to more universities, ensuring that the principles of human dignity remain at the forefront of student experiences and our institutions remain safer and more inclusive.
By Linet Owuor
