Humanities & Social Sciences
Of Oracy, Orature, Textology and Clapping Chairs
The organizers of the Public Dialogue on Literature had promised that the event would give a rare and valuable platform to two important, respected and celebrated East African scholars with long and glorious careers in the world of letters to share with the public. This message seems to have singularly struck home with the audience for by 2:00pm on Friday 4th April 2014; almost every seat in the Main Hall, Makerere University had already been taken up. And just like a seasoned stage-manager, the man tasked with keeping the audience guessing, Dr. Danson Kahyana kept engaging them, all the while checking to see that all was set for the day’s event until finally, in they walked; the larger than life figures whose literary reputation preceded their every step, led by the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Professor Edward Kirumira.
To the casual observer whose judgment is solely based appearance, they looked harmless, too normal, too humble and overly courteous as they made rounds shaking hands with as many old friends as they could reach. Could these surely be the men of whom all those moving tales and fables had been penned? Could these two gentlemen we were even a little hesitant to take up their places at the high table truly be the famous duo of Professor Arthur Gakwandi and Mwalimu Austin Bukenya?
All this doubt were instantly dispatched the moment Dr. Susan Kiguli, Head of the Literature Department, CHUSS took to the podium and began sharing some decadal anecdotes. Of a Scholar in the 1970s; Professor Ali Mazrui, whose presentations on political science would leave even the chairs in the Main Hall clapping; of two Professors – one a fire-spiting socialist by the name of Mahmood Mamdani and another a consuming capitalist by the name of Apolo Nsibambi who in the 1980s held the Makerere audiences at ransom with their debates; and of a Professor by the name of Okot p’Bitek who would awaken all sleeping interest by dancing atop tables and playing his nanga (harp). By this time, the audience that was literally eating out of her palm was further spellbound by her narrations on discovering the life form of these legends, on joining Makerere as an undergraduate student.
“Professor Wangusa, who quoted T.S. Eliot like he was his next of kin…Professor Rubadiri, who was under the impression that all 150 students attending his class were registered for it, only to discover at the time of coursework that 100 of those had come to hear him pour forth poetry…” said Dr. Kiguli, further captivating her audience. She paid tribute to the day’s speakers for “coming back home” and to the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) for sponsoring the day’s Public Dialogue.
Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, CHUSS then welcomed the academic twins; in reference to both of the Speakers who recently turned 70, to Makerere. He then paid personal tributes to Prof. Arthur Gakwandi who in 1992 signed his academic life certificate by endorsing his registration for a “forbidden” combination of subjects on the BA programme and to Mwalimu Austin Bukenya for the mentorship he accorded him during his early days as an academic staff. “The values that these two eminent Professors exhibited to me were their humility and simplicity [which values are unmistakable] even as you look at them today” he added.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is the cradle of the Arts in Makerere University. As such, the Principal, Prof. Edward Kirumira could not hold back his pride as he warmly welcomed back his own. “We appreciate the time that our two Speakers are putting aside to come back and do what they are supposed to do; to mentor us and tell us that before we get to their age, we must continue to share our knowledge,” said Prof. Kirumira.
He encouraged the audience to borrow a leaf from the day’s Speakers by reflecting upon how they had used their respective lives and opportunities to make a lasting impression on society. Prof. Kirumira then challenged the staff to always ensure that they have mentored their younger colleagues to carry on with the great work when that time to retire finally comes knocking.
With the day’s formalities complete, it was now time for the Chairperson to take the Public Dialogue to the next level. This was the moment that the audience had eagerly anticipated all day and it was up to Prof. Abasi Kiyimba to deliver. His choice to initiate by first of all reminding everyone of the day’s topic: Literature and the Crisis in the Humanities was simple but artful. He then proceeded to impress it upon the audience that they each had a role to play beyond the day’s dialogue in as far as coming up with a solution to the crisis. Nevertheless as the Deputy Principal, CHUSS in an era where the voice of Humanities is being drowned out by the Sciences debate, he took this opportunity to make his case, “Occasions like these are our opportunity to demonstrate that we have ideas that can build this country,” and turning to the day’s Speakers, he dropped the gauntlet “speak about your vision of society and the role of literature.”
First up was Professor Arthur Gakwandi who spoke in a moderate but deliberate tone, true to his diplomatic background. After thanking the organizers for the great honour and opportunity to speak to the public, he quickly drew first blood with his statement, “The Humanities are not in a crisis.
“With ears in the audience peaking higher and increased activity as sitting positions were readjusted, Prof. Gakwandi went on to defend his stance by noting that crises speak of danger that comes with an element of surprise leaving the parties only a short time to decide on a course of action. He further noted that since the present state of affairs has been with us for well over a decade, the crisis attribute was therefore unjustifiable. He further backed this up with the existence of books on the subject like Crisis in the Humanities by J.H. Plumb first published in 1964, almost 50 years ago.
“Humanities are not in a crisis, they are facing challenges. They have faced challenges before and they should stand up and look forward with confidence because the contribution to society that they make is likely to remain important,” emphasized Prof. Gakwandi. He then went on to quote his late Professor of Literature, David Cook’s inaugural public lecture in the Main Hall in 1971
“An advanced study of Literature equips a student to think widely, deeply and flexibly on all human affairs and means of expression and is therefore an appropriate intellectual basis for professional men and women in many fields of public service”
Reflecting on the works of Matthew Arnold a British poet and cultural critic, Prof. Gakwandi noted that Literature had a role to play as a vital ingredient in society “Literature embodies values, interprets experience and makes the mind more imaginative, and therefore is valuable not only for those who study it but also for those who read it for pleasure… even if you are a scientist, you can share something from literature by reading and it will save you from some more vulgar forms of entertainment,” he counseled.
A fresh retiree from Makerere University, Prof. Gakwandi appreciated the important foundation that his background in Literature training laid for his 15 years of Diplomatic service. He also noted that he had seen many of his former students taken on roles of responsibility in many other fields such as politics and the media, especially as Chief Editors, “many of these people have risen to the top thus vindicating their Education in Literature at Makerere,” he substantiated.
As he concluded his submission, Prof. Gakwandi however warned that the Teachers of Literature ought to adapt their styles to the changing times and circumstances in our society, “I am especially thinking about the influence of bad journalism, facebook, twitter and social media on the way we speak and write.” Prof. Gakwandi also warned on the tendency of compartmentalizing the various disciplines in the Arts to the exclusion of others, “We need to see more interdisciplinarity because whether you study History or Political Science or Literature, you are studying the same society from different perspectives,” further adding that “I think we ought to borrow a little more from each other, teachers of language should use literary text to teach language and Lecturers in Literature should pay more attention to Language Communication skills and courses should be offered across the boundaries of these disciplines and that is when we shall move forward in promoting the values of the Humanities,” said Prof. Gakwandi in ending.
Next up was Mwalimu Austin Bukenya, a leading authority on Oracy and African Orature who straight away paid tribute to his training at the University of Dar-es-salaam by addressing the gathering in Kiswahili. He then commended the audience for “voting with their feet for Literature” by turning up in overwhelming numbers. Mwalimu Bukenya proposed that the Public Dialogue be dedicated to a literary colleague Prof. Christopher Lukorito Wanjala who was celebrating his 70th birthday on that day. He further emphasized that although the Public Dialogue had been organized as a way of bidding the Professors farewell, he preferred that the Swahili ni kwaheri ya kuonana (until the next time) reference be used instead of the academic parlance reference of valedictory lectures.
In a bid put an end to the “backward and primitive way of referring to Literature as quoting Shakespeare to one another”, Professor Bukenya or Mwalimu is he’s fondly known in the literary circles put forth four definitions of Literature as: i) a form of artistic communication using language as its medium, the artistic bit fusing observation, imagination and precise distinctive expression – literature is iconic, it calls attention to itself; ii) texts – anything that is written – literate e.g. Mathematical literature. There also exist oral/orate/unwritten texts that come from oracy (the skill of the spoken word) and orature (the creativity of the spoken word); iii) in broader modern literature – anything that signifies e.g. the clothes one wears and their implication hence
Mwalimu however sought to clearly point out that by the Humanities being in a crisis; they are in a state of concern, “That crisis is a false positing of Arts versus Sciences. That has created a state of crisis. Can we really say it is either Arts or Sciences?” pondered Prof. Bukenya. He further noted that the policy makers have over the years been gradually diminishing almost to negligible levels the sponsorship of students in the arts, “It is not only the funding that is going down but also the public pronouncements on the same,” Prof. Bukenya further added terms like appropriate dressing and iv) concerned with the studying of all texts in their signifying modes which pertains to textology (using texts as communicating systems to uncover and describe grammar) and one of Mwalimu’s coining of the day testectics (the mechanics of the word/text)
He noted that this has driven the teachers of the Arts so hard against the wall that even the mode of teaching has changed. “People seem to be so thoroughly concerned with just learning things and writing exams that our effectiveness has become questionable, especially in the areas of language and literature,” lamented Mwalimu. He noted that this teaching has led to students being exam-oriented which leads to conclusions like our graduates are unemployable.
Prof. Bukenya stressed the need to continue prioritizing the Humanities as they are those activities and studies that are primarily concerned with human relationships. “What I propose is that we should have both Sciences and Humanities. This comes from a theory in Literature – to deconstruct which does not seek to destroy but instead break up and rearrange,” he elaborated, further adding that “We cannot afford to have a person today who is purely a Humanist without a Science competence or else we are developing an articulate caveman. Equally importantly, we cannot have a Scientist who is purely a whiz in chemical formulae without a human side otherwise he will be just a robot.”
He further reiterated the notion that Literature is the most humane of the humanities because it deals with human relationships and as such can used to best illustrate their importance. Mwalimu sought to give the audience a deeper appreciation of his field by speaking about Literature as phatic communion as is the reference in advanced literary theory. This communion he said goes beyond simply making a connection through speech but going further to establish and maintain a relationship. “When someone says how are you or wasuze otya, it is not because they want you to describe exactly what bed you slept in but they are establishing a relationship and trying to maintain that relationship,” elaborated Prof. Bukenya.
He then delved into other branches of Literature like para-literature pertaining to films and songs further noting that, “People cannot do without these, and you have to ask yourself why? This all points to the phatic communion that makes us empathise and symphatise with our fellow human beings,” he explained. As a demonstration of phatic communion, Mwalimu then recited his Swahili translation of The Lonely Soul a poem written by a West African poet. He then sought to further dispel the unjustified generalizations that people in the Humanities do not create jobs.
Treading ever so lightly, Mwalimu then gave the Faith Industry; the fastest growing industry in the country today as a valid example, “I cannot say everyday but we can be sure that every week a new Church is coming up in Uganda. You cannot say that Churches are not job creators. Wherever you have a Church, you have a Pastor, Assistant Pastor, Choir Members, Counsellors, Intercessors and so on… the question we then ask is if you deny a person who seeks to study Religious Study sponsorship, who is going to professionally run those Churches? How many have got trained scriptural scholars, theologians and so on? No wonder we keep saying if we have so many Churches, why then do we have so many thieves or so much corruption? Is it because the Churches are not run by professionally competent people? We could do the same in Music Dance and Drama, how many professionals do we have?” Mwalimu questioned as the audience struggled to contain themselves.
He also touched on the distorted expectation of the university, noting that “A University is supposed to educate people. It is not a technical school. This is the mistake we make when we swallow up our polytechnics and make them universities,” lamented Prof. Bukenya as the audience stomped their feet. “People who want to acquire technical skills should go to technical institutions not universities. The university is a training place for thinking people, creative people, and imaginative people and maybe we should think of restructuring our education system to make our first degree more generalized to create an educated person who can then go on to technical training. This is just what we are trying to do when we train Literature. We have various specific theories of Textology where we use the speech act theory which consists of Elocution – what we utter, Illocution – what we intend and Perlocution – what you achieve. The literature person is a trained individual who can perform many duties and the demand is there,” elucidated Prof. Bukenya.
He thanked the audience for their patience and was confident that this event was only just the beginning “I am sure that we are only initiating the dialogue and I hope that it will continue” he summed up.As he brought his presentation to a close Mwalimu cautioned the audience to guard against the sinister intentions of international sponsors who are urging Governments to train Scientists and forget the Arts, “Because they know they can create their hordes of scientists and recolonise us, what we call ukoloni mamboleo [neocolonialism] because those people that go [solely] into technical things will have the ‘technical know-who’ but lack the ‘technical know-why’ to ask provocative questions,” preached Mwalimu. “It is only the political scientist who is going to ask those questions and it is not in their interest to cater for our culture, for critical people who will ask questions and we’ll be a damned generations which cannot ask questions and we need to guard against that,” added Mwalimu.
The debate then shifted to the floor where members of the audience were given the chance to ask related questions that ranged from the inspiration behind some of the Speakers’ publications to why Literature was glaringly absent from the modern day homes in all its forms. In their responses the Speakers challenged the audience to derive their own meanings from the publications as is the true spirit of literature, “Trust the tale, not the artist and books don’t have meaning save for the meaning you derive out of them” were some of the words of wisdom dispensed by both Speakers. They also challenged the audience to reintroduce literature in all its forms back into their homes, “Wherever there is a bottle of beer, there should be a bookcase, and we should make books a part of our lives.”
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, himself an Associate Professor of Literature and accomplished publisher, profusely thanked the Day’s Speakers Prof. Bukenya, Prof. Gakwandi as well as the session Chairman Prof. Kiyimba for ably illustrating that literary culture has played and will continue to play a prominent role in shaping the East African region. He also thanked his three aforementioned mentors for the wonderful set of words of wisdom that were delivered in the true spirit of orature.
He however challenged the audience to ride on the spark that the dialogue had ignited, “There is some kind of crisis in the Humanities but it must not be defined for us by others. What is our role in this crisis? Can we reconfigure it for the good of the younger people?” the DVC-AA asked the audience, before summarily adding “I think so.”
In moving a vote of thanks to the day’s speakers and indeed to everyone present, Sr. Dr. Dominic Dipio, Associate Professor of Literature, CHUSS acknowledged the respective contributions to the success of the Literature Public Dialogue by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, the Principal CHUSS, Prof. Edward Kirumira, the Dean School of Languages Literature and Communication, Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Head, Literature Department, Dr. Susan Kiguli as well as all members of the organizing committee. She further appreciated that the Humanities were steadily coming to the fore of the University leadership and hoped that this would help reinforce their importance to society. Sr. Dr. Dipio then commended the Speakers Prof. Arthur Gakwandi and Mwalimu Austin Bukenya for elaborately handling the day’s topic and continuing to keep the Literature torch aflame through their continued and mentorship and involvement in the literary circles.
Assoc. Prof. Okello Ogwang then took this opportunity to recognize other legendary names in the literary circles like Prof. Ruth Mukama and Prof. Theo Luzuka and acknowledge their respective contributions to mentoring writers in the Department of Literature, Makerere University and beyond.
Article and Pictures by Public Relations Office
Special thanks to @nyanaKakoma
Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Reviews Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies Program to Address Key Gaps
The School of Languages, Literature, and Communication at Makerere University held a stakeholders’ workshop to review the Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies (BICAS) program. The workshop, held on 5th December, 2024 aimed at refining the curriculum to meet the evolving academic and professional needs of students and employers.
The Dean of the School, Associate Professor Saudah Namyalo emphasized the significance of engaging stakeholders in the curriculum review process. She noted that feedback from students, employers, and academia is crucial for identifying gaps and improving the program.
“It’s a very important stage in our curriculum review to ensure that we have stakeholders’ workshops. This is an opportunity to hear from potential employers, students, and academic experts. Today, for example, we’ve learned that many of our graduates are not fully grounded in the science of the language, and because of that feedback, we are going to improve on it,” she said.
The Dean highlighted gaps in the current curriculum, such as limited focus on linguistic aspects like syntax, morphology, phonology, and semantics, which are essential for students pursuing advanced degrees. Additionally, the cultural component of Chinese language education was found to be inadequate.
“There’s no way you can teach a language detached from its culture. We are going to introduce courses emphasizing the culture of the Chinese so that the two go hand in hand,” she added.
The review aims to address these gaps by incorporating courses that build linguistic competence and cultural understanding. The program will now cater to both beginners and advanced learners, allowing graduates to pursue academic careers, including master’s and PhD programs, in Chinese linguistics. It will also strengthen the Asian Studies strand, enabling students to specialize in either Chinese language or broader Asian studies.
Dr. Enock Sebuyungo: Aligning Uganda’s Needs with Global Opportunities
Dr. Enock Sebuyungo, Head of the Department of European and Oriental Languages, underlined the growing importance of Chinese proficiency in Uganda. He noted that China’s rise as a global economic superpower has strengthened ties with Uganda in trade, education, and infrastructure development.
“Chinese companies dominate Uganda’s major infrastructure projects, and increasing numbers of Ugandans engage in trade and studies in China. Proficiency in Chinese offers competitive advantages for accessing the Chinese market,” he said.
Despite this, students under previous programs faced challenges achieving desired proficiency levels in international tests like HSK3. Employers expressed dissatisfaction with graduates’ language skills, and scholarships for study in China remained underutilized. The proposed BICAS program aims to bridge these gaps by producing graduates proficient in Chinese, knowledgeable about Asia’s economic and geopolitical landscape, and skilled in business, tourism, and diplomacy.
The BICAS program aligns with Makerere University’s expertise in foreign language instruction and supports Uganda’s strategic need to engage with Asia’s rapid development. It is expected to attract students from Uganda and East Africa, where Chinese is currently offered only as a short course. The program projects an annual revenue increase of UGX 865 million from an estimated 200 enrolled students. Partnerships with Chinese companies will provide scholarships for 10-15 students per intake, ensuring financial sustainability and accessibility.
Uganda joins a growing list of countries incorporating Chinese studies into higher education, with similar programs established in Botswana, Australia, and the United States. Makerere University, which already trains secondary school Chinese teachers, is poised to create a critical mass of experts to sustain Chinese language education and strengthen Uganda-China bilateral relations.
Dr. Sebuyungo expressed gratitude to Associate Professor Helen Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), for her moral and financial support in organizing the workshop. He also thanked the Confucius Institute and Xiangtan University for their invaluable contributions to the program.
“Confucius Institute and Xiangtan University sent us professors who reviewed this course. What we are looking at is a revised course done by professors from Xiangtan University, and we deeply appreciate their support,” he said.
The Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies program positions Makerere University as a regional leader in language and cultural studies. It prepares graduates to address gaps in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange while enhancing Uganda’s ability to benefit from China’s global influence. The workshop marked a pivotal step in ensuring the program aligns with both local and international demands.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Inaugural CHUSS Non-Academic Staff Retreat Highlights Customer Care, Quality Services and Professionalism to Improve University Image
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University held its first-ever non-academic staff retreat on December 7-8, 2024, at the Grand Global Hotel in Kikoni, a Kampala suburb. The retreat focused on customer care, quality assurance, professional work ethics, and human resource management. This landmark event, organized under the guidance of CHUSS Principal Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, was aimed at fostering teamwork, reflecting on work practices, and strategizing ways to enhance service delivery and the university’s overall image.
The retreat brought together administrative and support staff to build networks, improve working environments, and align individual efforts with the university’s strategic goals. “We are here to learn, dialogue, and strategize together to improve our services in line with the university’s strategic direction. It starts with us,” said Prof. Nkabala in her opening remarks. She emphasized the collective responsibility of staff in achieving Makerere University’s vision.
Prof. Nkabala also highlighted challenges such as inadequate staffing, particularly among security personnel and custodians, and called for the Human Resources Directorate to reconsider housing policies to support this vital group of workers.
In addition to formal sessions, the retreat featured interactive dialogues between staff and management, work place role plays, team-building exercises, and fitness training. A fireplace dinner provided a relaxed setting for staff to share concerns and suggestions. Activities like these rejuvenate the spirit and promote a sense of belonging.
Key Presentations and Insights
The retreat featured presentations from Makerere’s Director of Human Resources, Deus Tayari Mujuni; Chair of the CHUSS Quality Assurance Committee, Prof. Sylvia Nanyonga Tamusuza; Dr. Dickson Kanakulya, Head of the Department of Philosophy; and Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, Head of the Department of African Languages.
Love Your Work and Serve Clients Diligently- Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe
Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, the Head of the Department of African Languages, presented on the importance of customer care in the workplace, focusing on how staff should attend to clients, particularly students, and the behavior expected of them while on the job. He began by emphasizing the importance of loving one’s work, regardless of the role. “Love your work. You applied for it. If you’re a secretary, PR, cleaner, or messenger, love your job. There is nothing more rewarding than people trusting you. Do your work with a smile,” he advised.
Dr. Gumoshabe discussed several key aspects of professional conduct, beginning with the importance of time management and serving clients diligently. He also highlighted the need for staff to leave personal beliefs, especially those related to witchcraft, outside the workplace. “Leave your beliefs like witchcraft behind the office. Witchcraft is real, and it moves in families. If you’re bewitching, what will happen when you’re bewitched? Always do to others what should be done to you. Avoid being jealous of those who do their work. If you focus on doing your job well, you won’t be chased, but if you indulge in witchcraft, you will be deceived. Sometimes you condemn yourself and slander others,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of professionalism in the workplace. Dr. Gumoshabe lectured staff on maintaining confidentiality, being polite in communication, greeting people with respect, and handling personal problems privately. He emphasized the need for staff to be friendly, responsible, and cooperative with colleagues and their leaders. Furthermore, he advised staff on maintaining personal hygiene and cultivating good habits. “Dress appropriately and be mindful of your shopping. Look for what fits you. No matter how much you want to attract love, your dressing matters. Avoid talking negatively about your supervisors, as all information that goes around comes around. There is no perfect person, and administrators want results,” Dr. Gumoshabe concluded.
Upholding Quality Standards: There must be a change in the image of our college and university- Prof. Tamusuza
Professor Sylvia Antonia Nanyonga Nakimera Tamusuza, the Chair of the CHUSS Quality Assurance Committee, addressed staff on the essential role of quality assurance in enhancing service delivery and improving the university’s reputation. She emphasized that quality begins with personal responsibility, encouraging staff to reflect on their work environments and professional conduct. “Quality is about doing things the best way and ensuring they meet the required standards,” she remarked, highlighting that teamwork, cleanliness, and attention to detail are vital components in maintaining high standards.
Professor Tamusuza warned against complacency and urged staff to embrace continuous improvement. She explained that quality assurance not only leads to better services and a more conducive working environment but also reduces complaints. “When there is quality, we will always smile when things are done well,” she said. She added that quality assurance contributes significantly to the university’s reputation, resulting in happier students and staff, and fostering a sense of pride within the university community.
To further elaborate, Professor Tamusuza highlighted the principles of quality assurance. She emphasized the importance of doing the right things consistently, checking work to ensure it aligns with assigned tasks, correcting mistakes, being efficient, managing time effectively, and promoting clear communication and teamwork. “We cannot change what we do unless we improve the quality of what we do. Let us think about efficiency and time management, and we should be people who pay attention to detail,” she stressed.
In addition, she underscored the critical role of staff in maintaining quality assurance, including keeping offices clean, greeting visitors politely, filing documents properly, ensuring cleanliness in toilets and compounds, arriving on time, and maintaining self-discipline at work. Creating a daily checklist for tasks, she suggested, is another way to ensure quality.
“Remember, you hold the quality of the work in the place where you work. Whether it’s a professor, student, or visitor, please handle them properly because we are here because they are here,” Professor Tamusuza emphasized. She concluded by stressing the need for a shift in the image of the college and university, noting that this change starts with each individual. “There must be a change in the image of our college and university because of the services we offer. It begins with me,” she declared.
Offering motivational advice, she shared that quality is not just an action but a habit that everyone must cultivate. “Every small thing makes a difference. Doing your work well helps you remain healthy. Your work helps Makerere shine,” she concluded.
Work Ethics and Professionalism by Dr. Dickson Kanakulya
Dr. Dickson Kanakulya delivered a compelling session on the importance of work ethics and professionalism, emphasizing that a strong work ethic is the foundation for high performance and institutional success. He discussed how attitude, ethical behavior, and professionalism are integral to creating a productive and harmonious work environment.
In his presentation, Dr. Kanakulya underscored the transformative power of a positive attitude, describing it as essential for workplace success. “A negative attitude is like a flat tire—you won’t get anywhere until you change it,” he remarked. He explained that cultivating a positive outlook not only boosts personal engagement but also fosters productivity and collaboration among colleagues.
Dr. Kanakulya also reminded staff of the importance of aligning their actions with Makerere University’s core values of integrity, accountability, and respect. Ethical conduct, he emphasized, is critical for building trust, strengthening teamwork, and enhancing the university’s reputation as a global knowledge hub. “Ethical conduct builds trust, strengthens teamwork, and contributes to Makerere’s standing as a global knowledge hub,” he stated, highlighting how these principles serve both the individual and the institution.
He further stressed the importance of efficient use of time, urging staff to manage their schedules effectively and ensure that their tasks are completed in a timely manner. Efficiency, he noted, is a hallmark of professionalism and a vital component of high performance. Additionally, he encouraged staff to pay close attention to detail in their work, explaining that professionalism requires care and precision to uphold the university’s high standards.
Through his engaging presentation, Dr. Kanakulya illustrated how embracing ethical principles, maintaining a positive attitude, and demonstrating professionalism can enhance individual performance while contributing to Makerere University’s strategic vision.
HR Reforms to Streamline Operations– Chief HR Deus Mujuni
Chief Human Resource Officer, Deus Tayari Mujuni detailed Makerere University’s revised Human Resources policies, aimed at enhancing efficiency and compliance with employment laws. Addressing the retreat, he outlined updates from the amended 2009 HR Manual, which emphasize recruitment protocols, leave management, and payroll accuracy.
Mujuni reported that Makerere University has rolled out significant updates to its Human Resources (HR) policies, aiming to streamline staff management and ensure compliance with labor laws. The changes, unveiled by the university’s Human Resources Director, Deus Tayari Mujuni, focus on recruitment, leave management, performance evaluation, and payroll systems, as detailed in the revised 2009 HR Manual.
“The manual consolidates policies, procedures, and practices to guide the recruitment, development, and retention of staff,” Tayari explained, emphasizing its critical role in defining the responsibilities of the University Council and employees.
A key reform mandates that, starting FY 2024/2025, unit-level appointments funded by non-wage budgets will be prohibited, ensuring such funds prioritize teaching and research. The University Council reaffirmed this during its May 9, 2024, meeting, emphasizing that all salaries must align with the designated wage budget.
Tayari also underscored the expanded duties of line managers, which include monitoring performance, overseeing leave compliance, and ensuring accurate payroll management. Notably, staff on study leave must now submit signed bonding agreements and periodic progress reports, with failure to return from leave classified as misconduct under Section 9.6 of the HR Manual.
The revisions also enhance payroll accuracy by requiring timely updates about inactive staff receiving salaries. Occupational safety and health measures have been bolstered to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
“These updates aim to propel Makerere into becoming a high-performance institution by aligning individual and organizational goals,” Tayari concluded. The reforms are expected to improve efficiency, accountability, and institutional alignment with Makerere’s strategic vision.
Participants react
The retreat underscored the critical role of non-academic staff in achieving Makerere University’s vision as a global knowledge hub. The event concluded with a collective commitment to apply the insights gained, ensuring that CHUSS remains a model of excellence within Makerere University.
Participants expressed gratitude for the retreat and praised its relevance to their roles.
Sunday Seezi, Chief Custodian, shared:
“This retreat was a first of its kind for us as non-teaching staff. Many times, we hear of workshops for academic staff, but this time we felt seen and valued. The activities were well-organized, and we left with valuable lessons to implement in our daily work. We appreciate our Principal for this initiative.”
Rebecca Talikaza, another custodian, added:
“We are indeed happy to be included in such an event. The choice of the hotel was excellent—we slept well, ate well, and learned a lot. The presentations were rejuvenating, and I believe everyone who attended has a changed mindset. However, I suggest that next time, participants be given certificates of attendance. It would mean a lot to many of us who don’t have formal academic qualifications.”
Annet Nakaye, a cleaner and messenger, noted:
“This was my first time attending such a workshop. I learned a lot about how to improve my work and serve better. I am grateful to our Principal for thinking about us. We promise to improve where we have been falling short.”
The retreat reaffirmed that achieving institutional goals requires the dedication and collaboration of every member of the university community.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Makerere University’s KISH Initiative Makes Strides in Combating Sexual Harassment
Makerere University has recorded significant progress in addressing sexual harassment through its Kicking Sexual Harassment Out of Higher Education Institutions (KISH) project. Findings from the project’s endline dissemination, held on December 5, 2024, revealed the positive impact of interventions designed to create a safer academic environment.
Launched in 2020, the KISH project was a collaboration between the School of Women and Gender Studies, the School of Psychology, and the School of Computing and Informatics Technology at Makerere University. Funded by Uganda’s Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF), the project adopted a whole-university approach to tackle sexual harassment holistically by involving all stakeholders and implementing diverse interventions tailored to different groups.
The project introduced several key components, including KISH Student Clubs for female students, an online sexual harassment course for students and staff, the Men’s Hub targeting male participants, and an innovative online reporting and response system. The initiative aimed to empower students and staff with life skills, increase awareness of sexual harassment policies, and establish accessible channels for reporting and addressing harassment.
During the online dissemination event Prof. Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, the project’s Principal Investigator (PI), highlighted the need for a systemic approach to tackle sexual harassment. “This issue cannot be resolved through isolated interventions. We designed KISH to address every aspect of the university system, engage all stakeholders, and foster collective responsibility,” she said. Prof. Bantebya emphasized the project’s focus on including men as part of the solution, stating, “Men are often labeled as perpetrators, but they need to be engaged as allies and advocates for change.”
Findings from the project’s baseline survey showed that over 75% of staff and 80% of students acknowledged that sexual harassment was common at Makerere University. Female students were the most frequent victims, while male students and staff were identified as the primary perpetrators. However, a culture of silence prevailed, with over 80% of female staff and 91% of female students who experienced harassment failing to report their cases. Factors such as fear of retaliation, normalization of harassment, and lack of trust in existing reporting mechanisms were identified as barriers.
The endline survey demonstrated a shift in attitudes and practices. Knowledge about sexual harassment and confidence in responding to incidents had increased among students and staff. The online reporting system was lauded for its ease of use, anonymity, and smartphone accessibility, providing a confidential platform for victims and whistleblowers. The KISH Men’s Hub emerged as a pivotal initiative, engaging male participants in dialogue about masculinity, gender equality, and their role in eliminating harassment.
Prof. Florence Muhanguzi, Project Co-PI, emphasized the transformative impact of these interventions. “The KISH initiative has empowered the university community by equipping them with tools to identify and address sexual harassment,” she said. While acknowledging the progress made, Prof. Muhanguzi stressed the need for sustained efforts to raise awareness and integrate KISH activities into broader university programs.
Representing the Chairperson Grants Management Committee, Ms. Phoebe Lutaaya Kamya commended the project for its high impact. “This initiative stands out as a life-changing innovation, and we hope it will extend beyond Makerere to other higher education institutions in Uganda,” she said.
The workshop was moderated by Prof. Julius Kikooma who is also Project Co-PI and featured presentations from other Co-PIs and panel discussions. Key recommendations from the dissemination meeting included incorporating sexual harassment training into orientation programs for new students, expanding awareness campaigns to reach all university units, and mainstreaming KISH initiatives into existing safeguarding policies. The project team also proposed seeking additional funding to enhance and sustain the initiative.
As the project concludes, it leaves a legacy of actionable strategies, robust systems, and an empowered community committed to fostering a safe and inclusive academic environment. Prof. Bantebya underscored the broader vision, stating, “The fight against sexual harassment requires a collective effort. Together, we can create a culture of respect, dignity, and zero tolerance for harassment in higher education.”
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