General
Mak to make the most of AHP Fellowships
The African Humanities Program (AHP) is conducted by The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The program which currently supports five countries in Africa namely; Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa is aimed at encouraging and enabling research and writing of the highest quality by African scholars. AHP supports awards on the two fronts of Dissertation-Completion Fellowships and Early Career Postdoctoral Fellowships.
On Friday 15th August 2014, the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) organized an application preparation workshop for prospective fellows who had expressed interest in the call for applications. Welcoming participants to the workshop, Dr. Susan Kiguli; herself a 2010 AHP Postdoctoral Fellow and Head, Literature Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), thanked Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang for organizing the workshop as part of Makerere’s AHP coordination activities. She then commended all applicants for seeking to take advantage of one of the best Humanities Fellowships.
“The AHP fellowship promotes inter-scholarly interaction and communication and presents us all with the perfect platform to see how we can forge a way forward in research and promotion of humanities on the African continent,” said Dr. Kiguli.
The AHP applications preparation workshop targeted doctoral candidates in the final year of writing their dissertation as well as postdoctoral applicants who had obtained their PhD within the last eight years. The workshop coordinator Dr. Florence Ebila, School of Women and Gender Studies, CHUSS, announced that a total of 18 abstracts had been received and the two-day meeting would work with applicants to secure as many fellowship awards for Uganda as possible. “This is the most wonderful fellowship to help you come up with a book or journal. As a fresh fellow of the AHP, I personally look forward to completing my manuscript soon,” added Dr. Ebila.
In order to make the most of such opportunities, the Makerere University coordination office regularly invites AHP assessors to guide participants through the application process. Welcoming the facilitators, the DVCAA Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang thanked Dr. Muhammed Umar-Burutai and Dr. Sani Aliyu from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria and Prof. Edward Wamala from the Philosophy Department, CHUSS, for accepting to facilitate the workshop. He noted that the highest number of participants Uganda had ever sent was eight although this total has varied over the years. He also urged participants take advantage of sabbatical teaching opportunities at Ahmadu Bello University, the largest university in Nigeria and second largest in Africa after Cairo University, Egypt.
“This workshop is a unique opportunity for Uganda to better package her applications. Although colleagues from all around the world are lamenting over the state of affairs in the Humanities, we should not be complicit but move beyond lamentations,” persuaded Dr. Okello Ogwang. “Listen closely as the facilitators as they discuss your abstracts and carefully follow all instructions and this will help you understand the specific nature of the fellowship,” he added.
In his remarks as he officially opened the workshop, the Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Edward Kirumira welcomed the various shifts in National and Global strategies as an indicator that the Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines were starting to make an impact.
“Nationally, we are witnessing the shift from Poverty Eradication to National Development Programmes, and from science and technology for excellence to science and technology for prosperity,” Prof. Kirumira noted. “This shift is based on the recognition that development programmes ought to be holistic and will move much slower if the Humanities and Social Sciences component is excluded” added the Principal.
He however urged collegues in the Humanities and Social Sciences not to remain in their academic silos but to step out and apply their various disciplines to the development agenda. “I urge all participants to have the National Development Agenda in sight as you write abstracts. Humanities and Social Sciences may not be explicitly emphasized on the research agenda and so it is our responsibility to reach out to them. This exclusion opens up opportunities for us to go to them,” counseled Prof. Kirumira.
He also noted that as Public institutions continued to tighten their expenditure patterns, staff development initiatives were likely to be affected and opportunities such as those presented by AHP ought to be welcomed and wholly embraced.
“We look forward to having the next generation of academic leaders emerging from AHP especially as you continue to create networks. The money is not in the pockets but in the networks so make the most of them,” Prof. Kirumira concluded.
Commenting on the workshop one of the facilitators Dr. Sani Aliyu noted that the AHP fellowship is a mentorship platform for the academia to help each other advance their careers, “As such, you interaction should not stop at workshops such as this two-day event but continue through the networks you establish,” he said.
Dr. Muhammed Umar-Burutai who took participants through the application procedures emphasized that the fellowship was only meant to fund basic research. “This fellowship will only support those whose research is aimed at providing a greater understanding of the subject and so if your research is applied in nature, it may not be considered,” advised Dr. Aliyu.
The AHP Application Preparation Workshop 2014 coordinators Dr. Florence Ebila and Dr. Peace Musiimenta assured participants of success if they stuck to the application instructions. The humanities disciplines that qualify for support include; anthropology, archaeology, studies of fine and performing arts, history, linguistics, literature studies, studies of religion, and philosophy. Projects in social sciences such as economics, sociology, or political science, as well as in law or international relations, are not eligible unless they are clearly humanistic in content and focus. More information on the program may be obtained at htto://www.acls.org/programs/ahp.
Article by Public Relations Office
Hosts Makerere University have officially kicked off the East African Universities’ Debate Championship EAUDC ZAABU 2026, bringing together student debaters, university leaders, and representatives from universities across the region to promote intellectual engagement, critical thinking, leadership development, and regional collaboration. The championship provides a platform for students to exchange ideas, strengthen public speaking skills, and develop solutions through constructive dialogue. This year’s theme is: From Dialogue to Action: The Role of Youth in Africa’s Transformation.
The event reflects Makerere University’s continued commitment to nurturing student leadership, academic excellence, and regional integration by providing opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful discussions and build networks beyond national borders.
Debate as a Platform for Regional Engagement
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee and Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), Mr. Arthur Akatwijuka highlighted the importance of hosting the championship and bringing together universities from different countries across East Africa. He noted that the event demonstrates the role of debate in connecting young leaders, promoting intellectual diversity, and strengthening collaboration among institutions of higher learning.
‘We are excited to have representation from the different countries and universities. This championship is not only about competition but also about creating a platform where young leaders can engage, share ideas, and shape the future of our region,’ said Mr. Akatwijuka.
Mr. Akatwijuka further explained that the championship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, develop confidence, and build skills that will contribute to their leadership journey. He encouraged students to embrace the experience as a platform for knowledge exchange and regional cooperation.
Reaffirming Makerere University‘s Commitment to Regional Integration
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to advancing regional integration and nurturing future leaders through the EAUDC2026. He descried the championship as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration among universities.
‘Makerere was the first university in East Africa, so you are coming back home. This is your university, and its doors are always open to you,’ said Prof. Alinaitwe.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the championship builds on Makerere University‘s efforts to promote youth leadership and regional cooperation through debate. He said the competition equips participants with critical thinking, communication, research, and leadership skills while fostering unity among East African youth. ‘As we debate regionally, we are strengthening regional integration. By coming here, articulating your points and convincing others, you are being groomed to become formidable leaders and a force for production and transformation in our societies,’ he said.
Prof. Alinaitwe emphasized that beyond the competition, the championship creates opportunities for participants to build regional networks and lasting partnerships that can support future academic, professional, and leadership opportunities. He encouraged all participants to view themselves as winners for contributing to East Africa’s shared vision of integration and development.
‘All of us are already winners simply by participating in this championship. Whether you finish first or sixth, you have strengthened your skills and contributed to building the future of our region,’ stated Prof. Alinaitwe.
Developing Responsible Leaders Through Debate
The Dean of Students Makerere University, Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli warmly welcomed participants and described the championship as an important opportunity for developing responsible and innovative leaders. Dr. Namuwonge noted that debate enables students to improve their communication skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and become better prepared for future leadership roles.
Dr. Namuwonge encouraged participants to uphold integrity, respect different viewpoints, and use the championship as a platform for learning and cultural exchange. ‘Makerere University is proud to host this championship because debate develops leaders who can engage society with knowledge, confidence, and respect,’ Dr. Namuwonge noted.
Communication Skills for Future Leaders
The Electoral Commission Uganda, Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, Mr. Julius Mucunguzi congratulated the organizers and participants for promoting intellectual dialogue through the championship. He emphasized that debate plays a significant role in preparing young people to communicate effectively and participate in leadership.
Mr. Mucunguzi explained that the skills acquired through debating extend beyond competition and are valuable in professional and public spaces. ‘Debate equips young people with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society. Makerere is proud to provide this platform for East Africa’s future leaders.’
He encouraged students to continue embracing debate as a tool for knowledge sharing, understanding different perspectives, and contributing positively to society.
Transform Dialogue into Action
The keynote speaker and Executive Secretary of Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Prof. Idris A. Rai who was represented by Dr. Gervais Ndayizeye challenged young people across East Africa to move beyond discussions and take action in addressing challenges facing the continent. He described the championship as a platform for developing future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will contribute to Africa’s transformation.
‘We wish that the end comes not only with debate but with action. The role of youth in African transformation is very important,’ the keynote speaker said.
Dr. Ndayizeye emphasized that young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of Africa’s population, have the potential to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He encouraged the youth to change their mindset from seeking employment to creating solutions and opportunities for others.
‘The question should no longer be, ‘Who will employ me?’ The new question should be, ‘What problem can I solve?’ challenged Dr. Ndayizeye.
Dr. Ndayizeye urged young leaders to actively participate in governance by voting, engaging in public affairs, and holding leaders accountable. He also highlighted the importance of East African integration, calling on young people to embrace regional cooperation and take advantage of opportunities across member states.
‘You must vote. You must engage. You must contribute. You must hold leaders accountable. You must become part of the leadership,’ Dr. Ndayizeye stated.
He further stressed that discipline is essential for success, noting that talent and education must be supported by commitment and responsibility. ‘Talent without discipline is wasted potential. Discipline is what transforms goals into achievements,’ Prof. Idris said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Ndayizeye challenged participants to become innovators, responsible citizens, and creators of opportunities who will turn ideas into action. ‘This generation will be remembered as the generation that transformed dialogue into action, challenges into opportunities, and possibilities into progress. The future of this East African Community is sitting in this room today,’ he concluded.
EAUDC ZAABU 2026 is organised by the Makerere University Debate Union (MDU), the official student organization that promotes debate, public speaking, poetry, and critical discourse. The debate will be held from 27th to 31st July 2026 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility.
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