General
Another Double win for African Film and Oral Literature
The month of October 2014 ended on a spectacular note when the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) held a double book launch for two of her enormous army of prolific academics and writers. The audience, most of who had to brave the afternoon downpour on 31st October 2014 to make it in time was kept entertained by Mengo Senior School students’ recitals of Kanemu Kanabiri, Mpenkoni and many other traditional play songs as derived from Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi’s Oral Literature for Children book. On the other hand Sr. Dr. Dominica Dipio’s book Gender Terrains in African Cinema left the audience more appreciative than ever of the power mothers wield over the African film industry and society in general.
In her enthusiastic welcome address Dr. Susan Kiguli, Head-Department of Literature, CHUSS commended everyone for sparing time to attend the launch, especially the Chief Guest Mr. James Tumusiime-Chairman of Fountain Group and her own aunt Mrs. Sheila Goa who at 86 years of age was still sharp and sprightly. She further thanked Mr. Tumusiime for not only accepting her invitation but also actually taking time to read the books, “Our unanimous response was we are going to have a Guest of Honour who has actually read the books” she said, much to the amusement of the audience, before hastening to add “Of course we did not expect less but we are also happy that our judgment was as our students say ‘spot on’.”
She thanked the African Humanities Program (AHP) supported by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) and Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY) for ensuring that Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi and Sr. Dr. Dominica Dipio published their books. “I want to welcome and warmly congratulate our authors for this landmark achievement and for ensuring that our Department’s name stays on the sparkling pedestal,” said Dr. Kiguli, directly addressing the authors. She also commended Prof. Austin Bukenya and Dr. Consolata Kabonesa for their moving reviews of Dr. Mushengyezi’s and Dr. Dipio’s books respectively, as published in the New Vision newspaper of 30th and 31st October 2014.
Associate Professor Aaron Mushengyezi is the Dean-School of Languages, Literature and Communication, CHUSS, a book author and editor who has won several awards from the International Scholarship Programme of the Ford Foundation, the African Humanities Program (AHP). His latest book Oral Literature for Children: Rethinking Orality, Literacy, Performance and Documentation Practices seeks to take the oldest form of communicating traditional cultural values and information to the next level.
“We have recognized the value that these texts for young people play. They embody the cherished cultural values of hard work, respect for each other, and charity as well as numeracy skills. These texts also have a role to play in promoting social relationships and sometimes even teaching children their gender roles and relationships, which help our children to stay focused on what society expects of them as mature men and women” shared Dr. Mushengyezi. He further intimated that the current uncertainty surrounding our sexuality and whom we should marry or not could be attributed to an extinction of cultural values which were previously handed down by traditional oral literature.
Dr. Mushengyezi emphasized the need to work more with culture-based industries so as to get the traditional texts to provide educational value in our schools. He commended Mr. James Tumusiime whose efforts through Fountain Publishers and Igongo Cultural Centre have gone a long way in promoting local cultural practice and conservation. He challenged the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to invest in the promotion of culture-based industries through support to cultural tourism and traditional resources marketing. He also challenged Mr. James Tumusiime to consider having local publications of the books done through Fountain Publishers so as to reduce on their cost and improve their availability. He paid special tribute to his wife, children, family and Makerere University for the support that had enabled him complete the book.
Dr. Okot Benge is a Lecturer in the Department of Literature, CHUSS whose writing also neatly straddles both gender and oral literature aspects. As the moderator for this particular session of the day, he sent the audience doubling over when he recollected Prof. Austin Bukenya’s experience, who when asked for his publications prior to promotion to the rank of Senior Lecturer returned with a sack load of books, and even inquired if those would suffice! The evergreen Prof. Bukenya took it all smilingly and on assuming his position at the podium, and as has now become his pre-address tradition, started off with a recital of William Wordsworth’s 19th Century poem My Heart leaps when I behold.
He profusely thanked Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi for “bringing back his youth” through his book, whose review he had felt very privileged to write. Recollecting two childhood memories; i) Njabala – the last folktale his late mother shared with him before her passing and ii) Rosa Nyanzira – his first girlfriend whose storytelling charmed the then four year old Austin, Prof. Bukenya commended the author for exquisitely blending these special memories into one awe-inspiring publication.
Prof. Bukenya shared that he felt both gratified and shamed when he read the book, for in one shot, Dr. Mushengyezi had struck down the targets that he (Prof. Bukenya) had been taking aim at since 1968, when as a graduate student he was assigned the task of systemizing oral literature at Makerere under the guidance of Pio Zirimu. “You brought this process to a new level by showing us what can be done all the way from collection, from transcription, from translation to interpretation, and this starts a very useful scholarly discussion,” said Prof. Bukenya.
He shared that this book brought out the richness of our multilingual culture “This book really enables us to share and if you want to appreciate it, read it in the original text and only read the translated one thereafter” he said. He advised that reading the book this way, we would gain a greater appreciation of how much similarity our languages share. “You have given us a comparative approach of the various rhymes which we can find in our languages” added Prof. Bukenya. He thanked Ms. Emily Drani, Executive Director, Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda for promoting the Nation’s non-tangible culture. “The Arts that make us human are not useless and I will say that loudly and proudly” concluded Prof. Bukenya.
Associate Professor Dominica Dipio the second author of the day is a former Fulbright Research Fellowship and African Humanities Program Fellow who has initiated and coordinated a number of projects such as the Makerere-Bergen Folklore project. Dr. Dipio is a videographer with thirteen titles of both full and short length films to her credit. She has over thirty academic journals and book chapters to her name, her most recent publication being Gender Terrains in African Cinema.
“I came into contact with Film as a Graduate student at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1999. At that time it was being taken as a window into the African world; that is for the outsider and not for the Africa,” said Dr. Dipio in giving a brief background of her inspiration. She defended her choice of Francophone films dating from 1970-2000 for her research because France’s colonial policy supported cultural engagement, which led to a flourishing film industry. “However, a similar process as I have done could be undertaken by students and scholars in East Africa because filmmaking in the region is becoming a very serious engagement” she challenged.
In her analysis of the films, she took inspiration from one African filmmaker who observed that “Evolution is not possible without women’s active involvement and that is especially true of the Arab world. The Arab man has given all he can and his achievements aren’t great. Maybe the Arab woman can reinvent the world… when I look at my mother; I see that her intelligence is intact. She hasn’t had a chance to use it” she read in quoting. Dr. Dipio’s Gender Terrains in African Cinema offers a logical analysis of whether these filmmakers and critics actually “walk the talk” in their films. She was therefore happy to discover that the filmmakers made commendable efforts at representing women and gender issues in a way that challenged the status quo.
“Since political and administrative powers lay mostly in the hands of men, women’s emancipation can only be effective with the active participation of men alongside the women; men in this respect need to equally be the target of male and female discourses. The turnaround made by mainstream men to join the direction of struggle for women’s emancipation against gender based violence always led to very positive results“observed Dr. Dipio. She recognized Ms. Gorettie Bamwanga among many others in the audience for their exceptional role in mentoring young women. Ms. Bamwanga is the author of Footmarks – a book profiling 100 pioneering Ugandan women.
The moderator Dr. Okot Benge was at it once again while introducing Dr. Consolata Kabonesa, Dean-School of Women and Gender Studies (WGS) and reviewer of Gender Terrains in African Cinema. Describing her as the “most amiable scholar I know who is widely published on the subject of women and gender studies”, Dr. Benge managed to elicit that warmth from Dr. Kabonesa that literally made waves as it radiated across the room. “When I started reading the book, all I could keep saying to myself was wow! Dr. Dipio deserves to be in the School of Women and Gender Studies because she tackled gender issues so well” enthused Dr. Kabonesa in her opening statements.
Dr. Kabonesa commended Sister Dipio for making the often-silenced girl child talk speak out through her well scripted narratives in the book. “We don’t see this in the film but in Sr. Dipio’s analysis of the gender terrains in cinema” she observed. She commended Dr. Dipio for highlighting the vital role played by mothers in streamlining gender identities and leveling out gender inequalities in society, “it is we the mothers who actually make these young men who they are and so if we start early with them, we will be able to advance this cause.” She further noted that Sr. Dipio attains a number of goals by representing the various categories of women, engaging them in discourse and critiquing their positions through the lenses of class and age range. “This she attains by weaving in and out of this generation to the other, this class to the next which makes for very interesting reading. You need to read it” commended Dr. Kabonesa.
Dr. Patrick Mangeni is not only the Head-Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), CHUSS but also a recognized author of books, poetry and prose. As the country grappled with averting the rapid spread of the HIV scourge in the late 1980s, Fountain Publishers came up with the FFF (Fact, Fiction and Facilitation) project to reach out to the youth. To help develop the Fiction component, Fountain Publishers turned to Makerere University and Dr. Mangeni was one of the authors who tremendously contributed to this project.
Introducing the day’s Guest of Honour, Dr. Mangeni commended Mr. Tumusiime for not only supporting Ugandan and regional authors but also helping to revitalize the University Bookshop in 1996. “We appreciate the Guest of Honour for being innovative and not being afraid to take on challenges. You know what the publishing industry is like but I can proudly say that Fountain Publishers is the leading publisher in this country and it has not been by mistake but by effort, determination and being able to take on risky ventures,” extolled Dr. Mangeni.
The Guest of Honour Mr. James Tumusiime despite the praise heaped upon him managed to make to the podium and graciously thank the Literature Department for honoring him with the invitation. He chose not to bask in this limelight alone but rather chose to share it with his Publishing Manger-Dr. Tom Tibaijuka, and Wordsmith and Editor-Mr. Julius Ocwyino among other Fountain Group staff present. He expressed his delight at being associated with Makerere University Authors especially the day’s guests; Sr. Dr. Dominica Dipio-who has relentlessly contributes to Fountain Publishers’ Madi publications and Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi who co-edited the bilingual Runyankore/Rukiga-English Dictionary.
“I wish to thank you the two authors for elevating seemingly simple subjects of folktales and cinema to the intellectual realm of scholarly work and I hope they are going to trigger debate and discussion so that we see more and more books tackling these important subjects” remarked Mr. Tumusiime. To illustrate the important role played by mothers in African society, Mr. Tumusiime drew inspiration from Rwanda during the era of Kingdoms where a King never took to the throne without the presence of a mother. Similarly he reflected on the example of Ankole where the King was kept in check by a mother’s belt, which if used to sound the royal drum meant that the King had to commit suicide.
Commenting on the current Sciences versus Arts debate, Mr. Tumusiime labeled as “saddening” the current disinformation about the role played by humanities in societal development. He urged scholars to create a lobby group and work with the media to request for an audience with the leadership. “There is science that can develop and liberate our economies but we cannot neglect our own culture, thinking and humanities, and sacrifice them at this altar of science” counseled the Guest of Honour. “We all aspire to be like the developed countries but wherever you have Isaac Newton being celebrated, there is Shakespeare on the side and although science has advanced over the years, Shakespeare is still with us” he said to resounding applause. “And so let us contextualize this debate properly” added Mr. Tumusiime.
He commended Ms. Emily Drani and Artists from the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts (MTSIFA), CEDAT for their contribution to the successful establishment of the Igongo Cultural Centre, Mbarara. “The museum (centre) was part of that expression of another form of delivering content. Museums and cultural tourism in the world have an annual turnover of 1trillion Dollars compared to Nature tourism. So culture, literature, cinematography and museums are very important assets for this country and we should nurture them” urged Mr. Tumusiime.
Dr. James Ocita a Lecturer in the Department of Literature moved the day’s vote of thanks and commended Fountain Publishers and Mr. James Tumusiime for improving the reading culture in Uganda. He also commended the Fountain Group for setting up the Fountain Living Youth Series which had mentored a number of young writers such as him and honed their writing skills. He thanked The New Vision, Makerere University, Mengo Senior School, FEMRITE and other entities and individuals for making the launch a success. The day’s proceedings were ably emceed by Dr. Danson Kahyana.
Article by Public Relations Office
On Wednesday 16th July 2025, Makerere University lost one of its most cherished sons, Professor Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi. Described as a mathematician, academic leader, and humble servant, Professor Luboobi devoted more than five decades to the university, rising through the ranks to become Vice Chancellor, and leaving a legacy defined by simplicity, service, and scholarship.
Born to Lameka Serwadda and Sanyu Serwadda on 25th December 1944 in Mitondo, Kalisizo, Kyotera District, Professor Luboobi’s academic career begun as a third-year student at Makerere and continued with unwavering loyalty until his passing. His life’s work reflected not only a commitment to mathematics but also nurturing generations of scholars and leaders across Uganda and beyond.
A funeral service was held in his honour at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University on 18th July 2025. It was a moment of solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute. Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi delivered the sermon titled “Only God Knows,” reminding mourners of the mystery and grace of life’s journey. Rev. Canon Geoffrey Byarugaba represented the Kampala Diocese at the service, while former St. Francis Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Canon Johnson Ebong thanked Professor Luboobi for spearheading the Chapel’s expansion. Friends, colleagues, and family members filled the chapel, joined in mourning but also in gratitude for a life that had deeply touched theirs.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the University Council, spoke movingly about Professor Luboobi’s faithfulness, likening his life to the biblical call in Mark 10:43, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
In his condolence message, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, hailed Professor Luboobi as a visionary leader whose legacy is deeply woven into Makerere’s identity as a research-led institution. He credited Professor Luboobi with laying the groundwork for a culture of inquiry—championing graduate programmes, encouraging doctoral training, and fostering international collaborations that strengthened the university’s research profile. “He believed in building systems, not just structures,” noting that many of Makerere’s current research policies stem from his leadership. Even in retirement, Professor Luboobi remained a source of wisdom and guidance, quietly shaping the future of the university he so deeply loved.
Speaker after speaker painted a portrait of a man who led not by pomp, but by quiet strength and deep conviction. The Principal, Professor Winston Tumps Ireeta, speaking on behalf of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), described Professor Luboobi as a foundational figure whose influence is deeply etched in the structures and spirit of the college. He spoke with emotion about Luboobi’s unwavering commitment to academic integrity and his belief in the power of mentorship.
“He was not just a mathematician,” Professor Ireeta said, “he was a visionary who understood the soul of the university. Even in retirement, he remained an advisor, a guide, and a quiet force of wisdom.” He concluded by saying that the college would continue to draw from his example as it navigates the future of science and innovation in Uganda.
Professor Luboobi’s illustrious career at Makerere University included serving as Head, Department of Mathematics from 1990 to 1991. The current Head of Department, Dr. Ismail Mirumbe remembered him as a pillar in the teaching and development of mathematics in Uganda
Professor John Mango, who served as Head, Department of Mathematics during Professor Luboobi’s term as Vice Chancellor from 2004 to 2009 described him as a towering figure of integrity and principle, someone who not only upheld the highest standards of academic conduct but insisted that others around him do the same. “He was a pillar in the department,” Prof. Mango remarked, “and his moral compass was unwavering.”
He recalled instances where Professor Luboobi made firm decisions, including terminating contracts when integrity was compromised, setting a tone that shaped the department’s reputation for honesty and excellence. Even as Vice Chancellor, he remained deeply involved in the department’s affairs, teaching, supervising students, all the while handling top administrative duties punctually. Prof. Mango spoke with great admiration of a man who led by example, mentored many, and whose contributions to mathematics education, research, and policy-making continue to shape the future of the discipline in Uganda and beyond.
According to an article from 1990 written by Dr. Vincent Ssembatya and Andrew Vince at the University of Florida, the Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS), which was formally established on 25th November, 1972 has since inception enjoyed major support from Makerere University and Kyambogo University in terms of infrastructure and leadership. Professor Paul Mugambi, who was also present at Professor Luboobi’s funeral service was elected first president of the UMS. Dr. Saul Nsubuga from the Department of Mathematics represented UMS at the service, honouring Professor Luboobi’s pioneering role in the discipline.
The service also featured tributes from close friends and family. Loved ones shared stories of a man who remained grounded no matter how high he rose, a man who valued relationships and walked closely with his faith. His children and grandchildren remembered him as a father who was ever-present, a listener, and a source of steady guidance.
Professor Daniel Kibuule, son of the late Professor Luboobi and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences at Busitema University, delivered a deeply personal tribute that painted a full portrait of his father’s life, values, and final days. He expressed gratitude to the University leadership, family, friends, and medical professionals who stood with them during a challenging period. He particularly thanked his siblings, Dr. David Kimera and Dr. Irene Nakiyimba for their unwavering role in caring for Professor Luboobi through illness.
He spoke of a man who, despite great academic accolades, remained deeply humble and committed to discipline, simplicity, and faith. From instilling punctuality and responsibility to ensuring his children charted their own paths, none bearing his surname “Luboobi”, Prof. Luboobi was intentional in every lesson he passed on. Kibuule recalled his father’s insistence on being at home even in his final moments, his strong connection to Christ, and his quiet strength despite his failing health.
Former students and mentees echoed the same sentiments, of a teacher who was generous with his time and invested deeply in others’ growth. The community that gathered was not only there to grieve but to celebrate the quiet legacy of a man whose example continues to live on.
Among the mourners were public figures and leaders, including Hon. Abed Bwanika, Member of Parliament for Kimanya-Kabonera, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director Uganda Communications Commission, and Hon. Dr. Ham-Mukasa Mulira, former Minister of ICT, among others.
In his passing, Makerere University has lost a pillar, but his life reminds us that greatness lies in consistency, in humility, and in service to others. Professor Luboobi’s memory will continue to live on in the minds he shaped, the systems he built, and the values he embodied. He ran his race with grace.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
Please click the embedded video below to view the service livestream
Legal and accounting officers from public universities across Uganda have convened, for a high-level training workshop organized by Makerere University. The three-day training, taking place from July 16th to 18th, 2025, is aimed at strengthening legal frameworks, improving institutional governance, and ensuring compliance with public finance and procurement laws within higher education institutions.
Ms. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council and Guest of Honour at the opening session, commended the initiative as timely and necessary. She addressed the growing backlog of court cases affecting Makerere and other public universities and outlined measures already taken to mitigate legal risks. These include the establishment of a Legal Rules and Privileges Committee and the Directorate of Legal Affairs, part of a broader strategy to improve legal compliance and foster good governance.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Winston Tumps – Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), described the training as both strategic and practical. “It is imperative that we learn from each other, especially in how we handle employee litigation and institutional legal risks,” he remarked. He added that the program is designed to promote experience-sharing across universities and enhance collective institutional growth.
In his address, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, emphasized the urgent need for robust legal oversight and more effective case management mechanisms within public universities.
The training featured a keynote address by the Attorney General of Uganda, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who provided critical insights into legal expectations for public institutions. He warned that failure to heed legal advice could result in personal liability for accounting officers, citing a precedent involving the Uganda Cancer Institute. “Universities must consult the Attorney General’s chambers before entering into major contractual obligations,” he advised, urging legal officers to document decisions meticulously as proper record-keeping forms the first line of defense in legal disputes.
Hon. Kiwanuka further discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to recentralize legal services to ensure alignment with the Attorney General’s office. He cautioned in-house counsel against becoming overly entangled in decision-making processes, stressing the need for objectivity. Other key issues he addressed included contract approvals, misuse of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and lapses in procurement processes, particularly at the close of financial years.
Participants also benefited from insights by Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana of the Court of Appeal, who offered an in-depth analysis of judicial review and its significance in promoting lawful, transparent university governance. He called on university legal officers to act with clarity, timeliness, and accountability.
Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma, Judge of the High Court, delivered a comprehensive presentation on dispute and claim management involving public universities. She addressed emerging trends in civil litigation, emphasizing the importance of due process, transparency, and clear communication in resolving employment, student, and contractual disputes. Drawing on real case examples, she urged institutions to strengthen internal systems, embrace participatory governance, and adopt regional best practices to minimize litigation and protect institutional reputation.
The training reflects a shared commitment among public universities to build a more accountable, legally sound, and strategically aligned higher education system in Uganda. Through peer learning and collaboration, participating institutions aim to reduce litigation, enhance institutional autonomy, and uphold the rule of law.
Participating universities include Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Busitema University, Mountains of the Moon University, and Lira University.
The training concludes on July 18th 2025, with sessions focusing on employment dispute management in public universities and the implications of recent PPDA Appeals Tribunal decisions on procurement and disposal practices within public entities.
-
General2 weeks agoRe-advert: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2025/2026
-
General1 week agoRe-Advert for Applications for Diploma and Certificate Training
-
General5 days agoMakerere University Fees Waiver for 40 First Year Female Students 2025/2026
-
General2 weeks agoPress Statement on Ranking
-
Health1 week agoCall for Applications: Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training Course