General
Professor Oloka-Onyango delivers inaugural lecture on GHOSTS AND THE LAW
On 12th November 2015, the Vice Chancellor awarded Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango a plaque and certificate in commemoration of his fundamental duty as a full Professor of Makerere University.
Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango gave an inaugural lecture titled, Ghosts and the Law, in which he revealed that the Ugandan law has long been haunted by ghosts, which take on varied shapes and sizes as the Common law itself. He nevertheless remained hopeful that one day, Public Interest Litigation (PIL) will eventually triumph, leading to reconciliation between the two ghosts; one backward-looking in support of extra-constitutional overthrow of government, and another which aspires for the protection of fundamental human rights, with the hope that the good one will prevail over her evil sibling.
“As we celebrate 20 years of the 1995 Constitution and approach the 50th anniversary of the decision in the case, it is the most appropriate time to look back and consider which of the ‘twins’ of the ‘Ghost of ex parte Matovu’ has been most successful in influencing the Ugandan body politic. What does the future portend for the life of these fraternal twins?”
The drums sounded as the Vice Chancellor’s procession comprising the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Ag. Principal-School of Law and academicians clad in gowns, led Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango to the Main Hall, amidst a colourful performance from the Mak Department of Performing Arts and Film.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu welcomed the audience comprising invited guests, the family of Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango, intellectuals/scholars, staff, students, the legal fraternity and well-wishers to the Joe Oloka-Onyango inaugural lecture. He thanked the audience that filled the Main Hall to full capacity for braving the heavy rains.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted that Inaugural lectures are a central part of the University’s academic life. “These events are held to commemorate the inaugural lecturer's appointment to full professorship. Today’s inaugural lecture provides a platform for the academic (Prof. Oloka-Onyango) to present the body of research that he has been focusing on during his career,” said Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu.
The Acting Principal-School of Law, Dr. Damalie Naggita Musoke officially introduced Professor Joe Oloka Onyango to the audience. Prof. Oloka-Onyango’s credentials speak of a distinguished career in the Law profession as an academic. He has served the School of Law Makerere University as a Dean in the then Faculty of Law as well as Director of the Human Rights and Peace Centre. He is also an active litigant and human right activist and has served as a Special Rapporteur on Globalization and Human Rights of the United Nations. He has been a visiting Professor at a number of Universities that include the University of Cape Town, Oxford and United Nations University in Tokyo.
He spent his sabbatical 2014/2015 as a Full Bright Professor at George Washington University in the USA and Fellow at the Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Studies (STIAS) in South Africa.
Professor Oloka Onyango is widely published and some of his most recent publications include; Battling over Human Rights: Twenty Essays on Law, Politics and Governance (Laanga Publishing, 2015); When Courts Do Politics (Cornell University, Debating Love, Politics and Identity in East Africa: The Case of Kenya an d Uganda among others.
With such an admirable profile, Prof. Joe Oloka-Onyango clad in full academic regalia energetically moved from the high table to the Podium to address the captivated audience. Professor Oloka-Onyango paid tribute to his late father, Bernard Onyango who always emphasized that one is proven a Professor only after delivering an inaugural lecture. Prof. Oloka-Onyango acknowledged his parents for setting the standard for excellence in all spheres of life very high. His mother, Mrs. Lucy Onyango attended the inaugural lecture. He also appreciated the constant inspirational support of his wife, Professor Sylvia Tamale, Children Kwame Sobukwe Ayepa and Samora Okech Sanga and his in-laws from the Nkima Clan.
During his presentation on the Ghosts and the Law, Professor Oloka-Onyango explained the various instances when the Law is inflicted with ghostly situations quoting the case of ex parte Matovu as illustrated in the case Uganda v. Commissioner of Prisons, ex parte Matovu, whose case will make 50 years in 2017. He said although dead, ex parte Matovu is still a domineering presence in the law, with effects being felt in all branches of study or practice. He explored the relationship between the law, politics and society and the impact that connection has on the protection of Human Rights, specifically constitutionalism.
In his presentation, Professor Oloka-Onyango explored situations how we get ghosts in the Law, the Political question Doctrine and how it contrasts with Public interest Litigation as a form of change-oriented and socially-conscious lawyering. He said the legislature has continued to concentrate on the Political Question Doctrine and in this way deny the populace their economic, social and cultural rights.
Emphasizing the need to do away with the Ghosts in the Law, Prof. Oloka-Onyango shared powerful quote from Okot p’Bitek, Song of Lawino:
“ The smell of carbolic soap;
Makes me sick;
And the smell of powder
Provokes the ghosts in my head;
It is necessary to fetch a goat;
From my mother’s brother;
The sacrifice over;
The ghost-dance drum must sound;
The ghost be laid;
And my peace restored.”
Prof. Oloka-Onyango mentioned particular cases that further enlightened the audience on how Ugandan law has long been haunted by ghosts.
“All these are the ‘Ghosts of History Past, Present and Future.’ In the arena of Constitutional Law and governance the ghost appears in the form of the Political Question Doctrine (PQD), a concept most associated with the 1966 High Court decision, Uganda v. Commissioner of Prisons, ex parte Matovu,” he said.
“But as with all spiritual beings—such as the Roman God, Janus—there are two sides to the case. In other words, there are not just one but (at least) two ghosts of ex parte Matovu. There is the backward-looking one which supported the extra-constitutional overthrow of government in 1966 and paved the way for military dictatorship, judicial restraint and conservatism. And in the same case, there is its reverse which “jettisoned formalism” to the winds, overruled legal “technicalities,” and underlined the need for the protection of fundamental human rights. The jettisoning formalism decision eventually opened the way to a robust and growing industry of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Uganda.”
Fortunately, Prof. Oloka-Onyango provided hope to Ugandans and the world at large when he pointed out that the “good ghost” fought back taking on the form of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and the quest for democratic constitutionalism.
He shared with the audience the battle between the Political Question Doctrine and Public Interest Litigation that mainly centres around the status of economics, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCRs) and on other issues in which the Judiciary is too timid to directly confront the Executive and Parliament.
“That battle brings the two ghosts of ex parte Matovu into head-on collision, i.e. The one which allows the government to escape all its obligations to ensure that human rights are respected, and the other which underlines the point that the obligation to respect, protect and fulfil human rights also attaches the State,” he said.
Ending his presentation, Prof. Oloka-Onyango remained hopeful that Public Interest Litigation will one day triumph.
“Hopefully, in this battle over destiny, Public Interest Litigation will eventually triumph. That should lead to reconciliation between the two ghosts with the good one of them prevailing over her evil sibling,” he remarked.
Still basking in the spotlight of this academic milestone, Prof. Oloka-Onyango commended the personalities who inspired him to become an academic. He acknowledged Frederick Jjuuko, Deogratius Mabirizi, the Late Richard Kiwanuka (RIP) and George Okoth Obbo who interested him in academic teaching and research.
He made mention of his classmates that included Kenneth Kakuru (now Court of Appeal Justice), Richard Musajja Karyegesa, the late Patrick Karegeya and Donald Nyakairu whom he described as his first intellectual co-travelers.
Commenting on the inaugural lecture presentation, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu agreed with Prof. Oloka-Onyango that we indeed had ghosts in the law.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu noted that the lecture provided an in-depth exploration of the doctrine of the Separation of Powers that is the relationship between the three arms of government, namely, the Executive (the President and Cabinet), the Legislature, and the Judiciary. He observed that Prof. Oloka-Onyango’s study calls for particular attention to the courts of law and their obligations when faced with issues to do with the protection of human rights.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu upheld the fact that the Constitution is the most important legal document of the very many laws, regulations and statutes that we have in Uganda. Thus Prof. Onyango’s lecture underscored the important place in which Constitutional Law should be placed when considering matters to do with governance, human rights and the improved social well-being of Ugandan society.
“I take this opportunity to thank Prof. Onyango for his profound insights and for having greatly educated us on the various aspects of Constitutional Law doctrine. The lecture was a multi-disciplinary intellectual tour covering a wide range of subjects from Literature to Philosophy,” proclaimed the Vice Chancellor amidst applause from the audience.
The inaugural lecture was also graced by members of the Judiciary that included Her Lordship, Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza of the Supreme Court, Justices Kenneth Kakuru and Stephen Egonda-Ntende from Court of Appeal.
“As a teacher and a researcher, I have variously drawn inspiration from colleagues like Mahmood Mamdani, Busingye Kabumba, Sallie Simba Kayunga, Ben Shokoro Twinomugisha, Frederick Egonda-Ntende, J.J. Barya, James Gathii, Celestine Nyamu, among many other’’ said Prof. Oloka-Onyango.
The lecture was organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor, spearheaded by Dr. Okello Ogwang-the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah, The Academic Registrar and the Inaugural Lecture Committee consisting of: Prof. Elly N. Sabiiti-Chairperson, and members that include, Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire, Prof. Ruth Mukama, Prof. David Bakibinga, Prof. H. Oryem-Origa and Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.
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Article by Mak Public Relations Office and School of Law Communications Office
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Scholars Discuss Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing AI for African Identity at Makerere University
Betty Kyakuwa & Eve Nakyanzi
Scholars from across Africa and beyond convened at Makerere University for a workshop on “Techno-Colonialism: Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Identity.” The event formed part of the ongoing African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Conference hosted at Makerere University, under the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, welcomed participants to what she described as a “thought-provoking engagement for early career researchers.” She noted that the Centre, hosted at Makerere University, now brings together over 10 universities across Africa and partner institutions in the Global North to examine evolving African identities in the face of global transformations.
“We don’t imagine a single African identity defined by class, tribe, or religion,” Prof. Ssali said. “We consider African identities as lived, negotiated, and continually reshaped by experiences such as colonialism, globalization, and technological change.”
The workshop was moderated by Dr. Kemi Kehinde, an ARUA–Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellow from Anchor University, Nigeria, who emphasized the need to critically examine the intersections between artificial intelligence, indigenous knowledge, and identity formation.
Dr. Kemi invited participants to reflect on a presentation by Dr. Sameen Musa on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AI in the Context of Decoloniality and Sustainable Futures. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI systems recognize and integrate oral African traditions such as storytelling, proverbs, and performance arts—areas where current technologies often fall short.
“As young African scholars, we have a responsibility to shape the training models of AI so that future systems engage authentically with African oral traditions and worldviews,” Dr. Kemi noted.
The panel featured Prof. Aghogho Akpome from the University of Zululand, Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Marvin Galiwango, a machine learning engineer at Makerere, and Dr. Nikolai Golovko from the Centre for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow and Dr. Chongomweru Halimu, a lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, Makerere University.
Speaking from South Africa, Prof. Aghogho Akpome delivered a strong critique of what he termed “the intellectual dependency fostered by generative AI tools.” He cautioned that over reliance on artificial intelligence for writing and research risks eroding cognitive skills and perpetuating new forms of colonial dependence.
“The use of generative AI without critical engagement amounts to intellectual theft,” he said. “It replaces creative thought with algorithmic mimicry, and that is the essence of techno-colonialism.”
Dr. Isaac Tibasiima, from Makerere University’s Department of Literature, offered a balanced view, arguing that while AI poses risks of cultural misrepresentation, it also presents opportunities for Africans to reclaim their agency by shaping the data that powers these systems.
“We need to feed our own knowledge into AI systems—honest, transparent, contextually grounded African knowledge,” Dr. Tibasiima said. “That’s the path to inclusion and authentic representation.”
From Moscow, Dr. Nikolai Golovko provided a global policy perspective, noting that while 11 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, implementation remains limited by resource and data inequalities. He warned that foreign-designed algorithms often ignore local contexts, reinforcing what he called “algorithmic colonialism.”
“African governments and universities must prioritize indigenous participation in AI design,” Dr. Golovko urged. “Otherwise, we risk reproducing colonial hierarchies in digital form.”
Dr. Halimu Chongomweru discussed the theme “Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Ideas.” He argued that today’s global digital ecosystem mirrors historical patterns of colonial exploitation—only now, instead of natural resources, Africa’s data is being extracted to fuel AI economies controlled by others.
He described this as a form of modern colonialism, not through armies or flags, but through algorithms, cloud servers, and digital platforms that define African problems and solutions without African participation. These systems enrich others while disempowering African communities.
Dr. Chongomweru emphasized that AI without culture is not intelligence but extraction. When AI models are trained on Western norms, they impose Western values globally, leading Africans to adopt technology without shifting the moral and cultural lenses behind it.
He urged a shift in focus from access to ownership, arguing that access without control only deepens dependency — another form of digital colonialism. True equalization, he said, means determining who owns, benefits from, and governs African data and AI systems.
To decolonize AI, Dr. Chongomweru proposed several actions:
- Build African-owned data repositories hosted on African soil and governed by African laws.
- Invest in AI research in African languages, moving from translation (copying) to representation (originating ideas).
- Develop home-grown technological infrastructure, ensuring computation and innovation occur within the continent.
He concluded that Africa’s AI agenda must be rooted in cultural, linguistic, historical, and sovereign identity, drawing from African philosophical traditions to create ethical and inclusive AI systems.
Marvin Galiwango cautioned that Africa’s growing engagement with AI still relies heavily on foreign tools, funding, and servers, creating digital dependency rather than empowerment. He argued that so-called “inclusion” often leaves Africans creating within systems they don’t control. Drawing parallels with genomics, he noted that Africa provides data but lacks ownership of infrastructure and outcomes. He concluded that true technological independence requires Africans to build and govern their own digital systems.
The session closed with a lively discussion on the ethics of AI use in research, the need for inclusive data models, and the role of African universities in decolonizing digital technologies. Participants agreed that decolonizing AI is not merely a technological issue but a cultural, ethical, and identity-driven imperative for Africa’s future.
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