General
CHUSS showcases research in social sciences and gender relations
On 2nd October 2017, researchers and scientists from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) supported by MAK-Sweden Bilateral Research Cooperation showcased research projects in social sciences and gender that are contributing to social transformation of society.
The Social Sciences and Gender Research Day was a key highlight of the Makerere-Sweden Bilateral Research Cooperation Annual Review Meeting 2017 officially opened by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and presided over by the Ambassador of the Royal Swedish Embassy to Uganda H.E Per Lindgärde.
Following the theme of the Annual Review Meeting, ‘Multidisciplinary Research for Social Transformation,’ the Social Sciences and Gender Research Day provided an opportunity to researchers and scientists from the College to share key findings, discuss and exchange ideas on pertinent issues affecting society.
“Our research focuses on finding solutions to issues that affect the social relationship between humans and their environment. And in Uganda, the most outstanding issues that are currently affecting this relationship include; climate change, energy concerns, natural disasters, food insecurity, human rights abuse, conflict and insecurity among,” said Dr. Andrew Ellias State, Dean School of Social Sciences.
The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Edward Kasujja Kirumira appreciated the researchers in the College for undertaking research aimed finding solutions to challenges that are becoming more complex not only in Uganda, but the world at large. “Issues like natural disasters, food insecurity, and human rights abuse are a concern to everyone around the world. I am pleased that our College is working hard to find solutions,” he said.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Director of Makerere University Directorate of Research and Graduate Training hailed Makerere University together with other partnering Public Universities for creating an environment conducive to high quality relevant research in the country. In a special way he thanked the Swedish collaborators for being a strong pillar in the Makerere University research.
During the interactive sessions moderated by Principal Investigators-Dr. Andrew Ellias State and Dr. Consolata Kabonesa, researchers presented key findings with the audience in order to measure the strength and contributions of the projects in solving the societal problems in the 21st Century.
In research carried out in Amuru and Kabale districts, Dr. Josephine Ahikire aims at Interrogating customary land tenure & women’s land rights in context of reform & large scale investment. She found out that the inherent dilemma of customary tenure is that rights are allocated and sanctioned following the customs of a given community.
“Men still abuse power in the name of custom when it comes to who owns the land. There is limited decision-making and right to fruits of labour on land. The land is poorly governed in these districts. Women find it difficult to translate the letter on property rights,” said Dr. Josephine Ahikire, the Deputy Principal-CHUSS.
Presenting findings on Socio-cultural Values for Sustained Use of Modern Contraceptives: Voices from Central Uganda, Prof. Peter Atekyereza from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology said that the cultural beliefs and norms have increasingly hindered the proper usage of contraceptives in Uganda. According to the research undertaken in Central Uganda, contraceptives are believed to go against the principle of sex that is fresh to fresh. And people still believe in their own traditional birth control methods which have been discovered to be unsuccessful.
Prof. Rev. Sister Dominic Dipio in her research on Mother Centred Africa from the Lens of Folktales both in the folktales and the interviews, discovered that despite the predominance of patriarchy, actual and symbolic life is organized around the mother and this is what makes matrifocality a given in Africa.
“Evident in folktales from diverse communities under study, the quick-witted mother saves her family from hunger as well as from the ogre who is sometimes led to the family by the self-interested father figure, particularly in trickster tales. Similarly, in contemporary society, women as mothers go out of the way to do all it takes take to provide for their families. This is regardless of whether they are single mothers,” she said.
When investigating and documenting the nature of transformations in smallholder agriculture and gender ideologies that account for effective utilization of the NAADS government policy by farmers in Kijongo village, Dr. Henry Manyire said that Masculinity and femininity is still defined in the traditional context of smallholder agriculture. He stated that roles, responsibilities and allocation of resources are still traditionally gendered.
“Decision making within the household, on the farm, in markets, on income and expenditures are still male dominated,” he said.
Looking at the Social protection and Disability in central Uganda: The case of the youth and children living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH), Prof. Anthony Mugeere a lecturer and post-doctoral researcher at the Department of Sociology & Anthropology said that his research was informed by the need to explore the nature, functioning and contribution of the existing social protection systems for children and youth with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH).
Dr. Mugeere said that although there are strong incentives for including children and youth living with SBH in social protection policies, the action is hampered by a range of bottlenecks such as political will, availability of data, appropriate legislation, economic resources, stigma and discrimination.
Speaking about the need to bridge the gap that exists between Persons with Disabilities and other people and they can both enjoy the benefits of development, Dr. Julius Omona said that there is need to revisit some of the policies, whether in the short or long run, so that issues of disabilities are included, where they are currently not explicitly acknowledged.
Other presentations included:
• Technology Gender Relations and Household Decision Making Processes on the Access to and Use of Mobile Phones and Radio for Agricultural Production: A Case of Farmers in Apac District, Northern Uganda by Mr. David Mugambe Mpiima
• Gender and Economic Transformation in Uganda’s Agricultural Sector: The Case of Kijongo Village, Mugusu Sub County, Kabarole District, Uganda by Dr. Henry Manyire
• The Drivers and Efficacy of Social Accountability on Service Delivery: The Case of UPE in Uganda by Prof. William Muhumuza
• “Technologizing” Orality: Toward a Hybrid Model of Oral Media for Rural Communities in Central Uganda by Dr. Aaron Mushengyezi
Held in the Makerere University Main Hall, the Social Sciences and Gender Research Day was coordinated by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) with support from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) and the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda.
Article by: MAK Public Relations Office
The President of the Republic of Uganda and Visitor of Makerere University, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 8th April 2025 officially flagged off the Research and Innovations Week 2025 and lauded researchers on progress made in utilizing funds to inform national development.
“The more a society is able to tame and harness nature; natural laws, and use them for improving their life, the more developed that society is, so I am very glad that you seem to be getting the message now,” President Museveni commended.
Citing innovations such as Freza, a nanotechnology-based preservation solution used for either shelf life extension of fruits and vegetables or accelerating ripening, President Museveni observed that such practices exist traditionally and called upon scientists to rise above the inferiority complex that seeks to neglect indigenous science knowledge. He noted, to the joy of the audience, that the annual allocation to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) was subject to future increment.
“This money we are sending, the 30 billion is endozo/jaribu; you taste and if you like, I will give you more” remarked the President to instantaneous applause from the audience. He nevertheless cautioned researchers in their pursuit of coming up with innovations that make economic sense not to ignore what would be considered taboo according to indigenous knowledge. The President was referring to the proposed use of animal protein to enrich cattle fodder.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni in her speech read by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu commended Makerere University’s upon utilizing Mak-RIF funding to dynamically respond to both national and global needs.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the tangible outcomes of these investments, pioneering innovations, technological advancements, and actionable policy recommendations that continue to propel Uganda forward,” remarked the First Lady.
Hon. Janet Museveni nevertheless called for the strengthening of collaborations between academia, Government, industry and civil society in order to maximize the impact of Mak-RIF research outputs. “This exhibition serves as a platform for these crucial interactions, where research meets policy, academia meets industry, and ideas transform into market-ready solutions.”
Referring to Mak-RIF’s 65 projects identified for commercialization and 79 projects producing actionable policy recommendations as, “proof that we are making strides in the right direction”, the First Lady urged the private sector to take keen interest in the innovations and support their adoption for economic transformation.
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Information, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero described universities as invaluable in the journey to synthesize science in six milestones. These she broke down as; 1) generating knowledge through research, 2) developing technologies, 3) converting technologies into usable products, 4) manufacturing products at industrial scale, 5) building viable businesses and brands that can be sold globally, and 6) ensuring that brands touch the economy through profitability, as well as creating distribution channels, related businesses, and science that is environmentally friendly.
Citing the example of Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), Hon. Dr. Musenero observed that many products that had their humble beginnings at Makerere University have now reached the market. “Not only have we produced buses, but we have also designed prototypes of SUVs; the common vehicles that we use in Government. Your Excellency, we are asking that Government policy is revised so that we give priority to domestically developed products” she appealed.
Describing the exhibition as the apex of the fulfillment of point number five of the National Resistance Movement’s original ten-point programme, which called for the creation of an integrated and self-sustaining national economy, the Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga thanked President Museveni for the funding extended to Mak-RIF.
“This exhibition is laying out very relevant innovations and discoveries by our own people; the children of Uganda, taught by Uganda, who are also assisting create other innovators and researchers. That really gets us to the point of being truly self-sustaining as a country” remarked the Chancellor.
“Therefore Mr. President as we approach the next anniversary of Heroes’ Day in June this year,” Dr. Kiyonga continued, “we can reassert that the blood of our Ugandan Heroes was not shed in vain” he concluded.
The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara in her remarks described the occasion as “not merely a ceremonial event, but a celebration of the transformative role of research and innovation in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
“Today, we showcase the fruits of years of dedication and ingenuity. The exhibitions you will encounter today are not just academic endeavours – they underscore Makerere University’s enduring role as a centre of excellence, a hub for innovation, and a key partner in national development,” observed Mrs. Magara.
Acknowledging Government’s support to research and innovations, the Chairperson of Council reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership with Government and to pursuing new frontiers of collaboration with industry. “Your Excellency, we extend our deepest appreciation. The establishment of the RIF is a testament to your unwavering commitment to nurturing Uganda’s academic and innovation ecosystem.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe acknowledged that Makerere has been spurred on to pursue impactful research thanks to the President’s positive criticism whenever he addresses the staff. “The level of research that you have seen is world-class.”
Prof. Nawangwe reported that over 1,300 awards had been made by Mak-RIF since inception. Additionally, by the end of the Financial Year, 2023/24, a cumulative total of 666 (approximately 50%) projects had completed implementation of their activities and closed out.
The Vice Chancellor took the opportunity to thank UNDP for supporting the establishment of the Makerere University Pod (Mak UniPod). “The University Pod is where researchers are trained to on how to incubate their ideas and turn them into businesses so that they can go out there and create jobs for our youth,” he added.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by thanking the Government for the funding, the University Council for guiding Management, and the line Ministry for releasing the funds. He equally congratulated the researchers on the enormous work done and urged them to do even more.
A total of 91 exhibitors are showcasing their projects at the Research and Innovations Week 2025.
View the Event Livestream
General
Prof. Nawangwe encourages Mastercard Foundation Alumni to support each other in advancing their careers
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University held its inaugural scholar-alumni convening, themed “Building Bridges: From Scholars to Global Change Makers,” with great pomp and fanfare.
While representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi urged the Scholar-alumni to support one another and grow their careers together.
“Dear alumni, I encourage you to support one another, as it will help you grow your careers together. Education is a foundation, not just a destination. What you do after Makerere defines the true success of the Scholars Program. Wherever life takes you, stay curious, courageous, and committed to uplifting others as you rise. Prof Buyinza remarked.
Prof. Buyinza further reminded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University alumni to always remember that they are more than just graduates; instead, they should view themselves as a powerful force capable of changing Uganda and the world.
“I encourage all of you to value your connections within the university. As graduates of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you have the power to change Uganda and Africa. Makerere University supports the AlumNet Foundation, which we hope will partner with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Our mission is to educate, empower, and help you realize your bold dreams for meaningful change,” Prof. Buyinza emphasized.
Mr. Adrian Bukenya, the Country Director of Mastercard Foundation Uganda, represented by Ms. Rachel Nandelenga, the Country Lead for Program Communications in Uganda, acknowledged the invaluable partnership with Makerere University, noting that the collaboration has made a substantial impact in the communities through the active engagement of Scholar alumni.
“The Mastercard Foundation is proud of its decade-long partnership with Makerere University, which has borne a lot of fruit and made a significant impact in the communities through the activities of the scholars and alumni, especially through the component of giving back to the community, ” Mr. Bukenya remarked.
Mr. Bukenya further urged the Scholar-alumni to leverage their extensive network worldwide to connect, learn from one another, and support each other in finding jobs or creating entrepreneurial ventures.
“I call upon you to take advantage of the extensive network of Mastercard Foundation partners around the world, especially for the opportunities created under the Young Africa Works strategy. I invite you to visit the Foundation’s website to explore these opportunities and connect with your peers who are working with the Foundation. I also encourage you to stay connected with your peers across the partner networks and your university. Lastly, I encourage you to live boldly by expressing your ideas.” Mr. Bukenya pointed out.
Mr. Bukenya encouraged the scholar-alumni to step out of their comfort zones and look beyond titles and descriptors that aim to belittle them.
“When I look around the room, I don’t see scholars or alumni; I see great thinkers, rising leaders, influential innovators, and quiet disruptors of the status quo. I see future ministers, parliamentarians, chief executives of Organisations, and quiet innovators of ideas that will change this world. Therefore, I urge you to look beyond titles and descriptors such as ” scholar-alumni,” Mr. Bukenya emphasized.
Mr. Sylas Ruhweza, Team Lead of the Alumni Association under the AlumNet Foundation, expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University for their visionary partnership. He noted that this collaboration has immensely benefited many young people in Uganda and throughout Africa.
“I would like to first express our gratitude to the Foundation and Makerere University for their visionary partnership, which has enabled many young people to obtain a quality university education that most of us may not have otherwise attained,” Mr. Ruhweza stated.
Mr. Ruhweza reminded his fellow alumni of the importance of the convening as a vehicle to support them in achieving their shared visions and dreams.
“Colleagues we’re here today to commemorate our first Scholar-alumni convening for a reason. We are here today because we have a shared vision, we have dreams, and we can only achieve our dreams if we often share ideas, learn and support each other.” Mr. Ruhweza remarked.
Mr. Ruhweza encouraged his fellow alumni to take advantage of the resources the Foundation provided and the skills imparted by Makerere University, to enable them transition successfully to the next chapter of their lives.
“The Foundation provided all the resources we needed, Makerere University imparted the knowledge and skills; therefore, we have no excuse not to transition to any of the pathways: namely, Employment, Entrepreneurship, or further studies,” he added.
The Program Director for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, used the occasion to inspire the alumni to maintain the spirit of giving back to their communities, a core component of the Scholars Program.
“Dear Alumni, I encourage you to continue embracing the spirit of giving back to the community, as it has a profound impact and supports your peers. We are grateful for the significant project you completed in Buyende District in 2024. Now is the time to start planning for an even bigger project in 2025,” Professor Namaalwa stated.
Prof. Namaalwa further reminded the alumni not to focus too much on the class of degree they obtained; instead, they should concentrate on what they can accomplish and achieve with the education they received at Makerere University.
“The class of degree may not matter much; instead, what truly counts is what you can do with the education and skills you acquired at Makerere University. Do not focus solely on the paper; rather, what you are now and where you want to be is what truly matters,” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
The inaugural alumni convening was a vibrant event featuring a range of engaging activities, including panel discussions, meet-and-greet sessions, and lively music and dance performances. Organized by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, the Alumni Convening serves as an important annual platform for alumni to network and deepen their involvement in Program activities. By uniting Scholar alumni from different cohorts, the event fosters a strong sense of community and provides an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. This collaborative environment not only strengthens the Scholar Alumni community but also encourages ongoing engagement and support among alumni.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications & Public Relations OfficerMastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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