General
CHUSS Symposium Restores Hope in the Face of Disruptions by the 4IR
Defined by the symposium brief as the destabilising impact of, especially information mediated reality on account of advances in social media and the Internet, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has caused quite a stir in the Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines especially in the face of outward promotion of Science and Technology by projects such as the Uganda Millennium Science Initiative. It was against this background that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) organised a symposium based on the theme “The Humanities And Social Sciences In The Age Of Disruptions: Policy Challenges, Praxis Benefits And Intellectual Engagements” on 6th March 2018.
Giving an overview of the of the symposium held in the Main Hall, Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi paid tribute to the event sponsors; Gerda-Henkel Stiftung Foundation, for not only offering 30 full PhD Scholarships to students, but also agreeing to re-allocate the balance of funds to sponsoring public debates on issues affecting Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines. Dr. Nabutanyi is the Coordinator of the Gerda-Henkel Stiftung Foundation CHUSS PhD Training Programme.
“This symposium is meant to cause us to ask questions that unpack this age brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. What are the challenges affecting the Humanities and Social Sciences? How can we harness the tools of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to centre Humanities and Social Sciences in the search of answers to the most important questions facing Africa in the 21st Century? Hopefully we shall have more questions than answers at the end of today’s symposium for that is indeed our nature; to question,” remarked Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi.
“Disruptions are not all negative but are instead events that make things happen,” remarked Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Deputy Principal CHUSS and Chair of the Symposium Organising Committee. “Humanities and Social Sciences are the pulse of the University and we are planning how best to refashion these disciplines in the new era” she added.
Assoc. Prof. Ahikire went on to say that the Humanities and Social Sciences provide ideational leadership to the university as they are the eyes, ears and hands of society. She called upon PhD Students at the symposium to emulate their leaders in CHUSS.
“We want to leverage our cohort of PhD graduates to strengthen the supervision capacity in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. I therefore thank all members of the organising committee especially Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi for their hard work that has made this event possible” concluded Assoc. Prof. Ahikire.
In the remarks that followed, the Principal CHUSS-Prof. Edward Kirumira thanked the Guest of Honour, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, who was represented by the Acting Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Mukwatampola Muzamir, for coming to witness the revival of debates at Makerere University as led by CHUSS. He welcomed the keynote speaker and Dean, School of Humanities at the University of Nairobi, Prof. Peter Wasamba and thanked him for taking time off to deliver the address.
“Prof. Peter Wasamba is part of the leadership for the Next Generation of Africa Academics; a program I was privileged to head for seven years, which has trained 16 PhDs at Makerere including Dr. Edgar Natubanyi. He is now giving back by organising such symposia and I thank all colleagues in Administration and at CHUSS for pushing the agenda beyond just training of Masters and PhD students to engaging in intellectual discourse” added Prof. Kirumira.
He paid tribute to the Gerda-Henkel Stiftung Foundation for sponsoring 30 fully paid PhDs in Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as the Andrew Mellon Foundation for an additional 7 PhD scholarships. Prof. Kirumira added that the college is reviving the creation of a community of scholars at Makerere so that individuals who return from their studies do not feel isolated; a factor that will help improve the University’s staff retention statistics.
Prof. Kirumira concluded that the symposium was one way of Makerere; a government institution, providing accountability to the public and the taxpayer. “Stay with us on this journey of taking Makerere to the public and please participate and challenge the presentations: be constructively critical, not destructively critical” he advised.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Assoc. Prof. Ernest Okello Ogwang is no stranger to the intense scrutiny directed at the Humanities and Social Sciences in the wake of disruptive digital technology and social media. An accomplished publisher with a PhD in Literature-Folklore from the Indiana University, Bloomington, he started off his remarks by acknowledging the presence of his fellow alumna and Uganda’s first Minister of Women and Development, Hon. Mrs. Joyce Mpanga who graced the symposium.
“The issue of praxis, beyond the ideas in our field is critical. Beyond the classroom and scholarly discussions, it has become imperative that African Humanities and Social Sciences scholars must become active advocates following in the footsteps of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Ali Mazrui and Thabo Mbeki, among others,” remarked Assoc. Prof. Okello Ogwang, who also represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Assoc. Prof. Okello Ogwang expressed happiness that the symposium would be immediately followed by a graduate workshop, which would help to inspire and guide the emerging scholars in the field on an appropriate path. “In times when we as scholars of people, society and relationships are being tasked to deliver tangible contributions in the midst of a global technological explosion, we must rise to the challenge and provide irrefutable evidence that indeed the humanities and social sciences are the foundation and basis of all human civilisations” he added.
The DVCAA thanked CHUSS for this timely intervention aimed at fostering the humanities and social sciences and their role in development processes and also appreciated the Gerda-Henkel Stiftung Foundation for sponsoring the symposium.
“I bring greetings from the Ministry of Education and Sports and apologies from the Minister of State for Higher Education Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo who was unable to make it today owing to state duties of equally great importance” remarked Mr. Mukwatampola as he prepared to read the Guest of Honour’s remarks.
The Minister’s speech acknowledged that Humanities and Social Sciences are important disciplines in the development of society and symposia act as beacons of hope and conveyor belts to academic excellence for all stakeholders who participate in them. On behalf of the Government, he extended his appreciation to the Gerda-Henkel Stiftung Foundation for the financial and material support extended to CHUSS and implored the University Management to ensure that this programme and many others deliver to the expectations of humanity and society.
“I appeal to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Makerere University to remain vibrant and relevant to both National and International development agenda. In so doing we shall be able to to attain a lower middle income status by 2020 as spelt out in the National Development Plan II, sooner rather than later” concluded the Minister’s remarks.
Right from the onset, Prof. Peter Wasamba left his audience spellbound as he effortlessly defined the elements that characterise the Fourth Industrial Revolution with the air of a seasoned IT Specialist. Listening to him rapidly advance through the applications of disruptive technologies like the Internet of Things-IoT, Virtual Reality-VR, Robotics, Cloud Computing, Big Data etc. could easily leave one wondering if they were actually listening to an academic whose specialty is African Oral Literature.
“By adopting digital Humanities and Social Sciences, we have been ushered into the Fourth Industrial Revolution; we are into the digital age, not outside it. We can now carry out data analysis using computer programmes by ourselves” remarked Prof. Prof. Wasamba, demonstrating how fine the line of separation between Humanities and Social Sciences and the Fourth Industrial Revolution had become.
Prof. Wasamba noted that the advent of Humanities and Social Sciences was a response to the disruptive effects of the First Industrial Revolution which used steam engines to mechanise production. He however noted that the problem facing the Humanities and Social Sciences presently is official neglect by the authorities which resulted into shrinking of funds allocated and the terming of the disciplines as “useless” by policy makers.
He however stated that back home, it is more common to find graduates of engineering jobless as compared to their Humanities and Social Sciences colleagues. “In Nairobi, employability of Humanities and Social Sciences students is high because they are flexible and therefore able to adapt to the changing job market” Prof. Wasamba pointed out.
Not all disruption pointed out by the keynote address was negative though. Prof. Wasamba was happy to note that the 4IR had through mobile phones brought increased access to market information especially for small scale farmers, an intervention that saved them from being cheated by the greedy middlemen. He also pointed out the advent of feminisation of the workforce as another plus “ladies bring a lot of new ideas to industrial production compared to their male counterparts in this patriarchal society.”
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution will change the way we have been governing ourselves” said Prof. Wasamba as he launched into governance. As an example, he shared that students today by the power of their mobile phones have access to a lot of information and as such, their rights cannot be trampled upon.
Additionally, the citizenry was much more informed about their constitutional rights and with the speed of evolution, policies were increasingly being rendered obsolete, owing to the long periods of time it took to formulate and effect them.
Prof. Wasamba however shared that the 4IR brought a number of advantages to the Humanities and Social Sciences. “It is only our disciplines that can secure values and ensure that our societies survive and thrive” he remarked, before adding “Values of safety, need for justice and equality to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor are more critical in the Fourth Industrial Revolution than ever before. Scientists will always protect themselves. It is up to us in the Humanities and Social Sciences to protect the values.”
Additionally, Prof. Wasamba noted that this was the time for students of Humanities and Social Sciences to thank God for what their training equips them for. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution calls for men and women who can solve problems. To be effective in the digital era, people must be able to think critically, listen attentively and speak coherently” he advised. This he opined would give arts graduates a competitive edge over their science counterparts in the job market.
Prior to the 4IR, economists cited only four factors of production namely; land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship. Prof. Wasamba however, shared that talent had now joined this list as the fifth factor “That is why Silicon Valley is looking for graduates from the Liberal Arts because that is where talent is groomed and promoted” he said.
Prof. Wasamba concluded his address by insisting that the only way Humanities and Social Sciences would benefit from the 4IR was through the development of policies that support inclusive goals and avoid segregating minorities and groups such as women and the youth. “Let us not have a revolution designed to benefit only a few in power or those with money. Our Governments must protect us by coming up with regulations that protect our innovations. We also need fast policy development procedures that protect our people from disruptive innovations such as crypto currencies,” he concluded.
The reactions that followed were all full of praise for Prof. Peter Wasamba’s presentation. The Head, Department of Literature-Dr. Okot Benge appreciated the presentation for its breadth and depth. He reiterated that in the face of rapidly evolving disruptive technologies, Humanities and Social Sciences remained the glue of an organised human society. “Scholarship these days isn’t about the priority of discipline but the enrichment of interdisciplinary discourse” he said.
Hon. Mrs. Joyce Mpanga was also all praises for the keynote address, describing it as “simply brilliant!” She further expressed her desire to see a faster policy formulation process; citing the Biotechnology bill which was introduced to the 6th Parliament (1996-2001) but is still being subject to debate in the 10th Parliament (2016-2021). She however reassured the audience that Humanities and Social Sciences were not dead, as long as creative ideas were still springing forth from people.
“In Uganda today, we lack a Think Tank that should criticise and direct Government” said Dr. Tanga Odoi as he weighed in on the day’s theme. “We lack critical thinkers to advise Government and Humanities and Social Sciences are where these critical thinkers are” he added.
“The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is going to bring back these debates on a quarterly basis and we are committed” said Prof. Kirumira resolutely as he brought the responses to a close. “Let us know what topical issues we need to discuss so that we move from justifying our existence to engaging our existence” he added.
In a panel discussion chaired by Dr. Sarah N. Ssali, Associate Professor and Acting Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies, the audience listened to a discourse of researched knowledge, words of wisdom and philosophies aimed at repositioning the teaching of humanities and social sciences to the digital era and the trends of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Panelists included: Mr. Oscar Semweya Musoke, Principal of Taibah International Schools who advocated for a teaching approach that focuses on producing a flexible and adaptive student; Dr. Charlotte Karungi Mafumbo from the Department of History and Archaeological Studies emphasized the need to change the curricula so that the course content engages the minds of the learners; and Dr. Edward Kaweesi from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration who envisaged that the Fourth Revolution would cause disruptions and tensions within the disciplines that constitute humanities and social sciences. Cognizant of the Fourth Revolution, Dr. Kaweesi called upon academicians in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to embrace a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning as well as research in order to survive and remain relevant to the society they exist to serve.
Article by Public Relations Office
General
From Campus to Career: Makerere Advancement Office, 91st Guild and the DFCU Foundation Equip Students with Financial and Employability Skills
On 4th December, 2025, over 200 final-year students gathered at the School of Pharmacy Auditorium for the highly engaging Career & Financial Literacy Symposium, hosted by the 91st Students’ Guild, in partnership with the Makerere Advancement Office and the DFCU Foundation.
The symposium centred on student advancement through strategic partnership, convening students, administrators and development partners for a practical conversation on career readiness, financial literacy, employability, and personal development.
Advancement Through Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of the Makerere Advancement Office, Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer, underscored the importance of partnerships such as the one with DFCU Foundation. He highlighted their importance in equipping students with marketplace skills and opportunities vital for individual growth after University.
He reflected on the university journey as a formative period for ideas, innovation, and lifelong relationships, noting that:
“University is where impressions are made, and future networks are born. The friendships, character, and collaborations you develop here become foundations for careers, enterprises and leadership later in life.”
Mr. Uwihanganye encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, arguing that the emerging workforce is driven by technology, multi-tasking ability and idea generation rather than traditional single-path employment. He challenged students to build businesses, use digital platforms productively, and regard employment as only one income stream, not the only one.
The Student Perspective — Discipline, Skills and Trust
Speaking on student growth and personal development, Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Deputy Dean of Students, highlighted the realities facing new graduates, especially those entering the job market for the first time. With humour and honesty, he urged students to approach growth intentionally and responsibly.
He called for delayed gratification, financial discipline and long-term decision-making, reminding students that wealth is built, not wished for. He emphasised the importance of skills beyond academic papers, stating that students must be equipped to create value, adapt, learn continuously, and gain competence relevant to modern work demands.
Dr. Rugyema underscored that trust, integrity and reliability remain the most non-negotiable pillars of professional advancement.
“Let people trust you enough to lend you an opportunity. Be a person who delivers. Your reputation is currency; it travels to rooms you are not in.” He noted
Financial Literacy for the Next Generation
The keynote training session was delivered by Mr. Simon Omara, Business Advisor representing the DFCU Foundation, who walked students through a highly practical presentation on financial planning, savings culture, credit management, record-keeping, career positioning and entrepreneurship.
With more than 10,000 graduates annually and less than 35% securing employment within the first year, Mr. Omara challenged students to practice financial and career ownership early. His presentation explored:
Key Competencies Students Must Build
- Financial management with a focus on budgeting, saving, and investing early
- Career readiness, CV development, interview skills, and personal branding
- Entrepreneurship and income diversification
- Record keeping and credit management
- Professional conduct and workplace preparation
He reminded students that the future belongs to those who are financially literate, skilled, trusted and entrepreneurial. Through relatable examples and actionable frameworks such as the 70–20–10 rule, the 7-second CV scan, and the 90-day post-graduation growth plan, Mr. Omara equipped participants with practical knowledge they could act upon immediately.
Why This Symposium Matters
This event stands as a testament to the power of partnership-driven student advancement, a core mandate of the Makerere Advancement Office. By convening industry partners like DFCU Foundation, the University continues to ensure that students graduate not only with knowledge, but with tools and readiness for opportunity.
The symposium strengthened linkages between academia and the labour market, expanded students’ perspective on financial independence, and emphasised the value of entrepreneurship, networks and character in shaping future leadership
The Makerere Advancement Office remains committed to facilitating opportunities that empower students to thrive beyond the gates of the University, through partnerships, mentorship, capacity-building, and exposure to real-world skillsets.
“ A degree alone is no longer enough. With partnership, preparation and purpose, our students can build futures anchored in knowledge, opportunity and resilience.” Mr Awel Uwihanganye noted during his remarks.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Makerere Advancement Office
Makerere University on 3rd December, 2025 hosted the Tumusiime Mutebile Annual Lecture, a tradition established to honour the life and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, an outstanding alumnus and former Governor of the Bank of Uganda who passed away in 2022. The lecture not only reflects on his remarkable contribution to Uganda’s economic leadership, but also highlights how innovation, resilience, and intergenerational vision can shape Africa’s future.
This year’s edition was anchored on three key pillars—intergenerational leadership, economic resilience, and the power of innovation—themes that defined Prof. Mutebile’s career and continue to influence national development. Through this annual series, the University upholds his memory while also celebrating other African leaders whose work has left a lasting mark on the continent, using their legacies to inspire thoughtful dialogue, policy reflection, and the next generation of transformative thinkers.
Celebrating an Enduring Legacy
In her remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, reflected on Prof. Mutebile’s lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity, and the transformative power of education. She highlighted his journey from a student leader at Makerere to one of the country’s most influential economic thinkers, noting how his leadership in monetary policy, fiscal reform, and economic stabilization reshaped Uganda’s economic trajectory.
Prof. Ssali emphasized that this public lecture series not only honours Mutebile’s legacy but also bridges academia and practice—challenging students, scholars, and national leaders to pursue knowledge that serves the public good. She expressed gratitude to the Bank of Uganda under Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, dfcu Bank, the GRO Foundation, the Mutebile family, and the Advancement Office for their continued support in sustaining a platform that nurtures economic thought leadership and inspires future generations.
Rt. Hon. Emeritus Amama Mbabazi, a lifelong friend and contemporary of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile, delivered a deeply personal reflection during the lecture. He recalled their shared beginnings as young student leaders at Makerere, their early political activism, and the historical moments that shaped both their lives and the nation. Speaking as both confidant and colleague, he emphasized Mutebile’s disciplined approach to economic policy, his unwavering belief in strong, accountable institutions, and his commitment to evidence-based, long-term decision making. Mbabazi outlined three pillars of Mutebile’s legacy—policy integrity, institutional strength, and leadership that prepares the next generation—values he affirmed are central to the work of the Tumusiime Foundation, which he now chairs.
He underscored the critical role of the private sector in Africa’s transformation, stressing the need for productivity-driven economies, skilled young people, and policy ecosystems that encourage innovation. He further called for intergenerational leadership that deliberately transfers knowledge, builds enduring institutions, and creates real opportunities for young Africans to lead. In closing, he urged academia, policymakers, and industry to work in partnership, noting that Africa’s progress depends on disciplined leadership, investment in human capital, and a shared commitment to building a future stronger than the present.
Fiscal Policies that have stood the test of time
The Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, honored the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile with a heartfelt tribute, praising him as “a great tree whose roots ran deep beneath the soil of this nation, nourishing all who followed.” He noted that Uganda continues to benefit from the “shade” of the policies Mutebile planted during his 21-year tenure—policies that stabilized the economy, strengthened institutions, and protected the financial system through multiple crises. He highlighted Mutebile’s role in restoring price stability through cash budgeting, bringing inflation down from triple digits to single digits, guiding the country through the 2008 global financial crisis with disciplined monetary policy, and maintaining public trust during the 2011 inflation spike through clear and transparent communication.
Dr. Atingi-Ego also credited him for steering Uganda safely through the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing liquidity support for banks, credit relief for borrowers, and targeted foreign exchange interventions. Reflecting on Mutebile’s long-term impact, the Governor remarked, “These are the ideas he planted—he never lived to enjoy the shade of the tree, but today, the country rests under it.” He further celebrated Mutebile’s commitment to innovation, citing the 2016 amendments to the Financial Institutions Act that unlocked agency banking, bancassurance, and Islamic banking—reforms that today anchor Uganda’s impressive financial inclusion gains.
Intergenerational Leadership blends agility and emotional intelligence
Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira delivered a compelling and deeply reflective keynote, grounding the theme “Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation” in both history and lived institutional experience. He expressed serious concern that although Africa is the world’s youngest continent—with over 65% of its population below 35—its systems continue to sideline young people from leadership and national decision-making, even as they are repeatedly called “leaders of tomorrow.” He argued that this generational exclusion is not merely unfair but dangerous, warning that nations cannot secure economic resilience while locking out the very demographic best equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
Drawing on African proverbs, global case studies, and personal anecdotes from Makerere and national institutions, he demonstrated how younger generations bring idealism, agility, innovation, and risk-taking—qualities essential for competitiveness—while older generations contribute emotional intelligence, institutional memory and a heightened sense of danger. He emphasized that progress requires blending these strengths through deliberate structures: fair representation of youth in boards and executive spaces, shared decision-making, reverse mentorship, and an institutional culture that values every generational perspective.
Dr. Tusubira also highlighted the urgent need for education reform, criticizing the continent’s entrenched “learning to pass exams” culture and calling for systems that cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and technical capability. He cautioned that without investing in human capital, digital literacy, and inclusive innovation ecosystems, Africa risks losing the very foundation of future competitiveness. His message was clear and powerful: intergenerational leadership is not optional—it is a survival strategy for institutions, businesses, and nations, especially in an era where, as he quoted, “it is not the strongest who survive, but those most responsive to change.”
The lecture was further enriched by an engaging panel discussion, which was moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences. He opened the discussion by deliberately centering today’s students and emerging leaders, framing the session as an intellectual reflection on the life, values and legacy of the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. He positioned the lecture’s theme — Shaping Africa’s Future: Intergenerational Leadership, Economic Resilience and the Power of Innovation — as urgent and practical, and introduced a cross-disciplinary panel whose expertise mirrors that urgency: Eng. Dr. F. F. Tusubira, Mr. Charles Mudiwa the Managing Director Dfcu Bank, and Prof. Faisal Buyinza the Ag. Dean, School of Economics.
Prof. Bbaale’s moderation enabled panelists to offer guidance on structural and cultural barriers to youth inclusion, the role of institutions in building resilience, and how academia, industry and policy can work together to turn innovation into jobs and scalable solutions — all the while reserving time for direct audience engagement and practical policy takeaways. Collectively, the panelists urged dismantling age-biased barriers and credential rigidities, creating new entry points and “tables” for youth leadership, scaling finance and training for startups and agribusiness, reforming pedagogy to prioritise skills and creativity, and deepening public-private-academic partnerships so innovation becomes inclusive growth rather than isolated experimentation.
The Family’s heartfelt appreciation
Mrs. Betty Tumusiime-Mutebile delivered heartfelt closing remarks, offering gratitude on behalf of the family and the Tumusiime-Mutebile Foundation. Speaking with deep emotion, she reflected on the late Professor’s character—his honesty, humility, hard work, and unwavering commitment to service above self. She thanked Makerere University, the Bank of Uganda, the Foundation’s leadership, and the many friends and colleagues who have continued to uphold his legacy, noting that although nearly four years have passed since his departure, his memory remains vivid and powerful for the family.
She recalled his devotion to both his public duty and his home, sharing personal stories of his leadership within the family and his steadfast faith that shaped their daily lives. Mrs. Tumusiime-Mutebile also highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work in youth skilling, ethical governance, and private-sector development—initiatives rooted in his own vision. She concluded by inviting continued partnership to sustain the legacy he built, and led the gathering in singing his favourite chorus, a tender tribute to a man whose influence, she said, endures through the lives he touched.
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