Humanities & Social Sciences

CHUSS Launches Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning

Published

5 years ago

September 18, 2020

Mark Wamai

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) launches the CHUSS Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL) on 16th September 2020 at the opening ceremony of the 2020 CHUSS Symposium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. He is flanked by the Principal CHUSS-Dr. Josephine Ahikire (2nd R), Ag. Dep. Principal-Dr. Julius Kikooma (R), Director CERTL-Dr. Andrew Ellias State (L) and Dep. Director CERTL-Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (2nd L).

In 2018, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in New York and Gerda Henkel Stiftung introduced the CHUSS Symposia series with the aim of fostering a vibrant academic environment to promote intellectual debate and knowledge production at the University. The annual symposium brings together scholars from across the region to deliberate on issues of national and international importance.

On 16^th-17^th September 2020, the College held the third annual symposium under the theme; “The Ivory Tower meets Jua Kali: Reflections on theorizing the Profound from the Ordinary”. The 2020 Humanities and Social Sciences Symposium presided over by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, sought to investigate how and with what successes the academy can centre the untapped node of knowledge that exists on the periphery of the Ivory Tower.

During the two-day blended academic engagement held at Makerere University, over 80 scholars from across the region presented papers on a number of topical issues including Institutions and Instability; Popular and creative Arts; Politics, Policy and Governance; Language, Translation and Transition; Identity and Belonging; Psychology and Wellbeing; Archives and Media; Subaltern Narratives; Pedagogy, Curriculum and Classroom practice; National Narratives and Construction; Archaeology Beyond the Ivory Tower; Languages, Gender and Ideology; Media Presentations; Gender Identity and Spaces; Violence, Peace Building and Democracy; and Performing Protest and Contest.

Delivering her keynote address, Dr Grace Musila who engaged in a virtual conversation on the theme with Mr. Isaac Tibasiima, emphasized the importance of ordinary knowledge in transforming society. She underscored the need for academics to move from the colonial style of conducting research and focus on the realities in their communities. “We need to always understand why we are conducting research and the impact it has on our communities. Much as our funders may have specific interests, we need to assert ourselves and focus on research that benefits our communities. Our research should be in position to address the challenges within our societies,” she noted. Dr Grace Musila is an Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and Mr. Isaac Tibasiima is a Lecturer in the Department of Literature at Makerere University.

Related Topics:Centre of Excellence CHUSS Research Teaching and Learning

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Humanities & Social Sciences

CHUSS Graduate Symposium Showcases Research and Fosters Collaboration

Published

1 month ago

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Some of the PhD Students in the audience. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Atwenda Nancy. E

Makerere University, June 20, 2025 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is holding its 2025 Graduate Symposium from June 19 – 21, 2025, bringing together scholars, mentors, and graduate students in a spirited exchange of ideas, research, and academic collaboration.

The symposium, hosted at Makerere University, has provided a dynamic platform for PhD students to present their ongoing research, while also strengthening ties with sister universities and celebrating the achievements of the CHUSS Graduate School in nurturing the next generation of scholars.

Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi delivers the keynoted address. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi delivers the keynoted address.***

In his keynote address, Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi welcomed participants and acknowledged the contributions of speakers from the previous day’s sessions, including Prof. Eric Awich Ochen (Deputy Principal, CHUSS), Dr. Peter Wekesa, and Dr. Zaid Sekito, among others. He emphasized that the symposium was not just a showcase of academic work, but a strategic platform to build partnerships and attract research funding.

“Generations must prepare for the next generation,” Dr. Nabutanyi noted, reflecting on life after PhD and the evolving role of Makerere University as a research-intensive institution. He praised department heads for their role in ensuring timely completion of graduate programmes and reiterated the college’s commitment to research excellence.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi delivers the Vice Chancellor's remarks. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi delivers the Vice Chancellor’s remarks.***

The event was officially opened by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza highlighted the importance of research that is impactful and relevant to society.

“Research is unimportant unless it is relevant,” he stated. “If one conducts research that doesn’t benefit society, it becomes a waste of resources.” He urged graduate students to approach their academic work with purpose, noting that Makerere is not a “PhD factory” but a hub for innovation, with over 300 active PhD students registered.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala addresses the symposium. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala addresses the symposium.***

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of CHUSS, underscored the College’s intentional approach to graduate success. “You are in the mind of an excellent mind,” she said, encouraging students to continue striving for excellence and leadership in their respective fields. The 2025 CHUSS Graduate Symposium served as both a celebration of academic progress and a call to action for scholars to engage in meaningful research that addresses the needs of communities and contributes to national and global development.

The Writer is an Intern in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University