All societies that have reached greater heights in scientific innovations are invariably those that have preserved their history, culture, traditions, and philosophical thoughts. Without a solid foundation in humanities and social sciences, national development cannot thrive. The humanities and social sciences provide the key for unlocking the potential of individuals and society to develop and also to adopt and adapt to scientific and technological advances. The College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHUSS) is mandated to teach, carry out research, disseminate knowledge in the various disciplines and engage in networking and partnerships with local and international communities. In relation to this mandate CHUSS also seeks to generate knowledge that informs public policy and programme development in areas of governance, human rights, health, gender, and culture, among others. It is pleasing to note that despite the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, many of our staff and students exercised resilience and continued to actively engage in cutting-edge research and other academic programmes.

This report highlights some achievements registered by CHUSS in the year 2020. These include milestones in teaching and learning, particularly the innovations occasioned by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also share with you details on student admissions, progress on onlinisation and graduation statistics. Other milestones in research and partnerships include the launch of the International Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University, the first on the African continent, the CHUSS projects that won grants in the first and second rounds of the government-supported Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Gerda Henkel Stiftung. In a bid to promote academic vibrancy in the College while seeking solutions to human challenges, our staff and students continuously engage in various research projects. Key among these projects are the KISH online platform, meant to address sexual harassment in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda, and the Anti-Trafficking Project, hosted by the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at Makerere University. A key annual event is the Annual CHUSS Symposium that brings together researchers from across the region to deliberate on matters of national and international importance. Others are the CHUSS seminar series, and graduate research workshops which present an opportunity for junior scholars to advance their research skills.

On behalf of all staff and students in the College, I extend our sincere gratitude to the University Central Administration for the continued efforts aimed at improving the learning environment and research and innovation infrastructure. We acknowledge the Government of Uganda for the support towards research and other academic programmes at the University. We also register the efforts of the past leadership of CHUSS for the steadfast efforts in teaching and learning as well as research and partnerships. Sincere appreciation goes to all our development partners for the generous support towards training and research activities at the College. The support has greatly expanded our research portfolio, consequently enabling us to contribute to efforts aimed at transforming Makerere into a research-led University. Together we seek to transform Humanity.

We Build for the Future

Dr. Josephine Ahikire
Principal, CHUSS

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