The School of Social Sciences' Ms. Nakanjako Rita, one of the record 22 PhD Graduands of CHUSS smiles for the camera on Day 5 of the 71st Graduation Ceremony, 21st May 2021, Freedom Square, Makerere University.
Friday, 21st May 2021 marked the end of the five-day 71st graduation ceremony of Makerere University with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) presenting a total of 2,136 students for the award of degrees and diplomas in various disciplines. Of the 2,136 students, 1,338 were female and 798 male.
A total of 22 students graduated with PhDs. These included; Mr. Aleu Garang Aleu, Ms. Alidri Agatha, Ms. Ddungu Mugabi Rachael, Ms. Kaije Doris, Mr. Kakuru Robert, Mr Kannamwangi Kyanda Deogratius, Ms. Linda Lillian, Mr. Muhajubu Abudul, Mr. Okello Francis, Mr. Okeny Charles Kinyera, Mr. Sekito Zaid and Ms. Uwineza Mimi Harriet from the School of Liberal and Performing Arts; Mr. Atuhairwe Amos and Mr. Wandera Samuel from the School of Languages, Literature and Communication; Ms. Rita Nakanjako, Ms. Atukunda Gertrude, Mr. Jerome Ntege and Ms. Nanfuka Esther Kalule from the School of Social Sciences; Ms. Nyangoma Anicent and Ms. Akello Judith Abal from the School of Women and Gender Studies; and Mr. Ngabirano Evarist and Mr. Ngendo David Tshimba from Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR). According to the Principal of CHUSS, Dr Josephine Ahikire, the high number of PhD graduates this time round, is attributed to cohort PhD training largely supported by Gerda Henkel Stiftung in Germany and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in New York. The success is also attributed to a dedicated team of academic supervisors at the College.
A total of 200 students graduated with Masters Degrees, 1,912 with Bachelor’s Degrees and 6 with a Post Graduate Diploma in Gender and Local Economic Development. Out of the 1,912 Bachelors Degree graduates, 41 attained First Class Honours Degree. Overall, 12,550 students graduated from the 10 constituent colleges of the University with a record 108 PhDs.
The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.
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.
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.
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.
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.