The National Humanities Conference (HumanitiesCon2021) commenced yesterday, 11th August 2021 with inspirational remarks and special emphasis on the significance of the humanities and social sciences by Makerere University leaders including Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chair, Makerere University Council, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The three-day virtual event organized by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is part of the activities to celebrate 100 years of Makerere University. The conference has featured keynote speeches on topical issues, the launch of the twin MAWAZO publication and presentations on a number of issues affecting humanity.
Addressing participants at the Opening Ceremony, the Chair, Makerere University Council, also Guest of Honour, Mrs. Lorna Magara emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the humanities and natural sciences, saying the two cannot work in isolation.
“The world needs both the humanities and natural sciences. I appeal to scholars in the humanities to target research relevant to societal needs and national development,” she said. Appreciating CHUSS Management and scholars for the renewed vigour in research, Mrs. Magara pledged more Council support towards research and learning activities at the College.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended CHUSS for the renewed vibrancy and contribution towards making Makerere a research-led University. “This conference is manifestation of the vibrant research taking place at CHUSS. The revitalized research and publication at CHUSS is commendable.”
Emphasizing the significance of the humanities and social sciences, the Vice Chancellor said no University is worth its name without the humanities. “The history of Makerere University is deeply rooted in the humanities, which have greatly contributed to the production of vital human resource in the country,” he explained. Prof. Nawangwe appreciated the Government of Uganda for the support towards research and innovations at Makerere. Through the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the Government of Uganda is supporting over 500 research projects at Makerere University and over 60 at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Vice Chancellor also appreciated the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in New York and Gerda Henkel Stiftung for the tremendous support towards scholarly activities at CHUSS.
Stressing the importance of the humanities, Prof. Tiyambe Zeleza, in a keynote address titled, “Rethinking the Place of the Humanities and Social Sciences in the Post COVID-19 Academy” said the humanities are critical for jobs and career development in the 21st century. “The essential employability skills include problem solving and relationship management. These are liberal arts values and skills. Yet the critics of humanities and social sciences often centre on their pupported lack of usefulness to offer employability skills. There is need for synergy between the humanities and other branches of knowledge,” he noted. Prof. Zeleza is Vice Chancellor, United States International University, Nairobi.
In her remarks, the Principal of CHUSS, Dr. Josephine Ahikire appreciated Makerere University Council and Management for the great stewardship and support towards CHUSS programmes. “With the support, CHUSS has been able to expand its horizon.”
Day Two of the conference featured a keynote address by Prof. Monica Chibita, Dean, Faculty of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono. In her presentation titled, “Humanities and Social Sciences Research for the 21st century: Reclaiming Scholarly Agency”, Prof. Chibita decried the increased demonization of the humanities despite their contribution to human and national development. “The 21st century offers opportunity for humanities to regain their position. Reinvigorating the humanities is critical for realizing this. We need to shed the label of mediocrity and lack of scholarly excellence within what we do. We should set a criteria of rigour and hold each other accountable,” she advised.
LAUNCH OF MAWAZO
The event also featured the launch of the twin MAWAZO publication by the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr Umar Kakumba. Addressing participants, Prof. Kakumba applauded CHUSS for the renewed vibrancy in research and publication. “For the last two years, CHUSS has been on the move. It is with great honour that I launch the twin MAWAZO publication. With great history as one of the first publications of Makerere, first released in 1967, the MAWAZO journal publication has enabled us to promote Pan Africanism and contribute to policy development.”
OTHER CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
The event is also featuring presentations on a number of topics including; Historicization of the Humanities at Makerere University; Nationalism, Ethnic Identity and Politics; The Covid-19 Disruption(s); Humanities, Pedagogies and Curricula; Mental Health and Wellbeing; Humanities and the Decolonisation Project; Feminism, Gender and Sexuality; CHUSS Tracer Study; Humanities, Governance and the Law; Humanities in the Digital Era; Literary and Popular Cultures; Language and Translation; Indigenous Knowledge; Archives, Heritage and Cultural Memory; and Humanities and Contemporary Development Challenges.
We shall also have panel discussions on; Digital Natives and Digital Migrants; Rethinking Strategies for Ending Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda; Remaking People and Societies; and An Exploration of an Oeuvre and Legacy.
Details to follow.
#HumanitiesCon2021
Please see Downloads for Prof. Paul Tiyambe Zeleza’s Keynote Address
Proceedings from Day 1 of the Conference may be viewed by clicking the embedded video below
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.