_{By Hasifa Kabejja}

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