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ICGSA 2022 Sets the Pace for Re-Imagining Future of Gender Studies

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The International Conference on Gender Studies in Africa (ICGSA) closed on a high note on Friday 25th February, 2022 with resolutions on how to champion Gender Studies on the African continent. These called for the need to; theorise from the African context, network across the academia at local level, teach better, conduct more research and mentorship, as well as network more between academia and the field of practice in Africa and internationally.

“Networking across the academy on the continent is very important” emphasised Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Dean, School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS), Makerere University. “We have been able to inspire many other gender units to come up on the African continent; the current one being worked on is with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which is being spearheaded by Dr. Tabitha Mulyampiti,” she added.

Other resolutions shared by Assoc. Prof. Ssali included the need to build a community of practice comprised of teachers and practitioners at the continental level as well as document and archive more in order to build memories.

“This is one of the things that is lacking heavily in Africa not just in Gender Studies but all over; we are constantly researching because we don’t know what those before us did. This creates a problem in that the memories become fractured,” she explained.

To help galvanise all these aspirations, ICGSA 2022 resolved to establish a Pan-African feminist network for Women and Gender Studies. “This is supposed to be a platform that is going to bring together the 500+ Gender Scholars and those yet to come, to build a better community of practice, academia and take the discipline further” Assoc. Prof. Ssali added.

The resolutions shared by the Dean tied in nicely with those of fellow panelist Prof. Shefer Tamara, Director of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), South Africa, as well as those of Prof. Joy Kwesiga, Vice Chancellor, Kabale University who chaired the Fifth and final Plenary Panel on The Future of Gender Studies in Africa.

Prof. Kwesiga in her presentation themed The Door is only Ajar made a few propositions to help Gender Studies Open the Door Fully, and Enter the Corridors of Power and Equity. These included;

  • The need to acknowledge that Gender Studies are varied and their enhancement require both general and specific interventions.
  • Curriculum reviews that emphasise transformatory areas (e.g. masculinity) are urgently required.
  • The need to record and know our history: it underpins our cultural norms and practices, and informs us about the origins of gender inequality in our specific environment.
  • Form networks along interests and specialties (education, health, economics, training, etc), regionally and even on linguistic basis.
  • Learn from experience of the 1995 Beijing International Conference on Women – a stimulant to Gender Studies and birth of many organisations that promote gender equality.

Prof. Tamara in her reiteration critically observed that “Imagining future possibilities requires working with our pasts, especially those that continue to haunt us in the present.” These, she noted, include neoliberal capitalism and its consumerist universities, “where critical feminist scholarship only matters when it is packaged in particular ways and proliferates particular kinds of outputs. “

She called for the need to decolonise the curriculum by adopting alternative approaches to the classroom such as emphasis on non-didactic, collaborative, participatory, embodied, relational and affective feminist practices, as well as the value of working across modalities of art, activism and scholarship in both pedagogical and research practices, as key terrains of possibility on the way forward.

Citing the keynote address delivered by Prof. Amina Mama on the opening day of the conference, Prof. Tamara said, “We cannot simply acknowledge that we emerged from feminist grassroots movements, but we need to make sure that these connections are vibrant and alive.

“We need to be consistently reviving and reinvigorating these synergies, as she put it, between civil society movements and the scholarly projects, which of course means ongoing collaborations and networking” emphasised Prof. Tamara.

The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara (L) presents an assortment of Makerere University Souvenirs to Hon. Betty Amongi Akena at the ICGSA-2022 Closing ceremony.
The Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara (L) presents an assortment of Makerere University Souvenirs to Hon. Betty Amongi Akena at the ICGSA-2022 Closing ceremony.

Delivering her remarks at close the conference, the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Dean SWGS Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali, as well as the faculty, staff and volunteers for the excellently organised and well-facilitated conference.

“I am delighted to note that in addition to my expectations being met, I had, in the few sessions I attended, the rare opportunity to hear firsthand, the accounts of the brave heroines of Afro-feminism and how important these accounts are for shaping future mindsets” remarked Mrs. Magara.

The Chairperson of Council nevertheless cautioned that in addition to decolonising the African academy, the debate should be blended with a candid discussion on the application of African scholarship to the needs and aspirations of African communities.

“The debate must go beyond the goal of accommodating the voices of African scholars in academia. The academy must provide space for indigenous knowledge, sharing local experiences, and prioritising discourse on African problems from African lenses” she noted.

The closing keynote address was delivered by Dr. Nyepudzayi Mercy Nyangulu, Founder and Chair, of the Women in Management Business and Development (WIMBD) TRUST of Zimbabwe, which coincidentally marks 30 years of existence on 27th October, 2022. On this celebratory note, Dr. Nyangulu proposed the following as recommendations to SWGS for the next 30 years.

  1. Leverage the rich list of SWGS alumni to influence Government Ministries as well as Higher Education Institutions to include a gender component in their curricula.
  2. Develop programs that can enhance collaboration, solidarity and sharing of experiences with Women’s Movements so as to strengthen needs assessment and data collection at the grassroots.
  3. Take advantage of e-learning to reach those in full-time employment with the aspirations of upgrading their qualifications in leadership and management
  4. Adopt community dialogues as a mechanism for learning more about gender-related issues such as child marriages and Gender Based Violence.
  5. Adopt gender programmes that encourage inter-generational learning and knowledge sharing
  6. Explore opening up SWGS Centres in other African countries as an income generating activity.
  7. Collaborate with National Gender Commissions to bring theory and practice together and develop new theories for Gender Praxis.
  8. Tap into the debate on masculinity that is gaining momentum so as to develop relevant programmes and grow the number of male champions
  9. Think outside the box, dream big and turn all the challenges afflicting gender studies into opportunities
  10. Follow up past students and their impact on society and use data findings to inform future programmes
  11. Broaden funding base by; going beyond development partners to institutions such as the African Union (AU) that have Ambassadorial positions e.g. in Child Marriages, Offering consultancy services to Countries as SWGS, etc.

The Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony and Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, who was accompanied by the Chairperson of the National Women’s Council (Uganda), Hajat Faridah Kibowa in her speech congratulated Makerere University upon successfully hosting the conference whose recommendations will inform policy.

Hon. Amongi Akena, a double alumna of the Bachelor of Political Science and Public Administration and Masters of International Relations and Diplomatic Studies commended her alma mater for pursuing a broad gender agenda, by establishing academic programmes at Undergraduate, Masters and PhD level. “You’ve harnessed, advanced and promoted gender equality over the years.”

She observed that the conference theme; Africa and Gender Studies: Celebrating 30 Years of Transformation and Re-imagining the Future was a timely underpinning of SDG 5. “We know that social, political and economic equality for women is an integral part of achieving all the SDGs.”

The Honourable Minister shared that the Government has come up with a comprehensive approach to reducing gender inequality by; repealing laws that discriminate against women and girls, increasing protection against violence, closing the gap in girls accessing education, digital technology, as well as sexual reproductive health services and rights.

“We also look at women’s equal leadership and participation as fundamental and with the quotas that guarantee women’s participation in politics, which we have been implementing, we have at least achieved a shift in the balance of power in those corridors” she said.

The DVCAA-Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd L) and Hon. Peace Regis Mutuzo (3rd L) with R-L: Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Ms. Awa Ndiaye, Hon. Bjørg Sandkjær and Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali at the close of the UN Women High Level Policy Panel on 25th February 2022.
The DVCAA-Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd L) and Hon. Peace Regis Mutuzo (3rd L) with R-L: Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Ms. Awa Ndiaye, Hon. Bjørg Sandkjær, Ms. Adekemi Ndieli and Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali at the close of the UN Women High Level Policy Panel on 25th February 2022.

The extent of this shift was elucidated upon by the Minister of State, for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Peace Regis Mutuzo as she took part in the UN WOMEN High Level Policy Panel on Gender Studies and Practice: Lessons from the Field, held earlier on closing day.

“As we talk right now, we have 178 women in Parliament. Out of 178, 168 are elected; not just appointed but elected. And so I think we have moved a milestone. That goes to show how the Government of Uganda is committed to women empowerment, and has put in place legal and policy mechanisms for its attainment.

“The Constitution mandates the same to ensure gender balance and representation of marginalised groups on all constitutional and other bodies, guarantees women’s equal rights with men, and affirmative action to redress imbalance created by history, tradition, customs among other factors” said Hon. Mutuzo.

The UN Women High Level Policy Panel was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba and chaired by the Principal CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire. Other panelists included; Ms. Awa Ndiaye, UN WOMEN Representative to the African Union, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator for Uganda, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF) who represented the Private Sector, and Hon. Bjørg Sandkjær, Deputy Minister of International Development in the Norwegian Government.

Please click the links below to view video recordings of the Closing Ceremony and UN Women High Level Panel.

Closing Ceremony: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1ZkKzbnrjPaKv

UN Women High Level Policy Panel: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1rmxPgbejYZJN

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Humanities & Social Sciences

CHUSS Researchers to Publish a Book on Teaching Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University

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Front Row (Left to Right): Dean School of Psychology-Dr. Martin Baluku, Prof. Julius Kiiza and Dean School of Liberal and Performing Arts-Dr. Pamela Khanakwa at the second Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL) pre-publication workshop on 27th November 2023. Fairway Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Researchers from Makerere University College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) through its Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL) have conducted research in different aspects of teaching and learning  of Humanities and Social Sciences  at Makerere University.

With funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in New York, the team is working on their data and gathering comments.

Director CERTL Prof. Andrew Ellias State making the welcome remarks. Makerere University Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) pre-publication workshop, 27th November 2023, Fairway Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Director CERTL Prof. Andrew Ellias State making the welcome remarks.

The research will be compiled as manuscripts for  a new publication named, the  “CERTL Book,”

The CERTL Book is provisionally titled, “Teaching and Learning Humanities and Sciences at Makerere University: Challenges, experiences and innovations”.

On Monday 27th November 2023,CERTL  held its second pre-publication workshop to solicit comments and review the authors works that will constitute the CERTL Book.

The workshop held at Fairway Hotel in Kampala brought together over ten researchers, CERTL leadership  and CHUSS project Coordinators including Dr. Levis Mugumya who shared his experience on the process and challenges of a collected book and Dr. Pamela Khanakwa who shared the structure and citation for the CERTL book.

The function was also graced by representatives from Fountain publishers who guided on what the publishers want in a manuscript.

Speaking on the genesis, the Director CERTL, Prof. Andrew Elias State  said, the center looked at  the Vision and Mission of Makerere University to be  a Centre of Excellence for  Learning and Teaching.

Dr. Levis Mugumya sharing his writing experience. Makerere University Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) pre-publication workshop, 27th November 2023, Fairway Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Levis Mugumya sharing his writing experience.

Prof. State however noted that, many courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences were affected by  the policies implemented earlier on by the Government of Uganda and  global forces such as liberalization.

The Director acknowledged that in the event of the structural adjustments, governments and institutions either over- liberalized or did not consider issues that came with liberalization.

“The center was established to explore and develop mechanisms of strengthening and promoting teaching and learning in Humanities and Social Sciences. As a center, we were given grants for which we must have outputs and, in one of the MoUs, we agreed to have a minimum of two publications and the CERTL book is one of them”, He said

He explained that researchers were given fellowship grants to conduct the research. He expressed happiness that researchers had progressed well with research works which will later be published. He stressed the need for researchers to observe deadlines in order to be part of this CERTL Publication.

The CHUSS Projects Coordinator Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi said, researchers are expected to submit their draft papers by 12th January 2024.

Nabutanyi implored researchers to look at the comments received and work with the data they have and send the draft for further improvement.

CHUSS Projects Coordinator Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi giving the way forward. Makerere University Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) pre-publication workshop, 27th November 2023, Fairway Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
CHUSS Projects Coordinator Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi giving the way forward.

“Because of the time constraint we intend to make this an intensive hands on peer review. The center got commitment from for senior editors who will come and workshop your papers on 7th February 2024.

 When you submit your paper, we shall pair you with an editor, who will read your paper and give you personal comments and after that, we shall have just one more review”, Nabutanyi explained.

Within a week, Dr. Nabutanyi pledged that the center will be working on the citations and the tentative structure on how the chapters will look to have a tangible product.

Authors and research topics for the CERTL Book

Authors presented their research findings that will form book chapters. They include:

  1. Dr. Sarah Nakijoba K –  The Art of Academic writing to undergraduate students: Voices from students and mentors.
  2. Dr. Peace  Musiimenta –  Documenting existing  transformative pedagogies with potential to disrupt relations of dominance in gender studies at Makerere University.
  3. Dr. James Mangeni Wasike –   You will be around but hardly learning, “Visually impaired students’ experience of e-learning at Makerere University.
  4. Dr. Julius Niringiyimana –  Think Pair Share(TPS) as cooperative learning strategy in large classes: Contextualizing political science class at Makerere University.
  5. Mr. Eric Jjemba – Musical connotation as a conduit for ethnic dance teaching and learning transformation in a university classroom
  6. Prof. Julius Kiiza –  Does Digitised teaching deliver its promise? A readiness assessment of BASS program at Makerere University.
  7. Dr. Nkonge Kiyinikibi – Using the blended learning approach to teach and learn Luganda (BLATALL) at Makerere University.
  8. Dr. Nicholas Mugabi – An integrated blended field experiential learning approach: Opportunities and challenges amidst CoVID 19 disruption at Makerere University.
  9. Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Dr. Ceasor Jjingo – Writing centres as avenues for meeting students’ academic writing needs and challenges at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University.
  10. Dr. Boaz Mutungi: – Enhancing second language oral expression; Interventions for Kiswahili for Beginners program at Makerere University.

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Humanities & Social Sciences

Anthems of the World Concert for the United Nations Day, 2023, in Uganda

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UN Diplomats, Ambassadors, Makerere University and the Makorale Choir pose for a group photo. Anthems of the World Concert, 31st October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Preamble

The “Anthems of the World” concert was a choral music presentation that featured national anthems of selected countries of the world in commemoration of the 2023 United Nations Day celebrations in Uganda. This concert aimed to explore connections between music and nationalism as embodied in the national anthems of different countries of the world. In line with this year’s United Nations theme: “Home and Belonging,” the concert aimed to help the public build mental images of their respective home experiences and shared values of sovereignty through the singing of select national anthems in their respective native or official languages. Ultimately, the purpose of the concert was to further contribute to the public’s appreciation of the global cultural diversity, respect and understanding for one another, and to the enhancement of the world’s social harmony and universal peace, as emphasized in the United Nations Charter. The repertoire list comprised of 24 national anthems representing countries from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, the UN Hymn and the Makerere University anthem.

The performance procedure for the Anthems of the World concert was participatory in nature, involving the choir and the audience for the various roles of the performance. For clarity purposes, the anthems in this concert were not used in their traditional sense of performing a political function, but rather, as pieces of a country’s heritage for purposes of sharing a bit of that heritage with the public. Therefore, it was not mandatory for people to remain standing while all national anthems were being sung. Each national anthem was introduced by a national (mostly Ambassadors) by providing the inspiration behind it and a brief about the country. All nationals and associates of that country were invited to stand while the choir sung their national anthem, and thereafter, everyone celebrated that nation.

Remarks

Dr. Milton Wabyona, Convener and Choir Director

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Wabyona, referred to the notion that national anthems are compact summaries of a country at its people. He thus posited that through the singing of these anthems, we are more likely to know more about others, and more likely to understand others, hence the more likelihood to appreciate and respect others. Music provides us with an honest and universal medium of communication for all of us.

Dr. Wabyona made reference to a line in the UN Hymn: “Let music for peace be the paradigm,” as support of the ideology of music as a medium of peace for humans. He believed that through this concert, each one of us will have a little knowledge and understanding of the other, which is a sure way towards the world’s social harmony and to fostering of genuine universal peace. This is the same ideal that inspired the formation of the Makorale Choir. The Makorale, is a Makerere University community ensemble comprised of current and former students of Makerere University, faculty and other members of the university community. The overall goal of the ensemble is to harness the vast benefits of music in shaping a peaceful society and cultivating education opportunities in the performing arts for students.

Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, Dean – School of Liberal and Performing Arts (Representing the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University)

Dr. Pamela Khanakwa welcomed everyone to Makerere University. She expressed how proud Makerere was in hosting this prestigious United Nations Day celebration on the 78th anniversary of the UN formation. Dr. Khanakwa recalled that in her early years of school, the UN seemed a distant and an abstract concept but as we grew, we got to realize that we are part of the United Nations. She reiterated the core mission of the UN as about humanity, peace and unity.

Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (Right) receives the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, to the Anthems of the World Stage on 31st October 2023. Anthems of the World Concert, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Pamela Khanakwa (Right) receives the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, to the Anthems of the World Stage on 31st October 2023.

Dr. Khanakwa was touched by the UN theme of “Home and Belonging,” which she said speaks deeply to our hearts. And here at Makerere we feel as small United Nations of sorts because of the diversity of our staff, students and the multiple collaborations that we have, she added. As a university, we tow in the same line with the ideals of the UN, because Makerere is home to many students from different countries, both neighboring and beyond. Our curriculum is not only about teaching and research, but we’re also actively engaged in initiatives that promote peace. In the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, we have a department of Religion and Peace Studies. Makerere University also hosts a prestigious Rotary Peace Center, which is highly recognized around the world, and is involved in training different scholars from around the world in peace initiatives. Makerere also provides space for national, regional and international dialogues that champion the cause of peace in the world.

In regard to the day’s main activity, Dr. Khanakwa spoke passionately about anthems as part of our heritage and inspiration as a people. “There is a way we feel when we listen to anthems.” She drew from her personal experience of how she felt when she heard the Ugandan national anthem sung while she was in United States. She reaffirmed that anthems give us a sense of belonging and our identity. Dr. Khankwa concluded by thanking the UN Uganda office for supporting this event, Makerere University Innovation Hub for hosting, the Makorale choir and Dr. Milton Wabyona for making CHUSS and Makerere proud. She looked forward to listening to different national anthems of different countries and hoped the experience would help us reflect on the power of music, the power of unity and how these anthems promote nationalism and humanity.

Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo: UN Resident Coordinator, Uganda Office

Ms. Susan acknowledged their Excellency, the Ambassadors and Heads of the various Diplomatic missions present. She thanked Makerere University, Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the general Makerere University staff and the students for hosting the concert. The Anthems of the World concert at Makerere University was organized in celebration the 78th anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force in 1945. Ms. Susan commended the Makorale – a Makerere University community choir for putting together this incredible musical show piece, which further underlined Makerere’s leadership in various spheres.

The UN Resident Coordinator made reference national anthems described as compact summaries of a country’s heritage, history, struggles, and aspirations. She posited that the Anthems of the World Concert aimed to offer a glimpse into each other’s cherished heritage, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. She hoped that, beyond enjoying the musical performance, attendees would reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development goals, addressing global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and economic issues. The importance of recognizing a shared humanity and interconnectedness, as much as she encouraged efforts towards a safer, greener, and more sustainable Uganda and world. Ms. Susan concluded by encouraging students to learn more about the United Nations and contribute to its development.

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President Museveni underscores political & economic integration as permanent cure for Africa’s marginalization

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Seated: Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda (4th R), H.E. Mr. Lucas Mayanga (4th L), H.E. Lulu Xingwana (3rd L), H.E. Rtd. Col. Fred Mwesigye (2nd L), Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega (L), Hon. Tarsis Kabwegyere (R), Dr. James Nkata (3rd R), Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga (2nd R) and other officials (Standing) at the Julius Nyerere Symposium on 14th October 2023. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized the need for African countries to strengthen both political and economic integration as a permanent cure of Africa’s weaknesses and marginalization around the world.  In a speech read by the former Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda on 14th October 2023 at the Annual Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Symposium, the President said that Africa must cure herself of the victim mentality and take the initiative of shaping her own destiny.

“We have an unprecedented advantage of a market of 1.3 billion people. This is a formidable treasure in our hands, it has the potential of not only making us richer, but also earning us respect in the world as a power to reckon with,” he noted.

Reflecting on the times when NRM captured power in 1986, President Museveni said that Uganda’s population by then was a paltry 15 million people and the East Africa Community which would have compensated for Uganda’s small market had been brought to its knees. He was however, happy that the NRM government did not waste time in working with Tanzania and Kenya to revive the East Africa Community.  To him, the concerted efforts paid off in 1999 when the original members of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania signed the treaty which re-established the East African Community.  The community has since grown with the addition of Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Prime Minister Emeritus of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda represented His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Symposium.
Prime Minister Emeritus of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda represented His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Symposium.

He acknowledged the regional blocks such as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East Africa Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for increasing the volume of trade among African countries. And with the signing and ratification by individual member states of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the President was happy that Africa now boasts of the largest free trade area in the world.

“It must be remembered that Africa was forcefully integrated into the world economy as a source of cheap labour and raw materials for western industries. Africa has donated enough wealth to the rest of the world. It is time to cut off the proboscises of parasites, whose wealth has been sucked from our mines, soils, forests and lakes,” he said.

“Our chief interest should be on securing the survival and prosperity of our children and their children. There is no better guarantee for their future than working towards the political and economic integration of Africa. For the first time, we have the opportunity of safeguarding our great human and natural resources under the African supernatural government. The African leaders, therefore need to work hard so as not share the fate of the pre-colonial tribal chiefs that let down their people,” he added.

Her Excellency Lulu Xingwana, South African High Commissioner to Uganda contributes to the discussion. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Her Excellency Lulu Xingwana, South African High Commissioner to Uganda contributes to the discussion.

President Museveni saluted the contribution of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to the liberation of Africa and urged young people to carry on Mwalimu’s vision of a strong and united Africa.  To him, every year, he eagerly looks forward to this day, that was set aside to commemorate the life and legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. He was happy that Uganda joins Tanzania and the rest of the entire African continent to celebrate an African hero.  “As we celebrate this day, it is important to remind ourselves of the unfinished work, which Mwalimu pioneered, and carry it forward to its logical conclusion. This will be the most befitting tribute to his great legacy,” he emphasized.

According to him, Mwalimu Nyerere was a true champion of African freedom and liberation. Mwalimu Nyerere unlike most of the African nationalist fighters, espoused the idea that attainment of independence, by the respective African countries, was not an end in itself. His true legacy lies in the fact that he, first and fore most supported liberation struggles to break the shackle colonialism and neo-colonialism, which had unfairly parceled the powers.

The Deputy Chairperson of Council, Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega contributes to the discussion. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Deputy Chairperson of Council, Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega contributes to the discussion.

Additionally, Mwalimu Nyerere recognized the urgency of uniting the small independent African states to create for the first time Africa’s Centre of Gravity. He rejected the notion of arrivalism, which gripped the ruling elites once they took over the 53 colonies that the imperialists had organized for easy exploitation. “They imagined that they had arrived and the idea of Pan-Africanism was thrown out of the window.  Mwalimu’s commitment to the goal of Pan-Africanism was demonstrated through the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to create the United Republic of Tanzania. He was equally committed to the formation of the East Africa Federation,” said the President.

Every year the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre in conjunction with its co-promoters, Makerere University and Uganda Management Institute organizes a symposium to honor and celebrate the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.  The Annual Symposium which brings together students, academics, researchers, business people, experts and political thought leaders from across the African region provides a platform for them to reflect on how to regenerate and keep alive the powerful efforts of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere on Pan-Africanism.

The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Prof. Josephine Ahikire represented the Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Prof. Josephine Ahikire represented the Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe.

Representing the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Josephine Ahikire noted that the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium provides a wider platform to deliberate and conduct powerful discussions on the challenges and opportunities faced by East Africa and Africa at large.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Annual Symposium 2023 that was held on 13th – 14th October 2023 created space for participants to envision and interrogate the challenges, opportunities and strategies needed to foster collaborations and unity in pursuit of shared prosperity under the theme: Building a Borderless East Africa: Championing Unity, Youth Employment, culture and Climate Resilience.

The Chairperson, Board of Directors of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) Dr. Mulindwa Kasozi Saturninus also noted that the rich conversations were built on the success of the 2022 Nyerere @100 Symposium that put the youth at the fore front of the debates and proposals on development.

The Chairperson, Board of Directors of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), Dr. Mulindwa Kasozi Saturninus addresses the Symposium. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Chairperson, Board of Directors of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), Dr. Mulindwa Kasozi Saturninus addresses the Symposium.

Ms. Stella Agara, a renowned governance and youth development specialist was the Keynote Speaker on the theme; Building a Borderless East Africa: Championing Unity, Youth Employment, culture and Climate Resilience. She reflected on some of the strong and memorable words of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, “without Unity there is no future for Africa.” According to Ms. Stella Agara such words call for African countries to deepen and widen regional integration with a greater focus on prioritizing regional freedom of movement.

She questioned the essence of a borderless East Africa when some countries like Burundi and South Sudan still face hiking costs of Air tickets when accessing other countries within the region?  She questioned the idea of a borderless East Africa when African nationals are still considered “aliens” in the respective African countries and students still face long process of residential identifications to access education within the region. Furthermore, it is still difficult for African nationals to acquire a residence or work permit in most of the African countries. 

Prof. Josephine Ahikire (Left) with panelists during the session. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Josephine Ahikire (Left) with panelists during the session.

Ms. Stella Agara said that “the only way I am able to work in Tanzania is when I access a business permit at USD 100 and in the event I happen to fly out of the Tanzania before the expected exit date, I have to buy another one on return.” 

She noted that traditionally, Africans were great at hosting strangers and it is this African culture of hospitality that our society demands today. She was puzzled by the fact that Africans can refer to fellow Africans as foreigners on the African land. To her, the sentiments that fellow Africans are flowing into different African countries as foreigners to take up jobs meant for nationals still stands with disbelief.

“As a region, we need to accept the fact that we need each other since each one of us is more endowed than the other in certain areas. We need to appreciate the fact that we are all members and citizens of this continent. We are citizens of the East African community and we cannot be foreigners on our soil. Young people now are more courageous about trips and taking opportunities across borders, therefore, there is much more room for integration,” she said.

Looking at some of the frameworks that have been put in place to foster a borderless Africa, Ms. Agara acknowledged the Revised Migration Policy Framework of the African Union and its Planning Action adopted in 2018. The Framework reflects on the migration dynamics in Africa and guides African Union member states and regional communities on the management of migrants. It further provides binding legal frameworks upon which member states link their migration policies to development needs and protection of migrants’ rights.

Ms. Stella Agara delivering the keynote address. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Ms. Stella Agara delivering the keynote address.

“This policy was however developed with a lot of thinking inclined towards addressing challenges of African young people who are dying on seas trying to access Europe. The AU has engaged in conversations to develop the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which speaks about the single passport, opportunities across borders, movement of services and goods and this brings quite great opportunities for managing migration but also collapsing our borders to create space,” she stressed.

She however highlighted the responsibility of the East Africa Community to cascade some of these policy frameworks and actions down to the East African Region noting that the East Africa Community has worked fast towards a Customs Union and common market protocol to create space and opportunities and making it easier for business carried across borders.

Ms. Agara called upon African countries to address extensively the issues of poverty and corruption that have created very strange differences when it comes to borderless movements within the region. In the same spirit, she urged them to break the barriers of strict cultures, behaviors and manners that create a rift to regional integration. She also encouraged African countries to appreciate the gendered face of borderlessness.

Dr. James Nkata, the Director General of Uganda Management Institute (UMI) makes his remarks. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Dr. James Nkata, the Director General of Uganda Management Institute (UMI) makes his remarks.

“Our borderlessness is going to promote conversations on climate change and also create opportunities to address the climate crises in solidarity. Young people today unlike our predecessors, have more international friends, spaces and people that they have not actually met by virtue of the fact that they control the digital space. This power from the youth can be harnessed for positive purposes or end up affecting how we view issues that we need to address today,” she said.

According to Ms. Agara, climate conversations are more narrative based and depend on who is controlling that narrative. Africa has done quite a lot of work and the leaders have actually developed a framework of how the Africa Union is going to approach the climate crisis. They have adopted the adaptation as the main mechanism through which countries should address the climate crisis and this is extremely important to the continent because it is being pushing towards resilience and tolerance.

“Africa has not contributed much to the carbon emission conversations, yet we are now being asked to stop mining oil, gold among other mineral resources and we are saying if we are to stop doing so, there is a conversation we must drive, it is impossible for us to engage in conversations without having addressed cross border relations,” she said.

The Keynote speaker called upon African countries to reflect on how they can replicate the Doom’s Day Seed Vault noting that the relevance of preserving African seeds on the African continent should be prioritized.

Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere

Julius Kambarage Nyerere was born on April 13th 1922 in Butiama on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria in North Western Tanganyika. His father was the chief of the small Zanaki tribe. He was 12 years before he started school (he had to walk 26 miles to Musoma to do so). Later he was transferred for his secondary education to Tabora Government Secondary School. His intelligence was quickly recognized by the Roman Catholic Fathers and with their support, he trained as a teacher at Makerere University in Kampala-Uganda.  On gaining his certificate, he taught for three years and then went on a government scholarship to study history and political economy for his Masters of Arts at University of Edinburgh. He was the first Tanzanian to study at a British university.

In Edinburgh, partly through his encounter with Fabian thinking, Nyerere began to develop his particular vision of connecting socialism with African communal living.  On his return to Tanganyika, Nyerere worked towards bringing a number of different nationalist factions into one grouping and he achieved this in 1954 with the formation of TANU (the Tanganyika Africa Union). He became the President of the Union and joined the Legislative Council in 1958. He became the Chief Minister in 1960. A year later Tanganyika was granted internal self-governance and Nyerere became Premier.  Full independence was attained in December 1961 and he was elected President in 1962.

Uganda’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Tanzania H.E., Rtd. Col. Fred Mwesigye (Left) and Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, the Executive Director of JNLC at the Public Lecture. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Tanzania H.E., Rtd. Col. Fred Mwesigye (Left) and Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, the Executive Director of JNLC at the Public Lecture.

When paying tribute to his legacy Uganda’s High commissioner to the Republic of Tanzania H.E., Rtd. Col. Fred Mwesigye described Mwalimu Julius Nyerere as a civilized, considerate and courteous person. Mwalimu Nyerere was persuasive, kind and empathetic

 “He was a teacher, who was able to simplify complex issues; a peacemaker and a peace builder. He had the capacity to persevere and he was a consensus builder. He appreciated different opinions and he was studious, he had enormous capacity to debate, he was a Pan-Africanist and yearned for a federated East Africa,” he said.

According to the acting High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda, H.E. Mr. Lucas Mayanga, the Charge d’Affairs, Mwalimu Nyerere’s idea of Pan-Africanism was gradual whereby he stressed the significance of nation building and regional integration before continental unity. To promote his idea, he was willing to delay the independence of Tanganyika in order to enable by then Tanganyika, Uganda and Kenya achieve their independence together as a single federal state.

The Charge d’Affaires and Acting High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda, H.E. Mr. Lucas Mayanga delivers his speech. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Charge d’Affaires and Acting High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda, H.E. Mr. Lucas Mayanga delivers his speech.

“While he fell short of realizing this vision, he united Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania shortly after the independence of these two countries. This Union remains until today. It is in this regard that we welcome today’s Symposium theme of Building a Borderless East Africa Region,” the Commissioner stated.

The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC)

In 2018, the President of the Republic of Uganda advocated for and supported the establishment of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre as a Presidential Initiative.  Hosted by Makerere University and Uganda Management Institute, the Centre is responsible for inter-generational dialogues on African history and study and conducting research on Africa revolutionary movements.

On October 6th 2018, President Museveni established the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC), at Makerere University, as a Presidential initiative. Co-promoted by Makerere University and Uganda Management Institute, the Centre was to provide leadership skills, training and mentorship to young people. Specifically, it was to conduct Leadership training of a new and emerging generation of African leaders; to foster Cross-generational dialogue and conversations on African history and revolutionary movements in order to align needs and plans for the future as one; and to conduct Policy leading Research that aspires to close that gap between academia and practical policies.   

Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, the Executive Director of JNLC reveals that since it was established five years ago, the Centre has strived to fulfil these ambitious objectives and also to put students at the center of its activities as an important part of JNLC’s mission and vision.The Centre has thus provided trainings and mentorship sessions to young people on selfless leadership as part of historical and political perspectives of the African continent.

Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, the Executive Director of JNLC delivers her remarks. Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, the Executive Director of JNLC delivers her remarks.

In addition to customized leadership training, the Centre also holds regular cross-generational fireside (Ekyooto) conversations on unity and Pan-Africanism as well as supporting student leaders to attend regional conferences, student debates on issues that affect them, national and regional development. To illustrate its commitment to Mwalimu Nyerere’s legacy and unity agenda, the Centre, with the support of the Language Department, has developed a Basic Kiswahili course to be implemented alongside its leadership training. Dr. Muwanga says that “these activities provide students with important eye-opening experiences, exposure and skills, which the recent drastic 80% budget cuts of the JNLC’s funding undermine. Muwanga says that these budget cuts notwithstanding the JNLC as a Presidential initiative has gained traction among students and Makerere University management. The JNLC’s leadership training has been endorsed by Makerere University Council that has made it mandatory for all those aspiring for leadership positions. Furthermore, “the Centre’s relevance is in ensuring it responds to students’ needs as it evolves to take into account emerging national and geopolitical issues whilst staying true to the legacy and aspirations of Mwalimu Nyerere.”

She acknowledged the support and contribution of long standing partners including the President of Uganda who is the Patron for his tremendous support towards the creation of the Centre; Makerere University and Uganda Management Institute for their steadfast financial and logistical support; the High Commission of the Republic of Tanzania to Uganda; Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS); NBS and Afro Mobile; Simba Telecom; United Nations Development Programme; the Tanzania Community in Uganda; the Private Education  Development Network; Future Generation Trust; aBi Development among others.

In the same spirit, she appreciated the Board of Directors of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre chaired by Dr. Kasozi Mulindwa for the invaluable support and constructive guidance. “To the staff of Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre, I thank you very much for your hard work and your consistent and committed efforts.” 

Article by: Mak Public Relations Office and JNLC

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