Humanities & Social Sciences
The International Conference on Gender Studies in Africa opens at Makerere
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet K. Museveni represented by the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda H.E. Jessica Alupo on 23rd February 2022 officially opened the International Conference on Gender Studies in Africa (ICGSA) at Makerere University.
The conference was organized by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) through her School of Women and Gender Studies (SWGS) as part of the celebrations to mark the 30 years of the School’s existence. SWGS was the first and remains the biggest School of Women and Gender Studies in Africa.
The conference was also organized as part of the celebrations to commemorate a century of excellent service to humanity by Makerere University. The conference was organized as a platform for Gender Scholars the world over to network, share experiences and establish lasting collaborations that will shape Gender Studies in Africa.
Among issues on the agenda was the reflection on teaching of gender studies and how to improve it, gender focused research, how gender has been applied in the field of practice as well as impact and benefits of gender studies in Africa.
The conference brought together more than 480 papers from African scholars with an endorsement of more than 30 gender studies programs on the continent and beyond. These have come from universities all over Africa and in the diaspora with representations from the USA, Canada, UK, Hungary, Czech Republic, Israel, India, Australia, and Latin America among others.
The Dean School of Women and Gender Studies, Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali in her introductory remarks acknowledged that the School’s establishment in November 1991 was a result of a protracted struggle by the Uganda Women’s Movement, particularly organisations such as Action for Development (Acfode) and the Makerere University Women’s Association.
“These organisations and others that have come on board like UWONET, UN WOMEN and the rest have continued to nurture the School. For example Acfode and UN WOMEN in particular have are even part of the funding of this event,” The Dean lauded.
She paid tribute to former heads such as Prof. Maxine Ankrah, Prof. Victoria Mwaka, Prof. Joy Kwesiga, Prof. Rosemarie McNairn, Prof. Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, Prof. Consolata Kabonesa, Prof. Josephine Ahikire on whose shoulders the School has stood throughout its 30year journey.
Assoc. Prof. Ssali acknowledged that the 30year celebration was not simply a Makerere affair but a Pan-African celebration, in appreciation of various actors who have in the recent past contributed to the debate on what neoliberalism has done to the academy, including the teaching of gender studies.
“Several meetings have been held to make sense of what these challenges mean for the academia and particularly for the discipline of gender studies. And it was at one such meeting convened to discuss the effect of neoliberalism on gender studies in the academy in Africa held in Bellagio, Italy in August 2019 that the need to discuss the peculiarities of the discipline faced in a neoliberal Africa gained traction.
This Conference was endorsed by several gender units in Africa and today we are happy to have some of those who attended the Bellagio meeting such as Prof. Amina Mama and Prof. Joy Kwesiga physically joining us for these three days.” Assoc. Prof. Ssali said.
The keynote address on, “Gender Studies in Africa-Current status and Developments” was delivered by Prof. Amina Mama, from the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana.
Prof. Mama’s address dwelt on the history of women’s resistance to oppression as a source of gender studies and what motivated women to organize, come to university, start gender studies and create space for girls and women to mitigate their suffering.
Feminism, according to Prof. Mama, responds to male supremacy and the system of gender that is colonially beguiled to Africa that keeps men and women down and opposed to one another instead of familiarizing with and learning from one another.
Prof. Mama stressed the need for African scholars to study, know and write their own history and broaden their perspectives, noting that without knowing their roots, they may not know their future.
The keynote speaker observed that although Africa is the youngest continent with a median age of 19, 90 % of her potential not realized. She pointed out that the number of youth unemployed is growing and even in their earlier retirements, there is no system to absorb their energy to ensure that the live a decent life.
Prof. Mama also decried Africa’s governments’ captivity to debts paid by people living in poverty.
“So we have to do something serious and education is part of it. We have to educate people and equip them with skills to manage the future. The global focus contradicts but we need to take serious account of our situation and the fact that this poor continent’s brains and resources are flowing from Africa to the West.
So the constant drainage of our public sector and infrastructure should be in the global economic doctrine; they defeat all our aspirations to become a whole people and thriving community of our people”. She said.
For women, the professor said, there are particular things excluding them including rivalry from men and men’s fear of women that makes men oppressive to find the right direction. She said men and women need to be educated about these colonial attitudes including more communication and mutual respect for one another.
In her opening remarks virtually read for her by the Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports applauded the School of Gender and Women Studies for managing to achieve a leading and unique position in global gender and feminist studies, in terms of teaching, research and service to the community. This, she noted, has been complemented by supporting sister universities and colleges across Africa to establish units that address issues of gender inequality and poverty.
Mrs. Museveni noted that although Africa is endowed in terms of natural resources and powered by a potentially dynamic youthful population, the continent will not take her place at the table with other nations until her women, who form half of her population are liberated and enabled to fully participate in the development of the continent.
“Gender inequality significantly hinders the ability of individuals to participate fully and contribute to their families and communities-economically, politically and socially. Gender inequalities limit the ability of women and girls to fully participate in and benefit from development programs in our nations. Institutions such as patriarchy, religion, family and marriage as well as social and cultural practices continue to play a major role in perpetuating gender inequalities”, Part of the speech read.
The Minister pointed out hindrances such as policy making approaches in the higher education sector which continue to reinforce images of women in one field and men in another and urged governments to be cautious of the gaps and weakness in policy making.
“New approaches must be adopted to enable us change history, customs and traditions of college admissions which still largely favour men, and enable us address the conundrum of gender inequality in higher education systems.
Such approaches should seek to achieve gender equality in institutions of higher learning, tackling specific system imbalances that still manifest and plague such institutions. The absence of gender balance in such areas will continue to discourage social advancement and empowerment of disadvantaged groups in the population, specifically women”, the Minister advised.
The other issue of concern according to the Minister is the family and healthcare dynamics that have long-term implications for children as they grow up. She said, achieving gender equality that facilitates health starts with putting the mother and child at the center and prioritizing health at home and in the clinic by supporting breast feeding, and promoting safe and family-friendly access to primary health care.
The Chairperson, Makerere University Council Mrs. Lorna Magara said the University started out as a male-dominated institution with the motto, “Let us be men.” The terrain, she said, gradually changed, and so did the motto, which later became “We Build for the Future,” as more women were admitted. Mrs Magara reported that, it was not until the 1990s that the University started pursuing definite steps towards a broader gender agenda.
“Today the University boasts of the School of Women and Gender Studies, a Gender Mainstreaming Division, a Gender Equality Policy, and an Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy. The University has also championed affirmative action for females entering the university, including a 40% enrolment of females in STEM disciplines. The School of Women and Gender Studies has been at the centre of this advancement, starting from its role in forming the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate to track Makerere’s progress in mainstreaming gender in its systems and processes”, Mrs. Magara stated.
The Council Chair also said, the School has not only produced a critical cadre for the government’s Gender Mainstreaming agenda, but has also trained human resources for other countries on the continent and beyond. Many of its products hold significant positions in academia, government departments, and non-government entities.
“This celebration, therefore, is not just for the School, but a Pan-African and indeed global celebration, with all the sister institutions that the School has walked with over the years. A Pan-African celebration of gender studies is essential for nuance about gender, gender studies, and gender practice”, Mrs. Magara said.
She expressed hope that in addition to providing a platform for a comprehensive review of gender studies in Africa in all aspects of teaching, theorizing, research, and practice, the conference also offers an opportunity to develop frameworks that will be used to study the unique scenarios as a continent, strengthening collaboration between academics and practitioners as we chart the path that will transform the continent.
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe observed that in order for Africa to move to middle-income status and achieve sustainable development, human capacity development must be put at the fore.
Prof. Nawangwe stressed the need to ensure that issues of gender, historical injustices and women empowerment are tackled acknowledging that the interventions made by Uganda in this matter have already produced positive results.
The Vice Chancellor reported that the School of Women and Gender Studies has been at the forefront of empowering women through her academic programmes and research.
“The School hosts one of the thirteen Centres of Excellence of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) – the Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity. Through this Centre and other programmes, the School is making a major contribution to understanding the role of gender in socio-economic development. The research conducted in the School is informing policy on gender issues. The students, who have gone through the School are making a difference in society”, the Vice Chancellor said.
Prof. Nawangwe advised that as the university celebrates the thirty years of the School, there is need to pause and reflect on achievements made, the challenges still faced and opportunities that present themselves.
With the strategy of becoming a fully research-led University by 2030, Prof. Nawangwe expressed the need to double efforts in research on women and gender issues, find solutions to problems that still deter human development, including issues around domestic violence and exploitation of labour by women, including unpaid domestic work by house wives.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed the need to continue to interrogate the factors that still hinder women participation in science, keeping in mind that a woman, Valentina Tereshkova was the second person to undertake a sole trip into outer space and that another woman, Marie Curie is one of the greatest chemists of all time.
Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged that many African women have set the pace for women participation in science, adding that there is no reason why African women cannot take the lead in science and technology.
The Vice Chancellor stressed the need to carry out research and formulate policies that will unlock the huge potential of women in transforming society and taking advantage of their big numbers to create a critical mass of scientists to move the Continent’s development agenda forward.
“Makerere University remains committed to the promotion of women in all spheres of university life. Over the last two decades, through our affirmative action policies, the enrolment of female students has increased from 15 % to 51% and the participation of women in academic and administrative leadership has grown from 5% to 35%.
Three out of the nine college principals are women, our new Grants Administration and Management Support Unit is headed by a woman and our biggest research portfolio is also headed by a woman. We must be the example that our Continent needs to transform our society through total emancipation of our women from marginalisation. This we will do with all the resources available to us.” The Vice chancellor pledged.
The Principal College of Humanities and social Sciences Assoc Prof. Josephine Ahikire thanked the university and college management, the staff and students for beating all the odds of COVID 19, budget cuts and the malaise to organise the celebrations.
“30 years is no mean achievement. The School has been able to emit transformational energy, in terms of curriculum development, teaching and learning, research, and knowledge transfer informed by critical thinking.
The alumni of the School has played a critical role in government ministries, agencies and departments and many institutions and women group organisations making a difference in society”, The Principal said.
Dr. Ahikire said the School of Women and Gender Studies is one of CHUSS’ youngest units established in 1991 that used to be small but mighty, and has given impetus to the College advocating and promoting gender studies as a cross cutting course permeating through all courses in the college.
She reported that the discourse of gender has been selected as a legitimate consideration that encompasses all human narratives. The Principal thanked the University Management for the institutional support to research and courses that enjoin students at graduate and undergraduate level.
“Management has offered that leadership in mainstreaming gender studies across all units so that we have an institutionalised approach to fighting sexual harassment which is no longer taken for granted.
We appreciate the commitment and the fact that management has been supportive in research and innovations to the point of negotiating research funding from government that has enabled a lot of research across the university”.
Dr. Ahikire also appreciated the gender scholars and activists for investing energy in making a community of women scholars in Africa.
Please click the link below to view a recording of the Opening Ceremony’s Live Broadcast
Humanities & Social Sciences
Prof. Josephine Ahikire Hands Over CHUSS Leadership to Assoc. Prof. Helen Nkabala
“As outgoing Principal of the biggest college, the most vibrant college, the college with the power of the word, the college with the power of language, the college with the power of vibe, I hereby hand over to you Professor Helen Nkabala Nabalirwa..”
“I extend my congratulations to Prof. Helen Nkabala, the incoming Principal and I pledge full support in her new position, so that at CHUSS, we remain on the move”.
That was Prof. Josephine Ahikire message as she handed over the instruments of power to the newly elected Principal for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Assoc. Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala on Friday 31st May 2024. Nkabala pledged participatory leadership and assured attendees that CHUSS will continue to excel.
The afternoon handover over ceremony held in the College Smart room was witnessed by the University Secretary and Director Human Resources represented. Prof. Nkabala’s family (mother, uncle and sister, her spouse Mr. Nkabala) witnessed the occasion. The Principal College of Natural Sciences Prof. Ireeta Tumps, Head GAMSU Prof. Sylvia Nanyonga Tamusuza, staff from Makerere University staff tribunal, Prof. Amanda from CEDAT, also graced the occasion. Members of CHUSS management and staff including Deputy Principal Dr. Eric Awich, Deans, Heads of departments, coordinators, support and administrative staff attended the ceremony.
I have enjoyed my tenure says outgoing Prof Josephine Ahikire
Prof. Josephine Ahikire said, CHUSS has created a cohort of leaders especially women to take it on.
“I have truly enjoyed my tenure as Principal and I send my appreciation to my Deputy Principal Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich, the Deans and heads. We delivered as a team right from the top to the last person. Now that public universities are being run as government departments Prof. Ahikire called for collaborative spirit from all administrators, college and schools and departments to be able to deliver” .
Ahikire paid special recognition to Makerere University top management for their unwavering support and for creating enabling environment for members of CHUSS to deliver what they pursue as their mantra, CHUSS on the Move.
“ I learnt one thing from the current Vice Chancellor that not all people need to line up to have a document signed. So, I removed some of those benches from the Principals corridor. Not all people have to sit and wait for a travel form to be signed”, she said.
She also extended gratitude to the donors who have supported the college especially those supposedly unmarketable fields around the humanities and social sciences. She noted that as the rest of the donors pursue the marketable fields along the neoliberal agenda, the soul of humanity is falling apart. She pointed out the Mellon Foundation and the Gerda Henkel Siftung for being at the fore front and whose funds have been used to create vibrancy at CHUSS.
Giving an overview of her hand over report, Ahikire said the role of the Principal is guided by the Universities and Tertiary Institutions Act and the College statute whose functions are stipulated in there. CHUSS, she said, is one of the biggest units of the university offering the oldest disciplines which provide the key for unlocking the human potential for development.
In the report, the Professor highlighted human resources status in the college comprising 11 prof. 26 associate professors 44 senior lecturers, 87 lecturers and 70 Assist lectures, 26 administrative staff and 52 support staff noting that, the college was still bottom heavy with more assistant lecturers than lecturers.
The report also indicated the college assets in terms of office equipment, furniture and computers mostly acquired through projects, subvention development fund or furniture and fittings.
The report further highlighted the college wide projects in terms of how they operate through the Principals office, stores and assets register, the budget performance, ledger for each project, the project balances and the cohorts of PhD training.
Major accomplishments
Prof. Ahikire reported that in the recent years, the college made progress in terms of staff promotion and most were still in the process . “In the last three years, a total of 87 members have been promoted. Six professors, nine associates, 35 senior lecturers, and 37 lecturers”.
She said, the college has one of the biggest student population in the university adding that, there has been improvement in terms of graduate output. .
“In the last graduation, we had 30 PhDs. I have put the graduation trends, especially for graduate programs, and the fact that we have really improved, means that supervision level has improved, the processing of examination has also improved, and the processing of results has also improved. And that is something that everybody in this room can actually own.”
Notably, she also reported that the college was able to pilot a students’ management system.
“When I came into office, you’d ask this student, what is the progress and you’d never know how to track. So as of now, at the touch of a button, you can know that if this student submitted a thesis or a dissertation, this is where it has reached”, she explained.
Among the challenges, Prof. Ahikire highlighted the limited teaching and office space, accreditation of courses, limited human and financial resources including grant and research portfolio,
In terms of the issues to consider, Ahikire stressed the need to pursue the research- led agenda and graduate training, and expressed the need for the academic board to be facilitated to serve as a driving force behind CHUSS research agenda. Ahikire called upon staff to first have the research agenda, and then mobilize resources and have Graduate training as a pivotal aspect of research and to continuously upgrade the infrastructure.
Prof. Nkabala hails Predecessor for laying foundation. Assures that CHUSS will Continue to Excel
Assoc. Prof. Nkabala appreciated the outgoing Principal for laying the ground.
“A very good afternoon, friends. It is with a lot of humility that I stand before you this afternoon, taking over what that is already done. I would like thank my predecessor, who has just handed over, Principal Emeritus Professor Josephine Ahikire, Thank you for laying the ground, and thank you for handing over. Friends, I would like to start by acknowledging the core people who make what CHUSS is”. Nkabala aknowlegded.
Nkabala also recognized deans, heads, administrative, support and all staff for leading CHUSS to where it is assuring them that college will remain on move.
“ I want to give you my assurance that while I know that change is difficult, I cannot lie to you that there is no change. We have changed and you have seen that. But CHUSS will continue to excel with your support. What we did, is to change the driving seat, but you are the engine”, Prof. Nkabala assured and remarked that she counts on the Professors to offer support and guidance.
“So it is up to us, me and you and Prof. Ahikire as one of the critical Professors and others. I want to pay allegiance and also assure you that for CHUSS to go forward, we are looking up to you to offer academic leadership. So when we come please accept us. You rightly noted that e are bottom heavy, I will continue from where you have stopped and do my best”. Nkabala promised adding:
“I will reach out to all the leaders and I want to assure all the staff in CHUSS, that I will reach to each and every one of you. So, dear deans present, heads of departments, I will request that we have an entry meeting in each and every school and department. We are 16 and we shall talk together to see how we carry on this work that I start today”, she asserted.
Nkabala also called on the office of the university secretary for support.
“I was excited when I heard the US pledging total support, underline the word total support, because Professor Ahikire said, you give them funds for one course, yes, yet we have 37 programmes. So, when I knock on your door on Tuesday, because Monday is a public holiday, please receive me”
Stating that she hails from a very humble background, Nkabala requested staff to be friends to work together and to see the continuity in a very peaceful way.
University Secretary Recognises Prof. Ahikire for exemplary leadership: Counsels on leadership qualities
Representing the Makerere University Secretary, the Deputy University Secretary Simon Kizito offered reflections on leadership dynamics during the handover ceremony.
The Secretary began by acknowledging the universal truth that despite our religious teachings, we all stumble and make mistakes. Drawing a parallel between these human imperfections and the challenges of leadership, he emphasized the importance of continuous learning and growth.
He shared bits of wisdom collected from his own experiences. He spoke of the inevitability of conflict in leadership roles, urging leaders to approach conflicts with a positive mindset, viewing them as opportunities for resolution and growth
With a touch of vulnerability, he opened up about the loneliness that often accompanies leadership positions. “It’s not easy,” he admitted, “to make tough decisions and stand by them.” But he offered reassurance that in the face of solitude, there lies an opportunity for leaders to make a positive impact through their actions.
The University Secretary spoke of failure as a natural part of the leadership journey, urging leaders to embrace setbacks as stepping stones to success. He reminded the audience that time is finite, urging leaders to make the most of their tenure by prioritizing effective time management and delegation.
The Secretary emphasized the importance of self-care and the acceptance of feedback in maintaining effective leadership. With genuine warmth, he expressed gratitude for the exemplary leadership of outgoing Principal Ahikire, promising continued support for CHUSS under its new leadership.
He expressed his confidence in the future of CHUSS, reaffirming the collective commitment to excellence and growth at the institution.
Director Human Resource Grateful for Ahikire’s leadership says, Change is Inevitable
Represented by Makubuya Godfrey, the Director Human Resource Makerere University guided on the need to appreciate that change is inevitable.
“In a leadership, things happen for a cause. And once they do, then the leaders have to accept because God is in between whatever is happening, either for or against. So as this has happened, that change is coming and we are glad it’s coming, you know, we know at a given time it will happen”,
The Director appreciated Professor Ahikire for her service to the university.
“She has served us for quite some time. And we are very grateful for that leadership. You know, she served even before a deputy principal, acted as Principal and became principal. We are grateful that God provided you that opportunity to offer yourself and the leaders at the time. So, an opportunity is now here that she has to hand over to another leader”. he noted.
As an outgoing principal, Makubuya believed many of the staff had interacted with Prof. Ahikire at different levels and shared a lot.
“And, Professor Nkabala, we welcome you to this college. Of course, it’s not new to you, but in leadership of the college. And it’s our pledge that actually we will work with you to take the college and our university in the right direction”. He added
Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Luminaries Call for the Promotion of Humanities & Literature in Uganda’s Education System for a Balanced Citizenry with Human & Moral Values
Makerere University Literary legends Prof. Arthur Gakwandi and Austin Bukenya have commended government effort in promoting Natural sciences and building the middle class economy with reservations.
Whereas promotion of natural sciences is backed by good intentions, the professors contend that downgrading humanities and social sciences will result into a population without human and moral values.
They proposed that ,for holistic human development, both natural, humanistic and social sciences must be promoted.
The two professors were speaking during their 80th Birthday on 5th April 2024 at Makerere University‘s Yusuf Lule Auditorium. The Department of Literature in collaboration with the School of Languages Literature and Communication and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences organised a half day literary event codenamed: Celebrating Literary Legends: Gakwandi and Bukenya@80 aimed at recognizing, celebrating and debating these two literary legends as part of Makerere’s literary luminaries that have contributed to her indisputable literary iconicity. Arthur Gakwandi and Austin Bukenya are seminal writers and literary scholars in Makerere University and Uganda’s history, widely celebrated beyond Uganda’s borders.
Reflecting on the Ugandan Society for the years he has lived and where the country is heading, Prof. Arthur Gakwandi noted that Government has focused and made progress in expanding the middle income class. He however noted that no one is concerned about the kind of middle class being created.
“I see people driving huge land cruisers on the highway and they lower window screens and throw bottles and banana peelings in the middle of the road. This is the middle class. I see people having a lot of money but peddling conspiracy theories, exchanging insults. Is that the kind of middle class we want? Gakwandi wondered adding that:
“So we are racing to improve the economy, introduce science by giving further incentives but Ubuntu which is the oil that creates the society, the personal relationship between people is lacking. I see people building walls around themselves and people do not know each other and only interact with money.” Gakwandi stated
Gakwandi expressed fear that the country is creating a middle class that does not serve people.
The middle class, he said is supposed to balance between the rich indulgences and lack of concern by those who are privileged on one hand, and those at the bottom who have no voice and are trapped in poverty. But if we have a middle class that does not play that role, then it’s not serving its society.
Prof. Gakwandi justified the unique power of the humanities and social sciences – Literature inclusive.
The unique power of literature according to Prof. Gakwandi is to enable readers to enter the lives of other people to experience their pain, their pleasures , their ambitions and their fantasies which, no other discipline comes close to.
“History can tell you how many people died in the 2nd world war, who were the principal actors and their roles in determining the outcomes. Even science can tell you the role of technology, the role it played in tilting the balance and economics can assess the impact of the war on economies of the countries.
But none of these can convey the personal anguish of the people who were caught up in various localities during the phases of the war, but, a novelist can capture the impact of the social and emotional life of those who were caught in the war. And when you get emotionally connected to people, you stop regarding them as statistics. So it is important to make Literature an important element of our education system and promote literature as a life-long source of leisure that has the ability to connect”, Gakwandi stressed.
Prof Gakwandi commended the department of Literature for the recognition and courteous relationship nurtured over the years.
“What is most touching is that I keep reading the Ugandan newspapers about people fighting for office, jobs, undermining each other and trying to exclude others so as to take their positions. What has been good at the Literature department where I have spent so many years is that we had such a good courteous relationship with each other and myself, I left the department three times and every time I came back, they were happy to welcome me back. There was no rivalry, no competition…” He added
He saluted the leadership of literature department for thinking about this kind of occasion to recognise the contribution made to the growth of the department adding that he feels gratified that people that he taught have ascended to levels of professors.
Humanities are being systematically degraded, ignored and underfunded – Prof. Austin Bukenya
Prof Austin Bukenya observed that the humanities are being systematically degraded, ignored and underfunded.
“We have to mount a certain fight to keep the humanities on the front path. We write not simply to pleasure ourselves but we write in order to sustain and develop society.
Bukenya called for respect of humanities and social sciences if the country is to produce a civilised middle class population.
“The sciences are going to help us advance technically and economically but they are not going to help advance humanity –the Ubuntu. Please, make humanities including literature visible, desirable and acceptable.
Philosophy teaches you to think. Language teaches you how to communicate and literature teaches you how to feel and those are the processes of humanisation. We need a human society not just a country of mechanical robots”, Prof Bukenya appealed and dismissed as false the reasoning that humanities and social sciences are unemployable.
Offering guidance on how to make lives worthwhile, Prof Austin Bukenya advised participants to have passion, love and faith.
“Be driven and have passion for things that you care and feel strongly about and they will keep you going. Secondly love yourself and other people. But if you don’t love yourself, you can’t love other people and you will have low esteem. Everybody has something to contribute to your being and thirdly, have faith and believe in yourself and others especially the potential in other people to do good”, These, Bukenya said kept him going and loving his students
Vice Chancellor honors Gakwandi and Bukenya as unrivalled class of academics
Presiding over the function as Chief guest, the Vice Chancellor represented by his Deputy in charge of Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba hailed the Department of Literature for making it part of their vision and aim to celebrate the people that have built for the future, describing the initiative as a great part of the ubuntu philosophy, to share the joy and achievements of those who have gone before them, and working toward inspiring the future generation.
“Their achievements outshine most of us, but also remind us that the academic journey ahead many of us is something we ought to take in order to be like they are or even greater than they are. After all, the latter generation must build on what they have found ”, Kakumba stated
He said the nature of scholarship these two gentlemen nurtured serve as a reminder of the centrality of both the literary and creative arts to human development and humanity.
“While we read stories about the characters they have created, we are reminded of our situation in the world, and how important it is to see the human being as the focus of our relationships. I am sure the students’ performances will not only entertain us, but will awaken us to the truth about our being in a world that needs healing, laughter and celebration. This is what we do in Africa when we celebrate people. This is what makes CHUSS and the Department of Literature unique”, Kakumba emphasized adding that:
“Bukenya and Gakwandi belong to a class of academics that are unrivalled. Having shared them with the world, both in academia and diplomatic service shows that Makerere truly takes its place on the world map. I have heard what they have studied and dedicated their lives to, showing that we have played in a role in building both theory and practice of the literary arts.
This is a journey that many of us ought to take. What they have built, we must build further and never let die. Orature is a central field of study in the Department of Literature. Seeing the man who gave it its breath seated here with us is not only awe-striking, but humbling. That is what makes the academy an amazing place”.
“Today, as we celebrate these two legends, we are reminded of our place in the twenty first century. We give due honor to the people that played a part in making the academy a place where debates and conversations about life start and keep happening. It must not end here. It is a tradition we must continue. This is what keeps our disciplines alive”, The Vice Chancellor lauded
Gakwandi and Bukenya make life real – Prof. Josephine Ahikire
The Ag. Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Josephine Ahikire described the day as an occasion to celebrate the practitioners of life, for this is what Literature is about.
“Literary legends like Gakwandi and Bukenya make life real or like our students say “ They make life tick”, because they talk about, reminisce, reflect, debate, analyse, comment and simultaneously live life. In short they bring life to life”. She said
In 2022, Ahikire reported that the Department of Literature celebrated the lives of literary giants: Rubadiri, Ngugi and Wangusa but that time each icon had a separate platform. This time round in 2024, she explained, the department decided to reinvent its style and try out a double portion approach celebrating Prof Gakwandi and Prof Bukenya on the same afternoon.
“This afternoon the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is sitting at the feet of two literary legends to show strongly the great heritage we are so very proud of. Prof Gakwandi and Prof Bukenya have nurtured the Department of Literature and its sister departments through challenging times.
They carried out the work of sustaining the name of this university through the Amin years and at some point the situation was so tense that they had to leave or they would have been lost in the mist of violence. We are grateful for their resilience, prudence and for their courage as well as for always living for Makerere and Uganda even for the times when they were far away from here”, the principals appreciated.
Prof. Ahikire also stated that this event put the student community at the centre of the celebration so that they understand the importance of pillars. The literary scholar Ngugi wa Thiong’o keeps insiting that all scholars that use the term orature to talk about Africa’s wealth of verbal arts should acknowledge that Pio Zirimu and his student Austin Bukenya while here at Makerere University coined the term which is being used world wide.
“We celebrate Prof Gakwandi in equal measure and acknowledge the foundational work he carried out in demonstrating how the African novel was relevant to contemporary experience and building a base for African literary criticism from the perspective of an African critic. We also take particular note of the work he has done in the field of creative writing as a mentor and a creative writer himself,” Ahikire stressed.
She was hopeful that students will look with pride and admiration to Gakwandi and Bukenya’s unique and time-tested efforts and choose to continue Makerere’s vibrant legacy of ‘building for the future’.
Prof Gakwandi and Mwalimu Bukenya are crucial pillars – Assoc. Prof. Saudah Namyalo
The Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication Assoc. Prof. Saudah Namyalo said, the school was proud to present two courageous voices whose academic and creative work embarks on journeys that crisscross from the real world to the imaginative and from the imaginative to the real world to teach the values of being fully human.
“As a school, we are proud to celebrate two eminent literary critics and creative writers in Makerere University and Uganda’s history. Prof Gakwandi is widely known for his novel Kosiya Kifefe and its ideas on colonial and post independence experiences and for grappling with thoughts on the transitions between the city and the village, poverty and privilege. Prof. Gakwandi both as a literary critic and creative writer has demonstrated that stories and their analysis keep us connected to our communities but also make us aware of human folly” the Dean stated.
In Mwalimu Bukenya, the Dean explained that school was celebrating a man who has been hailed as a true East African, who is at home in all East Africa, and is claimed as belonging to the whole region.
“In fact sometimes our Kenyan siblings do point out that the man’s name has the word Kenya in it so he truly belongs to Kenya even by name. When he speaks Kiswahili the Tanzanians turn and tell us to send their brother back home. When Makerere Counts the years he has served here, they feel justified to say that his roots are indeed here. So the school is proud to name you, Mwalimu, among its own and to celebrate you on Makerere grounds, your first academic home”. Said Namyalo.
She thanked the Department of Literature for giving a chance to students to recognize the achievements of those before them, so that they too can be inspired to craft brave new worlds to insist that the study of humanity is valuable and priceless.
Gakwandi and Bukenya opened my academic career – Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi
The Head Department of Literature Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi thanked Prof Gakwandi and Mwalimu Bukenya for giving the university this honor to celebrate them.
Nabutanyi expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for making time to celebrate with the department and for continuously heeding to the department call.
The head also thanked the Dean and Principal for untiring support to the department given the numerous activities they engage in. Nabutanyi extended appreciation to Chair organizing committee for the successful organization of the event.
Dr. Nabutanyi introduced and thanked outstanding members of staff who have won national and international awards to show the genealogy of great work that the department of Literature has produced. He said the winners stand on the shoulders of the giants like Gakwandi and Bukenya being celebrated for their great work.
The two celebrated gentlemen according to Edgar Nabutanyi are important in his life.
“In mid 2000s I was assigned Prof. Bukenya as my supervisor for MA and during those days, I was young and thought I was clever and I had an exaggerated sense of what I could do as a dissertation. I told him I wanted to read the African Novel using the architype theory. He spent ten minutes explaining what architype were and recommended Prof. Gakwandi’s book and the novel – Contemporary experiences in Africa.
This, in a way opened my academic career and a few years later, Prof. Abasi Kiyimba during my defense of my thesis commended me for having done good work and mastered not only the theory but also the area”. He narrated
Dr. Nabutanyi continued to attribute his success to the two celebrated professors citing that during his teaching career at O-level, his student nicknamed him Kifefe in shortened form as Kife and the name is still popular with students he taught that time.
He said the two, Gakwandi and Bukenya have been influential expressing hope and pledged that the new crop of students will live to the good works that these elders have done.
He thanked Prof. Gakwandi and Bukenya for gracing the corridors of the literature department and doing the wonderful work. He also extended gratitude to their families for sharing with them.
The Chair Organising committee thanked all participants and the Gakwandi and Bukenya family for gracing the occasion.
Kiguli recognized the efforts by the committee in providing the forum to promote critical debate and advance awareness of homegrown talent and outstanding service to humanity beyond Makerere’s century of existence.
Kiguli described Prof. Austin Bukenya as an orator who speaks many many languages fluently while Prof Arthur Gawandi as widely travelled and one who has met and dined with great writers.
In the spirit of continually drawing attention to our own work and accomplishments at Makerere University, the Department of Literature showcased oral performances from the students, readings, a keynote address by Prof. Abasi kiyimba and a panel discussion of Gakwandi and Bukenya Scholars.
Most of the activities of the day were carried out by students from the Department of Literature in a bid to inspire them to think of the importance of following the work of our own scholars and practitioners. This effort aims at focusing on Gakwandi and Bukenya’s monumental achievements and promoting creative writing, critical debate and cultural production within Makerere University, Uganda and beyond.
The Keynote lecture by Prof. Abasi Kiyimba is downloadable below.
More readings below:
Makerere Celebrates Literary Titans: Gakwandi and Bukenya in Newvision: https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/education/makerere-celebrates-literary-titans-gakwandi-NV_185062
Mak set to honor Gakwandi and Bukenya @80:
https://chuss.mak.ac.ug/news/mak-set-celebrate-literary-legends-gakwandi-and-bukenya80-0
Gakwandi and a few rebels of Ugandan literature Wednesday, April 03, 2024: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/columnists/charles-onyango-obbo/gakwandi-and-a-few-rebels-of-ugandan-literature-4576498
Makerere Honors Professors Arthur And Austin For Their Contribution To Literature. Church of Uganda Family TV: https://youtu.be/oe5YW_an2vc?si=oQVnbg3v-fC4Pcdt
Makerere Professor Bukenya and Gakwandi honored. Beg TV: https://youtu.be/z-UhZ1ekgyg?si=Zgajf3dWqrnwjLM-
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