Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak initiates the “Zadok Adolu- Otojoka Music Excellence Award”
Makerere University College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) through the Department of Performing Arts and Film has initiated the establishment of “Zadok Adolu- Otojoka Music Excellence Award”. This award will be given to the best performing students of music education and performance.
The initiative was disclosed by Dr. Milton wabyona while presenting a keynote and biography recital in honor of Prof. (Emeritus) Zadok Adolu- Otojoka as part of the activities to celebrate the 100 years of Makerere University’s service to humanity.
Over 600 thousand shillings was collected in thanksgiving as seed to kick start the, “Zadok Adolu- Otojoka Music Excellence Award”.
The function held on 31st March 2022 at St. Francis Chapel was graced by the Vice Chancellor represented by the Principal CHUSS Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire, the Chaplain St Francis Chapel Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe, Makerere University staff and students, distinguished musicians and teachers, the alumni and the Zadok Adolu- Otojoka’s family from Serere district.
Adolu-Otojoka was honored for his invaluable and monumental contribution to academia through musical arts presentations exploring through the 52-years of his professional music teaching with a view of learning and understanding the trends, as well as predicting the future of the music education discipline in Uganda.
Zadok Adolu-Otojoka is one of the highly celebrated icons of music education and professional music performance in Uganda and East Africa. Educated in Uganda and in the United States, Adolu-Otojoka has taught music at all levels of the formal education pyramid in East Africa, with the most distinguished acclaim.
At the peak of his teaching career in Uganda, he served as Head of Department of Music, Dance and Drama (now Performing Arts and Film) at Makerere University in the mid- to late-1990s. At Makerere, he was particularly famous for his charismatic conducting of the university anthem and the mesmerizing leadership of the academic procession during graduation ceremonies.
Adolu-Otojoka is also revered for his extra-ordinary talent in both Western and African musical art forms and passion for the music profession, in which he excelled and mentored generations.
The biography recital was based on the article: “Zadok Adolu-Otojoka and Music Education in Uganda: An Oral History” by Milton Wabyona, published on January 27, 2022, in the American Journal of Historical Research in Music Education. The purpose of this recital was to highlight some of the senior educator’s experiences, approaches and recommendations presented in his oral history.
The recital repertoire focused on some of Adolu-Otojoka’s favorite works, particularly, those highlighted in his oral history as well as recitations of select sections of his life story. The performance forces included some of Adolu-Otojoka’s former students, acquaintances, professional musicians and music faculty alongside current music students from Makerere University.
In his keynote address, Dr. Milton Wabyona who was the Author and Conductor said “Adolu-Otojoka’s recital provides valuable inspiration for the young music education discipline in Uganda as well as insights regarding multicultural music education perspectives.
“Through such initiatives, we hope to ensure that legacies of exemplary individuals are kept active, but most importantly the ideals and values they lived for can continue to shape life in our society,’ Dr. Wabyona said thanking the Principal CHUSS for the resolute support for the recital and for sanctioning to honor Prof. Zadok Adolu- Otojoka as part of the activities to mark Makerere@100 years.
Citing the words of the American writer, William Arthur Ward, Dr. Wabyona said, the contents, character and intentions in the recital are all inspired by the life of Zadok Adolu –Otojoka, the music teacher and performer, to help the academia ponder upon the music profession.
“American writer, William Arthur Ward wrote: The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher inspires”. It is my hope that through this recital, we’ll all have a fair ground base to classify the man we are celebrating here today, but also reflect upon our professional careers as teachers”. Dr. Wabyona stated.
Zadok Adolu- Otojoka was described as prolific in all the three disciplines of music dance and drama. As a dancer, Adolu was the artistic director of the national dance troupe, the Heartbeat of Africa of the 1970’s which produced the likes of Stephen Rwangyezi of Ndere troupe. He also featured in several stage dramas alongside some Uganda’s celebrated actress Prof. Rose Mbowa and acted in television series, “Teeth and Tears” directed by Prof. Patrick Mangeni, the current Dean School of Liberal and Performing Arts.
As teacher, Adolu- Otojoka was praised as one who always set his students for success irrespective of their abilities or previous education or other background and only focused on potential, a virtue that inspired remarkable levels of confidence among his students as they felt secure under him.
Although he was extremely talented and one of the most accomplished professional, he was applauded for having remained an incredibly humble human being who only used his advantages to inspire, demonstrate and facilitate learning for his students.
His willingness to support students at every possible opportunity was strongly mentioned by those who studied under him as a highly inspiration approach that worked for him. Adolu was described as one who always taught, demonstrated, mentored and supported students far and beyond the academic obligations. He was also said to be amazingly humorous and shared lot of stories especially of his personal experiences.
Regarding the future of education in Uganda, Adolu-Otojoka recommends a vibrant and deliberate music performance culture at all levels involving both students and teachers in Uganda’s education curriculum.
He underscores the importance of methodological focus on music teacher preparation systems as what is needed to meaningfully transform Uganda’s music education on reason that, “the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.
Adolu paid tribute to individuals and groups that helped him grow up and serve the way he did including students, maternal uncles who were composers, missionaries and friends who encouraged him, the culture and youth ministry of the time including cows and goats he herded while reading notations in the bush.
Adolu paid special gratitude to his immediate family especially for standing the test of time, remaining home and toiling while away on 5year study in the US.
“I will never forget the class of 1999 of Wabyona and others who are overseas. This was the biggest class I had in teaching in music and they were the best. I thank Wabyona and the whole group who felt it fit to give to me an honor. I will not forget the school, department, music, dance and drama.
I have seen something quite different and creative and of a high class. Whatever has happened, whoever has participated, thank you for giving me this honor while I am living. I am very humbled.
There is nothing you can do if you don’t become keen about what you do. Young men and women, if you are aspiring to do something, do it with one heart and labour to make a difference and you will make it”, Adolu appreciated and advised.
Adolu also extended his appreciation to Makerere University management and the current Vice chancellor for allowing and facilitating the function to happen
Demand for an honorary doctorate for Zadok Adolu-Otojoka
The former Secretary General UNESCO, Uganda National Commission Augustine Omare Okurut tabled a special request to Makerere University to bestow an Honorary Doctorate upon Prof. Zadok Adolu-Otojoka for his distinguished services as a great man whom God has given chance to serve.
Mr. Okurut recounted how together with Adolu performed during the 21st anniversary celebrations for the national theatre in 1980, the national competition in the promulgation of the 1995 constitution and in the formation of the anthem for Busitema university besides his administrative service and tertiary teaching.
Okurut said, Adolu was on high demand in the field of culture administration and held multiple positions simultaneously, He reported that in 1971 Adolu was appointed as culture officer in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development and grew in ranks to Principal Culture Officer ending his portfolio as Deputy Commissioner for culture in 1989.
“Even in this capacity, Adolu-Otojoka cherished opportunities to participate in musical arts performances and their related education perspectives”.
Within three years of his appointment to the Culture office in Uganda, Adolu-Otojoka was appointed as in charge of Culture affairs for the East African Community in Nairobi from 1974 to 1977. This regional assignment according to Okurut included serving as coordinator and artistic advisor for East Africa FESTAC Festival of Arts and culture that was held in Nigeria in 1977- a position that provided him excellent continental platform to showcase his art performance credentials.
Mak to initiate an online Doctoral Professorship for Zadok Adolu-Otojoka
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Principal CHUSS Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire described the day’s event as great saying, the Dean School Liberal and Performing Arts will handle the request to bestow an Honorary Doctorate upon the celebrated music teacher, performer and mentor.
“Today was really a great day for Makerere as we celebrate 100 years of building for the future and transforming lives. We honor Prof. Zadok Adolu-Otojoka.
Prof. Ahikire congratulated Dr. Milton Wabyona for successfully initiating and implementing the idea of honouring Prof. Adolu-Otojoka as part of Mak @100.
“It is a pleasure to see our students perform this high level and wow!. Our teachers, the way you are modelling our students is commendable. As Principal CHUSS, CHUSS is the soul and PAF is the spirit.” She added.
She also hailed the family of Prof. Zadok Adolu-Otojoka especially the women for standing by him throughout his musical career, noting that if the family arena is shaken, the person is shaken.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Dr. Pamela Khanakwa Honored for Steering Record 18 PhD Candidates for the Mak 2026 Graduation
Six personally supervised, three completed in record time, as School of Liberal and Performing Arts sets a historic milestone. Dr. Pamela Khanakwa got the Award as Best PhD Supervisor and Dean
A Historic Academic Milestone for SLPA
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) recognised the Dean of the School of Liberal and Performing Arts (SLPA), Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, for outstanding academic leadership that has seen the School field 18 PhD candidates for the next 2026 Makerere University Graduation Ceremony scheduled for 24th-27th February. Remarkably, six of these doctoral graduates were directly supervised by Dr. Khanakwa, with three completing within the official three-year timeframe, an exceptional achievement in graduate training. The recognition was announced during the CHUSS End-of-Year Get-Together, where staff applauded Dr. Khanakwa’s dedication, humility, and relentless commitment to postgraduate supervision and timely completion.
Message to Academic Staff
Q: What message do you have for your staff following this achievement?
Dr. Khanakwa:
First, I celebrate my staff and thank them for their dedication to supervision and student support. Academic work is demanding, and material rewards are often limited, but the true satisfaction comes from seeing students succeed.
I encourage my colleagues to remain committed. Yes, the workload is heavy, but many things are possible with dedication and teamwork. Let us continue working for the good of our students, our School, and Makerere University.
Leadership Rooted in Humility
Q: Many colleagues describe you as humble, down to earth, and hardworking. What shapes this character?
Dr. Khanakwa:
I think it is largely my upbringing. My mother was a primary school teacher from the 1950s until the mid-1980s. She worked extremely hard to raise us, combining teaching with farming to ensure we had school fees and basic needs. From her, I learned humility, discipline, and the value of hard work.
I also learned that leadership positions are temporary. You occupy them today, and tomorrow you move on. So humility is essential.
My graduate training also shaped me significantly. My PhD supervisor emphasized that graduate study is a full-time job and that results matter more than noise. Let people see your work through outcomes, not announcements.
Supervision as a Two-Way Commitment
Q: How would you describe your supervision style?
Dr. Khanakwa:
I read my students’ work thoroughly, word by word. Sometimes my comments are tough, but they are honest. Supervision is a two-way commitment. I give feedback, but students must also respond and remain engaged. When that relationship works, progress happens.
Balancing Leadership, Scholarship, and Family
Q: How do you balance being a Dean, scholar, wife, mother, and daughter?
Dr. Khanakwa:
Honestly, I am not sure I balance perfectly. My mother lives far away in Bukwo, so visiting requires careful planning. My children grew up understanding the demands of academic life. I pursued my PhD in the United States and spent long periods away, but we adapted as a family.
Work has become part of my lifestyle. I use weekends to read dissertations, review manuscripts, and write. Sometimes my children ask if I ever sit without working, but this is the commitment I made. As we often say jokingly, “We humbly applied for the job, so let us do the job.”
Scholarship Beyond Supervision
Dr. Khanakwa is also an active scholar and editor. In the past year alone, she has:
- Edited scholarly volumes on archives, memory, method, and pedagogy
- Published a book with Routledge Companion
- Co-authored journal articles and book chapters with graduating students, including Priscah Asiimwe and Anatoli Lwasa Mpijja
“I feel an obligation to write with students,” she notes. “It takes time, energy, and commitment, but it is part of academic mentorship.”
Who Is Dr. Pamela Khanakwa?
Dr. Pamela Khanakwa is the Dean, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University. She is a seasoned scholar, supervisor, administrator, and mentor whose leadership continues to redefine graduate training excellence. Details about Dr. Pamela Khanakwa can be accessed at: https://chuss.mak.ac.ug/en/personnel/pamela-khanakwa/
More details are available in her attached curriculum vitae.
The CHUSS End- Of-Year-Get-Together
On 12th December, 2025 the college leadership organised a get-together end of year gathering to take stock of the achievements, challenges and brainstorm together on how to move forward. The event was marked by entertainment, team building games, appreciation speeches, sharing a meal and a Christmas package for every staff
Retirees and staff recognised
Five retired staff Dr. Micheal Wangotta Masakala, Dr. Anatole Kirigwajjo and Dr. Jackson Kizza Mukas (all from the School of Languages, Literature and Communication), Assoc. Prof. Florence Nansubuga (School of Psychology), Dr. Tusabe Gervase (School of Liberal and Perforing Arts) and Ms. Scovia Nganda Sekweyama (secretary from the School of Social Sciences) were recognised for their dedicated services to the university.
In addition to Dr. Pamela Khanakwa’s Award as Best PhD Supervisor and Dean, Ms. Birabwa Florence scooped the award of Best Registrar of the year. Birabwa is the registrar for the School of Liberal and Performing Arts.
Administrative and support staff including Ms. Mary Gyezaho and Annet Kashumbusha(both administrative secretaries in the Principals office), Farouq Lule (IT Officer), Godfrey Kakooza (cleaner), Charles Sebuguzi (driver) and Jane Anyango (Communications officer) were recognise with awards for outstanding service. Dr. Mohamed Mayanja Kajumba was from the School of Pyschology was recognised as the person with an outstanding talent in Handwriting.
The celebrations held in the Arts quadrangle were graced by the Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Prof. Sarah Ssali and the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Adminstration Prof. Ireeta Tumps.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Ugandan Journalists Trained on Peace and Gender-Sensitive Reporting Ahead of 2026 Elections
Kampala, Uganda – January 9, 2026
Ahead of the January 15 general elections, Ugandan journalists have undergone specialized training on peace and gender-sensitive reporting to ensure responsible media coverage during the election period. The two-day training, held from 8th to 9th January 2026 at Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences Smart Room, was organized by the Women’s Situation Room (WSR) in partnership with various stakeholders and brought together journalists from across print, broadcast, and online platforms.
The main objective of the training was to strengthen the capacities of media in reporting and documenting electoral processes in a responsible and gender-sensitive manner. The specific objectives included: strengthening journalists’ skills to cover the 2026 elections in a fair, balanced, gender-sensitive, and non-violent partisan way; enhancing the role of media to enable citizens to be well-informed and actively participate in the election process; ensuring focused and balanced reporting on peace during and after elections; and strengthening partnerships between the WSR and media houses during the election period.
The training covered multiple critical modules. Day one focused on responsible conflict-sensitive reporting, emphasizing principles such as balance, impartiality, and accuracy. Participants explored the role of media as a relayer of the population’s voice, election monitor, catalyst for social cohesion and reconciliation, contributor to the accountability of political actors, and a platform for detecting and debunking digital media misinformation and hate speech.
Day two addressed responsible and gender-sensitive reporting. Key aspects included the definition of gender-sensitive reporting, how to become a gender-sensitive reporter, critical elements in reporting with gender awareness, packaging gender-sensitive stories, and a checklist for detecting and avoiding gender-insensitive reporting.
Her Lordship, retired Judge Justice Mary Mayitum, emphasized the importance of peace as the foundation of development and democratic engagement. “Because we value peace more than anything. Without peace, really, you can do nothing. But where there is peace, you can have time to reflect, discuss with others, and join in meaningful dialogue,” she said. She warned that the country’s past conflicts, such as those in Gulu, underscored the necessity of maintaining national harmony.
Justice Mayitum also urged other key election stakeholders to uphold peaceful conduct. “Being peaceful is the very heart of life. We have spoken to police, security personnel, political parties, and the Electoral Commission. We want politicians to have a code of conduct and to understand that it’s okay to think differently without fighting or hating one another,” she added.
Dr. William Tayebwa, lead facilitator and senior lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, said, “This training is about conflict-sensitive reporting, peace journalism, and gender-sensitive reporting in the context of the elections. The emphasis was on giving female political candidates a voice while ensuring journalists report responsibly on election-related matters.”
Participants described the training as timely and impactful. Tony Banizengabo of CBS Wakiso District said, “We’ve benefited a lot. We’ve been trained to write stories which bring peace, not conflict. Ahead of the elections, we are very ready to be part of peacemakers.”
Dorcas Kimono of UBC TV Kampala added, “It was so timely and rich. We learned how to report without promoting or fueling violence, giving voice to victims without angering them or encouraging violators. This is very vital, especially as we approach the 2026 elections.”
The training aims to equip media personnel with the knowledge and skills to uphold professional ethics while contributing to a peaceful, inclusive, and gender-sensitive electoral process.
Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS Invests Over UGX 100 Million in Interactive Smart Screens, Upgrades Teaching Infrastructure
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) has invested over UGX 100 million in the acquisition and installation of state-of-the-art interactive smart screens, marking a major step in strengthening digital teaching and learning at Makerere University.
Under the investment, 86-inch interactive 4K smart screens have been installed in major lecture rooms across the college’s schools, replacing traditional projectors and whiteboards. The upgrade is intended to modernise instructional delivery, enhance student engagement, and support blended and hybrid learning models.
The touch-sensitive smart screens enable lecturers to write, draw, and annotate content directly on the display, while simultaneously integrating multimedia resources such as videos, presentations, and online materials. The screens support wireless screen casting from laptops, tablets, and smartphones, allowing for smooth, cable-free presentations and real-time sharing of students’ work during lectures and group discussions.
Designed to promote interactive and learner-centred pedagogy, the smart screens feature multi-touch capability that allows several users to interact with the board at the same time. This functionality supports collaborative learning, problem-solving exercises, and group presentations, making lessons more engaging and inclusive for students with diverse learning styles.
The boards are equipped with built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling seamless hybrid teaching through platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. This allows lecturers to conduct virtual and physical classes simultaneously, record full lectures, and share them with students for later review, revision, or catch-up purposes.
Running on dual Android and Windows operating systems with full internet connectivity, the smart screens provide direct access to online academic resources, digital libraries, and learning management systems. Their AI-powered features further enhance lesson organisation, content clarity, and efficient, paper-free instruction, contributing to a more sustainable learning environment.
To ensure safety and prevent misuse, the smart screens are secured in fabricated metallic safety boxes installed in the lecture rooms.
Beyond digital infrastructure, CHUSS has also undertaken additional physical improvements. The Russian Lecture Room in the School of Languages, Literature and Communication has been furnished with new chairs, tables, and a projector screen, significantly enhancing its teaching environment.
The college has further improved staff working spaces, with the School of Psychology renovating office space and classrooms in Block A, while similar renovations have been carried out in the School of Social Sciences.
The infrastructural upgrades underscore CHUSS’ commitment to improving the quality of teaching, learning, and staff working conditions in line with Makerere University’s digital transformation agenda.
-
General1 week agoPress Statement: Makerere University Congratulates Former Staff and Students on Successful Election to Public Office
-
General6 days agoPress Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony
-
General1 week agoRe-Advert for the Position of the Second Deputy Vice Chancellor
-
General2 weeks agoMak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting
-
Humanities & Social Sciences2 weeks agoDr. Pamela Khanakwa Honored for Steering Record 18 PhD Candidates for the Mak 2026 Graduation