Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak & Kyoto University to advance human capacity in Africa’s SDGs
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Associate Prof. Umar Kakumba was speaking during the second day of the JICA Chair and Japan week organized under CHUSS as part of the activities to commemorate the 100 years of Makerere University’s service to humanity at the Auditorium in CTF 2 on 23rd March 2022.
Associate Prof. Kakumba said Makerere University is to be linked to Kyoto university through a program initiated by the Ministry of Education, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan called, “ Innovative Africa: Educational Networking Programs for Human Resource development in Africa’s SDGs.
“This collaboration will kick-start the next 100 years of Makerere University in international exchange and I believe people- to- people exchanges are essential in enhancing knowledge and academic activities”.
Associate Prof. Kakumba noted that the already existing academic exchanges if scaled up, will be of intrinsic value to the university as it aspires to be research-led.
“I am also informed that Ministry of Education, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan has awarded the Department of History, Archeology and Heritage Studies a Teaching Assistant Scholarship. Such opportunities will enable the department to provide a critical mass that will strengthen its research capacity”, he stated.
The DVCAA said the university is privileged to be joined by various distinguished dignitaries and officials from JICA and the Embassy of Japan in Uganda adding that this is a testimony to the long-lasting relations and collaboration in various aspect of teaching, learning, research and innovation.
“As we celebrate a century of existence, our goal is to leverage our varied experiences of excellence in building a transformed society. We are therefore excited to renew and strengthen our relationship with the Government of Japan in line with the theme of the current JICA Chair Week, which is, “Learning from Japan’s unique experiences of development”, Associate Prof. Kakumba stated.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor also expressed happiness that what started as a request for a collaboration in teaching has materialized into the JICA Chair hosted in the Department of History, Archeology and Heritage Studies.
The Japan Chair program will include short intensive lectures conducted by lecturers from Japan, interuniversity celebrations and supply of teaching aids and library materials. A consignment of books from Japan was recently received by the university library.
By Atwenda Nancy. E
Makerere University, June 20, 2025 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is holding its 2025 Graduate Symposium from June 19 – 21, 2025, bringing together scholars, mentors, and graduate students in a spirited exchange of ideas, research, and academic collaboration.
The symposium, hosted at Makerere University, has provided a dynamic platform for PhD students to present their ongoing research, while also strengthening ties with sister universities and celebrating the achievements of the CHUSS Graduate School in nurturing the next generation of scholars.
In his keynote address, Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi welcomed participants and acknowledged the contributions of speakers from the previous day’s sessions, including Prof. Eric Awich Ochen (Deputy Principal, CHUSS), Dr. Peter Wekesa, and Dr. Zaid Sekito, among others. He emphasized that the symposium was not just a showcase of academic work, but a strategic platform to build partnerships and attract research funding.
“Generations must prepare for the next generation,” Dr. Nabutanyi noted, reflecting on life after PhD and the evolving role of Makerere University as a research-intensive institution. He praised department heads for their role in ensuring timely completion of graduate programmes and reiterated the college’s commitment to research excellence.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza highlighted the importance of research that is impactful and relevant to society.
“Research is unimportant unless it is relevant,” he stated. “If one conducts research that doesn’t benefit society, it becomes a waste of resources.” He urged graduate students to approach their academic work with purpose, noting that Makerere is not a “PhD factory” but a hub for innovation, with over 300 active PhD students registered.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of CHUSS, underscored the College’s intentional approach to graduate success. “You are in the mind of an excellent mind,” she said, encouraging students to continue striving for excellence and leadership in their respective fields. The 2025 CHUSS Graduate Symposium served as both a celebration of academic progress and a call to action for scholars to engage in meaningful research that addresses the needs of communities and contributes to national and global development.
The Writer is an Intern in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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