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Humanities & Social Sciences

72nd Graduation: Doctoral Citations – CHUSS

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AMPAIRE Anne
AMPAIRE Anne

AMPAIRE Anne
Career Stereotypes and Aspiration as Predictors of Students’ Independence in Career Choice at Education Transitional Levels in Uganda

Ms. AMPAIRE Anne examined the extent to which career stereotypes and aspirations predict students’ career choice at education transitional levels in Uganda. This was motivated by the continued challenges that impact on students’ independence in career choice and the extent to which career decisions are based on the available facts. This has led to students taking up careers that are not in line with their interests, value system, and skills, thereby compromising the outcome expectations. Overall, the results revealed that reliance on personal independence and career choice facts, is decreased by the prevailing career stereotypes, across the education transitional levels. This has resulted into an increase in the number of students who pursue careers that are inconsistent with their career aspirations and interests, and there is need for measures aimed at addressing those prevailing career stereotypes. The study was co-funded by myself and Makerere University and was supervised by Dr. Mayanja Kajumba and Prof. Anthony M. Mugagga.


ANTWIWAA Stella
ANTWIWAA Stella

ANTWIWAA Stella
The Representation of Women in Selected Plays of Euripides and Selected Ghanaian Playwrights

Ms. ANTWIWAA Stella employed feminist and postcolonial theories to interrogate the representation of women in selected classical Euripidean plays and selected Ghanaian playwrights to examine the ‘universalist’ view that the Classics are models for others to learn from. The research questions the hegemonic elevation of the Classical/Western values to examine African experiences. The study reveals that in terms of gender representations, the Classical Greek, through Euripides’ writings, does not provide examples for the Akan (Ghanaian/African) societies. The study recommends that African scholars need to adopt Afrocentric epistemology to examine African experiences in order to shift and balance the centres of knowledge production and circulation. Africa’s classics in history, art, myths, folktales and indigenous knowledge need to be foregrounded in scholarship to address the pedestal placement of the Western Classics as a yardstick to evaluate African artefacts. Granted the Classics continue to be valuable, scholars need to interrogate them when applied to different cultural experiences. This critical and comparative study challenges the ideology of the superiority of Western Classics over other cultures. This study was funded by Gerda Henkel Stiftung Foundation, and supervised by Prof. Dominica Dipio and Dr Danson Kahyana.


ARINAITWE Perpetua
ARINAITWE Perpetua

ARINAITWE Perpetua
Kiswahili at Crossroads: Cultural Politics and Language Policy in Uganda.

Ms. ARINAITWE Perpetua studied historical narratives of different language policies and factors that impacted Kiswahili growth across the different historical periods; the pre-colonial period (1840-1894); the colonial period (1894-1962); and the post-colonial period (1962-2019). A blend of three approaches to language policy and planning (LPP); the Historical-structural model, the Neo-classical Model and Language Management Theory (LMT). A narrative technique enabled the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings revealed that Kiswahili growth has been dependent on numerous language policies stretching from the pre, during and post-colonial epochs. Constant shift in cultural and political leadership meant that whoever held power determined the language policies that favoured their leadership ideology. The study was funded by the GERDA HENKEL STIFFTUNG and was supervised by Dr Saudah Namyalo and Dr Gumoshabe Gilbert.


ASIIMWE Stedia
ASIIMWE Stedia

ASIIMWE Stedia
Female survivors’ Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and access to justice in Uganda

Ms. ASIIMWE Stedia investigated female survivors’ experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and access to justice in Uganda, with a focus on relationships involving male police officers. The study was carried out in Jinja police barracks in Eastern Uganda. Methodologically, qualitative approach was employed, using case study design. Findings indicate that female survivors of IPV experienced physical, sexual, economic and psychological violence. Factors that triggered IPV against women in police families included: shared accommodation, poorly managed transfers and daily deployments, alcoholism, low salaries, refusing women to work outside the barracks and work related stress. Access to justice by female survivors of IPV was constrained by alien referral pathways to justice, abusers’ possession of a weapon, long procedures, laxity by authority to punish fellow officers, sexual harassment, women’s lack of information about their rights and Government’s failure to decentralize some services. The study argues that the arm of the law is too short to reach civilian female survivors of IPV, because the abusers are at the same time the vehicles through which justice is supposed to be delivered. The study recommends that police management should construct more houses for officers, include a module on Gender based violence in police training syllabus and use mult-professional teams to handle IPV cases. The study was funded by Makerere-Sweden Bilateral Research Program, and was supervised by Dr. Victoria Flavia Namuggala and Dr. Ruth Nsibirano.


ATWAGALA Donnah
ATWAGALA Donnah

ATWAGALA Donnah
A Comparative Analysis of Land ownership and Land conflicts in post-conflict areas of Luwero and Amuru Districts, Uganda: A Gender Perspective

Ms. ATWAGALA Donnah analysed the effects of landownership and land conflicts on gender perspectives in post-conflict areas of Luwero and Amuru Districts in Uganda. The findings show that the nature and causes of land conflicts have evolved, transforming from being local to becoming international. Actors and conflicts have become more sophisticated and complex to identify and analyse, respectively. The study recommends adopting the right-based, gender and conflict-sensitive land acquisition, ownership and management framework that will ensure equitable land acquisition, access and use by all stakeholders. This study was supervised by Dr. Paddy Musana and Assoc. Prof. Consolata Kabonesa.


BALIKOOWA Richard
BALIKOOWA Richard

BALIKOOWA Richard
A Sociocultural Exploration of Children’s Experiences and Perspectives on Gender-based Violence in Primary Schools in Busoga Sub-region, Uganda

Mr. BALIKOOWA Richard explored the experiences and perspectives of primary school children regarding gender-based violence in and around schools and its impact on their schooling; in Uganda’s Busoga sub-region. Using a sociocultural approach, Balikoowa adopted a multimethod design through which he involved 450 male and female school children from 10 to 14 years in participatory visual activities; including draw-and-talk, child-friendly focus group conversations, in-depth interviews; as well as the eclectic administration of a survey tool. Children acknowledged experiencing and/or witnessing gender-based violence in and around their schools. They also disclosed that gender-biased factors associated with school setup and gender-based violence immensely negatively affected their motivation to engage in school activities. However, children’s greatest nervousness and related impact on their schooling was attributed to the unresponsiveness and unempathetic attitude by those around them. The study recommended that stakeholders in children’s schooling should allow them reveal their challenges and also pay concerted attention to them as key participants in their development and schooling. The study was funded by the Andrew W. Mellon and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Julius Fred Kikooma and Dr. David Onen.


FEDEO Ignas
FEDEO Ignas

FEDEO Ignas
Myth and Mythmaking in the Narratives about Mwalimu Julius Nyerere among the Banyakyusa

Mr. FEDEO Ignas studied the recreation of Nyerere’s personal life and political career in Banyakyusa myths. The study offers an alternative understanding of Nyerere’s life and history as perceived by local people. Using oral history interviews and content analysis, Banyakyusa myths which carry their culture, voices, beliefs, and perceptions of Nyerere were recorded. The myths were interpreted based on Banyakyusa traditional beliefs and their life experiences. The findings revealed that Banyakyusa believe that Nyerere was endowed with immerse supernatural and mystical powers which helped him to implement his presidential duties successfully and protect himself and the Tanzanian people. The study established the Banyakyusa belief that Nyerere’s mystical powers greatly account for the prominence of his ideas and the reverence accorded to him in Tanzania, Africa and the world at large. The study will promote preservation of Banyakyusa and other Africans oral materials especially myths which carry beliefs and perceptions of local people. This study was funded by Gerda-Henkel Stiftung Foundation and supervised by Prof Abasi Kiyimba and Dr. Benge Okot.


KATURAMU Alex
Land, social Change and the lives of nomadic pastoralists in Western Uganda since 1950

Mr. KATURAMU Alex examined the historical proliferation of nomadic pastoralists focusing on the issues of land and social change since 1950. In the results, seasonal movements culminated into land conflicts among pastoralists and farmers. The land conflicts were exacerbated by intensity of population in the cattle corridor. The study shows that pastoralists remain one of the secors that significantly contribute to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product, hence deserving resource investiments to improve the livelihoods of herders. This study was supervised by Dr. Simon Peter Rutabajuuka and Dr. Charlottee Karungu Mafumbo.


KIGEMBE Elmerek
KIGEMBE Elmerek

KIGEMBE Elmerek
Challenges of Strategic Plan Implementation in the North Western Diocese: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania

Rev. KIGEMBE Elmereck investigated the challenges that limited strategic plan implementation in the North Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran church in Tanzania. The study identified Improper resource allocation, limited knowledge of implementers, un-conducive working conditions, lack of clear targets and changes in Government policies as negative actors in strategic plan implementation. For the church to effectively implement its strategic plan objectives so as to deliver God’s Mission, the study recommended strategic mobilization, monitoring and allocation of resources; integration of training in the strategic plan implementation processes; enhancement of working conditions; integration of clear targets in action plans and regular review of strategic plan instruments to accommodate changes in the government policy. The study was funded by the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) and supervised by Dr. Patrick Mangeni and Dr. Veneranda Mbabazi.


KIRIGGWAJJO Anatole
KIRIGGWAJJO Anatole

KIRIGGWAJJO Anatole
The Tonology of Lunyala Nouns, Noun Phrases and Verbs

Mr. KIRIGGWAJJO Anatole investigated the tonology of Lunyala one of Uganda’s minority languages mainly spoken in the district of Kayunga. He argues that although the tone system of Bantu languages has attracted a lot of attention in the last decade, minority languages have been neglected making such languages endangered. His study found out that Lunyala has a privative tone system with the High tone marked underlying while both the underlying and surface tones are borne by moras in a one-to-one correspondence. Further the tone distribution over the moras is determined by tonal processes for example; High and Low tone spreading, Obligatory contour Principle and Tonal polarity among others. He underscores the usefulness of the study in compiling Lunyala online-talking dictionaries and developing teaching and learning materials in Lunyala. This study was funded by Volkswagen Foundation and was supervised by Dr. Saudah Namyalo.


IMOKOLA John Baptist
IMOKOLA John Baptist

IMOKOLA John Baptist
Television Programming Regulation: Examining the Policy Implementation of Local Content Quotas in Uganda

Mr. IMOKOLA John Baptist examined the implementation of television local content quotas policy in Uganda. Five years after television local content quotas were implemented in 2014, no known comprehensive assessment had been done on uptake by television stations, and how the is understood by the different stakeholders. The study analyzed the perspectives of different stakeholders, opportunities from the local content quotas and the challenges affecting implementation. Using key informant interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis, the study found that Uganda Communications Commission, the television stations, the local content producers and the audience had reacted differently towards the policy. Implementation has seen increased production, acquisition, adaptation and airing of Ugandan content for television. Although there are opportunities created by the policy, achievement of these are bedeviled structural, conceptual, economic and political challenges affecting effective implementation. The study proposed a new definition of local content, and recommends a consultative process in the formulation and implementation of broadcast policies. This study was funded by Andrew Mellon CHUSS Fellowship and supervised by Prof. Goretti Linda Nassanga and Dr. Brian Semujju.


KYOMUHENDO Marjorie Niyitegeka
KYOMUHENDO Marjorie Niyitegeka

KYOMUHENDO Marjorie Niyitegeka
Family Planning Communication in Uganda: An Interrogation of Media Reporting, Communication Campaigns and Audience Perspectives

Ms. KYOMUHENDO Marjorie Niyitegeka’s study was motivated by the constant high awareness and low use of contraceptives by most women and men of reproductive age in Uganda. She thus examined the framing of family planning information in selected media stories and health communication campaigns. She also explored how audience members targeted by the campaigns interpreted family planning information. Her study found deficiencies in family planning communication occasioned by shallow media reporting and information transmission approaches that disregarded the audience’s information needs and contextual factors. She recommends that the Ministry of Health and partners implement a harmonised communication strategy that is audience-centred and responsive to the emerging information needs and socio-ecological contexts of particular audience segments. She further urges Uganda’s media to practise more enterprise and interpretive journalism in reporting family planning to amplify its significance to the public. The study was co-funded by CARTA and Makerere University, and was supervised by Prof.Goretti L. Nassanga and Prof. Anne R. Katahoire.


LUGWIRI Okombo Patrick
LUGWIRI Okombo Patrick

LUGWIRI Okombo Patrick
A citizen Sociolinguistics Appraisal of Kiswahili as a Tool for Social Integration in the East African Community

Mr. LUGWIRI Okombo Patrick employed the Citizen Sociolinguistics model to explore language-based decisions about Kiswahili among ordinary citizens in the East African Community, specifically, in Busia and Namanga border towns. Lugwiri’s study was motivated by Article 137(2) of the EAC Treaty (1999) which provides for the promotion of Kiswahili as a lingua franca of the Community. Using ethnographic methods, the study examined the patterns and extent of the use of Kiswahili, the nature of Kiswahili used, and citizens perceptions and attitudes to Kiswahili. The study found that Kiswahili is construed, constructed and appropriated differently by different citizens in different domains and spaces, and therefore, a highly varied language. While Kiswahili has the potential of a common language of communication and a tool for social integration in the EAC, issues of varieties and labels, contact and conflict between varieties, status and prestige, perceptions and attitudes, national and social identity, and linguistic power struggles impact negatively on this potential. The study recommended a shift in approach to Kiswahili in the EAC from the ‘top-down’ policies to ‘bottom-up’ or practice-based policies that take into account participation of ordinary citizens as makers and shapers of language policies. The study was funded by Gerda Henkel Fellowship and supervised by Dr Merit Kabugo and Dr Florence Bayiga.


MUDONDO Constance
MUDONDO Constance

MUDONDO Constance
Land Conflicts and Livelihoods of People Utilising Namatala Wetland in Eastern Uganda

Ms. MUDONDO Constance examined how land conflicts shape livelihoods of people. Using Namatala Wetland in Eastern Uganda as a case, she examined the conflict dimensions and drivers, land use, and conflict management mechanisms. She found that increasing demand for moist farm land shape conflict dimensions leading to cleavage formation based on class, ethnicity, and location. The emergent quests for territorial control and inequality result in violence, which hinders optimal use of land and diminishes wetland users’ capitals. Although formal conflict management strategies have been tried, they were largely protectionist and divisive, reinforcing feelings of relative deprivation and latent hostilities. Consequently, the wetland users have resorted to informal coping mechanisms like social-networks that act as collective labour, financial safety valves and buffers against attacks. She argues that alleviating the effects of land conflicts requires shifting from structural models to locally bred conflict management systems. The study was funded by SIDA and supervised by Dr. Robert Kabumbuli and Dr. Dauda Waiswa Batega.


MUGENYI Jonathan
MUGENYI Jonathan

MUGENYI Jonathan
Singing Politics: Popular Music, Popular Politics and Contingencies of Protest in NRM’s Uganda

Mr. MUGENYI Jonathan examined the deployment of musical expression in the practice of state politics under Uganda’s National Resistance Movement. On the one hand, he investigated the direct and implied ways by which the NRM deploys musical expression as a tool of political mobilisation and legitimization while on the other hand, he examined ways by which the Ugandan society uses musical expression to create alternatives ways of engaging with NRM politics. Expanding the Foucauldian theory of power, Mugenyi argues that musical expression is a conduit of state power that percolates into society and it is the same conduit that returns to the state to challenge its power as contingencies of protest. This study was funded under Makerere Institute of Social Research’s Interdisciplinary MPhil/PhD and was supervised by Prof. Mahmood Mamdani.


MWANIKA Kassim
MWANIKA Kassim

MWANIKA Kassim
Commercial Sugarcane Farming and Rural Youth Livelihoods in Eastern Uganda

Mr. MWANIKA Kassim examined the implications of commercial farming on a vulnerable population. Focusing on sugarcane farming and youth livelihoods in Eastern Uganda, he found that sugarcane farming has a suboptimal impact on youth livelihoods in Busoga sub-region. Due to limited requisite resources, the youth constitute the bulk of sugarcane labour force and their benefits from the industry are limited to wage earnings. He argues that commercial sugarcane farming is an enclave for wealthy groups, and that youth are incorporated into circuits of capital accumulation where they are exploited by employers. The process is exacerbated by lack of labour regulations and sugarcane price volatility, which undermine the trickle-down effect of sugarcane farming on youth livelihoods. Enhancing outcomes from sugarcane farming requires addressing structural traps embedded in capitalist large-scale farming. The study was funded by SIDA and supervised by Assoc. Prof. Andrew Ellias State, Prof. Atekyereza Peter and Assoc. Prof. Torun Österberg.


NAKABO Seruga Robinah
NAKABO Seruga Robinah

NAKABO Seruga Robinah
Followership and Women’s Empowerment for Sustainable Development: A Case of the Women in the National Association of Women’s Organisations in Uganda

Ms. NAKABO Seruga Robinah investigated followership and women’s empowerment for sustainable development, taking the case of the women in NAWOU. After in-depth interviews, findings showed that followership was generally a taken for granted concept. Respondents perceived followership as a cooperative venture, retrospection on past experiences, as a detour, seeking to stabilise or destabilise the status quo, identifying preferred values, and mentorship. Most voices reiterated that generally, many women exhibited perpetual and unconscious followership tendencies even when other alternatives were available; with fear as the main causal condition. However, women’s followership of NAWOU was found to be pragmatic and conscious with the implication of possible empowerment; intervened by education, family ties, and financial situations. The conclusion was, depending on personal characteristics, perception of empowerment and the typology of followership adopted, women could gain empowerment for sustainable development. The recommendation is that NAWOU, the government, academic institutions, and similar organizations reconsider the concept of followership and its implications on empowerment. The study was supervised by Assoc Prof. Godfrey Assimwe, and Dr. Robert S. Esiruku


NAKALYOWA Deborah
NAKALYOWA Deborah

NAKALYOWA Deborah
Intimate Partner Violence and Masculinities: Experiences of Baganda male “survivors” in Masaka District, Uganda

Ms. NAKALYOWA Deborah examined, through a qualitative methodology, the lived experiences of men who were subjected to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) by their female intimate partners in heterosexual relationships, including forms/types in which the IPV manifested, and how it affected the masculine identities of the male victims. Findings revealed that they were subjected to psychological/emotional violence, in addition to physical aggression and sexual abuse in the contexts of Intimate Terrorism, Situational Couple Violence and Mutual Violent Control. While the importance of maintaining an appropriate sense of masculinity underpinned their narratives, the male victims described feeling shame and embarrassment for not having met the dominant cultural expectations surrounding masculinity, consequently affecting their emotional and physical well-being. However, the majority of men were hesitant to seek help after victimization, for fear of ridicule, emasculation and being cast as the perpetrators. Therefore, there is need for more research and advocacy to enhance recognition and public awareness about the plight of male victims, review of laws/policies aimed at combating IPV in intimate relationships to be more gender-inclusive, as well as establish victim service support sources for all IPV victims, regardless of gender. The study was funded by SIDA and supervised by Dr. Evelyn Lutwama-Rukundo and Assoc. Prof. Consolata Kabonesa


NANSAMBA Joyce
NANSAMBA Joyce

NANSAMBA Joyce
Why They Stay: A socio-cultural Reconstruction of Academics’ Retention in Uganda’s Public Universities.

Ms. NANSAMBA Joyce explains why Academics stay working in Uganda’s Public Universities despite unappealing working conditions. Recognizing that staff retention is not exclusively about institutional frameworks and individually situated explanations, the study underscores the role of historical, social and cultural contexts in explaining retention. A narrative analysis of the academics’ stories revealed that the meaning academics attach to their professional identity, the social relations from engaged scholarship and the otherness from external prestige explain their retention. The study was a departure from conventional thinking that attractive pay and benefits, satisfactory terms of service, good working conditions among others explain retention. It was a novel step to studying retention as a social construction from the perspective of Academics’ own experiences. The study was funded by Makerere University and supervised by Assoc Prof. Julius Kikooma and Assoc Prof. Umar Kakumba.


NIRINGIYIMANA Julius
NIRINGIYIMANA Julius

NIRINGIYIMANA Julius
Oil Politics and Land Conflicts in the Albertine Region, Uganda

Mr. NIRINGIYIMANA Julius investigated how oil politics was influencing the changing nature of land conflicts in the Albertine region of Uganda. The study discovered that though the Ugandan government had been engaging in protracted negotiations with multinational oil corporations in an effort to protect the national interests, the process instead got plagued by land conflicts and dispossession of citizens from their land. It established that the interests of the actors conflicted and led to the politicization of oil governance. Consequently, the government was made to adjust its position to accommodate the interests of multinational oil corporations while other opportunistic interests, such as land speculators also took advantage. These actions made the affected persons to lose their land rights which invoked and intensified land conflicts in form of Polanyi’s ‘countermovement’ and adversely affected people’s livelihoods. The study concluded that where neoliberal capitalism interfaces with an oil-producing developing country, citizens face dispossession of land and other rights, and where there are pre-existing land conflicts, the politicisation of oil intensifies them and produces new ones. The study recommends that the Ugandan state should re-assert its interests and obligations to protect people’s land rights and make multinational oil corporations to adhere to internationally established benchmarks such as fair compensation. This study was funded by SIDA and supervised by Prof Muhumuza William and Prof Murindwa Rutanga.


TUNANUKYE Nicholas
TUNANUKYE Nicholas

TUNANUKYE Nicholas
A History of Migrancy, Nativism, and Citizenship in Uganda, 1894-1995: A case of South and Western Uganda

Mr. TUNANUKYE Nicholas examined the relationship between migrations, identity formations and citizenship in Uganda, 1894-1995 using migration experiences of Bakiga and Banyankole into Buganda, and Bakiga into Bunyoro. Using historical research methods which included analysis of documents, oral narratives and archival sources, the study established that, whereas migration had taken place in the region of pre-Uganda, colonial rule encouraged unprecedented internal migration in Uganda. The new socio-economic order brought about by the colonial state opened the way for free movement in the protectorate across ethnic boundaries. There were two main reasons for this accelerated migration: migrant labour and search for land. The migration of Banyankole and Bakiga from southwestern region of Uganda to Buganda in the 1930s, 1940s into 1960s was largely in response to the former, while the migration of the Bakiga into Bunyoro and Toro regions during the 1950s and 1960s was in response to latter. The study also established that there were complex interactions between the migrating and receiving communities. One major complexity lay in the attitude of nativism, expressed in subtle ways. Nativism gave rise to two kinds of citizenship consciousness: the Local Citizenship bestowed by membership to an ancestral community inhabiting a particular region and National Citizenship bestowed by the statutes of the Ugandan state. The study was funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and was supervised by Dr. Simon Peter Rutabajuuka and Dr. Deo Nzarwa Katono.


WAMAMELA Nixon
WAMAMELA Nixon

WAMAMELA Nixon
A critique of Constitutional making and amendment in Uganda with Reference to the 1967 &1995 Constitution

Mr. WAMAMELA Nixon conducted an ethical critique of constitutional making and amendment in Uganda with specific reference to the 1967 and 1995 constitutions. The study established that the constitutional processes were seemingly legitimate, yet, self-interest tendencies overrode common interest, hence, the resultant controversies such as lack of consensus among members of parliament, questionable declaration of state of emergency, controversial consultations, resultant scuffles and violent scenes in parliament. It was also established that ideals of constitutional democracy and legislative ethics were lacking. To mitigate the above challenges, an ethical framework for constitutional making and amendment processes should be put into account. Such a framework should include referenda, benchmarking and a national consensus on ethical principles, declaration of conflict of interest by the incumbents and other possible beneficiaries. These are possible through creation of ethics review committee within parliament. The study was funded by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and supervised by Prof. Archangel Rukooko Byaruhanga and Dr. Paul Matthias Shimiyu.


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Humanities & Social Sciences

Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice Ignites Debate on African Unity and Decolonisation of Systems

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The Acting Vice Chancellor-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (Centre) with royals and dignitaries at the Symposium on 21st May 2026. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Charles Iga and Ritah Namisango

On 21st May 2026, candid discussions and reflections on the dignity and survival of the African people took centre stage as Pan-Africanists, youths, global diaspora leaders, esteemed royals, and scholars, convened at Makerere University, for the Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice.

Held ahead of the Africa Day Celebrations on 25th May 2026, the Symposium with over 23 participating Universities re-awakened the spirit of Pan-Africanism, African Unity, and the need to defend the dignity and the future of the African People.

The different speakers, panelists and participants rallied African nations to demand for reparation from those who dehumised the African people through slaverly, torture, conolialism, and any form of injustice.

“Pan-Africanism is about survival, dignity and power. It’s the understanding that Africa’s problems cannot be solved in isolation. It has a huge diaspora. It has to be holistic. Division is our greatest weakness. Unity is our strongest weapon,” said Chief Eric Phillips, the Keynote Speaker at the Inter-University African Symposium hosted by Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, in partnership with the Pan Afican Fraternity in Uganda, CARICOM, and AIDO International Network.

This is global citizenry in action

Opening the symposium on behalf of Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Alinaitwe described the gathering as a historic convergence of global African identity.

“As we gather in the Makerere University MainHall, we are deeply honoured to host distinguished delegates from across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the wider global African diaspora,” Prof. Alinaitwe said.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe.

He added, it is a meeting of minds, cultures, generations, and visions committed to shaping Africa’s collective future, emphasizing that African liberation must extend beyond political independence into economic and intellectual sovereignty.

“This symposium is happening at a critical moment in global history when Africa and people of African descent are redefining their place in a multipolar world,” he said.

Makerere re-affirms role as Pan-African Intellectual Hub

Re-affirming Makerere University as a critical centre for intellectual liberation and African-centred knowledge production, Prof. Alinaitwe noted that the struggle for African liberation continues through economic sovereignty, reparatory justice, cultural dignity, and decolonisation of knowledge systems.

He tipped the students that the future of Pan-Africanism will be shaped by their ideas, courage, and innovation.

Humanities hold the key to transformation

Citing the theme of the Symposium, Pan-African Intellectualism: The Urgency to Defend the Dignity and Future of the African People, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, stressed the central role of African scholarship in social transformation.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala.

“Our presence here reflects the urgency of defending the dignity and future of African people through knowledge,” Prof. Nkabala said.

She added, “Humanities and Social Sciences are vital for social transformation because without those disciplines, there can never be societal change. The humanities and social sciences hold the key to understanding society and reshaping it.”

The issue of reparations is central

The Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, reiterated the African voices on the need for reparation. “In December 2025, I represented Makerere University at the African Diaspora Summit in Accra, Ghana. The President of the Republic of Ghana, and the President of the Republic of Togo, spoke very strongly about the issue of reparation justice,” he said.

Prof. Eric Awich Ochen. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eric Awich Ochen.

“When we talk about reparation. Africa suffered from slavery and a lot of injustices during that period. Those responsible for that kind of injustice to us, may need to find away of making some compensation to Africa,” said Prof. Awich Ochen.

Inter-University Symposium kicks off the Africa Week celebrations

In a very special way, Dr Sarah Hasaba, the Chairperson of the  Organizing Committee for the Pan-African Liberation Week (21st to 25th May 2026) welcomed the participants who had travelled from the different parts of the world and within Uganda, to be part of the 5th Inter-University Symposium.

“As we celebrate the 63rd Africa Liberation day, we are honoured to start with the Inter-University symposium at Makerere University. As we engage in dialogue today, let us exchange ideas and build strategic partnerships. May this symposium be an opportunity for practical solutions, strong collaboration, and renewed commitment to the Pan-African vision of unity and transformation,” remarked Dr. Hasaba.

Dr. Sarah Hasaba. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Sarah Hasaba.

The Youth are an integral pillar of the Pan-African agenda

Her Highness Dr Queen Grace Eganda, was delighted to return to Makerere University, where her academic and leadership potential was nurtured in the 1990s.  During that time, she was privileged to have served as the Chairlady of Mary Stuart Hall, and happy to return to Makerere University, in the capacity of a global leader, and General Secretary of AIDO Network International.

Emphasizing the importance of the symposium, she said:  “This is a significant moment because we are looking at a bridge between the past and the present. As we reflect on the journey of Pan-Africanism, we are looking at our historical realities, present situations, and exploring how do we move forward progressively. We are working with the youth and the academia to promote the Pan-Africanism agenda.”

Underscoring the role of the youth, the Queen articulated: “ Any space where there’s no youth, any organization or planning where there is no youth is a dying moment. We are therefore encouraged to see many brilliant young people participating in the Symposium, we are passing the baton, the future is bright, and where we end, we know that the fire will keep burning.”

Her Highness Dr Queen Grace Eganda. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Her Highness Dr Queen Grace Eganda.

Building partnerships and promoting collaboration

With nostalgia, the President of AIDO Network International, and Chairman of the Global Africa Diaspora Kingdom, His Highness Papa, Dr Paul Jones Eganda, was pleased to return to Makerere University.

“In the 1990s, I was at this great University. I stayed in Lumumba Hall. Today, I come back, not as a student, but as a King and global leader with over 2.5 million followers globally,” he said amidst applause from the audience.

He informed the audience that the delegation consisted of 70 royals and key personalities who travelled to Uganda to participate in the activities of the Africa Liberation Week.  “Some of them have remained at Speke Resort Munyonyo because the Head of State, H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is launching the Uganda Tourism Expo. Some of us have made it to Makerere University, to participate in the Inter-University symposium,” he remarked.

His Highness Papa, Dr Paul Jones Eganda (L) and Her Highness Dr Queen Grace Eganda (R). Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
His Highness Papa, Dr Paul Jones Eganda (L) and Her Highness Dr Queen Grace Eganda (R).

His Highness Papa Dr Eganda said the AIDO Network International and the Inter-University Symposium, present to the African people, a platform to strengthen partnerships and collaboration, undertake joint research, and advocate for scholarships.

 “We are here to listen and learn from each other, and build partnerships. We would like to promote inter-university collaborations, research opportunities,  and scholarships,” he stated.

In a very special way, he recognized Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye and Lieutenant Gen. Amanda Magambo, for their commitment to the Pan-Africanism agenda.

Keynote Speech on Pan-Africanism and Reparation

A sense of quiet reflection and re-awakening was evident as the Keynote Speaker, Chief Eric Phillips, passionately shared his views about Pan-Africanism and reparation.

Highlighting the roots of Pan-Africanism, he said: “Before borders were drawn, before Africa was divided in Berlin, before the world told us who we were, Africans were already connected by culture, by trade, by identity and by civilization. But then came slavery, colonization, and the forced scattering of millions of Africans across the world.”

Chief Eric Phillips. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Chief Eric Phillips.

The keynote speaker articulated that from that pain, Pan-Africanism was born-starting in the hearts of enslaved Africans who refused to forget who they were.

“Today, the chains may look different, economic dependency, mental colonization. But the mission of Pan-Africanism remains the same. A united Africa is not a dream. It’s a necessity,” he emphasized.

Geopolitics of Reparatory Justice

The Keynote Speaker informed the participants that the geopolitics of reparatory justice is not often spoken about, yet it impacts people of Africans daily.

“European nations do not want to pay financial reparations. Financial reparations have been paid to the Jewish nation, the Japanese, and to many other people across the world. But when it comes to reparations for people of African descent, there seems to be a resistance, a denial, as if they still consider us as not being human,” he wondered.

Panel on Pan-Africanism and Intellectualism

Moderated by Callistus Mubangizi, the panel consisted of the following discussants: Dr. George Okiror-Makerere University, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, the Keynote Speaker-Chief Eric Phillips, Prof.Eria Hisali-Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences, Associate Professor Robert Ojiambo- Department of History, Archaeology, and Heritage at Kyambogo University, and Dr. Shadat Semakula from Canada.

The Panel on Pan-Africanism and Intellectualism. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Panel on Pan-Africanism and Intellectualism.

The discourse indicated that Intellectualism still continues to be the basis upon which Pan-Africanism lives. The panel tackled the relevance of Pan-African intellectualism as the framework for addressing structural inequalities and neocolonialism, as well as, the need for a unified African-led development.

Reparatory Justice is about Dignity, Not Only Money

Throughout the symposium, scholars and activists repeatedly emphasised that reparatory justice must go beyond financial compensation.  “Reparations is not just about money. It is about restoring dignity, identity, truth, education, land, psychology, and institutions.”

It was crystal clear that reparatory justice must begin with us.  “We cannot ask for reparations while abandoning our languages, our knowledge systems, and our identity. Reparatory justice must begin internally.”

Female panelists at the Symposium. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Female panelists at the Symposium.

We Lost Kingdoms, Artifacts, and Memory

Dr Davidson Amooti, representing Bunyoro cultural and administrative structures, gave a deeply historical account of colonial-era losses. “On behalf of Bunyoro Kingdom, we lost 2.5 million human beings during colonial wars,” he said.

Additionally, “We also lost more than 3,000 artifacts. The British government could not allow me to access museums and libraries. I had to go to court to obtain permission.”

Dr Amooti called for structured documentation and legal action. “We must mobilise every citizen in our cultural institutions for development. We cannot keep begging. We must research, document, and sign agreements.”

Education is not neutral

Dr Zaid Sekito, Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology & Heritage Studies at Makerere University, reframed reparatory justice as an educational and intellectual process.

“Reparatory justice is a pedagogical practice. We must understand what was destroyed, how it was destroyed, and how to rebuild it,” he said.

Some of the students in the audience. Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the students in the audience.

He highlighted that education systems continue to shape consciousness. “The classroom is not neutral. Even today’s curriculum is not neutral.”

Dr Sekito urged students to take leadership in transformation. “You have the power to influence institutional change. Youth movements have always been at the centre of African transformation.”

We must transform education and mindset

Speakers consistently called for curriculum reform and African-centred education. Some of the proposed reforms included: Introducing African-centred history from primary school; funding African research; supporting African languages; and building exchange programs with the diaspora.

A critical analysis indicated that colonial education was designed to produce obedience, not freedom. “Africans must now design education for liberation.”

Reparations requires Organisation, Not Rhetoric

Tackling this pertinent issue, the panelists and participants agreed as follows:

  • Pan-Africanism must move beyond conferences into action. Any plan is dependent upon discipline and execution.
  • Reparations will not be achieved by governments alone. It requires organised people, informed people, and committed youth.
  • CARICOM’s reparations agenda did not happen by chance. It happened because people organised, studied, and persisted.

You are the Next Movement

Dr Hilary Brown urged young Africans to take ownership of the Pan-African struggle. “To the young brother who asked, ‘What next?’ — you are the next,” she said. “The movement needs scholars, lawyers, journalists, musicians, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs. Everybody has a role.”

Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice held ahead 21st May 2025 of the Africa Day Celebrations with over 23 participating Universities, Main Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
HRH Queen Dr. Hilary Brown.

Therefore, “I request you to form reading circles, join Pan-African organisations, document your histories, engage leaders, and build networks across borders.”

Unity between Africa and its diaspora

The convening emphasised unity between Africa and its diaspora. “Africa and her diaspora are one people—different histories, but one destiny. Pan-Africanism is not an event. It is a lifelong commitment.”

The symposium that included cultural performances, and a session on promoting a “drug free world” concluded with renewed calls for youth engagement, research collaboration, and institutional reform across Africa and the diaspora. The symposium also marked the official launch of Pan-African Week activities leading to Africa Day 2026, reinforcing calls for research-driven advocacy, continental unity, and structured reparatory justice frameworks.

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Humanities & Social Sciences

Makerere University Short Story Writing Competition 2026

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Yours2Read, Department of Literature, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa Short Story Competition 2026. Photo: Nano Banana 2.

In collaboration with Yours2Read, the Department of Literature at Makerere University calls for short story entries into the 2025/2026 Short Story Competition. This competition encourages talent from students in the University at all levels, and offers an opportunity for you to tell your story and to exhibit your creative ability for the world stage.

Eligibility

  • Open to students presently studying at Makerere University.
  • Entries must be original works not previously published or submitted elsewhere.
  • Limit of one entry per person.

The story should include at the end the following sentence:

“Entry for the Makerere University-Yours2Read short story competition, commencing April 22, 2026, concluding June 15 2026”.

Failure to include this sentence will result in the entry being accepted as a general submission and not for the competition.

How to Submit an entry

Submissions should be made via the Yours2read website. You will need to register (free of charge) as an author first.

For more information, please get in touch with the following

Isaac Tibasiima, isaac.tibasiima@mak.ac.ug
Bonface Nyamweya, bonnybony7@gmail.com

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Education

Special University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27

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Students from the Department of Performing Arts on 4th April 2025.

The Academic Registrar Makerere University invites applications for the Special University Entry Examinations for admission to the Diploma in Performing Arts.

The examination will take place on Saturday 16th May, 2026.

Application process is online for those intending to sit the examination. Kindly note that there is payment of a non-refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000/- excluding bank charges in any (Stanbic Bank, Dfcu Post Bank, UBA and Centenary Bank). After filling the online application, you will be provided with 2 Past Papers.

To be eligible to sit the examinations, the candidate must possess an O’ Level Certificate (UCE) with at least 5 Passes.

The deadline for receiving the online applications is Tuesday 12th May 2026.

How to Apply

  • Application is online for ALL applicants.
  • Other relevant information can be obtained from Undergraduate Mature Age Office, Level 5, Room 505, Senate Building, Makerere University or can be accessed from https://see.mak.ac.ug
  • A non refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000= for Ugandans, East Africans Applicants (Including S. Sudan & DRC) OR US $ 75 or equivalent for international applicants plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
  • Apply through the application portal https://see.mak.ac.ug

Please see download below for the application portal user guide.

Further inquiries may be sent to email: see@mak.ac.ug

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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