Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS Presents the highest number of PhDs during the Mak 72 Graduation
Published
3 years agoon
By
Jane Anyango
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) has presented the highest number of PhD graduands for the Makerere University 72nd Graduation that started on Monday 23rd to Friday 27th May 2022. Out of the 100 Doctorates across all colleges, CHUSS presented 25 PhDs.
This is the second time CHUSS is taking lead in the production of PhDs. During the 71st Graduation ceremony held from 17th to 21st, May 2021, the college presented 22 PhDs out of 108 Doctorates across all colleges, the highest of all.

On this fifth and last session of Makerere University’s 72nd Graduation Ceremony CHUSS also presented over 165 Masters and over 1,500 undergraduates. The college also presented 07 candidates for the Diploma in Stratery and Warfare.
“I congratulate the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on producing a record 25 Candidates for the conferment of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree,” The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said.
A total of 12,474 graduands received degrees and diplomas of Makerere University during the 72nd graduation ceremony. Of these, 100 graduands graduated with PhDs, 1,236 with Masters degrees, 10,998 with Bachelor’s degrees and 140 with undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas. 52 % of the graduands were female and 48 % are male. Forty of the 100 PhD graduands and 492 of the 1,236 Masters graduands were female, representing 40% in each category.
The Chancellor’s remarks
Presiding over the ceremony, the Chancellor Makerere University, Prof Ezra Suruma thanked the Makerere University Council led by Mrs. Lorna Magara for their untiring efforts in supporting the administration to ensure the smooth functioning of the university. Prof Suruma also recognized the contributions of the Senate and the academic staff who have done so much to guide the graduands through the complexities of academic life.
The Chancellor acknowledged the contributions of various institutions and organizations towards the University notably, the Government of Uganda, staff, students, the development partners and religious leaders and all stakeholders, especially the parents, for the vital role played in supporting Makerere University to pursue its educational vision .
Prof. Suruma commended the graduands for enduring hardships that included mental stress, financial deprivation, social alienation and continuous intellectual harassment otherwise known as testing and examination adding that having survived all those hardships, Makerere University has awarded them survivors’ certificates to testify that they have been tested and found fully fit for tough duties anywhere in the world.

“I thank you very much for enduring and finishing what you came here to do. You have brought glory not only to yourselves but also to your loved ones, to your parents, to your friends and to God.
The world which you are now entering is filled with both old and new challenges. For example, the war between Russia and Ukraine has altered the global geopolitical environment. The prices of fuel have shot up dramatically, and many other commodity prices have also been affected. We now have to find solutions for survival in this new environment. I believe that we have to be more aggressive and creative in the face of this war. We need to change our economic system and even ideology, to respond to these new challenges”, the Professor advised.
Prof. Suruma told graduands that fortunately, there are also new opportunities such as the expansion of the East African Community to include the Democratic Republic of Congo that may be the most important market opportunity for Uganda since independence. He urged them to wake up and aggressively respond to this great opportunity.
The Chancellor noted that despite the severe limitations on employment imposed by the lack of capital and the cost of capital, there is need to intensify creativity to find ways to break these financial limitations and to realize that this challenge is a continuation of the African struggle for freedom. He added that colonialism has never ended but just continues in a new form hence the need to wake up to that challenge to set themselves free.
“Let us endeavor to stand firm on our principles even in the face of neocolonialism…
Fighting against slavery and colonialism and imperialism has never been easy. Each generation must wake up, define the problem and make its contribution to the solution. We must wake up and not fall asleep when our house is on fire”, The Chancellor stated.
Prof. Suruma reminded the congregation of the upcoming Uganda Martyrs celebrations who made stand for what they believed and paid with their lives stressing that as long as the challenges of poverty and injustice remain, there is no choice but to struggle for solutions for survival in our world.
He told the congregation that Uganda’s challenges range from the microeconomic struggle at the household level in the parish to the national and regional and international struggles for markets for coffee and oil and therefore need courage, commitment and organization to resolve these problems.
The Chancellor also stressed the need for everyone to ask God for wisdom to do what is right in the face of the hard challenges and thanking God for the gifts of time, education, of being alive where many have passed, the gift of a sound mind, the gift of eyes and hands and a strong heart and body.
The professor also advised graduands to extend a helping hand as they pass through this world, then their lives, gifts, will not be in vain, nor be wasted. This, he said is not all about doing big things, making news and getting applause but even small things matter.
“It is a big dark world out there. There is a desperate need for a helping hand. Please take your candle and shed some light wherever God has put you. You might not make the national or international headlines. But to those whom you give a helping hand you will be the most important headline of their life”, the Chancellor guided.
The Vice Chancellor’s Remarks
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said, despite the disruption caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic, the university council through the support and guidance of the university Council to push through and minimize the time lost, extending appreciation to staff and students for soldiering on in spite of the devastation and embracing the Open, Distance and e-learning.
The Vice Chancellor reported that the university has continued to grow her research capacity in line with the strategic plan (2020-2030) which seeks Makerere a fully research led university.
With more than 1,000 of our academic staff holding PhDs, Makerere is a formidable research institution currently ranked No. 2 in Africa as far as research is concerned. Globally Makerere University ranks to in collaborative research and in clinical research”, Prof Nawangwe said.
The Vice Chancellor said Makerere today competes favorably with any other top universities in the world as far as quality research is concerned due to heavy investments in human resource and infrastructure development by government and development partners.
Prof. Nawangwe reported that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences CHUSS has continued to strive for greater academic excellence, research and community service with several staff of CHUSS are involved in research and are part of international research networks.

Through CHUSS, the Vice Chancellor said, Makerere University secured USD 800,000 for archival research funded by the Mellon Foundation, USA. The project entitled: “Archiving, Memory and Method from the Global South”, is aimed at building the capacity of staff and students to study formal and non-formal archival repository institutions, community archiving and intangible archives such as folklore, dance, music and other oral forms.
Through these oral forms Prof. Nawangwe said the countries rich cultural history can be disseminated, preserved and handed down to the next generations. The project is also aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning in the humanities and social sciences.
“In our internationalization efforts, the university signed a Memorandum of understanding with Yunus Emre Institute of Turkey aimed at enhancing international communication and building strong relations with Turkey. By signing this protocol, Turkish language courses will start at Makerere University. Both Makerere and Yunus Emre Institute will be developing joint research, organizing joint academic, scientific and cultural events and, reviewing academic curricula”, Prof. Nawangwe read.
In addition, he said, collaborative efforts have been concluded to link Makerere University with Kyoto University, Japan through a program initiated by the Ministry of Education, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan known as, “ Innovative Africa: Educational Networking Programs for Human Resource development in Africa’s SDGs. This collaboration involve international exchange which is essential in enhancing knowledge and academic activities as we aspire to be a research-led University.
Relatedly, the Vice Chancellor said, the CHUSS launched a new Masters program in French Language Studies to build professional capacities in the mastery of the French Language, develop skills in the pedagogy of French and impart knowledge on the cultural and political relations of the Francophone world. The programme is hosted by the Department of European and Oriental Languages. In a nut shell, CHUSS has provided renewed leadership in the expansion of language capacities in African languages as well oriental languages. In this way Makerere becomes a leader in regional integration and development.
Prof. Nawangwe commended CHUSS for remarkably being active in the MAK@100 celebrations.
“One of the many activities in these celebrations was a biography recital in honour of “Zadok Adolu-Otojoka one of the highly celebrated icons of music education and professional music performance in Uganda and East Africa. 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 and was particularly famous for his charismatic conducting of the university anthem and the mesmerizing leadership of the academic procession during Makerere graduation ceremonies. This celebration of a living legend was very commendable and was highly appreciated by Zadok himself and the larger performing Arts fraternity”. The Vice Chancellor appreciated.

Prof. Nawangwe recognized the Government of Uganda for the release of UGX 21 billion for the reconstruction of the iconic main building. He also invited the congregation to participate in the celebrations to Mark the 100 years of service to humanity whose climax will be on 8th October 2022.
To the graduands as they leave Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor urged them to always be proud of their Alma Mater and be her good Ambassadors.
“Go and put to good use the knowledge you have received from one of the best universities in the world to change your communities, your country and humanity. Put your trust in God and honor your parents and opportunities will be opened for you. Do not forget the Gates of Makerere”. Prof. Nawangwe advised.
He also informed graduands that transcripts for graduands on 4 and 5-year programmes were ready for picking the following week and for those on 3-year programmes, transcripts will be ready for picking beginning the second week of June 2022.
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Humanities & Social Sciences
Makerere Marks 40 Years of Cultural and Academic Cooperation with the Italian Ethnographic Mission
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 19, 2025By
Jane Anyango
Minister calls on universities to Mainstream Cultural Studies
Kampala, Uganda | May 16, 2025 — Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled “Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region.”
The exhibition, hosted at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), visually chronicles over 40 years of Italian ethnographic research in Equatorial Africa. Since its establishment in 1979, the Italian Ethnological Mission—anchored at the University of Turin—has documented and studied the social and cultural fabric of the Great Lakes Region, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and supported by the Erasmus+ programme, the mission focuses on topics including refugee integration, traditional knowledge, oral history, and cultural continuity.
The exhibition aims to share the Mission’s ethnographic insights, celebrate academic cooperation between Uganda and Italy, and highlight the deep interwoven cultural legacies of the region’s communities.

Presiding over the official opening on behalf of the Honorable Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, Commissioner Timothy Ssejjoba delivered a message emphasizing the educational significance of the initiative.
“This is not merely an exhibition of images,” he said. “It is a profound representation of intellectual partnership, cultural dialogue, and the enduring power of research and education to shape societies.”
Drawing inspiration from an African proverb—”When a child washes their hands, they dine with kings”—he acknowledged the honor of representing the Minister at such a distinguished gathering and used the opportunity to reaffirm government support for cultural preservation and academic innovation.
Commissioner Ssejjoba noted that Uganda’s aspirations, as articulated in the Vision 2040 and successive National Development Plans (NDP III and IV), align strongly with the goals of ethnographic research. He highlighted that investing in cultural heritage is not merely nostalgic but strategic for human capital development, social cohesion, and regional integration.

“In today’s world of globalization and displacement, ethnographic work becomes indispensable. It helps us preserve intangible heritage and build resilient, inclusive communities,” he said.
The commissioner commended the Italian Ethnological Mission, founded by Prof. Francesco Remotti and carried forward by Prof. Cecilia Pennacini and current Director Prof. Alessandro Gusman, for their long-standing engagement with Uganda and the wider Great Lakes Region.
Ministerial Appeal: Cultural Studies Are a Necessity, Not a Luxury
A key message in his remarks was a direct call to Uganda’s higher education institutions:
“I therefore call upon our universities to continue integrating cultural studies into mainstream curricula—not as a luxury, but as a necessity in building well-rounded, empathetic, and informed citizens.”
This appeal was underpinned by the government’s commitment to transformative education, as outlined in the Social Education Sector Strategic Plan, which seeks to produce globally minded graduates capable of addressing complex societal issues.

The commissioner also lauded the Erasmus+ Programme for facilitating student and staff mobility between Makerere and the University of Turin, significantly improving PhD completion rates and strengthening international research ties.
The Connecting Cultures exhibition offers a visual journey through four decades of ethnographic work, touching on themes such as identity, migration, oral traditions, music, and the social lives of communities across the region. It serves not only as a scholarly archive but also as a bridge between past and future generations.
“These photographs are living stories,” Ssejjoba emphasized. “They reflect identity, tradition, and the power of memory in shaping who we are—and who we aspire to become.”
In echoing the day’s theme, Commissioner Ssejjoba described the exhibition as “a testament to the transformative power of education, culture, and international solidarity.” He called upon development partners to support similar initiatives that use culture as a tool for peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive development.

“To the students, researchers, and the broader public,” he concluded, “may you draw inspiration from this work. Let us preserve our cultural heritage, connect across borders, and use education as a force for progress.”
Italy Backs Cross-Cultural Research as Key to Social Transformation – Ambassador Massoni
Italy’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, hailed cross-cultural academic collaboration as a powerful vehicle for social change, policy innovation, and mutual understanding, calling the partnership between Makerere University and the University of Turin a model for international cooperation.
Ambassador Massoni praised the longstanding collaboration between Italian and Ugandan scholars, particularly through the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region. He noted that the mission, established over four decades ago, continues to foster intercultural dialogue and tackle shared global challenges through ethnographic research.
“This exhibition offers more than images. It tells the story of enduring cooperation—academic, cultural, and human—between our two countries,” he said. “It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together across disciplines, borders, and continents.”

The Ambassador commended the University of Turin, particularly Professors Alessandro Gusman and Cecilia Pennacini, for their leadership in driving fieldwork-based research that links academia with community needs. He emphasized that the mission has not only enriched scholarly understanding but also played a role in social dialogue, community engagement, and humanitarian advocacy.
“This partnership transcends academic borders. It contributes to policy development and community cohesion. It shows how research—when rooted in empathy and equity—can improve lives,” he said.
Ambassador Massoni also spotlighted collaborative projects such as those examining migration, refugee experiences, and mobility in East Africa, many of which are supported by the Erasmus+ programme. These joint initiatives, he said, help address pressing social issues through shared academic pathways.
“Such work strengthens mutual comprehension and confronts the complex realities shaping our societies today,” he noted.

Additionally, he highlighted the recent launch of the Strengthening African-Italian Museum Partnerships project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The initiative aims to digitize and preserve African cultural heritage in collaboration with major Italian and African museums, including the Uganda Museum.
“Italy is proud to support this effort. We see scientific diplomacy and cultural heritage as powerful tools for trust, understanding, and long-term collaboration,” he said.
In closing, Ambassador Massoni expressed gratitude to Makerere University and the wider academic and curatorial teams behind the exhibition. He encouraged guests to view the display not only as a celebration of past work but also as a call to future action.
“Let us continue building together—not only academic bridges—but human ones,” he concluded.
We must train more Archeologists and Anthropologists- Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hailed universities as key agents of peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue, emphasizing their critical role in advancing global understanding amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Prof. Nawangwe praised the longstanding collaboration between Makerere University and Italian institutions, calling it a shining example of how academic partnerships can foster peace and mutual respect.

“Universities are the best engines for promoting peace in the world. There is no better institution than a university to bring people and cultures together,” Prof. Nawangwe asserted.
Reflecting on historical ties, Nawangwe recalled the substantial support Makerere received from the Italian government during the 1987 donor conference, particularly in reviving the Faculty of Technology. He noted that the impact of such partnerships goes beyond infrastructure and education, contributing to nation-building and lasting international friendships.
“I personally benefited from those exchanges. I lived in Italy for a month, studied the language, and engaged with Italian culture. These interactions create lifelong connections,” he said.
He pointed to Makerere‘s global footprint as a leading research institution, recently ranked by Times Higher Education as the most collaborative university in the world, based on international research partnerships.
“At Makerere, we have more researchers publishing with colleagues from other universities than anywhere else. This collaborative spirit reflects our belief in academic diplomacy as a force for development,” he explained.

Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the university’s particularly strong ties with Italy, noting that most of its Erasmus+ academic exchange agreements are with Italian institutions. He attributed this to the deep-rooted friendship between Uganda and Italy, with Makerere acting as “Uganda compressed in one place.”
Praising the exhibition’s vivid portrayal of East and Central African cultural heritage through photography, Nawangwe called visual documentation one of the most powerful tools for preserving and communicating knowledge.
“A photographic illustration is the strongest kind of evidence. It stays with you. What I saw today helped bring to life things I’ve only read or heard about,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed concern over the limited development of disciplines like archaeology in Uganda, describing it as “a shame” that the country only recently graduated its first archaeologist.

“With all our cultural diversity and historical wealth, how can archaeology be new in Uganda? We must train more archaeologists and anthropologists to study our own heritage,” he urged.
He concluded by encouraging scholars to remain committed to cultural research and international collaboration, thanking the Italian Embassy for its continued support in fostering ties between Uganda and Italy.
“We must keep walking in our pursuit of knowledge, peace, and progress for Uganda and the world,” Nawangwe said, in his characteristic blend of seriousness and humor.
Nkabala Calls for Introduction of Italian Language at Makerere to Deepen Cultural Connections
Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), called for the introduction of Italian language instruction at the university as a strategic step in strengthening cultural and academic ties between Uganda and Italy.
Prof. Nkabala emphasized the importance of language in fostering deeper intercultural understanding and advancing the university’s global engagement agenda.

“In addition to what is already happening, we’d like to invite you to the School of Languages, Literature, and Communication so that we can start teaching Italian at Makerere University. When we talk about connecting cultures, issues of poetry come in,” Nkabala said.
The principal highlighted the longstanding relationship between Makerere University and Italian academic institutions, referencing ongoing collaborations with the University of Turin, the European Academy of Religion, and new engagements with Sapienza University of Rome. She also acknowledged support from Italian scholars such as Prof. Alessandro Gusman and Prof. Cecilia Pennacini.
“Friends, today is testimony that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences will use all that is within its means to change the narrative,” she said, referring to the exhibition as a powerful demonstration of the college’s research impact and cultural outreach.
Prof. Nkabala praised Makerere’s deans, heads of departments, and academic staff for their collective efforts in organizing the exhibition, and extended special appreciation to the Italian Embassy in Kampala for its continued logistical and visa support, which has enabled seamless academic exchange.
“Our academics never get problems because you have a very dynamic team. We thank you very much for allowing them the opportunity to support us when we need it,” she noted, addressing Italian Ambassador Mauro Massoni directly.

She also paid tribute to predecessors, including Prof. Josephine Ahikire and the former Principal Prof. Edward Kirumira, for their role in laying the foundation for enduring academic partnerships between Uganda and Italy.
As the College of Humanities and Social Sciences continues to expand its international footprint, Nkabala urged faculty and students to remain committed to collaboration and participation in future joint initiatives.
“Colleagues, I call upon you to be present when called upon,” she said, reaffirming CHUSS’ dedication to cultural diplomacy through research, language, and the arts.
Africa Offers the World Wisdom and Science—Prof. Pennacini Urges New Era of Equal Academic Partnerships
Professor Cecilia Pennacini, former Director of the Italian Ethnographic Mission in the Great Lakes Region called for a paradigm shift in Africanist research and cultural cooperation, asserting that Africa offers the world invaluable wisdom, philosophy, and science.
Prof. Pennacini emphasized that Italian scholars came to Africa “not to teach, but to learn.”
“The ancient civilizations of Africa have so much to teach the Western world—in terms of knowledge, wisdom, philosophy, politics, even science and art,” she said. “This is why our mission has always been grounded in humility and mutual respect.”

Prof. Pennacini reflected on the foundational vision of the Italian Ethnographic Mission, established by her mentor, Prof. Francesco Remotti, who advocated for fieldwork rooted in cultural dialogue rather than colonial paradigms of knowledge extraction.
Upon assuming leadership of the Mission in 2005, Pennacini prioritized creating equal academic partnerships. She credited this approach with the establishment of a formal collaboration with Makerere University, which has since flourished through joint research, teaching exchanges, and mobility programs funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ initiative.
“We have grown together—building common knowledge and hopefully laying foundations for future generations,” she noted.
Prof. Pennacini also announced a major new initiative aimed at transforming museum practice and cultural preservation across Africa and Europe. The project, Strengthening African-Italian Museum Partnerships, is supported by the Italian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AICS) and will connect eight museums—four in Africa and four in Italy.
Participating institutions include the Uganda Museum, the National Museum of Ethiopia, the National Museum of Lubumbashi in the DRC, and the Ethnographic Museum at Addis Ababa University. These will collaborate with the Museum of Civilizations in Rome, the Royal Museums of Turin, the Savoy Residences in Piedmont, and the Anthropology and Ethnography Museum at the University of Turin.

“This project seeks to digitize, catalogue, and valorize ethnological and artistic collections through a participatory approach,” she said. “It will involve local communities, diaspora groups, and civil society as co-creators of museum life.”
Prof. Pennacini stressed the need for museums to be transparent about the provenance of their collections and to embrace inclusive narratives that reflect source communities’ voices. She tied this initiative to Italy’s broader commitment to a redefined model of cooperation inspired by the Mattei Plan for Africa, which promotes non-exploitative, mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Culture must be seen as a fundamental pillar of human development—socially, economically, and intellectually,” she concluded.
Italian Ethnological Mission Celebrates 46 Years of Cultural Research and Partnership in the Great Lakes Region — Prof. Gusman
Professor Alessandro Gusman, Director of the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region, reaffirmed the mission’s enduring commitment to linking people, cultures, and institutions across national borders through academic and cultural research.
Prof. Gusman described the event as both a celebration and a reflection on 46 years of Italian ethnological research in East Africa, particularly the Great Lakes Region.
“This exhibition retraces the history of our work and celebrates our long-standing collaboration with Makerere University, one of the most esteemed academic institutions in East Africa,” he said.

The Italian Ethnological Mission, founded in 1979 by Prof. Francesco Remotti in what was then Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), has progressively expanded its research footprint across the region—later including Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. It officially began its partnership with Makerere in 2004, a relationship Prof. Gusman said has significantly shaped the mission’s academic trajectory.
“The title Connecting Cultures reflects the mission’s core goal understanding and linking diverse societies through shared anthropological inquiry,” Prof. Gusman noted.
He expressed gratitude to the Italian Embassy in Kampala for its continued support, and to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University for hosting and nurturing the partnership over two decades.
Special acknowledgment was extended to Prof. Cecilia Pennacini, who led the Mission from 2004 to 2018, for deepening the collaboration with Makerere and expanding research into Uganda. Prof. Gusman emphasized that the Mission’s work has always prioritized cultural continuity and regional interconnectivity through language, social structures, and institutions.
“The photographs and texts featured in this exhibition are the result of decades of collaborative research and dialogue,” he said. “They are not just artifacts—they are bridges between nations, histories, and academic traditions.”
Looking forward, Prof. Gusman expressed hope that the partnership would continue to flourish, enhancing academic prestige and generating lasting societal impact.
“Our hope for the future is that these collaborations will grow deeper, bringing not only recognition to the institutions involved but also creating meaningful change across communities,” he concluded.
Makerere’s Prof. Dipio: Italian Collaboration Brings Cultures and Institutions Closer
Professor Dominic Dipio, Coordinator of the ERASMUS Mobility Program at Makerere University, praised the ongoing academic and cultural partnership between Uganda and Italy, calling it a powerful force for diplomacy and institutional connection.
Prof. Dipio highlighted how collaborative efforts between the University of Turin, Makerere, and the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region have served to “bring Italy closer to Uganda.”
“Exhibitions like this are important because many Ugandans, especially those shaped by British colonial heritage, know little about Italy. These events narrow that gap,” she said.

The exhibition, organized in partnership with the Italian Embassy in Kampala, builds on a previous one held in 2022. Prof. Dipio lauded the long-standing academic ties facilitated by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, which has enabled robust student and staff mobility between the two universities since 2016.
“This triangular relationship between the Government of Italy, Erasmus+, and our universities has allowed Makerere students to spend up to ten months in Italy completing their dissertations — a rare opportunity that boosts our PhD completion rates significantly,” he noted.
Prof. Dipio emphasized the critical role of scholars in diplomacy, stating that research and academic exchange naturally weave connections across cultures and borders.
“The work of scholars often goes beyond classrooms and papers. It becomes a means of international dialogue and peacebuilding,” he said.
She also commended the logistical teams from Makerere, the University of Turin, and the Italian Embassy — particularly the visa section — for enabling seamless academic travel.
“Your commitment, your flexibility, and your belief in this partnership have made it thrive. We are grateful,” Dipio said, addressing embassy representatives present.
The exhibition showcases decades of ethnographic research by the Italian mission and emphasizes themes of cultural continuity, social institutions, and intercultural exchange in the Great Lakes region. Prof. Dipio expressed hope that the exhibition panels remain accessible for more students and faculty to benefit from before the academic break.
“We pray this collaboration continues to flourish. It is not just institutional — it is deeply personal. We now call each other by our first names, a sign of the trust and friendship we’ve built,” she concluded.
The Connecting Cultures exhibition is part of a broader movement at Makerere University to internationalize its academic outlook and deepen ties with institutions around the world, especially in the humanities and social sciences.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer CHUSS
Engineering, Art & Tech
Advert: Application for Additional Undergraduate Programmes 2025/26
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 16, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.
The following Programmes have been added:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences (Day and Evening)
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug.
How to submit your application
- Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
- Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
- A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
- The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
- To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
- Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
- Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:
- Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel
- Select option 3-Admission
- Select option 3-Pay Fees
- Enter reference number obtained from Application portal
- Details of Application form will be confirmed
- Enter PIN to confirm payment
The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 27th May 2025.
WARNING:
- Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
- Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
- The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
- Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
Humanities & Social Sciences
Call for Applications: MISR Interdisciplinary MPhil/PhD Programme 2026
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 15, 2025By
Mak Editor
Makerere Institute of Social Research launched its interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Social Studies program in January 2012.
This five-year program comprises three years of coursework leading to the attainment of a Master of Philosophy in social studies, followed by two years dedicated to fieldwork and dissertation writing, culminating in the award of a Ph.D. in social studies. Four broad themes define the program’s intellectual focus: Political Studies, Political Economy, Historical Studies, and Cultural and Literary Studies. While students specialize in one field, they engage in coursework across all four themes. This allows students to be grounded theoretically while also giving them a broad foundation in historically informed debates in the humanities and social sciences. Additionally, students are required to complete core courses focusing on theory and historiography. The courses are taught by MISR faculty, faculty from other Makerere departments, and prominent visiting scholars through the MISR Global Scholars program. As the fourteenth cohort progresses, applications are now open for the fifteenth cohort, which will commence in January 2026.
Admission Criteria
The MISR Interdisciplinary MPhil/PhD program is open to applicants who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree with a Second Class (Upper Division) or its equivalent. Applicants with a Second Class (Lower Division) may be considered if they provide clear evidence of academic maturity, such as a postgraduate diploma or substantial research experience. All admitted candidates must complete the entire program, including two years of coursework, regardless of their previous academic qualifications.
Application procedure
Apply through the application portal.
Online Application Portal user-guide
- Visit the Makerere University’s Admissions URL: https://apply.mak.ac.ug
- Sign up using full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
- A password will be sent to both your email and mobile number.
- The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
- To fill a form (all form sections must be filled) the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button (for first time applicants) or MY PORTAL button (for renewal of application) displayed on the appropriate scheme i.e. Taught PhDs, Masters & Postgrad Diplomas OR PhD by Research.
- All academic transcripts/certificates and passport photos should be scanned and uploaded on the system.
- You can access the referee’s letter by following the following link: Referee-Recommendation. This should be filled, scanned and uploaded.
- Obtain a payment ref no. by clicking on “Pay for Form” button
- Make payments at any of the banks used by URA. i) Application fee = Ugx 50,000 (East African applicants) or Ugx 151,500 (International Applicants)
- International students can make payments for admission via Visa. In order to make a payment via Visa/plastique, follow the detailed guidelines on the link: Fees payment using visa-mastercard
Fees
The fee structure is as follows:
- Ugandans/East Africans: 4 million Uganda Shillings per semester. East Africa includes Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
- Students from outside East Africa: US$4,000 per semester.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Every applicant who is admitted will automatically be considered for financial aid. Download the scholarship application form at: Application form
Strictly observe the closing date of Friday, May 30, 2025.
Responses to successful applicants will be sent out by Friday, July 21, 2025.
Please send an email notification to applications.misr@gmail.com once you have completed your application.
For more information about the MISR MPhil/Ph.D. program, or about MISR, please contact the Director of MISR at director.misr@mak.ac.ug or visit the MISR website at: http://www.misr.mak.ac.ug.
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