Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS Presents the highest number of PhDs during the Mak 72 Graduation
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.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice Ignites Debate on African Unity and Decolonisation of Systems
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.”
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 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.”
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 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.”
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.
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.”
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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