Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Almnus Prof. Ngugi Wa Thiongo Honored, Humanities Book Launched during the Humanities Conference
The three-day International Humanities Conference organized by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) was on 23rd August 2022 opened with the Graduate Mentorship session, followed by planting a tree in honor of Makerere University Alumnus Prof. Ngugi Wa Thiong’o by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe At the Arts Quadrangle.
Prof. Nawangwe also launched a book titled, “ Historicising Humanities at Makerere: Trends, Patterns and Prospects”. The book authored by over 20 people with 16 chapters is an outcome of a project on historicizing the humanities at Makerere supported by the Andrew Mellon Foundation of New York.
The conference convener Dr. Levis Mugumya said the key goal of the project was to rethink and reshape the role of humanities in Uganda and reexamine the basis and significance of humanities and humanistic social sciences at Makerere University from a historical perspective.
“The sixteen chapters have taken a slice of the history of some disciplines and raised questions around their basis and trajectory. It is an attempt to renew conversation and debate as well as ideational leadership of the academy “, Dr. Mugumya said
The three day Humanities conference 23rd－26th August 2022 was part of the activities to celebrate the 100 years of Makerere University service to Humanity, held at the Yusuf Lule Auditorium.
The overriding thrust of the conference was to explore how the knowledge revolutions have impacted university practices and transformed the teaching of and research in the Humanities and Social Sciences. The conference also acted as a discursive zone to interrogate innovative ways through which Humanities and Social Sciences scholarship has refocused beyond the knowledge revolutions to imagine the inevitable future economic, social, biological and political challenges to humanity.
The conference was blended to enable physical and virtual engagements, presentations, and insightful and vibrant discussions. It will consist of keynote addresses, individual and panel presentations, and graduate student panel discussions.
It attracted key note speakers:- Prof. Ngungi Wa Thiong’o – a distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature from the University of California;Derrick Peterson – Ali Mazrui Collegiate Professor of History from the Afro-American and African Studies University of Michigan and; Nakanyike Musisi – a Professor from the African Women Education and Development, Makerere University/ University of Toronto
It would be a mistake to discredit humanities as a second class subject
The conference was officially opened by the German Ambassador to Uganda H.E Matthias Schauer. The ambassador underscored the role of humanities in society saying, it is un imaginable to create a legal regulatory system without a profound knowledge of history of society and language which is part of the humanities.
He observed that scholars in humanities and social sciences have witnessed three major knowledge revolutions since 1945 from Area studies, cultural studies and global studies. Ambassador Schauer noted that today, there are signs that scholars may be at another brink of the fourth revolution as witnessed by problems in maintaining global production process, amidst rising transport costs, political unrest and the realization that countries may not be dependent on one other.
“We have been fooling ourselves that economic interdependence would prevent out conflicts but this is not the case. We may now need a new focus on global cooperation and create new fields of research in humanities and social sciences”. He said.
He said humanities attracts a huge number of students at universities because of the diversity of subjects and rich menu for offer. On the political debate on education, Ambassador Schauer noted that its common to hear that countries may need natural scientists, engineers and technicians to increase economic performance.
Though that may be right to some extent, Ambassador Schauer described the humanities and humanistic social sciences as vital to society saying, it would be a mistake to discredit humanities as a second class subject. He advised that young people should do what they feel passionate about.
“First of all they (Humanities) help us understand each other. Language, history and culture shapes each one of us. Without communication that works, nothing much else can work. Humanities also teach us to approach new complex issues in a systematic way to assess information and considering different facts from all sides, Humanities make us informed and critical citizens and, without humanities, democracy would not work. Humanities also foster social justice and teach us empathy and make international relations broader and stronger. Humanities encourage us to think creatively, to reflect upon ourselves and human nature and to think outside the box. Humanistic services enrich the soul and make us a cultured individual,” The ambassador asserted.
The ambassador also described as false the thinking that humanistic degrees are not marketable as degrees in STEM, business management and other natural sciences.
“At sight that might seem true, but in my experience a student who diligently study in humanistic subjects will always carry this energy and motivation successfully into his professional life and sell more as in finding a good job. Almost all employers desperately need employees who can communicate fluently, intelligently and persuasively and, employees who can organize their thoughts and synthesis their scattered information into a coherent story.
Employers need employees who are equipped with soft skills such as the ability to converse with difficult topics in a constructive manner and it is the humanities that helps them to express very well. Humanistic education will enrich you very well, emotionally, socially and intellectually and gain a wide experience while at college”, The ambassador asserted.
The Ambassador hailed the long standing relationship and collaboration that Germany enjoys with Makerere University especially with CHUSS.
He said it was now over 60 years when Germany was taught in the evening class at Makerere University as an extracurricular language program that continued till 1967 when the first bachelor of arts was established and it became the first German phonology in East Africa.
He highlighted a number of advantages of studying Germany including teacher employment opportunities in education sector, participation in internships, huge range of opportunities in tourism, training opportunities and on job trainings in companies and unique connections, interaction and demand across the world.
The ambassador encouraged the university leadership to foster the teaching of foreign languages at Makerere in prominent way at CHUSS department of European and Oriental languages and proposed the establishment of Master of Arts program in Germany as the most appealing to him.
He expressed the Germany commitment to continue funding the Ugandan students and staff in their academic and other endeavors.
CHUSS reputed for producing eminent scholars
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe reported that the Humanities and Social Sciences have been at the heart of Makerere University since the introduction of History in 1946, and the East African Institute of Social Research in 1948.
He explained that the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is reputed for producing eminent scholars and political leaders, including Julius Nyerere, Milton Obote, Mwai Kibaki, Benjamin Mkapa, Oginga Odinga, Okot p’Bitek, Ali Mazrui, David Rubadiri, Nuruddin Farah, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, John Ruganda, V. S. Naipul and Wole Soyinka among others.
Prof. Nawangwe informed participants that CHUSS has championed the critical role of humanities and humanistic social sciences in comprehending, interpreting, and recognizing societal commonalities and differences as well as fostering critical thought, social justice, equity and democratic practice stressing that, in the 1960s and 1970s before the onslaught of neoliberalism and the emphasis on STEM, the humanities and humanistic social sciences were vibrant.
In spite of this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe pointed out that the current positionality and relevance of the disciplines of humanities and humanistic Social Sciences has come under scrutiny as compared to the natural scientific disciplines.
While the University is prized in scientific research, Nawangwe said, today’s complex global challenges such as ‘global warming, global poverty, global epidemics’ and gender inequality cannot be solely explained or resolved by natural scientific disciplines.
“It is therefore important to understand the human factor, which is central in most of the modern scientific glitches. Not only do the humanities and humanistic social sciences explicate our existence as human beings, but they also contribute to creating “tolerance and understanding between citizens”, which promote social cohesion, and challenge established positions, social norms and traditions through critical thinking, and preserve heritage, cultural memory and identity”, He said.
The Vice Chancellor was optimistic that the knowledge and strategies generated through the conference will go towards uplifting the lifestyles of the people and also aid in conducting a comprehensive review of all aspects of teaching, theorizing, research and practice in the humanities and social sciences disciplines.
Prof. Nawangwe extended appreciation to development partners for the support extended through generous acts such as sponsoring this fora, capacity building, research and developing infrastructure with particularly recognition to the Andrew Mellon Foundation and Gerda Henkel Stiftung for supporting academic activities in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the Government of Uganda for supporting research and creating an environment conducive for the same to thrive at Makerere University.
The Vice Chancellor also appreciated keynote speakers, Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Prof. Nakanyike Musisi and Prof. Derek Peterson, the participants, and all guests for honouring the invitations.
To the students (PhD and Masters), The Vice Chancellor expressed happiness that that the International Humanities Conference 2022had commenced with the Graduate Mentorship session.
“You are being nurtured and mentored to not only become the next generation of academics, but to also provide leadership and championship towards Uganda’s development and transformation of your communities.
I encourage you to actively participate in the conference so that you learn more as you pursue your PhD and Masters” Nawangwe said and applauded CHUSS management under the leadership of the Principal, Associate Professor Josephine Ahikire for hosting a number of activities in line with the centenary celebrations.
The conference looked at the world with resolve for greater humanity
The Principal CHUSS, Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire welcomed all to the conference saying, this was the first Conference to be held after the serious lockdown for two years as the university celebrates the Humanities and Social Sciences and make a mark on the nation, continent and the world at large.
This conference themed: Knowledge revolutions and Practices: Area, Cultural and Global Studies she said , is structured as part of Makerere’s Centennial celebration aimed at exploring how the knowledge revolutions have impacted university practices, the teaching of and research in the Humanities and Social Sciences as well as human praxis.
“We use this space as a discursive zone to interrogate innovative ways through which Humanities and Social Sciences scholarship has refocused beyond the knowledge revolutions to imagine inevitable futures. We use this very space to foster critical thought about life, its afflictions, and ideals of human society – to debate and rejuvenate theory and practice”, The Principal said.
Prof. Ahikire acknowledged the friendship and partnership between Germany, Makerere and the country at large and specifically, the support by the Gerda Henkel Stiftung to the college that has soared the capacity of PhD training at CHUSS.
On behalf of CHUSS and Makerere University, the Prof Ahikire thanked the keynote speakers: Prof Ngugi who was not able to join, saying that he was and is still enthusiastic about this Conference and what happens at Makerere adding that , Prof. Ngungi has always believed/ and openly confessed that Makerere made him and Perhaps he also made Makerere.
“This symbiotic relationship is one we greatly cherish at CHUSS. Prof Nakanyike Musisi – a gem- renown historian of our time. Welcome home- proud alumnus. Prof Derek Peterson, we treasure your commitment on restoring and conserving history”, Prof. Ahikire commended.
Prof. Ahikire emphasized that the humanities have been at the heart of Makerere University since its birth and is reputed for eminent scholars, post-independence political leaders and activists. Under the ambit of the CHUSS program dubbed Humanities@ Mak 100, the Principal said, this conference was part of the efforts to galvanize humanities scholarship for even greater human utility on the African continent.
“As humanity continues to grapple with challenges such as mis -governance, conflict, climate change, and pandemics there is need for more ingenuity and inventiveness. In very specific ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for a multidisciplinary approach to this unprecedented global health challenge, with the human subject at the centre.” She said adding that:“These conversations are important because our disciplines allow us to experience humanity at its best. This Conference is therefore aimed at facilitating these debates and key issues in the Humanities and Social Sciences. It is our hope that the conversations that start here do not stop here, but help us critically look at world we live in with resolve for greater humanity”.
Prof. Ahikire acknowledged the generous support of the Mellon Foundation (USA) which allowed the college to dream three years ago – when the idea of the book was proposed. The Mellon Foundation she reported has also supported various research efforts by Early Career and Senior Scholars in the college including the support for this conference that was also committed three years ago.
She thanked the University management for enabling the college to meaningfully pursue the strategic goal of a truly research led university and, the chair of the Organising Committee, the Convener of the Conference and all members of the organising committee for the job well done.
Conference planned to discuss issues important for the survival of human race
The chairperson CHUSS organizing committee Prof. Grace Bantebya said each year the college organizes a conference adding that what started as symposia has metamorphosed into great and rich academic conferences.
Prof. Bantebya hailed the college leadership for the support and the organizing committee for the commitment that led to the success of the conference noting that they have tirelessly worked in their different committees to see to it that it materializes.
She also thanked the Andrew Mellon Foundation and the Gerda Henkel Foundation for the support to the conference as well as the different doctoral students cohorts over the years.
“The issues this team has prepared for you to chew are those that are pertinent to our being human. It is for this reason that we are sometimes looked at as activists because issues of urgency within the global context are important for the survival of human race and this is why conferences of this nature need to keep happening”. Prof. Bantebya said.
On September 2, 2024, the School of Social Sciences at Makerere University held a farewell ceremony to honor three retired staff members for their exemplary service. The retirees -Ms. Doreen Anek, the Senior Assistant Registrar; Ms. Kitty Tweyanze, Senior Administrative Secretary; and Mr. Jackson Byamugisha, a security guard—were recognized for their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to the university. Each was presented with a plaque as a symbol of appreciation for their years of dedicated service.
The farewell party and handover ceremony took place in the school’s smartroom and was attended by heads of departments, academic and administrative staff, student representatives, and relatives of the retirees. Presiding over the event, Dr. Justus Twesigye, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, emphasized the significance of the ceremony in recognizing the invaluable roles these individuals played.
“Today, we are saying thank you to our distinguished, experienced, long-serving colleagues who have diligently served us. They have touched the lives of many in the school and the university at large. It is important that we stand with them and say, ‘Thank you so much,’” Dr. Twesigye remarked.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Support
Ms. Doreen Anek joined Makerere University in 2000 as a Senior Assistant Registrar, where she managed critical administrative functions, including the organization of university graduations. Ms. Kitty Tweyanze began her career at Makerere in 1978 in the School of Education and later transferred to the School of Social Sciences in 1998. She was praised for her integrity and meticulous work in academic administration. Mr. Jackson Byamugisha, who joined the university in 2001, was recognized not only for his role in security but also for stepping up in various capacities to support the school.
Dr. Twesigye, reflecting on his own journey as Dean, shared his initial apprehensions when he took office two years ago. He recalled, “I was scared and had sleepless nights about how I would organize examinations, manage the school board, and handle cases of malpractice. But the trio reassured me that I would manage, and their reassurance became true.”
The Dean spoke highly of Mr. Byamugisha’s dedication, saying, “Jackson loved his job. He would come, sit around, and ensure that he did his work diligently. We have sometimes called him during unordinary hours on Saturdays and beyond late hours. Jackson served as a custodian when we didn’t have one; he just stepped in and did two jobs. So, he is leaving as a very happy person.”
Dr. Twesigye expressed his admiration for the trio, describing them as irreplaceable servants whom he would have wished to retain if circumstances allowed. “But we can only know that they are not retiring from work; they are retiring to something. They have special callings, some of which they will discover soon. I can tell that they will remain useful and productive,” he said.
He encouraged the retirees to cherish the friendships and memories they created during their time at the university. “These memories and friends should be things that they reflect on whenever they feel they are on their own,” Dr. Twesigye advised.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Twesigye challenged current students and staff to maintain connections with the retired staff. “We should maintain such a culture. These are part of our families forever. We are not going to let it go,” he asserted.
The Dean also congratulated the retirees for leaving with clean records, highlighting the challenges and risks of public service. “Very few people go out of public service with their heads held high. Some people exit public service through backdoors. So, we should celebrate these two ladies and this gentleman for having been here for all this time and leaving without any blemish. It is a huge achievement. Your records are intact. You can always come back anytime, and you don’t have to feel ashamed.”
The Biggest Task Was Handling Graduation, Says Anek
Retired Senior Assistant Registrar Doreen Anek expressed her gratitude to all who attended the celebration marking her retirement, describing it as a day of joy and fulfillment. Reflecting on her career at Makerere University, Anek shared insights into the challenges and accomplishments she experienced, particularly emphasizing the demanding task of managing university graduations.
Anek acknowledged that September 2nd was a special day for her, one that symbolized the end of a significant chapter in her life. She humorously noted that she had always been mentally prepared for celebrations, especially since her young daughter shares her love for festive occasions. “Today is a day of celebration,” Anek said, “and I am grateful to end this tour on a good note.”
Anek highlighted the immense responsibility of organizing graduations as one of the most challenging aspects of her role. She described the process as demanding, involving coordination with various departments and faculty members. “What we have been doing is not an easy task, but by God’s grace, we have always been able to accomplish it,” Anek reflected.
She emphasized the collaborative nature of the work, acknowledging the vital role played by heads of departments and other staff members. “The biggest task we have been handling is graduation—having to chase around staff, heads of departments—but at the end of it, we always come together and say, ‘We have done it.’ It has not been a personal contribution; it is a collective responsibility,” Anek remarked. She expressed her appreciation to the heads of departments, noting, “There is not a single day you would go to their offices and request something, and they don’t act. They would run around to ensure everybody plays their part.”
Anek also took a moment to thank the lecturers, acknowledging that while there were occasional clashes, the focus was always on fulfilling the school’s requirements. “So where I have wronged you, especially on the issues of results, please forgive me,” she said. “But I know it was a responsibility that you had to undertake, and sometimes I harassed you a little, but I am glad you responded.”
During her speech, Anek gave special recognition to her colleague, Ms. Kitty Tweyanze, whom she referred to as her boss and mentor. She recounted how, when she joined the School of Social Sciences in 2011, Ms. Tweyanze was working in the Dean’s office, handling marks on a locally programmed system. “Kitty taught me how that system works,” Anek shared. Their professional relationship quickly evolved into a strong friendship, particularly after Ms. Tweyanze moved to the Faculty office. “We became great friends,” Anek added, reflecting on the close bond they formed over the years.
Anek concluded her remarks by thanking all her colleagues for their support and collaboration, which she credited for the school’s continued success. Her words underscored the importance of teamwork and mutual respect in achieving shared goals, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended the ceremony.
“I Have Not Conflicted Nor Harmed Anybody,” Says Kitty Tweyanze
Ms. Kitty Tweyanze, one of the three retired staff members honored, reflected on her decades-long career during the retirement ceremony.
Having initially joined the university at the Faculty of Education, Kitty shared that she worked there for five years before leaving to pursue other opportunities. However, she was always welcomed back by the university, and in 1999, she returned to serve in the School of Social Sciences. “I was given an opportunity to come back and was posted in Social Sciences,” she recounted. “At that time, the Bachelor of Arts was a large program, with around 100,000 students in the day and 600 in Social Work.”
Kitty, who handled student results in the Dean’s office, emphasized the harmonious working relationships she had maintained throughout her tenure. “Since I joined Social Sciences many years ago, I have not found any problem with staff or students,” she said. “Staff have not had any issues with me, and students have been like colleagues to me. I am so grateful for everyone—the ones I found here and others who joined later.”
She expressed pride in the fact that she had never conflicted with or harmed anyone during her time at the university. “The work starts with me, with raw data, and I have worked closely with registrars and deans. We had to learn from one another, working on semester marks. The system then was not as advanced as today’s, and we would cross-check every complaint. All this made me work closely with deans, registrars, and heads of departments.”
Kitty also appreciated the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Dr. Justus Twesigye, for recognizing their contributions, describing the recognition as a rare and valuable opportunity. “This could be the beginning of a new culture within the school,” she noted.
As she steps into retirement, Kitty expressed her willingness to continue supporting the school whenever needed. She encouraged colleagues to visit her at her home in Kyebando, a suburb of Kampala, assuring them that her door would always be open.
“I Am Going to Teach the Word of God,” Says Jackson Byamugisha
Jackson Byamugisha, who joined Makerere University in 2001 as a security guard, has officially retired from his position at the School of Social Sciences, where he served faithfully for many years. During the farewell ceremony Byamugisha shared his plans for the future, expressing his gratitude and faith.
“I am not here to hand over anything because I have nothing to hand over. I have just come to say farewell to all of you,” Byamugisha said, addressing his colleagues and friends at the school. “But one beautiful thing is that I am proud of having met all of you, and we shall still meet here and there.”
Byamugisha recounted a significant personal transformation he experienced during his time at the School of Social Sciences. “While I was here, I became saved,” he shared, prompting the audience to break into a joyful rendition of the popular Luganda praise song, “Tukutendereeza Yesu.”
Reflecting on his time at the university, Byamugisha revealed that he discovered what he believes to be his true calling. “While here, I asked God to reveal my calling, and He told me I am an apostle,” Byamugisha said. “When I left Makerere two months ago, I asked God what I should do next. He told me to start teaching the Word of God.”
As a qualified adult educator, Byamugisha acknowledged that his new path in ministry might require additional qualifications. He appealed to his former colleagues for support as he embarks on this new journey. “This ministry work I am going into may require other qualifications, so I ask you all to assist me where needed,” he said.
Byamugisha’s announcement was met with encouragement and well-wishes from those present, who appreciated his dedication both to the university and to his newfound spiritual mission.
Retirees Among the Few to Witness Both Manual and Digital Systems – Dan Kiganda
The incoming School Registrar, Dan Kiganda, praised the retirees as invaluable resources who can continue to provide guidance and counseling even after their official retirement. Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Kiganda emphasized the unique experience and knowledge these retirees possess, having worked through both the manual and digital eras at Makerere University.
Kiganda described Ms. Kitty Tweyanze and Ms. Doreen Anek as “mothers” of the university’s administrative staff, noting that they played a crucial role in mentoring younger colleagues. “When I started working in the Academic Registrar’s office in 2010, Anek was one of the senior staff members guiding us in curriculum management,” Kiganda recalled. “Her level of wisdom and experience is something the school can still borrow from.”
He highlighted the significance of Anek and Tweyanze’s careers, pointing out that they are among the few who have had the opportunity to witness and work with both the university’s manual and digital systems. “Back then, when the university still had some funds, they would send non-teaching staff like Anek to South Africa to train on systems management,” Kiganda explained. “She has seen it all—from the manual systems to the current digital transformation.”
Kiganda expressed gratitude to both Anek and Tweyanze for their dedicated service, acknowledging the invaluable role they played in the Registrar’s department. “They are not so many who have had this dual experience. When I started in 2010, I was fortunate to have mentors like them, who could compare the manual and digital systems and help elevate the level of service we provide to this institution,” he said.
Kiganda concluded by thanking the retirees for their contributions and expressed confidence that their expertise would continue to benefit the university community even after their retirement.
Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS holds Symposium in preparation for the Archive, Memory and Method International Conference
Archives and the process of archiving are key parts of identity formation, nation-building, struggles for community justice, the consolidation of state power, and resistance to power.
Archive is one of the most capacious concepts in the humanities and social sciences. To “archive” or to consult “the archives” are often used to authorize evidence and legitimate certain knowledge at the expense of others. In an effort to re-centre the politics of knowledge from the Global South, some scholars have attempted to expand or re-imagine archival practice.
From 2022, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) has been implementing a three-year Archiving, Memory and Method (AMM) from the Global South project that has studied the intersection of archives with communities, institutions and academia. The project is expected to come to an end in December 2024. Spearheaded by a core team composed of Dr. Edgar Taylor, Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi, Dr. Charlotte Mafumbo, Dr. Levis Mugumya, Dr. Pamela Khanakwa and Prof. Josephine Ahikire, the AMM project has been centred on research and mentorship for both staff and students.
The first deliverable of the AMM from the Global South project is book that will be published by Makerere University Press by December 2024.In terms of professional growth and capacity building, the project is supporting 18 staff who hold PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy degrees), and two (2) students who are studying PhDs, and eight (8) studying MA degrees.
As the project comes to an end, CHUSS is organizing an international conference on the relationship between archiving, memory and method from the Global South. The three-day AMM International Conference will be held at Makerere University from 17th -19th October 2024.
The Call for Conference papers released in April 2024 led to submission of over 75 abstracts from scholars, archivists and community practitioners from the different parts of the world.
The Principal Investigator, Prof. Josephine Ahikire explained that whereas the AMM Conference Core team has maximally utilized the previous months to review the 60 abstracts from other scholars, it was important for this team, which is the source of 15 abstracts to meet and specifically focus on critiquing their abstracts.
Consequently, on Thursday 22nd August 2024, the AMM Conference Core team participated in a symposium, providing an opportunity to each team member to present his or her work in a plenary session, followed by an in-depth discussion of his or her work by the participants, hence receiving instant feedback.
Delivering the welcome remarks, the Principal Investigator, Prof. Ahikire thanked the AMM Conference Core team for accepting to dedicate time to listen to presentations, engagements and feedback sessions aimed at enriching the abstracts and papers ahead of the upcoming International Conference. She stressed the significance of the symposium admitting that it intended to ensure researchers are on course as well as living to the practice of peer mentoring.
She applauded Mellon Foundation for coming on board to fund the work and research in the field of archiving, memory and method (AMM) noting that such areas do not always attract funding from national and international bodies/partners. “I am grateful to Mellon Foundation that allowed us to dream and put ideas together as a team from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. This funding has elevated the level of humanities and social sciences through undertaking of research central to people’s lives as well as training staff in the College at PhD and Masters,” she remarked. The Principal Investigator also thanked the University and College management for the facilitation and the conducive environment for research and other academic engagements.
The Project Coordinator, Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi noted that archiving, memory and method underscores the power dynamics at play when dealing with de-colonization, history, knowledge, museums, artefacts, culture, language, and among other complexities in the world that we live in. During archiving and documentation, researchers, scholars and students are presented with questions, “Whose archive, whose information, and, who is exactly telling the story? This is pertinent because in many societies, archives were institutional tools and ideological prisms of colonial control.
An overview of the 15 abstracts that were presented and reviewed during the symposium highlighted the need to de-colonise Africa. Listening to the presentations, the different researchers and scholars revealed that interactions and engagements with people and the communities provided lived experiences (and in most cases first-hand information from people who are still alive) on pertinent issues such as African knowledge, artefacts, museums, art pieces, symbols, storytelling, dances, music, language and other forms of culture on the African continent.
The AMM from the Global South Project therefore presents to Makerere University through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, a golden opportunity to document this knowledge from Africans as well as lived experiences from different communities.
In the presentations from the AMM Conference Core team, participants observed that patriarchy, which is entrenched in the African culture was still a dominant force, and as such, significantly influenced the quest for gender equality and equity.
The participants implored researchers or scholars to deal with the intriguing questions of: Whose archive? Whose Information? Who is the source of the information? They emphasized the need to go an extra mile to listen to the true African stories and experiences.
The participants prioritized the discourse on returning the artefacts that were “stolen” or “confiscated” from Africa to different parts of Europe. The symposium resurrected the debate on the need for Europe to return the artefacts to the African continent.
This followed watching a video containing a powerful keynote address delivered by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie at the Humboldt Forum.
Titled: Chimamanda Adichie Exposes Stolen African ‘Art’ in European Museums, the message details the painful experience of Africans losing their treasured symbols, artefacts and spiritual identities to Europe. African art tells the story or tradition or memories. She noted that missionaries were very keen on destroying African art. They would only refer to it as African magic. She emphasized that we cannot be dismissive of beliefs because they are unknown to us.
She stressed that there should be decolonization of cultural Heritage with a Perspective on Artifact Return, Ownership, and Historical Context.
She reveals the psychological impact of colonialism on African identity and the need for inclusive negotiations regarding artifact return and emphasized the importance of redefining historical narratives to acknowledge African contributions. She challenged the power dynamics in ownership dialogues.
She emphasized the need to tell European history presenting the truth. The story about colonialism in Africa is one-sided, which leaves out atrocities. This is a lie. She called upon Europe to own the stories of colonialism and its evils to Africa. She noted that all countries have parts of their past that they are not proud of, that they would rather forget, but it takes courage to face those parts and bring in some light. She stated that although we cannot change the past, we can change our blindness to the past.
“With respect to African art, we should develop the courage to say, that about art acquired illicitly, this is not ours, tell us what to do with it,” emphasized Chimamanda.
She questioned why the term “ethnological” is used for art from certain parts of the world, and not art for other parts of the world. She is also concerned that the language itself (ethnological) already suggests a hierarchy of value.
The Keynote Speaker highlighted the complex issues surrounding the return of cultural artifacts, ownership, and historical context, with a focus on African cultural heritage.
“When we talk about this art that was stolen, we are told that this art cannot be returned to Africa because Africans will not take good care of them. It is not merely condescending to say that I cannot return what I stole from you because you will not take good care of it. It is also lacking in basic logic since when has the basis of ownership been taking good care of what is owned. This position is paternalistic arrogance of the most stunning sort. It does not matter whether Africans, or Asians or Latin Americans can take good care of the art stolen from them, what matters is that this art, belongs to them,” she reiterated.
Chimammanda Ngozi Adichie also urged Europe to revisit the international humanitarian law, historical processes of artifact acquisition, and economic power dynamics regarding the Stolen African artifacts.
During the symposium, AMM Conference Core team reviewed the following abstracts:
- Archival Absences: Interrogating representation of African men in colonial and missionary archives in Uganda -Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine.
- Memory of Bunyoro Artefacts relocated to Europe-Dr. Ann Ninsiima.
- Memory and resilience of healing traditions of two indigenous Ugandan Communities-Prof. Julius Kikooma
- Choreo-Rhythmic provenance of Baakasimba dance as a living pedagogy meaning, memories and methods: An embodied practical Workshop-Dr. Alfdaniels Mabingo
- Archival Ambivalence: Hoarding and Professionalization in Ugandan State Archives Since 1951-Dr. Edgar Taylor.
- Diachronic changes of folklore genre: an exploration of language archiving in praise Recitals-Dr. Levis Mugumya
- Between dialogical imaginations and archival discourse in the context of the Ganda Folktale-Dr. Eve Nabulya
- Folk Collection of archival forms of Language-Dr. Celistino Orikiriza
- Joy Kwesiga Facing the Mak@100 Monument: Memory Moments in Makerere’s quest for Gender Equality-Prof. Josephine Ahikire
- Humour, Satire and Socio-Political Commentary in Selected Emmanuel Tumusiime Rushedge’s (Tom Rush’s Old Fox Columns)-Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi
- “The Government says that we are running our land”: Land Tenure concerns in colonial Bugisu-Dr. Pamela Khanakwa
- Abazeeyi B’e Bama: Memory, Honour and Compensation of Uganda’s World War II Ex-Servicemen, 1945 to 2021- Dr. Zaid Sekito, Dr. Christopher Muhoozi, and Dr. Deogratius Kyanda.
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General1 week agoOnline Application for Government Sponsorship for Programmes offered at all Public Universities & other tertiary Institutions for 2025/2026 AY
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General1 week agoMURBS Fund Value Grows to UGX 409.2 Billion
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Engineering, Art & Tech1 week agoMakerere University Innovation Pod Launches Electric Mobility Skilling Programme
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General3 days agoMakerere University at the 2024 O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Annual Gathering in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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General1 week agoCEES Empowers USE Students with Business Skills to Tackle Poverty