Connect with us

Humanities & Social Sciences

Prof. Andrew Ellias State hands over Deanship to Dr. Justus Twesigye

Published

on

The Dean School of Social Sciences Prof. Andrew Ellias State on 1st December, 2022 handed over office to the Dr. Justus Twesigye at ceremony presided over by the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at the School’s premises.

CHUSS HR Officer, Mr. Godfrey Makubuya (L) and a Representative from Internal Audit, Mr. Luwuliza Aggrey (R) browse through hand over documents in the Deans office.
CHUSS HR Officer, Mr. Godfrey Makubuya (L) and a Representative from Internal Audit, Mr. Luwuliza Aggrey (R) browse through hand over documents in the Deans office.

Prof. State assumed office as Dean on 4th December, 2014 from Assoc. Prof. Charles Bwana. He served for the first four-year term and was re-elected for another term culminating into eight years of service. State extended appreciation to all staff in and outside the School for the cooperation and support that has enabled him execute his eight years of Deanship.

“I also wish to thank Makerere University for giving me the opportunity to serve in the capacity of Dean. I am aware that my service may not have been so pleasant to some members. I wish to sincerely apologise for the discomfort my work in the capacity of Dean may have caused to you. I wish to thank all those who actively supported me all the way through”, He said.

Prof. State reported that, there have been major changes in the university such as the consolidation of the collegiate system, composition of college committees and the introduction of blended learning under the COVID-19 pandemic where, as Dean he was actively involved.

Prof. Andrew Ellias State (L) and Dr. Justus Twesigye (R) sign the hand over documents in the Deans office.
Prof. Andrew Ellias State (L) and Dr. Justus Twesigye (R) sign the hand over documents in the Deans office.

In his 22-page handover report, State highlighted a number of achievements during his eight-year term. These included changes in staffing levels and promotions, the establishment of the Schools Ethics Research Committee which increased the visibility of the school, revival of the Mawazo journal, restoration of the school generator and increased number of linkages.

Other achievements reported included repairs and maintenance of the school infrastructure, beautification of the school offices and corridor, improved water storage capacity and lighting system, securing funds for the installation of a video conferencing facility for the school and the Uganda Military Academy Kabamba, revamping grounded vehicles and a significant movement from individual-based research projects to collaborative research teamwork among others.

He highlighted a number of challenges including the general lack of space for staff offices and teaching graduate programmes, low completion rates, lack of facilitation for graduate programmes, and the inability to pay part timers.

Prof. State also presented a list of pending issues for follow up by the incoming Dean such as processing and submitting final examinations results for 2021-2022, payments for local graduate supervision and examination, the renewed participation of students in examination malpractices and the review of the collegiate system to grant the independent status of the school.

“Since I am leaving, the office, I hope you will continue promoting the school’s position in as far as the collegiate system is concerned without fear or intimidation” He stated.

New Dean accepts to serve, softens restrictions on wearing masks, calls for peace and social cohesion in the School.

The incoming Dean Dr. Justus Twesigye congratulated the outgoing dean for the service rendered to the School. Twesigye also appreciated staff for working and supporting the outgoing Dean. He also commended Prof. State for withstanding the office pressure with aggressiveness.

“You have done a good job, served diligently and experienced challenges. Congratulations. To be able to serve in a public office for eight years without an investigation or checking in the coolers, is commendable”, Dr. Twesigye appreciated.

“It is heavy to work as an insulator to get the directives from above that must be digested and communicated to colleagues.  You have made your presence felt in the school and university. State has been firm in coordination issues of teaching, research and implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPS) for CoVID prevention. I think he saved some of us who did not care about ourselves”. Dr. Twesigye stated.

Left to Right: Prof. Andrew Ellias State and Dr. Justus Twesigye sign handover documents witnessed by Mr. Makubuya Godfrey and Mr. Luwuliza Aggrey in the Deans office.
Left to Right: Prof. Andrew Ellias State and Dr. Justus Twesigye sign handover documents witnessed by Mr. Makubuya Godfrey and Mr. Luwuliza Aggrey in the Deans office.

Prof. Andrew Ellias State was credited for the implementing the Ministry of Health SOPs that required handwashing and wearing of masks to prevent and control the spread of COVID 19.  State, firmly implemented the SOPs without fear or favour irrespective of one’s age, social, political and economic class, making the building and all premises of the School of Social Sciences a no-go zone for non-compliant citizens.

Prof. State’s health stance on wearing masks to access the school could have saved many from contracting the deadly Corona virus.

Unlike his predecessor, Dr. Justus Twesigye relaxed on the measures basing on the Ministry of Health recent pronouncement.

“On the issue of masks, the outgoing Dean has told you that he no longer has the powers. The Ministry of Health has indicated that people can use masks at their individual discretion. If you feel you need to have a booster dose, do that, but, I think from now we can allow people make their choices including students. If they can, or cannot afford, let people make choices so that we have a bit of peace. It had began raising so much stress. I am going to see how to handle but of course we have Ebola, it is still with us , maintain handwashing”, Dr. Twesigye explained

Incoming Dean, Dr. Justus Twesigye signs the handover report in the Deans office.
Incoming Dean, Dr. Justus Twesigye signs the handover report in the Deans office.

 Dr. Twesigye recognised his undergraduate teachers for nurturing him and thanked staff for voting him and entrusting him with the duty to serve as Dean.

“I would like to accept taking over this responsibility as Dean basically to serve. It is my humble prayer that God grants me Grace to serve. You are part of this service. I will constantly coordinate and persuade but where applicable add a bit of controlled aggression for the good of all”, He pledged.

Dr. Twesigye highlighted a number of issues facing the school he would like to start working on including reorganisation of the teaching space to provide room for Masters students, expediting the process of examining and processing the graduation lists, internet connectivity in the school, following up on the recruitment of a custodian for the school and how to ease access for students with disabilities to the school premises.

As a social worker, Dr. Twesigye said he takes pride in having the School of Social Sciences operate as a family on grounds that staff spend most of their time at the school.

“We spend most of our time here even on weekends, with people coming on Saturdays. Registrars have been here in the nights meaning that they spend very little time with their families.

We would like to make this place our family, just bond, let us create a kind of connection. Let us feel free with each other. Symbolically, I made sure my daughter (Blessing) is here. I did not bring her here to brag but I want you to know that our children, your children, my children can find this place their home.

Once you have an opportunity bring your children, let us know them, this is the network they are going to have. There is no other network we are going to have other than the one we have here. Our grandchildren should come and enjoy this place.” The Dean-elect asserted.

Speaking on behalf of the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Eric Awich expressed happiness to be a witness of the peaceful transfer of responsibilities from Prof. State to Dr. Twesigye.

Dr. Awich pledged the commitment for the Principal’s Office to support the new Dean in the execution of his duties.

Awich also implored the incoming Dean to work on the pending issues as highlighted by the outgoing Dean and to ensure that staff expedite the process of examining, nominating examiners and processing the graduation lists to avoid unnecessary delays.

View on CHUSS

Jane Anyango

General

Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

Published

on

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Special Exam Results -Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

Published

on

The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Humanities & Social Sciences

CHUSS Graduate Symposium Showcases Research and Fosters Collaboration

Published

on

Some of the PhD Students in the audience. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Atwenda Nancy. E

Makerere University, June 20, 2025 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is holding its 2025 Graduate Symposium from June 19 – 21, 2025, bringing together scholars, mentors, and graduate students in a spirited exchange of ideas, research, and academic collaboration.

The symposium, hosted at Makerere University, has provided a dynamic platform for PhD students to present their ongoing research, while also strengthening ties with sister universities and celebrating the achievements of the CHUSS Graduate School in nurturing the next generation of scholars.

Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi delivers the keynoted address. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi delivers the keynoted address.

In his keynote address, Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi welcomed participants and acknowledged the contributions of speakers from the previous day’s sessions, including Prof. Eric Awich Ochen (Deputy Principal, CHUSS), Dr. Peter Wekesa, and Dr. Zaid Sekito, among others. He emphasized that the symposium was not just a showcase of academic work, but a strategic platform to build partnerships and attract research funding.

“Generations must prepare for the next generation,” Dr. Nabutanyi noted, reflecting on life after PhD and the evolving role of Makerere University as a research-intensive institution. He praised department heads for their role in ensuring timely completion of graduate programmes and reiterated the college’s commitment to research excellence.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi delivers the Vice Chancellor's remarks. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi delivers the Vice Chancellor’s remarks.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza highlighted the importance of research that is impactful and relevant to society.

“Research is unimportant unless it is relevant,” he stated. “If one conducts research that doesn’t benefit society, it becomes a waste of resources.” He urged graduate students to approach their academic work with purpose, noting that Makerere is not a “PhD factory” but a hub for innovation, with over 300 active PhD students registered.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala addresses the symposium. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) 2025 Graduate Symposium, Day 2, 20th June 2025, Main Hall, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala addresses the symposium.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of CHUSS, underscored the College’s intentional approach to graduate success. “You are in the mind of an excellent mind,” she said, encouraging students to continue striving for excellence and leadership in their respective fields. The 2025 CHUSS Graduate Symposium served as both a celebration of academic progress and a call to action for scholars to engage in meaningful research that addresses the needs of communities and contributes to national and global development.

The Writer is an Intern in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending