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CHUSS Holds 6th Annual Gerda Henkel Graduate Supervisors Retooling Seminar for Cohort 2022

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The important role of teaching and supervision and the fundamental competencies that ought to be developed in a successful postgraduate student may be affected by the supervisor-supervisee relationship and strategies used in negotiating the demands of teaching, supervision, administration and research

Currently universities are expected to churn out a cadre of graduates with strong research credentials and the rigor of a PhD programme is best placed to produce such people.  Yet, many obstacles to the recruitment of qualified candidates into such programmes have been identified; principally the length of time spent on training, the human capacity and infrastructural gaps.

 In addition, at the time of commencing PhD, the candidate is frequently an expert or even a leader in their own discipline. It is often difficult to identify a supervisor who actually knows more about the field than they do. Furthermore, they are mature students, with much life experience and a self-belief which substantially alters the power relationships between the student and supervisor.

It is against this background that Graduate supervisors and coordinators, Deans, Heads of Departments and administrative staff from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) on 23rd February 2023 converged at the Hilton Gardens Kamwokya to reflect on their roles and expectations as the university strives to became research led.

This was the sixth supervisors retooling seminar organized under the auspices of the CHUSS Gerda Henkel PhD Funded program for cohort 2022. The supervisors were called upon to be parental, empathetic and to use integrated approaches of supervision. This is not only important for a rubust and timely mentorship for graduate students and improving their completion rates but also safeguarding the image of the university and improving the university ranking.

The seminar was facilitated by long serving senior academics who shared their expertise and experiences in teaching at Makerere University. Prof. Abasi Kyimba deliberated on the Approaches  of Graduating Training in CHUSS and Prof. Edward Wamala on types of PhD supervision while the Deputy Director(Administration and Graduate Training) Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma  covered the aspect of  Policies and Processes of Graduate training at Makerere University.

Associate prof. Grace Kibanja gave insights on the Ethical considerations in PhD Research while Dr. Edgar Taylor (Supervisor) and Dr. Deo Kannamwangi (a supervisee) from Kyambogo University shared their personal experiences on PhD supervision at Makerere University.

While opening the workshop, the Principal CHUSS represented by her Deputy Associate Professor Eric Awich Ochen commended the project coordinators for this initiative and supporting the university quest on focusing and improving graduate training.

The Deputy Principal CHUSS, Associate Professor Eric Awich Ochen officially opens the seminar.
The Deputy Principal CHUSS, Associate Professor Eric Awich Ochen officially opens the seminar.

“It is important from time to time to reflect on what our role is and what is expected of us. The university is in the process of becoming research led and we have made a stride already. For the third year running, we had over 100 PhDs which is very big for Makerere University and we all know that CHUSS has made a contribution to this.

In the recent graduation of February 2023 we had 25 PhDs, the previous one we had 22 and in 2021 we had 21 PhDs. It is our hope and request to you our supervisors and the seniors here including all of us to achieve more”, The Principal urged.

Dr. Awich appreciated   the Gerda Henkel Foundation for supporting PhD training acknowledging that it has contributed significantly to the huge numbers of PhDs in the college and university as a whole .The Principal further commended the PhD training through the cohort system as efficient.

“Many colleges have funding from donors but I think CHUSS is a very good example in terms of how this cohort system has worked out. I would like to encourage the Deans and Heads of department to ensure and to make it easier for our students to go through the process. Our customers are the students so if we don’t make it easy for them, how will we attract more students”, Awich advised.

While closing the workshop the Dean School of Liberal and Performing Arts Assoc. Prof. Patrick Mangeni appreciated the college leadership, project  committee members  and  staff for organizing a series of the retooling  seminars.  

The Dean School of Liberal and Performing Arts, Assoc. Prof. Patrick Mangeni delivers closing remarks at the seminar.
The Dean School of Liberal and Performing Arts, Assoc. Prof. Patrick Mangeni delivers closing remarks at the seminar.

“Our seniors in this area we also thank you so much. I know year in and year out, we do have these activities and there is a difference we are noticing on the ground. There is overall improvement though there are areas we still have to work on. In these particular workshops we get knowledge, feedback, which is very critical”, Prof. Mangeni said.

Prof. Mangeni  thanked the participants for the open discussions and expressed the need for  project coordinators to deliberate  on getting exit meetings with graduate student, to fill forms before leaving so that the university can draw on their feedback and dedicate sessions for supervisors to improve on graduate training.

“We have to guide these students on what to do but these are also human beings. At times a person you are supervising is married. Ideally they have come up to study and get a degree and that’s what you should help them with. We need sessions to prepare our students,” the professor said.

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CHUSS projects’ Coordinator Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi said the college has been retooling supervisors for the last six years. He congratulated senior staff  who have supported the college initiative by sharing their experiences and knowledge  in regards to mentorship and supervision.

CHUSS projects’ Coordinator Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi.
CHUSS projects’ Coordinator Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi.

 Gerda Henkel Foundation he said,  is a humanitarian foundation based in Germany which, on African continent  has funded research and graduate students  through Lisa Maskell fund since 2009 -2010 when they  partnered with the University of Stellenbosch under a premiership program which was called Partnership for Africa’s Next Generation of Academics (PANGeA).  PANGeA  is a collaborative network of leading African universities developing research capacity and confidence in bringing African expertise to Africa’s challenges. The universities involved in the PANGeA network are the University of Botswana, the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, the University of Ghana, Makerere University, the University of Malawi, the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon.

In a bid to diversify  in 2015 PANGeA got into contact with Prof Edward Kirumira who had was the then chairperson and Makerere University was added in November 2016.

Dr. Nabutanyi reported that,  the 1st cohort (2017) have all graduated with a PhD in humanities of Makerere University except one candidate.

 In 2018, CHUSS  admitted the 2nd cohort (10 students) and are in various stages of completion but  was greatly affected by the pandemic. In 2019 the college  had the 3rd cohort of  10 students,  in 2020 another cohort of  8 students and the  2021 cohort  that had 10 students.

Dr. Nabutanyi also reported that  not only has the Gerda Henkel support made a community of scholars in the college, but, has also made CHUSS  a vibrant  intellectual community.

“By the end with project,  CHUSS would have educated around 57 PhD students. The funding from Gerda Henkel has been instrumental because it has supported in a significant way the departments in the college. The college has also benefited in terms of infrastructure. It has also contributed to the intellectual life in the college,  convened  so far  seven symposiums, the CHUSS conversations and also seminars”. He added

He asked the staff and supervisors to treat the funded students as university students without special treatment pledging that the  college and coordinating office was open to the supervisors to interact in any way possible in a manner that can help facilitate the training.

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Jane Anyango

Humanities & Social Sciences

Dr. Brian Semujju: A Bright Burning Torch Extinguished

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Left to Right: Prof. Gorretti Nassanga, Dr. John Baptist Imokola, Ms. Harriet Sebaana, Dr. Wilson Kaija, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Dr. Charlotte Ntulume and other colleagues lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju's casket in St. Francis Chapel on 5th August 2025. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Makerere University fraternity is mourning the loss of a dedicated and hardworking academic, Dr. Brian Semujju. At the time of his passing, Dr. Semujju was serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, where he had worked for eight years. He was a prolific scholar with more than 20 publications to his name, the most recent of which was published in February 2025.

In a condolence message from the Vice Chancellor delivered by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the University extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. Prof. Ireeta noted that Dr. Semujju was widely known for his enthusiasm and commitment to academic research. Drawing from scripture, he offered comfort to mourners with a quote from Psalms 34:14: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He also extended condolences to Dr. Semujju’s students, fellow scholars, and colleagues.

Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays tribute to Dr. Semujju. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays tribute to Dr. Semujju.

On behalf of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Principal, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala and the Deputy Principal, Dr. Eric Awich Ochen, shared heartfelt condolences. The College Leadership acknowledged Dr. Semujju’s immense contributions and the deep void his death left in the college following his passing on 3rd August 2025. Equally commended was Dr. Semujju’s remarkable journey from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer—a clear testament to his passion and commitment to research. Dr. Semujju’s dedication to his work was described as extraordinary, and Dr. Awich Ochen confirmed that he was due for promotion to Associate Professor at the time of his death, a reflection of his unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Right) is joined by Dr. Eric Awich Ochen (Left) and Dr. Eve Nabulya to lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju's casket. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Right) is joined by Dr. Eric Awich Ochen (Left) and Dr. Eve Nabulya to lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju’s casket.

Prof. Gorretti Nassanga delivered a message on behalf of the Head of the Department, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, describing Dr. Semujju as a man who left behind a strong legacy of academic excellence. She traced his academic journey at Makerere University, beginning as a Master’s student in 2010, graduating in 2012, and completing his PhD in 2017—the same year he joined the Department as a Lecturer. She highlighted his significant research contributions, including publications in high-impact international journals and involvement in diverse research projects covering community media, gender and media, environmental and climate change communication, and the use of mobile phones in journalism practice. Prof. Nassanga praised his critical mind and eagerness to explore new frontiers of knowledge, adding: “Apart from his work at the Department of Journalism and Communication, he took interest in other areas like music, he composed several songs including some on how to tackle climate change.”

Prof. Gorretti Nassanga (Holding Microphone) is joined by members of the Department of Journalism and Communication to deliver their message. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorretti Nassanga (Holding Microphone) is joined by members of the Department of Journalism and Communication to deliver their message.

Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo, Dean at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University, and Prof. Monica Chibita both spoke about Dr. Semujju’s insatiable curiosity and commitment to his work. Prof. Chibita noted his exceptional sense of duty, as evidenced by his latest publication in February despite battling illness. She emphasized the importance of preserving his legacy: “He leaves a gap in many people’s hearts but Brian also leaves a legacy of academic excellence. As many of his mentees who are here, we all have a duty to keep this legacy alive.”

Prof. Monica Chibita (Front) and Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (Left) spoke on behalf of Uganda Christian University (UCU). Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Monica Chibita (Front) and Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (Left) spoke on behalf of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Dr. Robert Kakuru, Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), reflected on the collective loss felt by the academic fraternity: “As the academic fraternity we have lost a hardworking man. We have lost a man that was destined to achieve much.” He expressed appreciation to the University Management, especially the Vice Chancellor, for their support during this difficult time. Dr. Kakuru also used the occasion to promote the MUASA Social Support Fund, encouraging both new membership and mutual support among existing members.

Dr. Robert Robert Kakuru delivers his message. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Robert Robert Kakuru delivers his message.

Representing the Fulbright Scholars where Dr. Semujju served as President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Saul Daniel Ddumba also expressed his sympathies: “He accepted to be our Fulbright President, which was another job on top of what he already had,” he said, praising Dr. Semujju’s enthusiastic spirit.

Mr. Baker Batte, one of Dr. Semujju’s earliest Master’s students, shared a memory that reflected his high standards and intolerance for mediocrity: “I think I gave him approximately 15 drafts for him to accept that my dissertation was good for submission.”

Mr. Baker Batte ( Holding Microphone) pays tribute to his former supervisor. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Baker Batte ( Holding Microphone) pays tribute to his former supervisor.

A family representative, Dr. Semujju’s brother, spoke of his strong work ethic and obsession with quality, recounting his frequent reminder to the family: “Every time he would tell us that we cannot teach if we are not doing research.” He expressed gratitude to the Department of Journalism and Communication and the University for their support, particularly through financial assistance.

The funeral service held on 5th August 2025 at St. Francis Chapel and was presided over by the Chaplain, Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa. In her sermon, the Chaplain urged the bereaved family to turn to God for comfort, describing Him as “not distant, but… the God of Comfort.” She read from 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, reminding the congregation of God’s enduring presence in times of suffering: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction… Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort,” she preached.

Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa leads congregants in song. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa leads congregants in song.

The event was graced by several dignitaries from the Media, including the CEO of Vision Group, Mr. Don Wanyama, and the Head of Bukedde TV, Mr. Richard Kayiira.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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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

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Special Exam Results -Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

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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.

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