Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS Holds 6th Annual Gerda Henkel Graduate Supervisors Retooling Seminar for Cohort 2022
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.
“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.
“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.
Mak CHUSS Gerda Henkel PhD Scholarships
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.
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.
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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