Humanities & Social Sciences
Council Chair, Mrs. Lorna Magara Visits CHUSS
The Chairperson Makerere University Council Mrs. Lorna Magara on Wednesday 1st March 2023 made her maiden visit to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). Mrs Magara was recently re-appointed as Council Chair for the second term of office.
She was accompanied by council members including Mr. Bruce Balaba, Kabasa, Assoc. Prof. Sarah Ssali, Sengozi Ddamulira, Timothy M. Ssejjoba, Edwin Karugire and George Bamugemereire.
The purpose of the visit was to learn about what the college was doing, how they do it and how CHUSS work fits into the mission and vision of the university.
“We want to hear what you do, your uniqueness and how you contribute to the vision of Makerere University and, secondly, we have some new members on the Council and it is good to introduce them to you”, Mrs. Magara said.
In a 30-paged college presentation to Council, the Principal CHUSS Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire   highlighted the vision and mission of the college, constituents, programmes offered and the status of staff and students.
Prof. Ahikire highlighted key milestones in areas of training, research, and resource mobilisation, including staff development, curriculum reviews, community service, institutional networking and internationalisation as well as the college participation in recent Mak @100 celebrations and staff recognitions and awards.
The Principal stressed that CHUSS was  thinking of her niche in graduate programmes with efficient staff and stock of graduate students.
“Several members of staff have been supported to develop their intellectual capacity through PhD and Masters training. This has been possible with financial support especially from various development partners. Last year 2022 we had over 20 staff promoted”, Prof. Ahikire said
She reported to council members that for the last three graduation ceremonies CHUSS has been topping in the number of PhDs.
“During the 73rd Graduation ceremony, February 2023, CHUSS presented 2061 graduands. Of these, 23 were PhD candidates.
At the  72nd Graduation of May 2022, CHUSS presented 25 PhDs Out of the 100 Doctorates across all colleges.
 And at the 71st Graduation ceremony held in May 2021, 2,134 Students Graduated from CHUSS with a record 22 PhDs out of 108 Doctorates the highest of all”, Prof. Ahihikire stated.
Prof. Ahikire highlighted the challenges facing the college including high student population, inadquate teaching space, staffing gaps in teaching and supervision, inadequate administrative and support, high teaching/supervision load and limited space for graduate students.
Other issues included delays in staff promotion, non-promotion of support staff, inadequate equipment for practical courses, lack of support infrastructure like laptops, projectors, printers, non-facilitation for supervision and examination of graduate students, poor internet connectivity in some schools, and insecurity around offices and classrooms.
The meeting was characterized by open discussions on the presentations and issues raised.
“There is mapping going on. Map your current status highlighting all issues. Share with Management which will share with Council to work up on restructuring arrangements”. Council Chair Mrs. Lorna Magara concluded the meeting.
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.
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.
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, 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
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