Humanities & Social Sciences
DGRT Benchmarks the CHUSS Cohort-based PhD Program
Published
2 years agoon
By
Jane Anyango
Officials from the Directorate of Graduate Research and Training (DGRT) on 7th March visited the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) to discuss strategies of enhancing the university’s capacity to increase the number and quality of PhD graduates.
CHUSS has been credited for presenting the highest number of PhD graduands in the last three consecutive graduation ceremonies with over 20 candidates representing 10% of the total university output.
The visit was a result of the issues that emerged during the recent Doctoral convention that was held at Hotel Africana where the Directorate was asked to come up with more concrete ways of engaging with colleges as the university strives to become research–led.
The team led by the new Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Edward Bbaale wanted to understand CHUSS strategies for increasing graduate enrollment and how the college plans to uphold and sustain its upper hand in doctoral training.

Statistics show that the CHUSS great PhD harvest comes from sponsored candidates which according to DGRT is a risk. The Directorate wants a sustainability plan and a strategy of locally funded students so that if donors withdraw, the college does not collapse.
The team also wanted to learn and pick a leaf from CHUSS that will be a spring board when visiting other colleges for emulation as best practices.
The other reason for the visit was to hear the bottlenecks to graduate training and research which are solvable through existing policy and policy proposals which have many stages with different gates at the Board of Senate and Quality Assurance among others.
The meeting was attended by the college leadership including Principals, Deans, Heads of Departments, program coordinators at school and departmental levels, administrative and other staff who discussed how they would lead a better and more efficient management and delivery of graduate research and training in the college.
The discussions focused on strategies to increasing on graduate enrollment, sustainability plan for managing graduate education and research at a predominantly Graduate school with experiences from the CHUSS Cohort –based PhD.
Presenting the accreditation, enrolment, graduation and admission status of CHUSS programmes ,the Deputy Director, Graduate Research and Training Dr. Julius Kikooma said the Directorate is focusing on tracking and engaging with colleges on graduate programs.

“In terms of graduate output, CHUSS has two outstanding strength in terms of PhD and Post Graduate Diplomas. We are not bad in terms of numbers but If you can deliver the highest number of PhDs, you can deliver the highest number of master because you are more diverse and have the potential” , Dr. Kikooma implored schools to come up with strategies to increase output from struggling programmes.
The Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Prof. Edward Bbaale stressed that Makerere is committed to transforming into a research led university and as a Directorate they are committed to that agenda.
Prof. Bbaale reported that during the Doctoral convention at Hotel African, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged colleges to commit on centering graduate training and research in reshaping the graduate education landscape at Makerere University.
The research led agenda according to the Director, has put the DGRT on the steering wheel, exposed them, saying they are bare and, must deliver to shine.
“What management is interested in, is that you need to be more innovative as units and individual faculty. Makerere is great because many units have doctoral faculty with capacity to supervise PhDs who have moved through different levels and are bound to contribute to the strategic agenda”, Prof. Bbale stressed adding that staff can work with other units and jointly develop programmes.
Prof. Bbaale explained that besides administering matters to do with graduate training, the DGRT is charged with responsibility of ensuring a conducive policy environment for training and research and initiating policy reviews and recommendations through relevant organs for change.
“We are here to hear from you because CHUSS is one of the colleges to pick lessons as far as doctoral training is concerned. Congratulations for the largest PhD harvests over the last three years.. it brings on table how to sustainably remain there and increase.
We are also here to understand the roadblocks to a great graduate training and research and those that can be identified and solved through policy changes and also to hear best practices for recommendations”. Prof.Bbaale explained
He said the DGRT is guided by the Board of Research and Graduate Training which plays an oversight function, monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance to standards with Senate as another gauge. As DGRT, Bbaale said, they provide a coordination role and are dependent on colleges that run day to day programmes.
DGRT planned activities for the year
Prof. Bbaale reported that the Directorate is already engaged in policy reforms and wants to invest time and engage colleges in policy orientations. He added that THE Directorate wants to have a post-doctoral policy as a good potential for graduate programs and a turning point for publications. The proposals is that the university earmarks funds to sponsor candidates outside so that research outputs are owned by Makerere.
In addition, the Director reported that the Directorate wants to be deliberate and intentional on streamlining graduate admission where it has no end, but to be structured and run on cohort – based PhD. The idea is to admit in cohort and follow students’ milestones.
The Director also said, the Directorate was rethinking of the taught PhD but moving hand in hand with PhD by research, to have a structure and curriculum of what the candidate must do at the end of PhD.
Further, Prof.Bbaale said they are working on upgrading the Graduate Handbook and other policies.
Strategies for increasing Graduate enrolment at CHUSS
Representing the Principal CHUSS, the Deputy Principal Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich Ochen said the college established the project coordinating office and a graduate coordinator, an initiative that can be replicated to support the deputy principal, and, a contact point for graduate training in organizing seminars, answering students concerns, mentorship and supporting supervisors.

“This has helped control the drop outs and improve completion rates. Over the last six years, examinations of PhDs has improved and external examiners paid on time. 98% of examiners are happy, well-facilitated and the turn up of reports good at times within two weeks”. Dr. Awich said.
Dr. Awich said the CHUSS has strengthened and established a number of collaborations and attracted capacity building grants for research, graduate and Post Graduate training including Andrew Mellon and Gerda Henkel Foundations among others.
“We seek more opportunities for more cohort and PhD training as the best strategy to help students complete on time. As DGRT, there is need to help the university in identifying more partners”, Dr. Awich submitted.
At the national level, Dr. Awich said, the college works with the UPDF, Uganda Police and Prisons and has signed MoUs with the UPDF Senior Staff command plus over 25 other MoUs with local and international partners which presents an opportunity for Makerere to put its footprint.
To enhance the quality of scientific multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research and scholarly writing and publications, Dr. Awich reported that the college established the Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
Dr. Awich added that the college graduate training and research has been strengthen by the nine centres and two research institutes that have been at the core of developing new and responsive PhD programmes and furthering partnerships and community outreach.
To increase the number of graduate fellows Dr. Awich proposed the need for the university to come up with a mechanism for fees waivers as a scholarship at departmental levels among others.
Experiences from the Cohort – based PhD Program
Speaking on behalf of the coordinators for the Andrew Mellon and Gerda Henkel funded PhD program, Dr. Pamela Khanakwa explained that since 2015 the college has been receiving 10 students every year from all over Africa with funding from Andrew Mellon and Gerda Henkel foundations.
Gerda Henkel Foundation, is a humanitarian foundation based in Germany which, on the 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 was the then chairperson PANGeA and Makerere University was added in November 2016.
Dr. Khanakwa said the 1st cohort (2017) have all graduated with a PhD in humanities of Makerere University except one candidate who dropped out due to illness. 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. Khanakwa explained that admissions are intense and done once under compulsory signed agreements and an almanac strictly followed.
“The college organizes cross cutting courses, writing workshops, progress reporting, mentorship and retooling workshops.
We also introduced pre-application workshops for competitive grants to help students know what funding agencies look for and the post doc grants.”
In addition, the college organizes dissemination workshops through different fora for students to reflect on what they are doing, invite scholars who comment on their work.
The college also supports students by providing them funds for space in Mawazo and other journals.
“The college also organizes supervisors retooling workshops on practices which have worked. This brings on heads of departments, deans and members from university units to remind members on their roles and graduate policies and practices”, Dr. Khanakwa stated.
Dr. Khanakwa also said the college endeavors to find avenues for supporting graduate students who are not on scholarship by putting slots to sponsor say 3PhDs and a masters on a different program with emphasis on creating a conducive environment for students.
The cohort system according to Dr. Khanakwa keeps the coordinators on love to look for partners and funding opportunities for students to sustain them and complete the program on time.
The Andrew Mellon and the Gerda Henkel support has made a community of scholars in the college and made CHUSS a vibrant intellectual community.By the end of this project, CHUSS would have educated about 60 PhD students.
The funding has also benefited the college in terms of infrastructure, contributed to the intellectual life and convened so far seven symposiums, the CHUSS Conversations and a number of seminars.
Discussions and proposals from the college
Members deliberated on the enablers and bottlenecks to research and graduate training, enhancing graduate supervision, selection of graduate students and challenges to graduate supervision
To increase the number and improve the quality of graduate training members proposed that the University makes a deliberate move to create space for graduate training, incentivize internal examination as extra load and allow CHUSS students from 2015 to be registered to complete.
It was proposed the university registers value in affiliations and treat them as opportunities, lobby government to support graduate training as this contributes to her vision and the National Development plans and address the staffing gaps.

Management was implored to think about prorata, staff welfare and salary enhancement across the divide, expedite staff promotion process, review the Human Resource manual attaching attraction of funding to promotion and post-retirement contracts and put in place systems that bring in funds.
Members expressed the need for special training facilities for specific programs e.g. psychology clinic, musical theater , studios etc, having a deliberate policy to reduce the workload at the lower level of undergraduates, and, institute a budget for curriculum development and reviews to reduce reliance on donors.
In addition to revisiting PhD supervision equivalence to one supervision as a promotion requirement, members suggested that the two year contract should be revisited to allow more years to enable staff attract funding and to avoid losing faculty to other universities.
Members observed that there was need to initiate a policy for academic gain of being a head of department, dean etc, and the need to reduce the bureaucracy for curriculum development and reviews and that the DGRT should engage with Senate, NCHE and facilitate the process.
Conclusions and issues to be taken forward
The Deputy Director Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma appreciated members for raising pertinent issues and proposals adding that some of them are directed to management and the Chair Board of Research and Graduate Training while some were for the Directorate to pick.
Dr. Kikooma asserted that the Directorate considers the working conditions of staff and that is why they were on ground to pick the language and best practices for emulation.
He clarified that the Vice Chancellor is passionate about attracting funding for graduate training and has pledged to work with partners and engage government in a conversation.
“The Vice Chancellor was also committed to engage different partners to have a building for graduate school – a space that is characteristically for graduate students.
As a public institution governed by public service, increasing the staffing levels will depend on instructions from the relevant government organs”. Dr. Kikooma said
Kikooma added that the policy on PhD fellows is there and every department should have graduate fellows to redistribute the load, and its practicality and implementation can be dealt with
The Director DGRT Prof. Edward Bbaale said a lot had been noted for synthesis and the Directorate will come up with write-ups and engage where possible.
Prof. Bbaale explained that Government took over the wage bill of Makerere and all funds go to government and therefore not practical to have a percentage of PhD funds ploughed back to colleges.
“The college should budget for internal examination just like they did for external examination because motivation is critical and, incentive structures need to be correct.
The issue of undergraduates is no longer getting incentive to maintain. The idea is to gradually reduce undergraduate enrolment and increase graduate enrolment and therefore, there is no reason to hold the same number of undergraduates”, The Director explained.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Makerere Marks 40 Years of Cultural and Academic Cooperation with the Italian Ethnographic Mission
Published
3 weeks agoon
May 19, 2025By
Jane Anyango
Minister calls on universities to Mainstream Cultural Studies
Kampala, Uganda | May 16, 2025 — Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled “Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region.”
The exhibition, hosted at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), visually chronicles over 40 years of Italian ethnographic research in Equatorial Africa. Since its establishment in 1979, the Italian Ethnological Mission—anchored at the University of Turin—has documented and studied the social and cultural fabric of the Great Lakes Region, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and supported by the Erasmus+ programme, the mission focuses on topics including refugee integration, traditional knowledge, oral history, and cultural continuity.
The exhibition aims to share the Mission’s ethnographic insights, celebrate academic cooperation between Uganda and Italy, and highlight the deep interwoven cultural legacies of the region’s communities.

Presiding over the official opening on behalf of the Honorable Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, Commissioner Timothy Ssejjoba delivered a message emphasizing the educational significance of the initiative.
“This is not merely an exhibition of images,” he said. “It is a profound representation of intellectual partnership, cultural dialogue, and the enduring power of research and education to shape societies.”
Drawing inspiration from an African proverb—”When a child washes their hands, they dine with kings”—he acknowledged the honor of representing the Minister at such a distinguished gathering and used the opportunity to reaffirm government support for cultural preservation and academic innovation.
Commissioner Ssejjoba noted that Uganda’s aspirations, as articulated in the Vision 2040 and successive National Development Plans (NDP III and IV), align strongly with the goals of ethnographic research. He highlighted that investing in cultural heritage is not merely nostalgic but strategic for human capital development, social cohesion, and regional integration.

“In today’s world of globalization and displacement, ethnographic work becomes indispensable. It helps us preserve intangible heritage and build resilient, inclusive communities,” he said.
The commissioner commended the Italian Ethnological Mission, founded by Prof. Francesco Remotti and carried forward by Prof. Cecilia Pennacini and current Director Prof. Alessandro Gusman, for their long-standing engagement with Uganda and the wider Great Lakes Region.
Ministerial Appeal: Cultural Studies Are a Necessity, Not a Luxury
A key message in his remarks was a direct call to Uganda’s higher education institutions:
“I therefore call upon our universities to continue integrating cultural studies into mainstream curricula—not as a luxury, but as a necessity in building well-rounded, empathetic, and informed citizens.”
This appeal was underpinned by the government’s commitment to transformative education, as outlined in the Social Education Sector Strategic Plan, which seeks to produce globally minded graduates capable of addressing complex societal issues.

The commissioner also lauded the Erasmus+ Programme for facilitating student and staff mobility between Makerere and the University of Turin, significantly improving PhD completion rates and strengthening international research ties.
The Connecting Cultures exhibition offers a visual journey through four decades of ethnographic work, touching on themes such as identity, migration, oral traditions, music, and the social lives of communities across the region. It serves not only as a scholarly archive but also as a bridge between past and future generations.
“These photographs are living stories,” Ssejjoba emphasized. “They reflect identity, tradition, and the power of memory in shaping who we are—and who we aspire to become.”
In echoing the day’s theme, Commissioner Ssejjoba described the exhibition as “a testament to the transformative power of education, culture, and international solidarity.” He called upon development partners to support similar initiatives that use culture as a tool for peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive development.

“To the students, researchers, and the broader public,” he concluded, “may you draw inspiration from this work. Let us preserve our cultural heritage, connect across borders, and use education as a force for progress.”
Italy Backs Cross-Cultural Research as Key to Social Transformation – Ambassador Massoni
Italy’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, hailed cross-cultural academic collaboration as a powerful vehicle for social change, policy innovation, and mutual understanding, calling the partnership between Makerere University and the University of Turin a model for international cooperation.
Ambassador Massoni praised the longstanding collaboration between Italian and Ugandan scholars, particularly through the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region. He noted that the mission, established over four decades ago, continues to foster intercultural dialogue and tackle shared global challenges through ethnographic research.
“This exhibition offers more than images. It tells the story of enduring cooperation—academic, cultural, and human—between our two countries,” he said. “It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together across disciplines, borders, and continents.”

The Ambassador commended the University of Turin, particularly Professors Alessandro Gusman and Cecilia Pennacini, for their leadership in driving fieldwork-based research that links academia with community needs. He emphasized that the mission has not only enriched scholarly understanding but also played a role in social dialogue, community engagement, and humanitarian advocacy.
“This partnership transcends academic borders. It contributes to policy development and community cohesion. It shows how research—when rooted in empathy and equity—can improve lives,” he said.
Ambassador Massoni also spotlighted collaborative projects such as those examining migration, refugee experiences, and mobility in East Africa, many of which are supported by the Erasmus+ programme. These joint initiatives, he said, help address pressing social issues through shared academic pathways.
“Such work strengthens mutual comprehension and confronts the complex realities shaping our societies today,” he noted.

Additionally, he highlighted the recent launch of the Strengthening African-Italian Museum Partnerships project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The initiative aims to digitize and preserve African cultural heritage in collaboration with major Italian and African museums, including the Uganda Museum.
“Italy is proud to support this effort. We see scientific diplomacy and cultural heritage as powerful tools for trust, understanding, and long-term collaboration,” he said.
In closing, Ambassador Massoni expressed gratitude to Makerere University and the wider academic and curatorial teams behind the exhibition. He encouraged guests to view the display not only as a celebration of past work but also as a call to future action.
“Let us continue building together—not only academic bridges—but human ones,” he concluded.
We must train more Archeologists and Anthropologists- Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe hailed universities as key agents of peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue, emphasizing their critical role in advancing global understanding amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Prof. Nawangwe praised the longstanding collaboration between Makerere University and Italian institutions, calling it a shining example of how academic partnerships can foster peace and mutual respect.

“Universities are the best engines for promoting peace in the world. There is no better institution than a university to bring people and cultures together,” Prof. Nawangwe asserted.
Reflecting on historical ties, Nawangwe recalled the substantial support Makerere received from the Italian government during the 1987 donor conference, particularly in reviving the Faculty of Technology. He noted that the impact of such partnerships goes beyond infrastructure and education, contributing to nation-building and lasting international friendships.
“I personally benefited from those exchanges. I lived in Italy for a month, studied the language, and engaged with Italian culture. These interactions create lifelong connections,” he said.
He pointed to Makerere‘s global footprint as a leading research institution, recently ranked by Times Higher Education as the most collaborative university in the world, based on international research partnerships.
“At Makerere, we have more researchers publishing with colleagues from other universities than anywhere else. This collaborative spirit reflects our belief in academic diplomacy as a force for development,” he explained.

Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the university’s particularly strong ties with Italy, noting that most of its Erasmus+ academic exchange agreements are with Italian institutions. He attributed this to the deep-rooted friendship between Uganda and Italy, with Makerere acting as “Uganda compressed in one place.”
Praising the exhibition’s vivid portrayal of East and Central African cultural heritage through photography, Nawangwe called visual documentation one of the most powerful tools for preserving and communicating knowledge.
“A photographic illustration is the strongest kind of evidence. It stays with you. What I saw today helped bring to life things I’ve only read or heard about,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed concern over the limited development of disciplines like archaeology in Uganda, describing it as “a shame” that the country only recently graduated its first archaeologist.

“With all our cultural diversity and historical wealth, how can archaeology be new in Uganda? We must train more archaeologists and anthropologists to study our own heritage,” he urged.
He concluded by encouraging scholars to remain committed to cultural research and international collaboration, thanking the Italian Embassy for its continued support in fostering ties between Uganda and Italy.
“We must keep walking in our pursuit of knowledge, peace, and progress for Uganda and the world,” Nawangwe said, in his characteristic blend of seriousness and humor.
Nkabala Calls for Introduction of Italian Language at Makerere to Deepen Cultural Connections
Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), called for the introduction of Italian language instruction at the university as a strategic step in strengthening cultural and academic ties between Uganda and Italy.
Prof. Nkabala emphasized the importance of language in fostering deeper intercultural understanding and advancing the university’s global engagement agenda.

“In addition to what is already happening, we’d like to invite you to the School of Languages, Literature, and Communication so that we can start teaching Italian at Makerere University. When we talk about connecting cultures, issues of poetry come in,” Nkabala said.
The principal highlighted the longstanding relationship between Makerere University and Italian academic institutions, referencing ongoing collaborations with the University of Turin, the European Academy of Religion, and new engagements with Sapienza University of Rome. She also acknowledged support from Italian scholars such as Prof. Alessandro Gusman and Prof. Cecilia Pennacini.
“Friends, today is testimony that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences will use all that is within its means to change the narrative,” she said, referring to the exhibition as a powerful demonstration of the college’s research impact and cultural outreach.
Prof. Nkabala praised Makerere’s deans, heads of departments, and academic staff for their collective efforts in organizing the exhibition, and extended special appreciation to the Italian Embassy in Kampala for its continued logistical and visa support, which has enabled seamless academic exchange.
“Our academics never get problems because you have a very dynamic team. We thank you very much for allowing them the opportunity to support us when we need it,” she noted, addressing Italian Ambassador Mauro Massoni directly.

She also paid tribute to predecessors, including Prof. Josephine Ahikire and the former Principal Prof. Edward Kirumira, for their role in laying the foundation for enduring academic partnerships between Uganda and Italy.
As the College of Humanities and Social Sciences continues to expand its international footprint, Nkabala urged faculty and students to remain committed to collaboration and participation in future joint initiatives.
“Colleagues, I call upon you to be present when called upon,” she said, reaffirming CHUSS’ dedication to cultural diplomacy through research, language, and the arts.
Africa Offers the World Wisdom and Science—Prof. Pennacini Urges New Era of Equal Academic Partnerships
Professor Cecilia Pennacini, former Director of the Italian Ethnographic Mission in the Great Lakes Region called for a paradigm shift in Africanist research and cultural cooperation, asserting that Africa offers the world invaluable wisdom, philosophy, and science.
Prof. Pennacini emphasized that Italian scholars came to Africa “not to teach, but to learn.”
“The ancient civilizations of Africa have so much to teach the Western world—in terms of knowledge, wisdom, philosophy, politics, even science and art,” she said. “This is why our mission has always been grounded in humility and mutual respect.”

Prof. Pennacini reflected on the foundational vision of the Italian Ethnographic Mission, established by her mentor, Prof. Francesco Remotti, who advocated for fieldwork rooted in cultural dialogue rather than colonial paradigms of knowledge extraction.
Upon assuming leadership of the Mission in 2005, Pennacini prioritized creating equal academic partnerships. She credited this approach with the establishment of a formal collaboration with Makerere University, which has since flourished through joint research, teaching exchanges, and mobility programs funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ initiative.
“We have grown together—building common knowledge and hopefully laying foundations for future generations,” she noted.
Prof. Pennacini also announced a major new initiative aimed at transforming museum practice and cultural preservation across Africa and Europe. The project, Strengthening African-Italian Museum Partnerships, is supported by the Italian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AICS) and will connect eight museums—four in Africa and four in Italy.
Participating institutions include the Uganda Museum, the National Museum of Ethiopia, the National Museum of Lubumbashi in the DRC, and the Ethnographic Museum at Addis Ababa University. These will collaborate with the Museum of Civilizations in Rome, the Royal Museums of Turin, the Savoy Residences in Piedmont, and the Anthropology and Ethnography Museum at the University of Turin.

“This project seeks to digitize, catalogue, and valorize ethnological and artistic collections through a participatory approach,” she said. “It will involve local communities, diaspora groups, and civil society as co-creators of museum life.”
Prof. Pennacini stressed the need for museums to be transparent about the provenance of their collections and to embrace inclusive narratives that reflect source communities’ voices. She tied this initiative to Italy’s broader commitment to a redefined model of cooperation inspired by the Mattei Plan for Africa, which promotes non-exploitative, mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Culture must be seen as a fundamental pillar of human development—socially, economically, and intellectually,” she concluded.
Italian Ethnological Mission Celebrates 46 Years of Cultural Research and Partnership in the Great Lakes Region — Prof. Gusman
Professor Alessandro Gusman, Director of the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region, reaffirmed the mission’s enduring commitment to linking people, cultures, and institutions across national borders through academic and cultural research.
Prof. Gusman described the event as both a celebration and a reflection on 46 years of Italian ethnological research in East Africa, particularly the Great Lakes Region.
“This exhibition retraces the history of our work and celebrates our long-standing collaboration with Makerere University, one of the most esteemed academic institutions in East Africa,” he said.

The Italian Ethnological Mission, founded in 1979 by Prof. Francesco Remotti in what was then Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), has progressively expanded its research footprint across the region—later including Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. It officially began its partnership with Makerere in 2004, a relationship Prof. Gusman said has significantly shaped the mission’s academic trajectory.
“The title Connecting Cultures reflects the mission’s core goal understanding and linking diverse societies through shared anthropological inquiry,” Prof. Gusman noted.
He expressed gratitude to the Italian Embassy in Kampala for its continued support, and to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University for hosting and nurturing the partnership over two decades.
Special acknowledgment was extended to Prof. Cecilia Pennacini, who led the Mission from 2004 to 2018, for deepening the collaboration with Makerere and expanding research into Uganda. Prof. Gusman emphasized that the Mission’s work has always prioritized cultural continuity and regional interconnectivity through language, social structures, and institutions.
“The photographs and texts featured in this exhibition are the result of decades of collaborative research and dialogue,” he said. “They are not just artifacts—they are bridges between nations, histories, and academic traditions.”
Looking forward, Prof. Gusman expressed hope that the partnership would continue to flourish, enhancing academic prestige and generating lasting societal impact.
“Our hope for the future is that these collaborations will grow deeper, bringing not only recognition to the institutions involved but also creating meaningful change across communities,” he concluded.
Makerere’s Prof. Dipio: Italian Collaboration Brings Cultures and Institutions Closer
Professor Dominic Dipio, Coordinator of the ERASMUS Mobility Program at Makerere University, praised the ongoing academic and cultural partnership between Uganda and Italy, calling it a powerful force for diplomacy and institutional connection.
Prof. Dipio highlighted how collaborative efforts between the University of Turin, Makerere, and the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region have served to “bring Italy closer to Uganda.”
“Exhibitions like this are important because many Ugandans, especially those shaped by British colonial heritage, know little about Italy. These events narrow that gap,” she said.

The exhibition, organized in partnership with the Italian Embassy in Kampala, builds on a previous one held in 2022. Prof. Dipio lauded the long-standing academic ties facilitated by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, which has enabled robust student and staff mobility between the two universities since 2016.
“This triangular relationship between the Government of Italy, Erasmus+, and our universities has allowed Makerere students to spend up to ten months in Italy completing their dissertations — a rare opportunity that boosts our PhD completion rates significantly,” he noted.
Prof. Dipio emphasized the critical role of scholars in diplomacy, stating that research and academic exchange naturally weave connections across cultures and borders.
“The work of scholars often goes beyond classrooms and papers. It becomes a means of international dialogue and peacebuilding,” he said.
She also commended the logistical teams from Makerere, the University of Turin, and the Italian Embassy — particularly the visa section — for enabling seamless academic travel.
“Your commitment, your flexibility, and your belief in this partnership have made it thrive. We are grateful,” Dipio said, addressing embassy representatives present.
The exhibition showcases decades of ethnographic research by the Italian mission and emphasizes themes of cultural continuity, social institutions, and intercultural exchange in the Great Lakes region. Prof. Dipio expressed hope that the exhibition panels remain accessible for more students and faculty to benefit from before the academic break.
“We pray this collaboration continues to flourish. It is not just institutional — it is deeply personal. We now call each other by our first names, a sign of the trust and friendship we’ve built,” she concluded.
The Connecting Cultures exhibition is part of a broader movement at Makerere University to internationalize its academic outlook and deepen ties with institutions around the world, especially in the humanities and social sciences.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer CHUSS
Engineering, Art & Tech
Advert: Application for Additional Undergraduate Programmes 2025/26
Published
3 weeks agoon
May 16, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.
The following Programmes have been added:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences (Day and Evening)
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug.
How to submit your application
- Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
- Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
- A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
- The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
- To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
- Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
- Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:
- Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel
- Select option 3-Admission
- Select option 3-Pay Fees
- Enter reference number obtained from Application portal
- Details of Application form will be confirmed
- Enter PIN to confirm payment
The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 27th May 2025.
WARNING:
- Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
- Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
- The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
- Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
Humanities & Social Sciences
Call for Applications: MISR Interdisciplinary MPhil/PhD Programme 2026
Published
3 weeks agoon
May 15, 2025By
Mak Editor
Makerere Institute of Social Research launched its interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Social Studies program in January 2012.
This five-year program comprises three years of coursework leading to the attainment of a Master of Philosophy in social studies, followed by two years dedicated to fieldwork and dissertation writing, culminating in the award of a Ph.D. in social studies. Four broad themes define the program’s intellectual focus: Political Studies, Political Economy, Historical Studies, and Cultural and Literary Studies. While students specialize in one field, they engage in coursework across all four themes. This allows students to be grounded theoretically while also giving them a broad foundation in historically informed debates in the humanities and social sciences. Additionally, students are required to complete core courses focusing on theory and historiography. The courses are taught by MISR faculty, faculty from other Makerere departments, and prominent visiting scholars through the MISR Global Scholars program. As the fourteenth cohort progresses, applications are now open for the fifteenth cohort, which will commence in January 2026.
Admission Criteria
The MISR Interdisciplinary MPhil/PhD program is open to applicants who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree with a Second Class (Upper Division) or its equivalent. Applicants with a Second Class (Lower Division) may be considered if they provide clear evidence of academic maturity, such as a postgraduate diploma or substantial research experience. All admitted candidates must complete the entire program, including two years of coursework, regardless of their previous academic qualifications.
Application procedure
Apply through the application portal.
Online Application Portal user-guide
- Visit the Makerere University’s Admissions URL: https://apply.mak.ac.ug
- Sign up using full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
- A password will be sent to both your email and mobile number.
- The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
- To fill a form (all form sections must be filled) the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button (for first time applicants) or MY PORTAL button (for renewal of application) displayed on the appropriate scheme i.e. Taught PhDs, Masters & Postgrad Diplomas OR PhD by Research.
- All academic transcripts/certificates and passport photos should be scanned and uploaded on the system.
- You can access the referee’s letter by following the following link: Referee-Recommendation. This should be filled, scanned and uploaded.
- Obtain a payment ref no. by clicking on “Pay for Form” button
- Make payments at any of the banks used by URA. i) Application fee = Ugx 50,000 (East African applicants) or Ugx 151,500 (International Applicants)
- International students can make payments for admission via Visa. In order to make a payment via Visa/plastique, follow the detailed guidelines on the link: Fees payment using visa-mastercard
Fees
The fee structure is as follows:
- Ugandans/East Africans: 4 million Uganda Shillings per semester. East Africa includes Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
- Students from outside East Africa: US$4,000 per semester.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Every applicant who is admitted will automatically be considered for financial aid. Download the scholarship application form at: Application form
Strictly observe the closing date of Friday, May 30, 2025.
Responses to successful applicants will be sent out by Friday, July 21, 2025.
Please send an email notification to applications.misr@gmail.com once you have completed your application.
For more information about the MISR MPhil/Ph.D. program, or about MISR, please contact the Director of MISR at director.misr@mak.ac.ug or visit the MISR website at: http://www.misr.mak.ac.ug.
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