Humanities & Social Sciences
DGRT Benchmarks the CHUSS Cohort-based PhD Program
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.
Makerere University staff have been urged to embrace collaboration, accountability, and capacity building as key strategies for winning grants under the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (RIF). Speaking on the second day of the CHUSS CERTL International Conference at Fairway Hotel on 15th November 2024, Prof. Fred Masagazi-Masaazi, Chair of the Mak RIF Grants Management Committee, emphasized the need to eliminate the “Pekeyangu” culture—where researchers work individually—and instead foster teamwork and partnerships.
Prof. Masagazi encouraged staff to form inter-college and institutional research teams, as well as collaborate with national public and private organizations in crafting proposals. He underscored the value of drawing diverse expertise from different sectors to enhance competitiveness and innovation. “Working alone must stop. Let’s prioritize teamwork and include diverse expertise in grant writing,” he said, adding that partnerships with external stakeholders, including government institutions and private sector players, were critical to winning grants.
In his presentation titled Makerere Research and Innovation Fund: Opportunities and Challenges in the 21st Century, Prof. Masagazi highlighted the importance of timely accountability for disbursed funds. He warned that management would blacklist staff members who failed to provide proper accountability.
Addressing the performance of colleges in grant proposal submissions, Prof. Masagazi observed that humanities-based disciplines were underperforming compared to other colleges, such as the College of Health Sciences and Makerere University Business School. He called on the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) to actively participate in the ongoing sixth call for proposals, set to close in a few weeks, urging them to leverage their potential and submit competitive projects.
The RIF committee, he said, plans to provide special consideration for staff who have applied unsuccessfully for grants in the past, giving them an additional opportunity to benefit from funding.
Prof. Masagazi commended CHUSS for organizing forums to discuss research, teaching, and learning. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, particularly those that promote impactful research and broaden collaborations with stakeholders from the Global North and South. He also encouraged staff to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to research and proposal development, stating that working with diverse stakeholders enhances the communication of research findings to broader audiences.
Reflecting on Makerere University’s seven-year journey in establishing RIF, Prof. Masagazi lauded the Ugandan government for its commitment to funding high-quality research aimed at transforming lives. RIF currently operates with a budget of UGX 30 billion, and Prof. Masagazi expressed hope that CHUSS could secure a significant portion of this funding for its projects.
He noted that some of the most impactful RIF-funded projects have emerged from CHUSS, including Prof. Dominic Dipio’s research on Uganda’s cultural heritage, which garnered significant global attention, and Dr. Esuruk Robert’s study on cross-border conflicts and peacebuilding in Uganda. Additionally, Prof. Edith Natukunda developed teaching resources that have transformed French language education in Ugandan schools, while other projects have advanced the digitalization of academic programs and supported commercialization of innovations.
Prof. Masagazi outlined several strategies for maximizing RIF’s impact, including mobilizing alternative funding sources from international donors and local partners. He revealed plans to create a dedicated funding slot for individuals who have applied unsuccessfully multiple times, ensuring greater inclusivity and opportunities for all researchers. However, he emphasized that maintaining high-quality proposals would remain a priority.
The professor called on CHUSS to leverage its expertise in areas such as tourism, culture, linguistics, and indigenous knowledge to influence national policy and contribute to socio-economic transformation. He encouraged research that integrates traditional knowledge with contemporary practices, fosters cultural development, and explores new frontiers in entertainment, sports, and linguistics.
Prof. Masagazi also addressed the transparency and effective proposal evaluation and consistencies in scoring by reviewers urging staff to strengthen their research capacity to meet competitive standards. He called on senior academics to mentor junior colleagues and include them in research teams, emphasizing the need to eliminate biases against humanities research and ensure equal opportunities across disciplines.
In closing, Prof. Masagazi reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting research efforts across Makerere University. “Accountability, collaboration, and capacity building are crucial. Let us build strong research teams, submit timely proposals, and deliver transformative research for the benefit of Uganda and beyond,” he said.
The Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund, established in 2019, aims to produce high-quality research aligned with national development priorities. The sixth call for proposals remains open, presenting an opportunity for researchers to secure funding and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Council Chair Calls for Integration of CERTL Initiatives into University Processes
The Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, has called for the university-wide standardization of CERTL initiatives to strengthen its research-led transformation. Mrs. Magara made this call while presiding over the opening ceremony of the 2024 CHUSS Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching, and Learning (CERTL) International Conference on November 14, 2024, at Fairway Hotel in Kampala.
The conference, under the theme, “Leveraging Centers of Excellence to enhance Makerere University‘s teaching, research, and learning landscape”, brought together academics, project leaders, keynote speakers, and panelists. Mrs. Magara acknowledged the crucial role of partners like the Mellon Foundation and Gerda Henkel Foundation in supporting the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and advancing the university’s strategic objectives. The College received a $800,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to support the establishment of CERTL, aiming to strengthen research, teaching, and learning in the Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences at Makerere University.
Launched on September 16, 2020, CERTL has provided Makerere University faculty with opportunities to enhance their research, teaching, and learning practices. It has fostered renewal and pedagogical growth among senior faculty, created space for peer debates on academic practices, and supported curriculum design and pedagogical innovations within the college.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Magara highlighted Makerere’s 2020-2030 Strategic Plan, emphasizing the transition from a teaching-focused to a research-led institution. She identified four key pillars: deepening research, building industry partnerships, fostering an innovative academic environment, and ensuring inclusive governance. She noted that CERTL’s contributions in research skills training, scholarly writing, and curriculum reorientation are setting a model that can be replicated across other colleges.
“CERTL’s mission to enhance research, teaching, and learning is perfectly aligned with Makerere University’s direction. Initiatives such as New Hires’ Workshops and the RATE (Reflect, Articulate, Translate, and Evaluate) framework are models that can enrich our academic practices university-wide,” Mrs. Magara said, encouraging the integration of CERTL’s frameworks across the institution.
Recognizing CERTL’s achievements, including over 40 publications and significant contributions to curriculum reforms, Mrs. Magara urged Makerere University’s leadership to expand CERTL’s mandate. “We look to CERTL as a catalyst to drive innovative approaches in teaching, research, and curriculum development, setting a foundation for a research-led institution,” she declared, officially opening the conference.
This international conference marks the conclusion of the CERTL project after four years of implementation at Makerere University. The project was conceived by the then Principal of CHUSS, Prof. Edward Kirumira, and suported by the then Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication and now, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. The project has been led by the immediate former Principal of CHUSS, Prof. Josephine Ahikire, as Principal Investigator, with Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi and Dr. Levis Mugumya serving as Co-Principal Investigators and coordinators.
CHUSS Principal Assoc. Prof. Nkabala Highlights Pursuit of Excellence in Teaching and Research
CHUSS has been intensifying efforts to establish itself as a center of excellence in teaching, learning, and research through the CERTL project, according to CHUSS Principal, Associate Professor Helen Nabalirwa Nkabala.
Speaking at the conference, Prof. Nkabala commended the CERTL team’s dedication to creating a rich academic environment that prioritizes mentoring early-career researchers, accessibility for students with disabilities, and a collaborative approach to research. “We are not only here to conduct research but to make a significant impact on teaching and learning. We aim to lead Makerere into becoming a strong teaching and learning institution,” she said, emphasizing that CHUSS is “moving in the direction of excellence” by building on the strong foundation laid by previous faculty members.
Prof. Nkabala expressed her gratitude to the college’s leadership, particularly recognizing Professor Josephine Ahikire, the Principal Investigator of the CERTL project, which has been instrumental in advancing teaching strategies and research since 2020. “CERTL has allowed us to look at research from a new perspective and address the unique needs of students with disabilities,” she remarked, reflecting on the project’s role in promoting inclusivity and high standards in education.
She also acknowledged the contributions of key CHUSS faculty, including Dr. Levis Mugumya, Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi, and Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, in strengthening the college’s research efforts. “The dedication of our staff, including our registrars and administrative team, has been indispensable,” she added.
Looking ahead, Prof. Nkabala advocated for enhancing CHUSS’s interdisciplinary contributions across Makerere University, particularly through Communication Skills courses, which play a crucial role in academic writing and teaching methodologies. She hinted at a potential restructuring to further strengthen the English language and literature programs, emphasizing their critical role in achieving the college’s academic goals.
In her conclusion, Prof. Nkabala expressed her hope for continued collaboration with Makerere’s leadership in advancing the college’s academic mission, stating, “With the support of university leadership, we can firmly establish CHUSS as a model of excellence.”
“CERTL isn’t just a physical center; it’s a guiding vision across various colleges- PI Prof. Josephine Ahikire
The Principal Investigator of the CERTL project, Professor Josephine Ahikire, underscored the importance of the humanities in today’s academic landscape. In her address,, Prof. Ahikire highlighted the challenges humanities disciplines face, particularly in the wake of declining funding and the rise of digital learning technologies.
“Our goal from the beginning was to strengthen the humanities and address the impact of neoliberal reforms, rising enrollment, and budget cuts,” Prof. Ahikire explained. “We’re now at a point where we need to reinvent how we teach and inspire students, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence, to promote genuine learning rather than mere rote usage of digital tools.”
Acknowledging the CERTL project’s achievements, Prof. Ahikire stressed that the program remains focused on evolving beyond a single project into a sustained vision for the humanities at Makerere. “CERTL isn’t just a physical center; it’s a guiding vision that has extended its reach across various colleges at the university,” she said, applauding the project’s impact on new faculty training across departments.
Prof. Ahikire expressed confidence in the leadership of CHUSS Principal, Associate Professor Helen Nabalirwa Nkabala, and pledged to support her in advancing the college’s mission of academic excellence. “CHUSS is deeply committed to a research-led approach, and the work being done is truly impressive,” she assured attendees.
Prof. Ahikire concluded by emphasizing the college’s dedication to fostering a robust future for the humanities at Makerere University: “We continue to seek excellence as we build for the future, confident in the importance of the humanities to the intellectual core of our university.”
Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi Outlines CERTL Project Successes and Ambitious Goals for Humanities at Makerere Conference
Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi, Co-Principal Investigator of Makerere University’s Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching, and Learning (CERTL), outlined the project’s significant achievements and ambitious goals. He acknowledged the crucial support from key figures such as the former and current CHUSS Principals, Professors Helen Nkabala and Josephine Ahikire, and Deputy Prof. Eric Awich, as well as Professor Edward Kirumira, whose efforts secured funding from the Mellon Foundation. Dr. Nabutanyi also paid tribute to Dr. Elias State and Professor Aaron Mushengyezi for their role in fostering international partnerships.
According to Dr. Nabutanyi, CERTL has made notable strides in advancing research, teaching, and learning in the humanities. Though the target of 36 annual workshops wasn’t fully achieved, a significant number of workshops were successfully held, focusing on scientific writing, academic presentation skills, and scholarly publication. These workshops have contributed to strengthening academic rigor among graduate students and faculty.
One of CERTL’s key contributions, as highlighted by Dr. Nabutanyi, is its scholarly writing and publication initiatives. The project sponsored retreats focused on publication writing, leading to the development of several research articles and two curated special issues. These efforts have helped bring Global South perspectives to academic publishing, with journals like Mawazo and the Journal of Languages, Literature, and Communication offering critical platforms for these voices.
Another major achievement, Dr. Nabutanyi noted, is the development of a scholarly book, which consolidates insights from CERTL’s workshops and research initiatives. The book, which is nearing completion, will serve as an essential resource for teaching, research, and academic management in the Global South. Dr. Nabutanyi hinted at an upcoming formal launch event for the book.
Through Mellon Foundation funding, CERTL has provided research grants to Makerere faculty members across various academic fields. These grants have supported research on topics ranging from literature and disability studies to identity and pedagogy. Prominent contributors, as mentioned by Dr. Nabutanyi, include Dr. Peace Musimenta, Dr. Danson Kahyana, Dr. Sarah Nakijoba, Dr. Isaac Tibasiima Dr. Caesar , Dr. John Barugahare, Dr. James Wasike and others. These funded projects will enrich the academic discourse and contribute to future CERTL publications and curriculum innovations.
Dr. Nabutanyi also emphasized CERTL’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in academia. He pointed to ongoing research by Dr. James Wasike on disability in education, which has identified barriers faced by students with disabilities. Despite progress in enrolling students with disabilities, challenges remain, particularly in adapting teaching models to cater to diverse needs. CERTL, he noted, is committed to integrating findings from this research into future academic offerings.
Proposed Initiatives
Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi, proposed several key initiatives aimed at furthering the impact of the project on humanities research and teaching. He emphasized the importance of creating tailored pedagogical modules to accommodate students with disabilities. Dr. Nabutanyi highlighted Dr. Wasike’s research on disability as a cornerstone in shaping these modules, which would be designed to meet the diverse learning needs of students and foster a more inclusive academic environment at Makerere.
Dr. Nabutanyi also identified the need for comprehensive orientation workshops for newly hired faculty at Makerere, something previous workshops had indicated as beneficial. He proposed regular training sessions for new staff, as well as ongoing workshops for current faculty to engage with the latest teaching innovations, including the integration of artificial intelligence. These initiatives, he noted, would help align faculty members with best practices and address pedagogical challenges at the university, ensuring a cohesive and forward-thinking approach to teaching.
In addition to faculty development, Dr. Nabutanyi suggested the establishment of a “Best Teacher Award” to recognize and celebrate excellence in teaching. Drawing inspiration from similar programs at other institutions, he proposed this initiative be presented to Makerere’s Quality Assurance and Academic Registrar’s offices. The award would not only honor exceptional faculty members but also serve as an incentive for continued innovation in teaching and dedication to student success.
Dr. Nabutanyi further emphasized the importance of sustaining the academic community that CERTL has cultivated, which includes early-career and senior scholars committed to research and teaching excellence. He proposed incorporating periodic writing workshops and scholarly retreats into Makerere’s academic calendar to ensure that the momentum generated by CERTL’s initiatives continues to thrive. These activities would provide continued support for faculty development and scholarly collaboration.
In closing, Dr. Nabutanyi expressed his gratitude to the administrative team whose dedication has been instrumental in CERTL’s accomplishments. He acknowledged their hard work, which has enabled the smooth execution of workshops, conferences, and other activities. Dr. Nabutanyi concluded by reflecting on the transformative power of targeted funding and community building in the humanities, expressing optimism that the progress made through Mellon Foundation funding would inspire sustained engagement with the humanities at Makerere. He is confident that these proposed initiatives, including the creation of inclusivity modules, faculty orientations, and continued scholarly publications, will further solidify CERTL’s impact in the region.
Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS Retreat Concludes: VC Urges Staff to Embrace Policy Vision and Collaborative Solutions
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University concluded its two day retreat with a strong call from Vice Chancellor for staff to engage deeply with university policies and collaborate across departments to address institutional challenges.
While representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ireeta Tumps who is also the Principal College of Natural Sciences emphasized the importance of aligning with the university’s vision to become a research-led institution.
“These gatherings are vital for us to make progress toward our vision for the next hundred years of Makerere,” said Prof. Ireeta. “Engagement and consultation among staff, management, and directors help us understand and implement policies that benefit the university at large.”
Prof. Ireeta highlighted the significance of understanding the “spirit behind policies,” urging staff at all levels to work together rather than in isolated silos. He noted that ongoing dialogue between staff and policymakers strengthens Makerere’s policy frameworks and fosters an environment of responsive and thoughtful decision-making.
The retreat covered essential training on Quality Assurance, financial policies, and research standards, along with discussions on staff etiquette and client service. Prof. Ireeta praised these sessions for giving participants a deeper understanding of expectations and opportunities to refine university practices. “This is a learning process for both staff and management,” he added. “We are committed to making sure this learning never stops as we advance toward our research-led vision.”
As Makerere seeks to enhance its graduate programs, Prof. Ireeta stressed the need to leverage the college’s human resources and to create an enabling environment that encourages research and efficiency. He commended CHUSS Principal Assoc. Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala for her proactive leadership, citing her recent initiatives to set a research agenda, engage students, and involve support staff in university planning.
“I want to thank the principal for prioritizing these issues and for demonstrating the leadership we believe in at Makerere,” said Prof. Ireeta “Humanities are at the heart of the University, and this retreat shows our commitment to their enduring value.”
In closing, Prof. Ireeta urged staff to continue working on key areas such as work ethics, time management, and interpersonal skills, which he identified as vital for institutional success. He expressed hope that these engagements will pave the way for a sustainable future for CHUSS and Makerere University as a whole.
Retreat Sets Strategic Way Forward to Improve Academic and Operational Efficiency at Makerere University
In an effort to streamline operations and boost academic outcomes, leaders and staff at Makerere University‘s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) concluded their recent retreat with key proposals aimed at addressing logistical, staffing, and technological challenges.
On November 1–2, 2024, CHUSS held a staff retreat at Nican Resort to foster dialogue on policies and work environments impacting staff well-being and daily functions.
The retreat featured presentations on e-timetabling and the biometric system by the Directorate of ICT Support (DICTS), discussions on higher degrees, examinations, and internship processes, as well as sessions on quality assurance and academic policy implementation by the Quality Assurance Directorate. The Directorate of Human Resources addressed human resource policies, while sessions on audit, accountability, and office etiquette aimed to enhance workplace standards.
In addition to formal discussions, team-building activities such as games and health walks were organized, creating an engaging atmosphere for staff collaboration and morale-boosting.
One major proposal was to designate a dedicated timetabling officer to prevent the scheduling conflicts that have previously disrupted classes and operations. “Someone must be responsible for this task, so we don’t repeat the scheduling chaos we’ve experienced this semester,” emphasized a participant, underscoring the need for defined roles in critical functions.
A team from the School of Psychology was assigned to investigate and provide solutions to university policies and address concerns over staff morale, in collaboration with the Grants Administration and Support Unit (GAMSU) and the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF) Secretariat.
The retreat also prioritized enhancing recruitment and retention strategies for high-performing Makerere graduates. Leaders noted the irony of producing top students who, in turn, struggle to find positions within the institution. “It’s essential to implement policies that retain our top talent within Makerere, ensuring the continued quality of our programs,” said one official.
Operational efficiency improvements through e-system integration and training were also emphasized. Academic staff reported that while e-systems offer notable benefits, implementation issues and usability gaps hinder productivity. The proposal includes targeted training sessions and establishing a feedback loop for users to report and resolve system issues.
To address staffing gaps, participants suggested restoring recruitment at the teaching assistant level and allocating budgetary support for retirees mid-semester, ensuring academic continuity.
The retreat highlighted the need to empower and support custodial staff, particularly in providing security during evening classes, which often run until 10 p.m. Proposals included a review of housing allocation policies to prioritize residence for custodians and security officers, enhancing their ability to maintain campus security.
Additionally, broader adoption of ICT solutions was encouraged, including the expansion of the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) for lecturers to record results directly, boosting accountability and efficiency. Biometric systems, widely discussed, are also expected to improve attendance and monitoring for non-faculty staff.
To better support students with disabilities, the retreat emphasized the need for a structural and academic strategy, such as hiring sign interpreters and establishing institutional mechanisms to address their needs. Academic staff require training to effectively work with a diverse student population, ensuring inclusivity.
Finally, participants called for a mindset shift within public service and policy-making bodies regarding the unique needs of academic institutions. There is a need to advocate for policies that recognize Makerere’s role as a premier research university rather than merely a ranking-driven institution. This approach includes consultations with international universities on best practices in retaining top academic talent without strictly adhering to rigid promotion requirements.
These proposals signify a commitment to operational and academic excellence at Makerere, focused on strategic improvements, supportive systems, and an inclusive environment for both staff and students.
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