Humanities & Social Sciences
DGRT & CHUSS Commit to Address Bottlenecks to Graduate Studies
The Directorate of Graduate Research and Training (DGRT) and the Management of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) have reassured Graduate students and staff that they will improve the environment for Graduate Studies at Makerere University.
The assurance was made during the CHUSS Graduate Annual meeting that was held on 26th April 2023 in Yusuf Lule Auditorium. The workshop was organized by the CHUSS Graduate Coordination Office headed by Dr. Zaid Ssekito.
The purpose was to take graduate students through what is required of them, the status and future of graduate training at Makerere and the general university policies that guide graduate studies.
It also served as a platform for students, supervisors, coordinators and management to interact and share their experiences , opportunities and challenges along their graduate journey at Makerere and collectively get feedback and offer solutions. The college was also cognizant that due to CoVID, a significant number of students and specifically the international students could have missed the orientation exercise hence the need for this meeting to induct them.
The meeting was graced by Director Directorate of Graduate Research and Training Prof. Edward Bbaale who presented on the Status of Graduate Training at Makerere University. The Deputy Director, Graduate Training and Research Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma presented on the General Policies Governing Graduate Training at Makerere University.
The meeting was also attended by the Head of ICT in the Academic Registrars’ Department Dr. Mike Barongo who presented on ICT and Graduate Training at Makerere University and the Senior Assistant Registrar DGRT Ms. Prossy Nakayiki who presented on Graduate Registration Process, Requirements and Policies. Staff, Heads of Departments , Deans and coordinators form CHUSS also attended.
The workshop ended with a session on Graduate Student’s Experiences and Challenges at CHUSS- Makerere University. Issues raised ranged from supervision for example, the workload, who supervises the supervisors, facilitation for supervisors and conflicts among co-supervisors. Administrative challenges relating to accommodation, clearance and IDS were voiced. Student related issues included financial stress, relationships and broad health issues including mental health. Others were tracking students’ progress, improving communication with students and the need for the university to define the PhD by Research with specific attachment to field of study and streamlining the research agenda in line with national and societal needs.
We shall remove any pothole on the road to graduate training-DGRT
The Deputy Director, Graduate Training and Research Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma described the meeting as a forum where university stakeholders collectively work towards solutions to the problems both as students but also as teachers, the supervisors and program administrators
Prof. Kikooma described the students concerns as feed back in good faith not matter the expression on grounds that it was coming from where there is pain which requires a solution.
“Personally I have taken it positively that you want improvement and improvements we shall offer at least that is the commitment we can offer as DGRT. Whether that improvement is how we deal with online application so we are able to be responsive.
Those that are interested to come to us, we commit to remove the potholes. Graduate training roads must be freed of any potholes if the mantra of research-led is to be actualized.
As DGRT, we are going to employ all ways that we can to be able to be In the face of the students, to be in the face of the supervisors and also to be in the face of the teachers who teach graduate students”, Kikooma pledged.
Prof. Kikooma promised that graduate school will employ technology , digital systems and come up with quick information guides to improve the way they put information out there , the way people know what they offer as a commitment that plays to the realities on ground today .
Acknowledging the good brand of Makerere University Kikooma cautioned about complacency on reason that this brand cannot be forever with so many institutions that have come up and therefore the need for the university to up to game.
Kikooma urged students to read the Graduate Handbook 2013 which has clauses on how supervision and issues of conflict should be handled which also extend to students. He advised that irrespective of whether they are friends or not, what binds them with the supervisor is that they must complete their project.
Acknowledging that there are challenges in terms of available staff for supervision , Kikooma said as DGRT through the handbook, gives a guideline on how many PhD/Mater students a supervisor should have a at any one time as a matter of workload.
He however noted that while the supervisors may genuinely have many students , some of the workload is created by people who are stuck in the system. DGRT will do what is possible to remove any environment that makes people get stuck because of policy and so on, but students also will have to do their part by paying attention to the basics from day one to the last, keeping eyes on the ball and here the ball is only one;- for the PhD , the need for the thesis out of the way and for the masters students, the need to complete all the course works on the curriculum and the thesis.
Prof. Kikooma clarified that although CoVID disrupted orientation for graduate students, the normal modus operandi for induction is that every new group must be inducted and graduate school together with colleges must provide time at the beginning of every year for each cohort.
DGRT to organize units to come up with a new Research Agenda
On the issue of ensuring that graduate research contributes to solving society problems, Kikooma explained that by their mandate as DGRT, they are supposed to organize the research agenda for the university.
“We have the research agenda however that research agenda is out of phase and should have ended 2018 . in a months’ time, we are going to organize all university unit so that we come up with a new research agenda and we are going to collaborate with the National Planning Authority so that the themes that will be defined as anew research agenda should speak to the national priorities”,
He stressed that even before this revision to the national agenda, a number of priorities in research have taken into consideration the issue of focusing university research practices towards NPA and national priorities, a case in point is the MaK -RIF funded by government is structured around NDP111.
On the title of PhD by research, Kikooma said, there are revisions that have been suggested and when the new guidelines come through, more suggestion will be taken on board so that there is some kind of specialization in the title of PhD eg PhD Educational Psychology although predominantly by research to provide details of what the PhD is about.
The Deputy Director also told participants that the DGRT has embarked on the project funded by Mak-RIF called ,” Research Information Management System(RIMS) to track the graduate and staff research processes in the university.
“We are going to be much more responsive to the information needs of the people who are interested in our graduate programs. We are going to do better and I am sure this are the things I am expecting for you to hold us accountable at the next CHUSS Graduate annual meeting”. Kikooma promised.
“You are the Premiere Customers” – CHUSS Management to Graduate students
While closing the seminar, Ag. Principal, who is also, Deputy Principal CHUSS Associate Prof. Eric Awich Ochen affirmed that the university takes the interest of the students as the single most important thing.
“You are the premier customers of Makerere University and the top management wants to see that the facilities and the teaching infrastructure including the preparedness of the lecturers are up to scratch to support you to complete your studies on time”, Dr. Awich assured.
Awich described the Annual Graduate Seminar as an important engagement saying the college management will ensure that they are done often.
On behalf of staff, the Principal apologized to students who might have had bad experiences with university officials adding that it is not their intention to be rude, pledging to engage the staff.
“If you experience any bad experience with some of our staff please feel free to come to your dean or the office of the deputy Principal, my door is always open. You come and talk to me or you can talk to the Principal so as to address the issues”.
The Principal encouraged students to be courageous whenever faced with challenges and to utilize the college structures to amicably address their problems.
“If you try to engage your supervisor for a very long time and you fail to get in touch with the person, go and talk to your coordinator at the departmental level if that does not solve the problem, talk to your head of department, if that does not solve the problem, go to the Dean or come to me. We shall find the best fit because our interest is to ensure you complete in time”.
Earlier during the opening session, Prof. Awich presented on the status and future Graduate training and initiatives being undertaken to enhance a robust graduate training environment in CHUSS in terms of the environment , structure and infrastructure.
Highlighting the number of graduate programmes in the college, Prof. Awich stressed that the university will be gradually reducing the number of undergraduate programs and enrollment and gradually increasing the graduate intake figures and programmes an initiative that has been embraced by many departments developing new programmes.
Graduate training he said, is anchored in the University Strategic 2021-2020 aiming to transform Makerere into a research-led university which works with industry, community and international partners.
Awich also noted that Graduate training also falls within the DGRT plan whose aim is promoting high quality research-led education coordinating and working with colleges with faculty at university level research led themes and strengthening inter-disciplinarities to respond to the market demand.
Prof. Awich reported that the college leadership in collaboration with the DGRT was trying to position itself to support the college to be more effective in delivering graduate training outputs.
Among the initiatives undertaken to improve graduate training, the Deputy Principal disclosed that the college has embarked on developing a college – based tool to track graduate training.
In addition, the Principal said, the Graduate coordination unit has been established within the college to oversee and coordinate graduate activities while several partnerships had been established to position the college and show its relevance, increase enrolment and impact on the community.
The Deputy Principal also said the college boosts of nine centers of excellence which support the training function, and has signed over 25 MoUs with different institutions and universities to increase the number of graduate students.
Presenting the graduate graduation statistics for the recent past years, Prof. Awich noted that, the college was doing well in terms of production of graduate students and has been leading in last three graduation ceremonies.
Awich implored heads of units to aim higher and at least double the figures for Masters and PhD pledging to work with the DGRT to develop training programmes to promote first level and refresher training for staff to achieve better.
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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