Kampala, Uganda – January 9, 2026

Ahead of the January 15 general elections, Ugandan journalists have undergone specialized training on peace and gender-sensitive reporting to ensure responsible media coverage during the election period. The two-day training, held from 8^th to 9^th January 2026 at Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences Smart Room, was organized by the Women’s Situation Room (WSR) in partnership with various stakeholders and brought together journalists from across print, broadcast, and online platforms.

The main objective of the training was to strengthen the capacities of media in reporting and documenting electoral processes in a responsible and gender-sensitive manner. The specific objectives included: strengthening journalists’ skills to cover the 2026 elections in a fair, balanced, gender-sensitive, and non-violent partisan way; enhancing the role of media to enable citizens to be well-informed and actively participate in the election process; ensuring focused and balanced reporting on peace during and after elections; and strengthening partnerships between the WSR and media houses during the election period.

The training covered multiple critical modules. Day one focused on responsible conflict-sensitive reporting, emphasizing principles such as balance, impartiality, and accuracy. Participants explored the role of media as a relayer of the population’s voice, election monitor, catalyst for social cohesion and reconciliation, contributor to the accountability of political actors, and a platform for detecting and debunking digital media misinformation and hate speech.

Day two addressed responsible and gender-sensitive reporting. Key aspects included the definition of gender-sensitive reporting, how to become a gender-sensitive reporter, critical elements in reporting with gender awareness, packaging gender-sensitive stories, and a checklist for detecting and avoiding gender-insensitive reporting.

Her Lordship, retired Judge Justice Mary Mayitum, emphasized the importance of peace as the foundation of development and democratic engagement. “Because we value peace more than anything. Without peace, really, you can do nothing. But where there is peace, you can have time to reflect, discuss with others, and join in meaningful dialogue,” she said. She warned that the country’s past conflicts, such as those in Gulu, underscored the necessity of maintaining national harmony.

Justice Mayitum also urged other key election stakeholders to uphold peaceful conduct. “Being peaceful is the very heart of life. We have spoken to police, security personnel, political parties, and the Electoral Commission. We want politicians to have a code of conduct and to understand that it’s okay to think differently without fighting or hating one another,” she added.

Dr. William Tayebwa, lead facilitator and senior lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, said, “This training is about conflict-sensitive reporting, peace journalism, and gender-sensitive reporting in the context of the elections. The emphasis was on giving female political candidates a voice while ensuring journalists report responsibly on election-related matters.”

Participants described the training as timely and impactful. Tony Banizengabo of CBS Wakiso  District said, “We’ve benefited a lot. We’ve been trained to write stories which bring peace, not conflict. Ahead of the elections, we are very ready to be part of peacemakers.”

Dorcas Kimono of UBC TV Kampala added, “It was so timely and rich. We learned how to report without promoting or fueling violence, giving voice to victims without angering them or encouraging violators. This is very vital, especially as we approach the 2026 elections.”

The training aims to equip media personnel with the knowledge and skills to uphold professional ethics while contributing to a peaceful, inclusive, and gender-sensitive electoral process.

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More than 130 cadet officers from the Uganda Military Academy (UMA) in Kasambya have been oriented on library use and access to electronic resources during a one-day academic visit to Makerere University, as part of preparations for their Bachelor’s Degree in Defence Studies.

The cadets, who are enrolled under Makerere University through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), visited the main campus on 20^th November 2025 for induction on the use of the Makerere University Library, with a particular focus on accessing e-resources remotely. UMA is one of Makerere’s affiliated institutions, and the Bachelor’s Degree in Defence Studies is coordinated by the School of Social Sciences.

Speaking during the visit, the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Dr. Justus Twesigye, said the orientation was significant, noting that for some cadets it was their first time at Makerere University. He explained that the group included East African students from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan.

“They came here after the first six weeks of military training, a kind of reorientation, before they begin the Bachelor’s Degree in Defence Studies,” Dr. Twesigye said, adding that the visit to Makerere was symbolic because the cadets are formally Makerere University students, even though most of their teaching takes place at the Uganda Military Academy in Kasambya.

Dr. Twesigye said the library induction was a critical component of the orientation, as the cadets will rely heavily on the Makerere University Library while studying remotely. “They needed instruction on how to access e-resources and assurance that they will always be supported remotely,” he said.

The cadets also toured selected parts of the university, including the School of Social Sciences, interacted with library staff and teaching staff, and took part in activities aimed at officially kick-starting the semester, which commenced the following week.

According to Dr. Twesigye, the one-day orientation has become a standing practice since the inception of the Defence Studies programme. He noted that logistical and resource constraints make it difficult to host the cadets for longer periods on campus.

The visit has since opened opportunities for further collaboration between Makerere University Library and the Uganda Military Academy. Dr. Twesigye revealed that a month later, a delegation from Makerere University Library, led by the Deputy University Librarian, visited UMA to explore areas of cooperation.

Discussions focused on library support, archiving, training, and a proposal to establish a museum at the academy. He said the engagements have strengthened ongoing efforts to support cadet officers in accessing library services remotely.

Makerere University continues to expand academic and institutional linkages with affiliated institutions to enhance access to learning resources for students in specialized training environments.

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The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) on 11^th December 2025 celebrated the launch of five scholarly books, marking a significant milestone in the College’s contribution to academic research and discourse. The event brought together faculty, students, and distinguished guests, highlighting the College’s commitment to advancing knowledge, preserving institutional memory, and fostering innovative scholarship.

Advancing Knowledge: Recognizing Authors and Promoting Research Excellence

Representing the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, commended CHUSS on the launch of its five scholarly publications. He highlighted the significance of these works in advancing research, preserving institutional memory, and enriching student-centered teaching. Prof. Ireeta acknowledged the support of the Mellon Foundation under the Center of Excellence for Research, Teaching, and Learning (CERTL), as well as the contributions of the College’s faculty, research teams, and support staff. He emphasized that these publications not only strengthen the College’s academic profile but also foster critical thinking, informed debate, and national and international engagement, offering valuable resources for both scholars and the wider community.

Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), praised the CHUSS for the launch of five scholarly publications, emphasizing the dedication, intellectual rigor, and perseverance of the authors. He highlighted that these works—three books and a journal—demonstrate the critical role of the humanities and social sciences in shaping national development, informing public debate, and contributing to global discourse. Prof. Wamala commended the College for fostering a research environment that supports capacity building, collaborative networks, and high publishing standards, noting that the publications document African realities, preserve institutional memory, and provide knowledge that resonates locally and internationally. He encouraged continued scholarly collaboration, underscoring the university’s commitment to strengthening research governance and advancing its agenda as a leading center for African scholarship.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, warmly welcomed all attendees to the book launch, emphasizing the college’s pivotal role as the intellectual bridge connecting all other faculties at Makerere University. She acknowledged the presence and contributions of publishers, editors, management, and authors, noting that the success of such scholarly works relies on collaborative support across the University. Prof. Nkabala celebrated the dedication of homegrown talent, highlighting the importance of nurturing research, writing, and publication within the college. She also shared exciting updates on the establishment of the Office of Grants, Research Resource Mobilization, and Graduate Training, underscoring the college’s commitment to structured leadership, research excellence, and capacity building.

Celebrating Excellence: Contributions from University and Partner Publishers

Dr. William Tayeebwa, Head of Makerere University Press, celebrated a landmark day for the institution, highlighting the Press’s remarkable productivity and impact. He reflected on the recent launches, including Reinventing Uganda and Memory and Method for Material, and noted the impressive volume of over 15 publications released this year alone. Dr. Tayeebwa emphasized the Press’s commitment not only to publishing new works but also to republishing significant titles that have sold out globally, ensuring continued access to vital scholarship. A particular highlight was the revival of the Makerere Journal of Languages, Literature and Communication, which had not seen a publication since 1991; archival issues dating back to 1975 are now being digitized and made accessible online. He also stressed ongoing efforts to enhance the international visibility of the University’s journals through indexing and quality standards, underscoring the Press’s role in strengthening academic scholarship and advancing Makerere University’s global reach.

Speaking on behalf of Fountain Publishers, Mr. Tom Tibaijuka highlighted the long-standing partnership between the publishing house and Makerere University, noting the collaborative efforts that have helped nurture local scholarship. He emphasized that, despite the commercial nature of Fountain Publishers, their mission extends beyond profit to supporting scholarly contributions that enrich society. Mr. Tibaijuka praised the recently launched book, which features 12 chapters and 11 contributors, commending both the authors and the editorial team for their dedication in harmonizing such a complex manuscript. He noted the book’s alignment with the new competency-based curriculum promoted by the National Curriculum Development Authority, emphasizing its relevance in fostering critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills in education. He concluded by congratulating all involved and encouraging educators and stakeholders to engage with the publication as a valuable resource for navigating contemporary educational challenges.

Prof. Rev. Sr. Dominica Dipio, representing the African Humanities Series Publisher, provided an overview of the series’ evolution and its impact on the continent’s humanities scholarship. She explained that the series began in 2014 as part of the African Humanities Program, initially supporting doctoral completion, before shifting focus to early-career mentorship to cultivate a new generation of humanities scholars. Over the past 15 years, the program has benefitted over 500 fellows across Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania, nurturing research and publications that address a wide range of humanities and social sciences disciplines, including philosophy, literature, languages, sociology, politics, and culture. Prof. Dipio emphasized that the series combines the experience of senior scholars with emerging voices, producing accessible, globally relevant work. She also highlighted an upcoming fellowship program designed to support early-career researchers for up to ten years, encouraging increased participation from Uganda to ensure broader engagement in the continent-wide initiative. The book being launched, she noted, exemplifies the series’ commitment to engaging, applied humanities that speak to everyday societal challenges, demonstrating the relevance and reach of African scholarship.

Championing African Scholarship and Knowledge Production

Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Principal Emeritus of CHUSS and Project Principal Investigator (PI) for Mellon Projects at Makerere University, emphasized the transformative role of the College’s publications in shaping African scholarship. She highlighted that these edited books and journals go beyond traditional metrics of academic recognition, creating vibrant scholarly communities where ideas are shared, debated, and collaboratively developed. Prof. Ahikire noted the importance of centering African-generated knowledge, reclaiming histories, and exploring underrepresented topics such as the social and cultural dimensions of motherhood. She applauded the project teams for their dedication and collaboration, describing the 2025 book launches as the beginning of a broader effort to document and disseminate African perspectives, ensuring that the continent’s intellectual contributions are recognized, celebrated, and preserved for future generations.

Prof. Andrew Elias, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL), highlighted the critical relevance of the book Reclaiming Learning: Struggles and Innovations in Higher Education, noting that it arrives at a pivotal moment for Ugandan universities. He emphasized that growing enrollment, limited resources, and structural challenges—including large class sizes, inadequate facilities, and unequal access to online learning—have impacted the quality of education. The book, he noted, not only validates these shared experiences but also showcases innovative practices by Ugandan lecturers, from contextualized teaching methods to active learning strategies and the use of indigenous knowledge. Prof. Elias underscored that meaningful educational change requires institutional support, inclusive policies, and professional development, reminding stakeholders that effective pedagogy is a shared responsibility. The volume, he concluded, serves as both a practical guide and an inspiration for educators, policymakers, and institutions seeking to place students at the center of learning while promoting justice, inclusion, and human dignity in higher education.

The Five Publications and Their Impact

Reclaiming Learning: Pedagogical Struggles and Innovations in Higher Education in Uganda (Prof. Andrew Ellias State et al.) explores student-centred teaching and innovative approaches in African higher education, supported by the Mellon Foundation through CERTL.

Reading Archives, Memory and Method from Makerere University (Assoc. Prof. Edgar Nabutanyi, Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine, Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Dr. Edgar Taylor, Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, and Dr. Levis Mugumya, highlights the importance of archives and memory in shaping scholarship and reclaiming African narratives, funded by the Mellon Foundation’s AMM project.

Living with Others: Ethnic Conflict and Pluralism in Uganda’s Greater Kibaale Region (Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo) examines identity, conflict, and co-existence, offering insights toward social justice and peaceful co-living, supported by the African Humanities Foundation.

The Makerere Historical Journal (Vol. 6, No. 1, 2025) (Deo Katono, Rebecca Glada, Edgar Taylor, and Christopher Muhoozi.) continues the university’s tradition in historical scholarship, nurturing emerging scholars and deepening debates, published by Makerere University Press.

Makerere Journal of Languages, Literature and Communication (Vol. 1, Issue 1) which is the inaugural issue marks a milestone for the School of Languages, Literature and Communication (SLLC), promoting cross-disciplinary dialogue, with support from the Center for Languages and Communication Services and Makerere University Press.