Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS holds Colloquium to address resource constraints to Teaching, Learning & Research in the Global South
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) on 18th and 19th May 2023 hosted the colloquium to address resource constrains that impact the quality of teaching, learning and research in institutions located in the Global South.
Participants mainly comprising senior faculty, programme coordinators, Heads of departments and Deans discussed pedagogical innovations, internet infrastructure, faculty and student safety practices and policies of online pedagogy.
The colloquium was organised under the auspices of the CHUSS Centre of Excellence for Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL) under the theme, “Supporting Teaching, Learning and Research at Global South Higher Education Institutions” at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kampala.
While closing the workshop, the Principal CHUSS Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire said CERTL has legitimacy and a job to execute, in bringing back the soul of Humanities which is theory.
“We cannot be relevant if we cannot ground ourselves in theory and academic writing. Our course outline will show that we are inclined to grounding students in academic writing.” The principal said.
Prof. Ahikire stressed that CERTL is an idea.
“What we want to emphasise is that CERTL is not a unit, not an organisation, not a department but it is an idea. The idea is the revitalisation of the teaching of the humanities, research and academic engagements. As we do this, we also keep our eyes on the price of why we exist as humanities intellectuals”, The Principal said.
She thanked the leadership of CERTL for organising this kind of interaction as well as participants and presenters for taking time writing saying, writing is a challenge that they have to live up to.
The Principal urged staff to motivate students to write.
“We have to ensure that we motivate our students in terms of writing and academic skills.
Our challenge of now is to ensure that we encourage the culture of public intellectualism. Let us be able to create a presence as small as mighty as we are as social scientists. ”She added.
Prof. Ahikire thanked the former and active deans and heads of departments, programmes coordinators for supporting the college processes noting that this is the way to go.
At the end of donor funding, the Principal pledged to ensure that CERTL remains as idea for integration into the college budgeting process on grounds that it is about curriculum and strengthening both undergraduate and graduate programmes.
“Undergraduate programmes are foundational; we cannot run away from them. a person who performs well at undergraduate will perform well at the graduate level. Let us have strong focus on what we teach and how we motivate our students”. Prof. Ahikire advised.
Besides speeches, CERTL research fellows presented different topics they were researching on followed by discussions and inputs into their work.
On day one four presentations were made:
- Dr. Ferdinand Mutaawe Kasoozi presented on: Pioneering Novel Teaching and Learning Models for Resources-Stress Mitigation at Uganda’s Institutions of Learning.
- Dr. Danson Kahyana: Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap Through the Guest Lecture: Preliminary Reflections from Creative Writing Class.
- Ms. Otwine Anne – Career guidance and Counselling, occupational Information knowledge, and career self- concept; Acase of career life transition among students in Uganda.
- Dr. George Okiror and Dr. Eunice Akullo- Opportunities and Challenges of Research Teaching and Skilling of Graduate Students at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration.
On day two, seven presentations were made;
- Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Dr. Caesar Jjingo – Exploring the practices of tech-driven writing centres in South African Universities
- Dr. David Onen – How to Build Successful centres of Excellence in Resource-Constrained Higher Education Institutions; Lessons for the Nascent Centre of Teaching of Teaching and Learning at Makerere University
- Dr. Mercy Mirembe Ntangaare – How Smart is, “the smart is . “ The Campus of the Future”, for learning communities in performing Arts? Sampling experiences and expectations of students and staff at Makerere University Kampala.
- Dr. Julius Julius Niringiyimana – Active Learning in Large Size classee: Investigating the Role of Think Pair Share (TPS) AT THE School of Social Sciennces, Makerere University.
- Rev. Simon Masiga – Inter-Religious Dialogue and inclusive Society of Persons with Disability. Towards an Inclusive socio –Religious Development.
- Dr. Sarah Nakijoba K – Interrogating the teaching of academic writing on the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Dr. Julius Kiiza – The Future of the “Research –led” University in Digitalising Africa Between Transformation and Transformation and Transformation.
Additional reporting on day one can be accessed on the link below
The Makerere University fraternity is mourning the loss of a dedicated and hardworking academic, Dr. Brian Semujju. At the time of his passing, Dr. Semujju was serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, where he had worked for eight years. He was a prolific scholar with more than 20 publications to his name, the most recent of which was published in February 2025.
In a condolence message from the Vice Chancellor delivered by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the University extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. Prof. Ireeta noted that Dr. Semujju was widely known for his enthusiasm and commitment to academic research. Drawing from scripture, he offered comfort to mourners with a quote from Psalms 34:14: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He also extended condolences to Dr. Semujju’s students, fellow scholars, and colleagues.
On behalf of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Principal, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala and the Deputy Principal, Dr. Eric Awich Ochen, shared heartfelt condolences. The College Leadership acknowledged Dr. Semujju’s immense contributions and the deep void his death left in the college following his passing on 3rd August 2025. Equally commended was Dr. Semujju’s remarkable journey from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer—a clear testament to his passion and commitment to research. Dr. Semujju’s dedication to his work was described as extraordinary, and Dr. Awich Ochen confirmed that he was due for promotion to Associate Professor at the time of his death, a reflection of his unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.
Prof. Gorretti Nassanga delivered a message on behalf of the Head of the Department, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, describing Dr. Semujju as a man who left behind a strong legacy of academic excellence. She traced his academic journey at Makerere University, beginning as a Master’s student in 2010, graduating in 2012, and completing his PhD in 2017—the same year he joined the Department as a Lecturer. She highlighted his significant research contributions, including publications in high-impact international journals and involvement in diverse research projects covering community media, gender and media, environmental and climate change communication, and the use of mobile phones in journalism practice. Prof. Nassanga praised his critical mind and eagerness to explore new frontiers of knowledge, adding: “Apart from his work at the Department of Journalism and Communication, he took interest in other areas like music, he composed several songs including some on how to tackle climate change.”
Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo, Dean at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University, and Prof. Monica Chibita both spoke about Dr. Semujju’s insatiable curiosity and commitment to his work. Prof. Chibita noted his exceptional sense of duty, as evidenced by his latest publication in February despite battling illness. She emphasized the importance of preserving his legacy: “He leaves a gap in many people’s hearts but Brian also leaves a legacy of academic excellence. As many of his mentees who are here, we all have a duty to keep this legacy alive.”
Dr. Robert Kakuru, Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), reflected on the collective loss felt by the academic fraternity: “As the academic fraternity we have lost a hardworking man. We have lost a man that was destined to achieve much.” He expressed appreciation to the University Management, especially the Vice Chancellor, for their support during this difficult time. Dr. Kakuru also used the occasion to promote the MUASA Social Support Fund, encouraging both new membership and mutual support among existing members.
Representing the Fulbright Scholars where Dr. Semujju served as President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Saul Daniel Ddumba also expressed his sympathies: “He accepted to be our Fulbright President, which was another job on top of what he already had,” he said, praising Dr. Semujju’s enthusiastic spirit.
Mr. Baker Batte, one of Dr. Semujju’s earliest Master’s students, shared a memory that reflected his high standards and intolerance for mediocrity: “I think I gave him approximately 15 drafts for him to accept that my dissertation was good for submission.”
A family representative, Dr. Semujju’s brother, spoke of his strong work ethic and obsession with quality, recounting his frequent reminder to the family: “Every time he would tell us that we cannot teach if we are not doing research.” He expressed gratitude to the Department of Journalism and Communication and the University for their support, particularly through financial assistance.
The funeral service held on 5th August 2025 at St. Francis Chapel and was presided over by the Chaplain, Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa. In her sermon, the Chaplain urged the bereaved family to turn to God for comfort, describing Him as “not distant, but… the God of Comfort.” She read from 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, reminding the congregation of God’s enduring presence in times of suffering: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction… Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort,” she preached.
The event was graced by several dignitaries from the Media, including the CEO of Vision Group, Mr. Don Wanyama, and the Head of Bukedde TV, Mr. Richard Kayiira.
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