Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Department of Journalism & Communication Engages with Pioneer Class to Enhance Course Progress
In a bid to foster academic excellence and ensure the smooth progression of the Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication (MAJM) and Master of Strategic and Corporate Communication (MASC) programs, Makerere University‘s Department of Journalism and Communication held a meeting with the pioneer class of these courses. The gathering on Friday June 23, 2023 in Lecture Room 4 aimed to discuss the students’ course progress and provide motivation for timely completion.
The meeting followed the successful conclusion of the first academic year for the 2022/2023 cohort. Students together with their esteemed lecturers gathered for a productive and cordial engagement, focusing on streamlining the upcoming academic year and emphasizing the importance of meeting course objectives and deadlines.
During the engagement, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, a Senior Lecturer and the Head of Department, expressed satisfaction in the students’ progress and emphasized their unique position as pioneers of these programs. She urged the students to recommit themselves to the shared goal of completing the programs within the stipulated two-year timeframe.
“By the end of the two-year period, you will have undergone a profound transformation. Our hope and promise are that everyone will achieve remarkable personal growth within this timeframe. We understand that unforeseen challenges may have emerged along the way. It is important to note that criticism is commonplace in academia, and we are used to navigating such circumstances. We genuinely care about your well-being and wish you all the best. We strive to enhance and improve the program continuously, so we highly appreciate any feedback you have regarding areas that need improvement. Your input will be carefully considered as we work towards refining the program for your benefit and for future participants,” said Dr. Nakiwala.
Dr. Nakiwala, commended the remarkable achievement of the two new programs introduced at Makerere University. She cites the Department received an impressive more than double expected applications but admitted only 40 individuals to each program, maintaining a selective acceptance rate of 50% in the 2023/2024 academic year application.
According to Dr. Nakiwala, this rigorous selection process ensured that the highest caliber of students was chosen to participate. Further stressing the importance of ensuring the pioneer students to stay focused and complete the program by June 30th, 2024, ensuring a smooth transition for incoming students. She acknowledged that challenges may arise along the way but assured students that criticism is common in academia, and the department is well-prepared to navigate such situations.
“Our primary objective is to see each one of you successfully complete this program. Therefore, I urge you to reaffirm your commitment to finishing within the designated two-year timeframe. It means that your dissertation should have been submitted to the graduate school for supervision and evaluation. Looking ahead, the upcoming year may appear less demanding, but it will require additional effort and meticulous attention to detail,” Dr. Nakiwala said.
On her part, Dr. Marjorie Kyomuhendo-Niyitegeka, a Lecturer and Programmes Coordinator in the Department of Journalism and Communication, emphasized the significance of time management and avoiding procrastination. She highlighted the extensive course content and the need for consistent progress, emphasizing that even short periods, such as a week or a month, hold immense importance in achieving academic success. She expressed eagerness on behalf of the faculty to work closely with the students as future supervisors, guiding them throughout their academic journey.
“Congratulations on successfully completing your first year! It was a rewarding experience for me to teach all of you, and I want you to know that we highly appreciate you as the pioneering group of this program. You serve as our ambassadors in the world out there. I urge you to carry forward the same enthusiasm and energy into the upcoming semester,” said Dr. Kyomuhendo-Niyitegeka.
For Dr. Mbaine, a lecturer in Media Law, Policy, and Regulation, students need to be proactive in addressing challenges and complete their studies on time. He highlighted the quality of education they have received and shared an anecdote about a previous student who faced difficulties due to a delayed graduation.
“There is always a fear of lecturers by students and what lecturers are able to do to you as a student. It’s like the lecturers are carrying weapons of mass destruction that at a slightest provocation they can unleash. As a graduate student, you should be able to manage your relationship with your lectures. Being careful about the things you do and say, you have to be very careful about that. There is even what is called graduate politics. You have to be creative in a way you handle yourself. If you do the minimum, people will also help you up to the minimum. Please go out and be worthy ambassadors of the program,” said Dr. Mbaine.
Professor Nassanga Goretti Linda, a Professor at the Journalism and Communication Department and the first Head of the Department, congratulated the students on completing their first year and emphasized the importance of planning and professionally executing their research phase for the upcoming second year.
“I implore you to take your research seriously and address the feedback provided by your supervisors in time. Your reports will undergo scrutiny by an external examiner, whose evaluation holds significant weight. However, I urge you not to view this as your sole objective. Imagine if your child, a loved one, or someone else reads your thesis years from now. Do something that will make you proud in future,” said Professor Nassanga.
Dr. Gerald Walulya, the Masters Programmes Coordinator, encouraged the students to seek help and support from the faculty whenever needed. “Align your expectations with the results and match them with your input. When it comes to writing assignments, let’s focus on the fundamentals. Start by reading and then answer assignments. Many of us are readily available for consultations,” he said.
Mr. Sulaiman Kakaire, a journalist turned lawyer and PhD student at Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR), reminded both students and lecturers to manage their expectations and egos, as graduate politics can become intense, especially at the PhD level.
“It requires humility to acknowledge that you are being taught by a colleague whom you have known for a while. No lecturer intends to engage in conflict with a student. Personally, I welcomed the feedback I received and never took it personally. I embraced the remedial classes when some of you invited me as they offered us an opportunity to learn and improve,” Mr. Kakaire said.
Ms. Sarah Kagingo, CEO of Soft Power Communications and Vice Chairlady of Private Sector Foundation Uganda, on behalf of the pioneer students expressed gratitude for the transformative journey they had embarked on and highlighted their enhanced critical thinking skills. She also emphasized the importance of considering multiple perspectives and authentic lived experiences to become effective ambassadors for the department.
“It’s said that PR is investment in the bank of goodwill but it takes two to tangle and we often fall short. Several heads of communication claim their organisations are responsive yet they do not pick their phone calls. It’s through authentic lived experiences that we will truly represent the Department as Ambassadors. Several of us have been unwell and we thank you for rendering us support. There have been times I have comforted colleagues and put up a face of strength yet I’m breaking internally – I am a human being. I’m grateful for my colleagues, the discussions were both rigorous and fun. The next semester will be seamless, in shaa Allah,” Ms. Kagingo.
Pastor Mark Arnold Odeke, one of the pioneer students, called for collaboration and mutual respect between Lecturers and Students. He stressed the importance of supporting the growth of the profession through progressive efforts.
“I want to apologize on behalf of the class. Whatever might have happened throughout this year was solely for academic purposes and was not intended as part of the learning process. As we move into the next phase, let us strive for a more productive and positive learning environment, said Odeke.
The meeting concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the end of the academic year and serving as a fresh commitment by both students and lecturers to pursue their courses diligently.
In August 2022, Makerere University‘s Department of Journalism and Communication launched two-year MASC and MAJM programs. The two programs are designed to meet the needs of the corporate and public sectors, which are increasingly demanding effective communication strategies and areas of journalism and multimedia.
Makerere University‘s MASC program offers students a comprehensive education in behavioral, social, and development communication, preparing them for technological advancements and equipping them with expertise in public relations, research, and ethical communication. With a focus on aligning with industry trends and market demands, the program empowers students to excel in the dynamic communication field and make meaningful contributions to societal well-being in the 21st century.
MAJM program provides advanced training in journalism and multimedia and emphasize theory, practice, and the societal contexts of media, while also exploring new media trends and digital technology. Graduates of the MAJM program will be equipped to meet market expectations, excel in the evolving professional landscape, and contribute to the development of journalism and media sectors. They will also possess critical engagement skills, research capabilities, and the ability to embrace technological advancements.
As the pioneer group of these programs, the students play a crucial role in shaping their future and are encouraged to make the most of their education while being mindful of the challenges that may arise along the way.
The writer is also a pioneer student of MA Strategic and Corporate Communication and Communications Officer, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH).
Photography by Ainebyoona Jill
Humanities & Social Sciences
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Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Reviews Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies Program to Address Key Gaps
The School of Languages, Literature, and Communication at Makerere University held a stakeholders’ workshop to review the Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies (BICAS) program. The workshop, held on 5th December, 2024 aimed at refining the curriculum to meet the evolving academic and professional needs of students and employers.
The Dean of the School, Associate Professor Saudah Namyalo emphasized the significance of engaging stakeholders in the curriculum review process. She noted that feedback from students, employers, and academia is crucial for identifying gaps and improving the program.
“It’s a very important stage in our curriculum review to ensure that we have stakeholders’ workshops. This is an opportunity to hear from potential employers, students, and academic experts. Today, for example, we’ve learned that many of our graduates are not fully grounded in the science of the language, and because of that feedback, we are going to improve on it,” she said.
The Dean highlighted gaps in the current curriculum, such as limited focus on linguistic aspects like syntax, morphology, phonology, and semantics, which are essential for students pursuing advanced degrees. Additionally, the cultural component of Chinese language education was found to be inadequate.
“There’s no way you can teach a language detached from its culture. We are going to introduce courses emphasizing the culture of the Chinese so that the two go hand in hand,” she added.
The review aims to address these gaps by incorporating courses that build linguistic competence and cultural understanding. The program will now cater to both beginners and advanced learners, allowing graduates to pursue academic careers, including master’s and PhD programs, in Chinese linguistics. It will also strengthen the Asian Studies strand, enabling students to specialize in either Chinese language or broader Asian studies.
Dr. Enock Sebuyungo: Aligning Uganda’s Needs with Global Opportunities
Dr. Enock Sebuyungo, Head of the Department of European and Oriental Languages, underlined the growing importance of Chinese proficiency in Uganda. He noted that China’s rise as a global economic superpower has strengthened ties with Uganda in trade, education, and infrastructure development.
“Chinese companies dominate Uganda’s major infrastructure projects, and increasing numbers of Ugandans engage in trade and studies in China. Proficiency in Chinese offers competitive advantages for accessing the Chinese market,” he said.
Despite this, students under previous programs faced challenges achieving desired proficiency levels in international tests like HSK3. Employers expressed dissatisfaction with graduates’ language skills, and scholarships for study in China remained underutilized. The proposed BICAS program aims to bridge these gaps by producing graduates proficient in Chinese, knowledgeable about Asia’s economic and geopolitical landscape, and skilled in business, tourism, and diplomacy.
The BICAS program aligns with Makerere University’s expertise in foreign language instruction and supports Uganda’s strategic need to engage with Asia’s rapid development. It is expected to attract students from Uganda and East Africa, where Chinese is currently offered only as a short course. The program projects an annual revenue increase of UGX 865 million from an estimated 200 enrolled students. Partnerships with Chinese companies will provide scholarships for 10-15 students per intake, ensuring financial sustainability and accessibility.
Uganda joins a growing list of countries incorporating Chinese studies into higher education, with similar programs established in Botswana, Australia, and the United States. Makerere University, which already trains secondary school Chinese teachers, is poised to create a critical mass of experts to sustain Chinese language education and strengthen Uganda-China bilateral relations.
Dr. Sebuyungo expressed gratitude to Associate Professor Helen Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), for her moral and financial support in organizing the workshop. He also thanked the Confucius Institute and Xiangtan University for their invaluable contributions to the program.
“Confucius Institute and Xiangtan University sent us professors who reviewed this course. What we are looking at is a revised course done by professors from Xiangtan University, and we deeply appreciate their support,” he said.
The Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies program positions Makerere University as a regional leader in language and cultural studies. It prepares graduates to address gaps in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange while enhancing Uganda’s ability to benefit from China’s global influence. The workshop marked a pivotal step in ensuring the program aligns with both local and international demands.
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