General
UNESCO Documentary Heritage Seminar Calls for Preservation of Africa’s Oral Knowledge
Makerere University in collaboration with the Sub-Committee on Education and Research Working Group Africa (SCEaR-WGA) of UNESCO Memory of the World and Uganda National Commission for UNESCO (UNATCOM) organized hybrid a seminar on “Preventive Conservation and Disaster Reduction of Documentary Heritage in Africa”. Held from 4th to 5th July 2023 in the Yusuf Lule Auditorium, the objective of the Seminar was to provide an input to the guide on Preventive Conservation and Disaster Prevention of Documentary Heritage in Africa being developed by SCEaR-WGA.
Officially opening the seminar, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Umar Kakumba appreciated SCEaR-WGA and UNATCOM for their invaluable support in organising and hosting the seminar. He therefore congratulated the Convener Prof. Elisam Magara, the Department of Records and Archives Management, the East African School of Library and Information Sciences (EASLIS) and the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) on championing the initiative at Makerere University.
“The strength of any nation is measured largely by the strength, character and proficiency of its people. Beneath the people is the knowledge – the human side of enterprise. Knowledge does not emerge from space, it must be generated, managed and preserved” noted Prof. Kakumba. This, he added, is particularly important in today’s knowledge economy for the sake of providing solid points of reference for future generations.
“Makerere University is happy to associate with UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme and many partners that seek to foster this document and knowledge preservation” he added.
In line with documentation and preservation efforts, Prof. Kakumba shared that the University Leadership is in the final stages of setting up the Muteesa II Memorial Museum and upon completion the reconstructed Main Administration Building would allocate space for a Museum.
Addressing participants, Ms. Misako Ito, the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information in Africa, UNESCO thanked Makerere University and Prof. Elisam Magara in particular for organising the event. She noted that Japan as a country that is prone to natural disasters has in response come up with very well-developed disaster prevention strategies.
“For last four years, Japan has funded this project to promote Preventive Conservation and Disaster Prevention of Documentary Heritage in Africa” she added relatedly.
Ms. Misako informed participants that UNESCO had on 1st July 2023 launched a new call for nominations for the Memory of the World International Register and encouraged the Uganda National Memory of the World Committee to submit entries. She noted that because only 5% of documentary heritage entries come from Africa despite its rich history, UNESCO has held workshops in Madagascar and Kenya to raise awareness of the initiative.
Ms. Misako said the latest call has added an important gender component to prominently reflect women in archives and historical narratives. She equally encouraged participants from other African countries to consider preserving the documentary heritage of revolutionary movements, which have had significant impact on the continent’s political leadership.
As Convener, Prof. Elisam Magara introduced members of the SCEaR-WGA namely: the Group Coordinator, Prof. Papa Momar Diop, Associate Professor at the University Gaston Berger, Senegal; Ms. Esther Olembe, Director of the National Archives of Cameroon; Dr. Lydia Waithira Muthuma, Senior Lecturer, Technical University of Kenya; Mr. Apolinaitre Tokanji Gbaguidi, Professor of Digitization at the Calavi University of Abomey, Benin; and Mr. Seyni Moumini, specialist in sub-Saharan Africa and Islam manuscripts at the Abdou Moumouni University, Niger. He equally introduced Ms. Hasiniaina Rajaonarivelo from the Malagasy National Commission for UNESCO who held a session on how to successfully register an entry in the Memory of the World.
During the hybrid seminar, participants listened to a keynote address delivered virtually by Mr. Lothar Jordan, Chair of the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme Sub-Committee on Education and Research (SCEaR). Prof. Papa Momar Diop, who also doubles as President of African Regional Committee of Memory of the World (ARCMoW) and Dr. Lydia Waithira Muthuma also gave highlights of the Guide on Preventive Preservation Strategies.
Notable from the work done to date was the need to document Africa’s rich traditions, culture and norms that are largely passed on from generation to generation orally. “Many of us come from communities where the spoken word is the form of documenting knowledge and encapsulating heritage” explained Dr. Muthuma.
One of the recommendations of the guide under development is that ARCMoW’s stakeholders should come together and create a specific place for oral heritage, which is Africa’s living heritage. Citing examples such as traditional marriage ceremonies and decisions on where one ought to be buried in case of dispute e.g. the Kenyan Case of S. M. Otieno where customary law took precedence over common law, Dr. Muthuma said, “We have to be the ones to create a section or instrument in the Memory of the World where oral traditions are taken care of.”
So far, the guide contains chapters on; 1) Specific aspects of the region 2) Analysis and management of risks 3) How to involve the community 4) How to handle natural disasters 5) How to teach preventive conservation of documentary heritage and 6) Standards and handbooks on disaster prevention (ISO, ICA, IFLA, CCAAA, IASA etc.).
Prof. Magara equally shared the ten loss factors he is contributing to documenting in the guide namely; 1) Physical forces 2) Theft and vandalism 3) Fire 4) Water 5) Biological dangers (insects, etc.) 6) Chemical dangers 7) Light 8) Temperature 9) Humidity and 10) Loss of information due to obsolete equipment.
The seminar also featured a session on reflections chaired by Dr. Dominic Lali Mundrugo-Ogo, Assistant Secretary General, UNATCOM. Contributors to the session included Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga, the University Librarian, Makerere University and Mr. Adonia Katungisa, Director, National Library of Uganda (NLU). Additional contributions were from representatives of the; Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), Constorium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL), Cross-Cultural Foundation Uganda, National Records Centre and Archives, Ministry of Public Service, Library and Information Services, Parliament of Uganda, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation and Academia, among others.
Dr. Mundrugo-Ogo thanked panelists and participants for contributing to the discussions, noting that a lot of ground had been covered in line with the seminar theme. “We need to document our African cultural values, rituals and practices. It is a challenge for all of us to work in that direction.”
He challenged representatives of institutions present to each nominate of what entries ought to be included in the national register for consideration by National Committee of the Memory of the World. “Today’s meeting will be fruitful if henceforth, we start receiving proposals coming forward to form the basis for the national committee to act.”
Delivering the closing remarks on Day One, the Principal CoCIS, Prof. Tonny Oyana on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and Makerere University thanked UNESCO represented by Ms. Misako, SCEaR-WGA, UNATCOM and all participants for contributions to the efforts to preserve Africa’s Documentary Heritage. He reassured the stakeholders that despite the risk posed lack of documentation to the preservation of oral African knowledge, technology through various platforms offers a lifeline to not only embark on but also accelerate these efforts.
“I want to reassure all of you that we have new resources that we need to look to such as YouTube. We need to rewrite these literary elements or adopt oral documentation and we have the technology to help us document this knowledge” he said.
Prof. Oyana shared that the Makerere University Strategic Plan aspires to make the institution more research-led, with a research agenda that lays emphasis on community engagement, and commended the organisers on a job well done in this regard. “Your work Prof. Magara is well aligned to our research agenda and creating visibility for the University.”
Day One of the Seminar was moderated by the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango. Additional recommendations from Day One included the need to boost the Bachelor of Cultural Heritage Studies developed by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, with support from UNESCO’s ICH Fund to cater for Masters and PhD level studies. The programme is currently offered at Uganda Martyrs’ University, Kabale University, Kyambogo University, and the Islamic University in Uganda.
Day Two of the Seminar was dedicated to the ARCMoW Business Meeting and MoW workshop.
During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
Makerere University has urged female students admitted under the Makerere University Council Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year to take the opportunity seriously, focus on their academic performance, and stay alert about their personal safety.
The message was delivered during an orientation for the scholarship beneficiaries at the Senate Conference Hall, where officials from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate welcomed the students and shared guidance on academic success, security, mentorship, and responsible social conduct.
The Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer cautions students on safety and self-reliance
Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer, congratulated the students on receiving the scholarship and urged them not to take it for granted.
She advised them to seek information from the relevant university offices instead of relying on assumptions or what fellow students tell them, and to keep records of official communication whenever they raise concerns or follow up on university matters.
Dr. Baine said students should take responsibility for their own security, warning them not to trust strangers easily and urging them to be careful about where they go and who they interact with.
She also reminded them that strong academic performance is required to keep the scholarship, and encouraged them to ask for help early whenever they face academic, social, or other challenges instead of waiting until the situation becomes harder to manage.
Students urged to aim for first-class results
The officers welcomed the students and encouraged them to put their studies first, urging them to aim for first-class academic results during their time at Makerere.
They advised them to use the academic support available to them, including help from course mates and any tutorials or mentoring offered within their colleges, and not to hesitate to seek assistance when they have concerns about their results or coursework.
The GMD team also spoke to scholars about personal safety, cautioning students against accepting help from strangers, including with luggage or transport, and referred to a recent incident in which a student’s belongings were stolen. She urged them to stay alert as they settled into university life.
Focus on academic foundations and safe social conduct
Other speakers, including Ms. Susan Mbabazi, who is the Principal Gender Officer, Ms. Abilat Lozirah, and Cynthia Ayaa Kamaketch emphasised the need to build a strong academic foundation from the start of the semester. They encouraged students to attend lectures regularly, read beyond classroom notes, use university resources such as internet access and the library, and develop steady study habits instead of waiting until exams are near.
They also warned students to be careful when meeting people they do not know well, advising them to hold academic discussions and social meetings in open, public spaces such as Freedom Square rather than in private rooms.
The students were also encouraged to seek mentorship from university staff and others who could guide them in their academic and career development, and to identify a mentor before leaving the orientation.
The orientation also pointed students to key university services and locations they should know, including the university health facilities, the Makerere Police Post, the Counselling and Guidance Centre, and places of worship on campus.
Speakers reminded the students that the scholarship gives them a chance to pursue their education at Makerere University, and that keeping it depends on their discipline, academic performance, and willingness to seek support when needed.
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