The 6^th Mashariki (Eastern Africa) Literary and Cultural Studies Conference got underway on Thursday 24^th August, 2023 at the Yusuf Lule Auditorium with a call by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD) for further engagement between Makerere University and the communities for which the institution produces knowledge. The call was made by Mr. Benard Mujuni, Commissioner Equity and Rights, MoGLSD, who represented his Permanent Secretary, Mr. Aggrey Kibenge.

“I would be happy to see how this knowledge transforms especially vulnerable and disadvantaged communities and groups” remarked Mr. Mujuni, before adding “We can work together to bring this to pass at such platforms as these.”

An author in his own right, the Chief Guest paid tribute to his alma mater, Makerere University, for nurturing his writing gift. Only the evening prior to appearing as Chief Guest at the 6^th Mashariki Conference, Mr. Mujuni had launched his Anthology of Past and Contemporary African Life titled RABBIT ON THE PULPIT to a packed audience at the National Theatre. Therefore, he could not help but appreciate how timely and appropriate the opportunity to represent his Permanent Secretary was, for he felt well at home in the company of his own.

Mr. Mujuni shared that transformation of communities is at the heart of MoGLSD’s mission, which it achieves by promoting cultural values and ethics. “Makerere University through the Mashariki Literary and Cultural Studies Association is actively carrying out the Ministry’s mission.”

He therefore paid tribute to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for his able leadership that has enabled the arts and humanities to thrive. “The creative force put into conferences requires people who feel close to the institution. You and Management have done this job well.”

In the same breath, he thanked the Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Josephine Ahikire for consistently preaching the gospel that the humanities and social sciences are here to stay. “The creativity, debates and conversations around real life experiences here is one of those platforms you have created and keep in place for the betterment of our community.”

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe informed the audience that Makerere’s historic association with the University of East Africa among other milestones had brought to the fore the value of partnerships. “It is these partnerships that foster the kind of interactions and research we would like to see in our 21^st century University, especially as we move toward a research-led University.”

On this note, Prof. Alinaitwe thanked the 6^th Mashariki collaborators namely: the Department of African Literature at the University of the Witswatersrand, the University of Nairobi and the University of Dar es Salaam, and the Goethe Zentrum Kampala for their contributions to making the conference a success.  He equally applauded Prof. Josephine Ahikire for ably leading the College. “I am truly aware of the meaning of the mantra CHUSS on the Move each time I am invited to these events.”

Basking in the light of accolades pouring forth toward her College, the Principal, Prof. Josephine Ahikire could not help but express how proud CHUSS was to be prominent in the 6^th Mashariki conversation. This conversation, she noted, is focused on discussing the material, intellectual , spiritual, cultural and literary conditions that have shaped and driven the literary and cultural terrain of the Eastern African region. “We are happy that we are increasingly sitting at the table to talk about us, about what makes us tick and what we need to improve or perhaps evaluate in our journey going forward.”

More importantly, Prof. Ahikire was happy that the 6^th Mashariki sets out to pose pertinent questions about the direction of literary and cultural debates and policies fundamental to Uganda’s and indeed, the region’s existence. “I am happy that in the spirit of the humanities and social sciences, we are not afraid to ask questions that will make us look into our inner selves as well as our surrounding to build for the future.”

The Dean, School of Languages, Literature and Communication (SLLC), Prof. Saudah Namyalo commended the Department of Literature for organising the Conference, which fits well into the School’s aim to promote interdisciplinary work, interuniversity activities and outreach programmes. SLLC had only days prior, from 15^th to 16^th August 2023 hosted the 3^rd Language Association of Eastern Africa (LAEA) Conference under the theme Empowering Communities through Langauge Research & Teaching for Sustainable Development.

Prof. Namyalo concluded by noting that Literary and cultural studies as subjects are part and parcel of our daily lives for they address our problems and joys and assess them. The 6^th Mashariki Conference, she added, was clear demonstration that Literary and cultural studies are subjects that allow us to discuss and dispense ideas.

The 6^th Mashiriki Conference opening ceremony was not only about sharing official statements but also an opportunity to showcase the humaneness of the arts and humanities. The Chair, Mashariki Board, Prof. Grace A Musila used her slot at the podium as an opportunity to pay tribute to great authors who have since transitioned to the life beyond. They included; Nigerian writer, Bankole Ajibabi Omotoso popularly known as Kole Omotoso who passed away on 19^th July 2023 and Kenyan playwright, Mĩcere Gĩthae Mũgo who passed away on 30^th June 2023. Others showcased in the presentation that was musically backed by distinct African melodies and plucking strings were; Ugandan writer, John Nagenda who passed away on 4^th March 2023 and Ghanaian author, Ama Ata Aidoo who passed away on 31^st May 2023.

Speaking on behalf of the 6^th Mashariki Conference Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Susan Kiguli could not hide her joy, enthusiasm and gratitude at seeing the seats in the auditorium lined with guests from the various institutions invited. She was further elated that Makerere was the first institution to host the Mashariki Conference twice, the first having been the 2^nd Edition in August 2015.

The inaugural Mashariki Conference was held at the University of Nairobi, Kenya in September 2013, while the 3^rd was held at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in August 2017. Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia hosted the 4^th in August 2019 and Moi University, Kenya hosted the 5^th in September, 2021.

She therefore thanked Prof. Grace Musila, Dr. Tom Odhiambo and Mr. Parselelo Kantai for choosing Makerere to host the 6^th Mashariki Conference, and the Head, Department of Literature, Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi for assigning her the responsibility to chair the LOC.

The highlight of the opening ceremony was the keynote address by Gulu University’s Prof. Charles Okumu, whose lighthearted delivery insightfully led participants down the path of The Life and Times of Okot p’Bitek: Structured Biography and Excursions into his Creative Writings.

The event was further lit up by performances of students of literature and students of performing arts and film. While the former acted out Edict 1: New Nomenclature and the troubled African state, in light of the political turbulence by Timothy Wangusa, the latter led the audience through the Ugandan, East African and Makerere University anthems.

Please click the video below to view proceedings of the 6^th Mashariki Conference Opening Ceremony