Humanities & Social Sciences
6th Mashariki Conference Opens with call for Further Engagement with Communities
The 6th Mashariki (Eastern Africa) Literary and Cultural Studies Conference got underway on Thursday 24th 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 6th 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 21st century University, especially as we move toward a research-led University.”
On this note, Prof. Alinaitwe thanked the 6th 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 6th 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 6th 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 15th to 16th August 2023 hosted the 3rd 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 6th Mashariki Conference, she added, was clear demonstration that Literary and cultural studies are subjects that allow us to discuss and dispense ideas.
The 6th 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 19th July 2023 and Kenyan playwright, Mĩcere Gĩthae Mũgo who passed away on 30th 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 4th March 2023 and Ghanaian author, Ama Ata Aidoo who passed away on 31st May 2023.
Speaking on behalf of the 6th 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 2nd Edition in August 2015.
The inaugural Mashariki Conference was held at the University of Nairobi, Kenya in September 2013, while the 3rd was held at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in August 2017. Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia hosted the 4th in August 2019 and Moi University, Kenya hosted the 5th in September, 2021.
She therefore thanked Prof. Grace Musila, Dr. Tom Odhiambo and Mr. Parselelo Kantai for choosing Makerere to host the 6th 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 6th Mashariki Conference Opening Ceremony
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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