Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS Freshers Asked to Focus on Academics & Desist from Engaging in Politics & Rioting
Hundreds of freshmen and women admitted to undergraduate programmers in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) for the academic year 2023/2024 on Friday 25th August 2023 converged at the Arts Quadrangle for orientation.
University officials including members of the CHUSS management and university units including Security, Counselling and Guidance, the Library and Gender Mainstreaming unit and the students’ Guild addressed students on university policies, rules and regulations.
In addition to furnishing students with information on academic life such as admission, fees payment and registration, the University academic calendar and change of program, freshers were advised on a number of issues pertaining to their social life, personal security and the general conduct while at the university.
The freshers were also cautioned against examination malpractices, engaging in strikes, drug abuse and sexual harassment among others that would put their lives and studies at stake.
Addressing the students, the Principal CHUSS Professor Josephine Ahikire welcomed and congratulated the first years upon joining the CHUSS family.
Prof. Ahikire described CHUSS as a unique college that has opened the world to the students in terms of disciplines that are offered across the five schools including social sciences, gender studies, philosophy, history, journalism, performing arts and languages and literature.
“All that is a rich menu that offers you, even if you are taking one course, you can take even an audit course to enrich your experience and also widen your perspective”. She said
The Principal cautioned freshers against bad groups and company that may mislead them into acts that may result into discontinuation.
“You have been admitted as individuals. There’s no admission letter that says that, we have been admitted. You should pursue goals that relate to what you have been admitted for and be able to complete your studies”, The Principal advised adding:
“We want to be able to read your names on graduation as first class and second class upper and would like to also see you finally as citizens useful to society because CHUSS gives you that critical edge on societal issues and societal challenges and it is these disciplines that empower you as students to be able to be critical enough to be able to analyze, to be able to address those human related challenges” Prof. Ahikire guided.
Prof. Ahikire pledged staff availability to help and support students in their academic journey, saying, students are the reason why staff and the university exist.. She implored freshers to seek help from college officials to ensure that they register, attend lectures and perform all activities.
She thanked the students for turning up in large numbers and sitting throughout very attentively saying, that showed how they take orientation seriously . She called upon staff to play their part and take their processes seriously, improve systems and be responsive to the young people’s needs and inquiries.
Rioting and engagement in national party politics not allowed
The Superintendent of Police, Daniel Okello attached to the Uganda Police Field Force unit highlighted the security structure at Makerere University and where students can go in case of challenges.
Okello underscored the need for students to keep peace, law and order for a smooth completion of their studies.
He stressed that although it is good to have a democratic society with respect to human rights, the institution of police was established by law and is mandated to swing into action in case rights of innocent people are violated.
“We are very many from different schools. Please when you are in Makerere have respect for diversity, because it’s an epitome of academic excellence. Even the sweeper is educated to his level. That means for you to be educated, you must respect the person who offers you a service, whether he’s not educated”, Okello advised.
The officer told freshers that Makerere University is built on the foundation of culture, and therefore , they must learn and respect the culture of every place they go to or else face the wrath of the law.
“I controlled field force. Fanya fujo or make manyanga – make mistakes and see. You will not know the English I’m speaking. I will become very uneducated and very uncivilized. I will carry you with one leg and the other leg to the truck and I take you to police.
And the good thing nowadays they have changed the rules. When you are got rioting, you are taken alone. I will chase you in 100 meters until I catch you than giving an innocent person tear gas. I take you to Wandegeya and the next day you will see on your portal the suspension letter calling you to appear before the disciplinary committee”, Okello reassured.
Okello told freshers that the red gown is part of the uniform of Makerere University allowed for official functions and not to be misused. He cautioned that at 18 years of age, they are criminally liable .
“None of you is below 18 years. Uganda is a democratic country under multi party system where you are free to try and play into the politics of this country, to choose your leaders. But when it reaches politics. different political groups will come in. You are not here to play politics of the national level. You are supposed to play student leadership..
In the enjoyment of your rights, do not infringe on the other peoples’ rights that you want politicians to come and organize the rally. Do not make that rally stop that one who is doing medicine from attending the classes. So the main issue you came here is to study”, he added.
The police officer called for discipline and respect for one another on grounds that as humans, none knows who will help or rescue them in other circumstances.
Be security cautious
Okello advised students to be security cautious and never to trust anyone around them or else, fall victims of unscrupulous people, loose property and or lives.
“All of you are victims of the wise men in Makerere University. Please do not follow people who are telling you let’s go and change courses. Do not give your keys to people you don’t know. Do not give your telephones to people who are saying I have lost my phone.
You are very good victims. They are calling you fresh. Everything is fresh. HIV and AIDS is real. Makerere University is an adult school. You are free to do what you are doing, but the repercussion is great. There are crimes of compassion. I have had very many university students being killed and dropped on the roadside because of relationships”. The officer advised.
He advised students to read hard noting that the future is in the youth.
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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