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Journalism Department Holds Annual Media Convention 2023: Youth, Media & Communication Professionals Challenged to Harness Digital Media to Preserve Culture

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The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) through the Department of Journalism and Communication on 12th October 2023 hosted the Annual Media Convention  at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Auditorium. It was convened by Dr. Charlotte Ntulume.

The function was presided over by Her Royal Highness  Sylvia Nagginda  Nnaabagereka represented by the Trustee,  Board  of the Nabagereka Foundation Ms. Judy Kamanyi  under the theme,” Bringing Culture Back in: Media, Communication  and Youth Engagement in the Digital Age”. The Head of Corporation, Norwegian Embassy and the Vice Chancellor Makerere University also graced the occasion.

The key note address was delivered by Associate professor from the University of Johannesburg who runs the School of Communication, and also head of Department of Strategic Communications at the University of Johannesburg and, one of the pioneers of the Department of Mass communication at Makerere University, Prof. Elizabeth Lubinga Nviri .

The function was also punctuated by three panels. The first panel on , “Media, Entertainment and Culture: Looking back into the Future”,  moderated by Dr. Evelyn Cindy Magara comprised leading practitioners in the music, art and film industry including   Dr. Charles Mulekwa, Mr. Andrew Benon Kibuuka, Ms. Joanita Kawalya Muganga and Mr. Abbey Mukiibi.

Dr. Cindy Magara moderating panel of leading artists and practitioners. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Cindy Magara moderating panel of leading artists and practitioners.

The second panel on, “Young People and Culture in the Digital Age” moderated by  Hannah Arinaitwe consisted of students including  Sylivia Nankya, Najibu Nsubuga, Reagan Kiyimba, Andrew Sebunya and Cynthia Ashaba.

The third panel on, “Media and Civic Engagement” , moderated by Charles Odongtho  brought together leading media practitioners including  Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, Ms. Lydia Mirembe Jadwong, Ms. Halima Authman, Ms. Carol Alyek Beyanga and Ms. Agatha Atuhaire.

The event was crowned by the students Excellence Awards presented by representatives of the Newvision, Daily Monitor and the Public Relations Association of Uganda. Three students scooped plaques, some with cash and internship opportunities.

The event was supported by the Uganda Tourism Board, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the Daily Monitor, the New Vision, and the Public Relations Association of Uganda.

The Nnabagereka calls for cultural revival as an important and a matter of urgency

Representing the Nnabagereka of Buganda, the member Board of Trustees on the Nnabagereka Development Foundation Ms. Judy Kamanyi described the theme of the convention as important and timely.

She said the cultural heritage is the embodiment of our nation’s history, values, traditions and collective identity.

“It encompasses the stories passed down through generations, the songs that echo in our hearts, the customs that connect us to our roots, the ways in which we are raised and taught to behave in our respective communities society, and the wisdom that guides us through life’s journey. It is a source of pride, a reflection of who we are, and a legacy we have proudly inherited from our ancestors. Our culture is our source of inspiration as a people.”

Ms. Kamanyi noted that contemporary society, is undergoing rapid change in every aspect, from how children are educated to the world of work with ways of living, cultural heritage, facing numerous challenges.

The onslaught of globalization and the widespread influence of modern technology according to Ms. Kamanyi has ushered in by digitalization which have sometimes overshadowed cultural heritage.

Ms. Judy Kamanyi representing the Nnabagereka. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Judy Kamanyi representing the Nnabagereka.

The digital era, she observed has reshaped the way people live, communicate and interact with the world, thus intertwining  lives with technology, from the mobile phones to the platforms  used to connect with one another.

While these innovations have undoubtedly brought people  closer together, she noted, they have also led to the erosion of some aspects of  culture. While this digitalization has brought  incredible achievements,  advancements and opportunities, it also poses a significant challenge to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

She informed participants that the discussion on how we can bridge the gap between culture and the digital era through media, communication and youth empowerment and engagement is urgent in our country’s quest for social transformation.

Aware that media plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and understanding of the world, informing decisions and influencing values, Ms. Kamanyi reminded participants that media  has the power to either erode or celebrate cultural diversity and heritage, but at the same time, it can be a powerful tool for cultural preservation.

 “To bring culture back into the spotlight, we must recognize and harness the potential of media as a guardian and promoter of our culture.  This is especially critical in this digital age where media, especially online and social media, has been used to spread stereotypes and misconceptions.

As professionals in the industry and to the students who are training to become media and communication specialists, we have a duty to address this problem. Media in all its forms, including the tradition or legacy newspapers, radio and TV, as well as online outlets, have a responsibility to represent our culture accurately and respectfully”, She guided

Ms. Kamanyi observed that some of the unintended consequences of globalization and the digital age is the erosion of indigenous languages.

Ms..Kamanyi  reiterated the need for people  to  route themselves in their languages expressing pleasure to see that  different languages are being taught here in Makerere University.

“We cannot talk about preserving our cultures or having an identity without preservation of our languages. I therefore urge you to promote and preserve our languages in the family, in our homes and in our communities and in our schools. And I commend the media playing a lead role in this important task through various local language media platforms and programs. I also applaud the School of Languages, Literature and Communication here at the University, which hosts the Journalism and Communications Department, for all its efforts to preserve and promote indigenous African languages.”

 Turning to cultural preservation, Ms. Kamanyi said  it is incumbent upon  communication professionals to provide the right environment, whether in traditional media or online, and in the different spaces in which they  practice, for these inter-generational interactions or engagements to take place.

Universities tasked to develop programs to engage youth in cultural activities

Acknowledging that the greater majority of Uganda’s population belong to the younger generation, Ms.  Kamanyi recognized the older generation with wealth of cultural knowledge She expressed the need for the youth to continue engaging and dialoguing to ensure that traditions are not only preserved, but also adapted and integrated into modern lives.

“We are fortunate to live at a time when communication and connectivity are part of life, and therefore social networking sites are the order of the day, and often time we take this for granted” she said

Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd Right) presents a gift to the Nnabagereka represented by Ms. Judy Kamanyi. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd Right) presents a gift to the Nnabagereka represented by Ms. Judy Kamanyi.

Turning to youth engagement and the youth as torchbearers of our culture, Ms. Kamanyi stressed that it is important to engage the youth in cultural promotion and for preservation and the continuity of heritage as they hold the key to cultural resilience, adaptability, and agents of preservation and promotion and,also breathe life into it.

“It is my appeal therefore that this country’s leading university and chief custodians of education, knowledge and innovation to be intentional about creating
 mentorship programs and educational initiatives that empower youth to actively engage in their culture”

 I beseech you to add culture preservation to your priority of research interest. Her Royal Highness believes that this should be supported. To the students, please pay more attention to culture as a matter of utmost importance and urgency.”,

Uganda in need of revival of cultural values

Uganda, like most African nations, Ms. Kamanyi said,  has suffered social upheaval. and disruptions, there is a breakdown in ethics and values which has led to moral decadence and deterioration of social cohesion in  society.

“If we took a critical and honest look at ourselves, we would admit that as a people we have somehow lost some aspects of humanness. With the grave decline in acceptable behavior, especially when it comes around digitalization, I strongly believe that transforming our nation will entail a revival of our cultural values.”

She said although culture has always been around, there are certain aspects that have kind of receded and hence, the need to bring them back to the fore.

To this end,  she added, Obuntubulamu, which is the African philosophy that espouses interconnectedness, humanity, dignity, and communal living, was integrated in Ekisaakate- the flagship program of the Nnabagereka  Development Foundation that targets the young people.

 Several societal values that make up Obuntubulamu were identified through research, and these are humility, civility, integrity, honesty, sense of shame, responsibility, among others.

With the support of UN Women and the United Nations Development Program, the Nnabagereka  Development Foundation partnered with other cultural institutions in Uganda, including the Kingdoms of Acholi, Alur, Bonyoro, and Busoga, with an indigenous approach to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, that is the SDGs.

The Foundation has also worked, and Her Royal Highness, with other African queens and cultural women leaders from the kingdoms of Ghana, the kingdoms that exist in South Africa, Lesotho and in Nigeria, mindful that they had the power to use their status in society to influence and improve the lived realities of their people.

How can we harness media technology for cultural revival and cultural heritage preservation in the digital era?

According to Ms. Kamanyi, there are  unprecedented opportunities to bring culture back into the limelight using social media, the internet, podcasts, digital storytelling to amplify  cultural messages to reach a much wider national and global audience.

There is  need to encourage the creation of digital content, that celebrates our culture, to engage the youth, and invite the world to explore our culture.

“Through the strategic use of technology, we can showcase our art and our music and our customs to a wider audience, promoting a deeper appreciation of our cultural diversity. The digital revolution has brought new non-traditional players in the media and communication arena.

These include the digital content creators, all producers and influencers. And young people are at the forefront in this space. I therefore implore the Department to continually equip students with the requisite skills and, even more importantly, ethics for these crucial roles.

 You and your associates in the humanities field are best placed to instill a sense of pride and identity among our young people, while almost equipping them with skills needed to navigate the digital era, yet stay rooted in our culture”. Ms. Kamanyi stressed

Ms. Kamanyi highlighted challenges that come with preserving and promoting culture in the digital era. The rapid space of change and the spread of misinformation and the lure of globalized cultures, and the risk of cultural appropriation are hurdles that must be navigate.d

She however said, these challenges are not insurmountable.

“We need to embrace technology as a tool for cultural preservation rather than perceive it as a threat. With regards to solutions, I request the Department of Journalism and Communication to ponder on these challenges. At 35, surely society naturally expects you to have achieved some milestones. You are at a stage where your impact on society should be visible in many aspects and especially matters being discussed today.

I implore you to spread your reach and influence so that your impact in our nation is visible. We are looking up to you to provide professional guidance to the students, cultural associations at the university, like in Nkoba Zambogo, to make culture visible on the university’s agenda, and to encourage our young people to embrace culture with the same vigor and interest with which they have embraced digitalization and globalization.

I wish to emphasize that it is our collective duty to ensure, as our ancestors did, that the transition to modernity does not come at expense of our cultural identity and heritage. Our cultural heritage is not something of the past that we can relegate to the sidelines, but it is a living entity that should evolve with the times, that can drive national transformation.

We must factor culture back as we navigate the digital era, not just as a matter of preserving our past but about securing our future. Our cultural diversity is a source of strength, resilience and inspiration. Let’s work to embrace and promote our culture. Together, we can build a future where our national identity thrives, where diversity is cherished, and where cultural heritage is a driving force for positive change and for our country’s transformation.”She appealed.

VC commends DJC steady growth

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba appreciated the  distinguished alumni and panelists for the wonderful and exciting engagement and insightful discussion rendered.

Prof. Umar Kakumba delivers the Vice Chancellor's remarks. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Umar Kakumba delivers the Vice Chancellor’s remarks.

Kakumba, welcomed Her  Royal Highness the Nnabagereka  to Makerere University as guest of honor at the annual media convention 2023represented  by Ms. Kamanyi and the entourage of the Nnabagereka thanking the team for   accepting this second invitation to preside over this media convention, who, in a few weeks ago officiated  the Sarah Ntiro Memorial Lecture.

“We want to appreciate the honor that is rendered to Makerere University, Mama Nnabagereka”

Prof. Kakumba appreciated the organization of the Media Convention 2023 and hailed the department for  remaining consistent in holding this informative and educative activity every year, save the couple of years of COVID-19.

“Journalism has remained consistent and intentional. We also want to applaud you for bringing in our distinguished alumni and the keynote speakers, Professor Elizabeth Mviri Lubinga, all the way from Johannesburg,..and I also want to assure you that the University of Johannesburg and Makerere University have an ongoing collaborative engagement. We have a formal MoU. And so getting you as the head of strategic communication at the University of Johannesburg and getting you as our alumnus and proud ambassador of Makerere, it’s such a great pleasure.

 And we hope that your well-delivered and insightful keynote, will definitely open more doors of collaborative engagement between journalism and communication, a school at Makerere here, and also fostering the existing relationships that we have with the university and many opportunities that will come our way”, The Vice Chancellor appreciated.

Kakumba thanked the panelists, for the participation and for their insightful and being very resourceful in tuning the audience into the digital era and how the challenges can be moderated.

“I note  the challenges of the digital technologies in strengthening culture, but also in strengthening the role of the academy in mentoring our young people, the future generation of many times, of our times and the future.

 I wish to salute this event, that it has also built a strong confidence over the years that the Convention has been held, the confidence has been built, but it has also helped to nurture the continuous engagement and appreciation of the role of media in transforming society”, He hailed :

Professor  Kakumba commended the  Department of Journalism and Communication for the remarkable endeavor, having risen from just a sub-program, not even a section or a unit under the Literature Department then in 1988.

“I want to appreciate the remarkable endeavor in growing this sub-program under the Department of Literature in 1988 to a fully-fledged Department of Journalism and Communication with enviable programs. programs in journalism and communication, which was re-branded, but also the two strong graduate programs, the master’s degree in strategic and corporate communication, and a master’s degree in journalism and multimedia, and a productive PhD in journalism and communication”,

“ I have been informed too, that the department is partnering with the School of Public Health to develop another Masters in Health Promotion and Communication, and which is interdisciplinary, which is very important. Journalism, health, because journalism, communication, communication is a critical tool in transforming society. So the role of the media in health, the role of communication in health, the role of communication in culture, the role of communication in business and entrepreneurship cannot be overstated.” He stressed.

Kakumba  assured the department  that once that program proposal comes in handy in his capacity as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, they  should be able to fast-track it. The DVC chairs the Senate Committee on Academic Programs, Policies, and anything to do with the business of the Senate.

“So we’ll be much more delighted to have that proposal as we are completing the proposal for the Council Restructuring Committee. And indeed Journalism and Communication should should have been a school many years ago, but better late than never. We’ll appreciate that.”He pledged.

He also recognized the college, schools and departmental leadership   for the well elaborated and illustrious efforts, guidance and achieving various milestones in the departments and schools of the college.

Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd Left) presents Mak souvenirs to keynote speaker Prof. Elizabeth Lubinga. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Umar Kakumba (2nd Left) presents Mak souvenirs to keynote speaker Prof. Elizabeth Lubinga.

“The five schools of the college, the over 14 or 15 departments in humanities and social sciences,  have really exhibited quite much in fostering our future, our vision as the institution, but also in demonstrating what the university has been able to do in building human capital development for our country and our region.”.

The professor was pleased with today’s theme, bridging culture back, noting that culture has not gone away at any time but probably culture has been alienated.

He said, the idea of reimagining culture into the digital era and how culture can be made more useful in building a strong foundation for the young people and how culture can also strengthen the modern era of communication has been well expressed by the panelists in creating the enterprise, the future of the enterprise and the future of the business, but a business that should not completely be away from strengthening a society that is productive.

“So definitely it speaks to the theme that you have selected, bringing culture back in media, communication, and youth engagement in this digital age. It speaks to the impact of the fast advancing technologies of our well-being as a community, as a country, as a nation, as a region, and as a continent, and what culture can significantly contribute.

 I am certain that the discussion at this convention will open our minds more about issues to how to access digital technologies, the quality of the content that is made from time to time, and how that content can be enabled to support the roles of building our strong communities and building public participation and also engaging our development processes”. Prof. Kakumba explained.

The DVC said the university would want to see this engagement and how it turns out, in the productions that are being made, the content that is being written and migrated into knowledge that can inform progressive policy and regulation on digitizing the country and the economy.

In addition, the DVC said, the university would want to see how the discussions  can promote the role of the media and the role of culture in preservation, in social change and empowerment of  people. And also ultimately, it should be able to drive towards the sustainability of our culture and the transformation of our country.

On behalf of the Senate of Makerere University, Kakumba thanked Her  Royal Highness, Mama Wa Buganda, the Nnabagereka  for accepting to grace the annual media convention 2023,the continued passion and gratitude that is extended to Makerere University.

Kakumba also appreciated the Nnabagereka Foundation and all of the programs, and the love for working among the young people in educating them, in  work, in health, the work in culture, including the Kisakate teacher,  among the many programs that the office of the Nnabagereka  has fostered.

DJC transition to a school should have happened 30 years ago-Principal CHUSS

The Principal CHUSS Prof. Josephine Ahikire said,  the department transition into the school is is something that should have happened 30 years ago.

Prof. Josephine Ahikire delivering her remarks. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Josephine Ahikire delivering her remarks.

“So the department has had a lot of impact and as a UNESCO’s center of excellence in the region, East Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond has churned out a number of professionals serving in various capacities here in Uganda and beyond in the field of Public relations, communication, media and marketing.” She noted.

Prof. Ahikire said the theme of the convention was purposed to embrace the needs of young people in strategic communication, writing for society, not just for making money, but when when writing, they should have that mission in mind and be mindful of the peoples’ culture.

The Principal thanked the university management for the support to the college and to the department, and for enabling Makerere reimagine itself as a research-led university to be able to serve society to build for the future.

Dean commends the DJC growth, supports proposal to transform into a school

The Dean, School of Languages, Literature, and Communication, Associate Prof. Saudah Namyalo reiterated that the Department of Journalism and Communication (DJC) has organized this annual media convention since 1998, and each time it has provided a platform for discussing emerging issues in the media, journalism, communication, and society in Uganda and beyond.

“This year’s theme is timely as it speaks to the central place of culture in the digital communication era. Moreover, it allows the youth who are particular to Uganda as they are the majority population.

The theme also poses a very important question on the future of the media in the light of culture and entertainment. I’m therefore looking forward to the panels that are well constituted and are certainly going to exude the same clearly”, She said.

Dean Namyalo was happy  to note that the Department of Journalism and Communication has grown immensely, especially in the last few years. Adding that it’s not surprising that at 35 years old, they have built their capacity to research, graduate training, and innovation in journalism, media, and communication.

“And I want to use this opportunity, Vice Chancellor, to inform you that the Department of Journalism has presented their proposal to transform into a school of journalism, media and communication. And we are in total support because they have all the right steps to become a school

Assoc. Prof. Saudah Namyalo speaking during the convention. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Prof. Saudah Namyalo speaking during the convention.

I am certain that they are a force to reckon in Uganda and in the region as well. As a school, we congratulate them on this and many other milestones and wish them even more success as they work towards building a future flying the Makerere University flag high and growing even further”, she tabled.

She thanked Her  Royal Highness represented by Ms. Judy Kamanyi for accepting the invitation, aware that a few weeks ago, she was here again on a different occasion.

Convention as a platform for Debate on contemporary issues in Media and communication and guiding to curriculum review

The Head Department of Journalism and Communication Dr. Aisha Nakiwala said this annual media event brings together the academia and the industry players to debate contemporary issues in the media and communication.

“It is at these kinds of engagements that we regularly guide ourselves on what to include in our curriculum development. So for the last 35 years of the department and the program of journalism and communication,we have continued to be both forward-sighted and strategic in our approach to training our students and intentional to develop.

And as we look to the future, and specifically as we set ourselves to transition from a department to the school of journalism, media and communication, nothing can be strategic than a deliberate focus on the young people because they are not just great consumers of media content, but they are also the future of journalism, media and communication.”, Nakiwala said.

Dr. Nakiwala asserted that , there is strong evidence, about the strong influence of the media and communication on youth and culture. Thus, the rapidly changing media sector in Uganda and elsewhere in the world has conditioned the Department of Journalism and Communication, to view young people as an important site of cultural production.

She said, that explains why they  chose to focus this year’s convention on the intersection between media, culture and young people.

Dr. Nakiwala appreciated  Ms. Kamanyi, the office of the Nnabagereka, for accepting to offciate this convention .

“ And your being here and the support that we have received from the Foundation is testament to the great service that the Department of Journalism and  Communication is rendering to the cause of young people and to the cause of national development in this country and beyond, which we know is very dear to the heart of Her Royal Highness the Nnabagereka. We therefore pledge our continued efforts in this exceptional service and in serving our clientele better,”The don promised.

Nakiwala  thanked the various sponsors that have funded this event including  the Uganda Tourism Board, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, the Daily Monitor, the New Vision, and the Public Relations Association of Uganda, without whom, it would be impossible.

She also  recognized the diligent and meticulous planning that has gone into this event to make it a success giving credit to her team at the Department of Journalism and Communication, Dean,  School of Languages and Communication and  the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences  for the support  rendered  to the department.

Dr. Nakiwala  also thanked the panelists for honoring the invitaion and sharing their experiences and expertise expressing optimism that the deliberations will spark further debate beyond the walls and gates of Makerere.

Youtha transformative power and catalyst for innovation and change – Keynote speaker

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Elizabeth Lubinga Nviri was grateful for the strong foundation that she received from this institution, saying, it has helped us to be successful within and outside of the country.

Speaking on reimagining how culture can become an integral part of media communication and youth engagement in the digital age. Prof. Lubinga said already the world is moving towards the internet of things with artificial intelligence and robotics.

She congratulated the Department of Journalism and Communication for 35 years of organizing successful annual media conventions.

Prof. Elizabeth Lubinga delivering her keynote address. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Elizabeth Lubinga delivering her keynote address.

The intention, she remarked  is to appreciate the transformative power of the youth as catalysts for innovation, for active participation and leadership in shaping the future of our country, Uganda.

“ It is not secret worldwide that Africa has the youngest population. 2023, Uganda’s median age is 16 years only. If you compare that to Monaco, for example, in Europe, with a median age of 55 years, it means that we have a very young population. And because of that, we would be remiss in excluding the youth in shaping our country”, she asserted.

To achieve this, she expressed the need to reflect on the role of change as inevitable, the critical influence of culture on individuals and society, the changing face of the media in this digital age, media audiences as well as the dynamic and rapid perversion of artificial intelligence.

“Change is inevitable. We cannot manage and control change. And we know that the youth are a very dynamic and a flexible audience that is open to change, socialization, acculturation, information, education and entertainment. We also know that change in society has been fast-tracked by digitization, socio-economic, environmental issues, among others”

Reflecting on COVID-19 pandemic, the professor said it changed the way in which the media operates, but at the same time it elevated the important role of culture in terms of treating COVID-19 to traditional medicine but at the same time, COVID affected media, a number of print media closed as they were not sustainable.

 Prof. Lubinga highlighted that one of the constant variables of society is culture, because culture has been tried, it has been proved, it has been tested over a number of years. Academics, according to the keynote speaker  acknowledge that culture is both individual but it’s also a social construct, because individuals vary in how they embrace and engage in attitudes, in values, in beliefs and in behavior.

Culture, she explained occurs if individuals act in harmony with particular behaviours or values. And in Uganda and other societies, there is a bidirectional relationship between the media and culture.

For  example,  she said, the oldest newspapers in Uganda, such as Muno in 1912 and Ebi Famu in Uganda in 1934, were premised on religion but also based on culture. There are also several culturally affiliated broadcasting and print media, including Central Broadcasting Services, radio, Uganda Broadcasting Services, television, Voice of Toro, radio, which is in both ownership and content reflecting Toro history and culture, and TV, loyal to the Busoga Kingdom, Rhino FM, Acholi cultural institution.

 For many years she said, the media have has informed, educated, socialized and entertained society and have cultivated readers, listeners, viewers or consumers of our content. She however noted although today we still have consumers, there is a shift to what is termed as prosumers because prosumers co-create content, they actively participate in media making decisions.

Prof Lubinga also observed that many youth are techno savvy, and because of that they are at the forefront of processes using social, digital media, as well as artificial intelligence proficiently.

“The youth have to be involved in shaping the way forward, because they are more conversant with the digital and social media than everyone else is. So due to digitization, audiences, media and communication have shifted. receivers have changed to instant creators of content. Audiences have changed from passive receivers to influencers of crucial media narratives. Audiences have changed from listeners, viewers, readers to co-creators and innovators.

The media have converged and blurred. So we have to ask ourselves crucial questions. Who and what are the sources of information? Do we still say that the journalist is the source of information? And these are the things that we are going to debate in this convention. And so communication power is shifting from institutional communicators, journalists, public relations officers, to the influence of recipients” she said..

How do we re-imagine the interface between culture, youth and media in this digital age?

The professor suggested that collaboration between stakeholders should be increased with  conscious inclusion of the youth, because no longer are the youth an apathetic audience. They are driving, they are shaping narratives on the ever-growing social media.

She proposed that youth voices should be integrated into co-creating strategies to improve development.

 She also expressed the need to invest and harness artificial intelligence, social media, and digital media to preserve culture without excluding the youth through micro-engagement.

“We should consider a world where AI can do most of the jobs that we are currently doing. We already have digital news readers. Artificial intelligence can create content for us. So what do we perceive the world ahead of us to be? What is our role? We need to re-imagine our role. Micro-engagement enables users to interface with technological devices and systems, which takes place in various forms”. She advised.

Three journalists awarded

Left to Right: Daniel Kalinaki, Mollan Joyce,  Atwine Rhonet, Kababikira Mary , Dr. Aisha Nakiwala and Helen Kawesa  pose for a group photo after the award ceremony. Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: Daniel Kalinaki, Mollan Joyce, Atwine Rhonet, Kababikira Mary , Dr. Aisha Nakiwala and Helen Kawesa pose for a group photo after the award ceremony.

Atwine Rhonet, winner of the New Vision Cranimer Mugerwa Award

Atwine is a multimedia journalist in Uganda who is passionate about solution journalism. Currently, she serves as a health journalist at Solutions Now Africa, which stands as Uganda’s pioneering solutions newsroom. Her primary focus revolves around the creation of compelling narratives that spotlight the innovative models, systems, and solutions that are catalyzing positive change in Africa. Atwine has so far covered topics such as health access in a low-resource setting, Human rights issues, e-learning, congenital abnormalities, mental health, innovations, climate change, and neonatal health.  

Handing over the award, the New vision Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama thanked Makerere University, and specifically the Department of Journalism and Communication, for inviting them  to hand over this award, saying it is very important.

Wanyama said ,  for about two decades, New Vision and the Department of Journalism and Communication have been  recognizing  the best performing journalism students through the Cranimer Mugerwa Award.

Atwine Rhonet receives the Cranimer Mugerwa Award from the New Vision CEO Don Wanyama (2nd Right). Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Atwine Rhonet receives the Cranimer Mugerwa Award from the New Vision CEO Don Wanyama (2nd Right).

Cranimer Mugerwa was a photojournalist with the  New Vision who died on March 26, 2001 at Nsambya Hospital after a short illness. He was known for his exceptional talent in capturing powerful and evocative images that told very compelling stories. He was a very brave war correspondent who fearlessly ventured into the war-torn regions, risking his own safety to document the harsh realities of conflict.

His photographs from the front lines captured the raw emotions and devastation experienced by both soldiers and civilians. His work that really stands out was his coverage of the Rwanda genocide in 1994. It was a testament to his unwavering commitment to shedding light on the darkest corners of humanity.

In the face of unimaginable violence and unspeakable atrocities, he fearlessly captured the haunting images of mass killings, displacement, and the indescribable grief of the survivors. His photographs served as a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred and intolerance, motivating the international community to take action and prevent such atrocities from happening.

Mugerwa’s indomitable spirit and determination to expose the truth will forever echo through his powerful images, especially for those victims of the regions of the DRC and northern Uganda at the time, fearlessly again capturing and torturing the despair of families torn apart, the anguish of children forced into soldiering and the destruction of entire communities.

Through his photographs, he shed light on the silent suffering endured by those caught in the crossfire, giving a voice to the voiceless. His unwavering commitment to exposing the truth and advocating for the vulnerable cemented his legacy as a fearless photojournalist and a beacon of hope in what was really some dark times.

Through these powerful images, he brought the horrors of war to the attention of the country and by extension to the world, urging for peace and justice. His courage and dedication will always be remembered in the annals of photojournalism. Mugerwa’s untimely death was a great loss to the field of photojournalism, leaving behind a void. Actually, when he died in 2001, he was just 37 years old.

“So at Vision Group, we believe in recognizing and celebrating journalists who go above and beyond the normal call of duty in their pursuit for truth and accuracy. We are therefore privileged and we are grateful to Makerere University, Department of Journalism, for working with us to keep his legacy alive and to be able to celebrate him whenever we can.

 Of course, this is also a moment for us to reflect not just about Cranmer but a lot of our colleagues who have left us. And of course, coming to mind, you remember the nasty accident that took colleagues like Ken Matovu, Simon Ekarot and others, and so many others who have fallen. So it’s always good to reflect and remember and celebrate their legacy”, Wanyama narrated adding:

“ As you’ve seen, the winner, we’ve given her a million shillings as a cash prize. We’ve also given her a plaque, but as part of the offer, we are going to give her an internship opportunity at the Vision Group. And unlike a lot of the interns who come in and we do not really remunerate them because we are giving you a chance to learn, that every month she will be able to pick 500,000 shillings as net pay, beyond and above what else she will be able to make through her work. So congratulations, Rhonet, and you’re most welcome to the Vision Group”.

Mollan Joyce – winner of the Tebere Maudin Award of the Daily Monitor

Molan  Joyce is a freelance photographer, and student  passionate about freezing moments in time. A journey she began in 2019 during the COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda. She currently practices sports photography for which she has collaborated with several sports teams. For example, she has worked as an official photographer during the Valley College League, the Mushanga League and the Jo’Bok League as an assistant photographer. She has also served as official photographer for the Duncan Africa Society.. Joyce was accompanied by siblings. Daniel Kalinaki, who is the General Manager Editorial of Nation Media Group, presented this award.

Joyce Mollan receives the Tebere Maudin award from the Daily Monitor's Daniel Kalinaki (2nd Right). Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Joyce Mollan receives the Tebere Maudin award from the Daily Monitor’s Daniel Kalinaki (2nd Right).

Kalinaki said this award is given in honor of Rashid Maudin and Richard Tebere. Richard Tebere was one of the founders of the Monitor Newspaper in 1992, and Rashid was on the sports desk. And they were killed in a dry riverbed by a flash flood.

“We give this award out, and I think we have pretty consistently over the last 20 years, to the best journalists in the department. It is personal to me because I think, if I’m not mistaken, that I was the winner of the first award. On top of the award, cash prize and the plaque, we give a paid internship as well. So I noticed that Joyce is already working”. He explained

To  the students who are going out into the world, and those who are probably still here, Kalinaki advised that:

 You probably have heard there’s a lot of turmoil or disruption in the media industry. And many of you will probably be tempted to focus on following the money and going to communications and public relations. And I think there is room for communication, and I think the world needs good communicators.

But what the world needs more than anything else, and what our country and society needs more than anything else, is credible, professional, insightful, and useful journalism that are trying to democratize societies that are trying to manage the distribution of power amongst themselves, need strong institutions to arbitrate that transition.

But the building of those institutions, whether it’s the legislature, the executive and its different branches, or the judiciary, require people who can speak truth to that power. And the discussion that we listened to this afternoon speaks about the digital landscape, so the citizen role in that holds power accountable.

So I invite you all to, whatever you end up, whether it’s in mainstream journalism, whether it’s in communication, not to lose the agency that you have to speak truth to power, to be professional, to hold people accountable, especially those that have given you power, to be citizens who work for the country that they want to live in, rather than expect someone else to do it for them.

Kababikira Mary gets the PRAU Best Communication Award

The department received support from the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), who presented the Best Communication Major Award, Kababikira Mary was the best in the Communication track. Ms. Helen Kawesa, who is an advisor at PRAU Governing Council presented the award to Kababikira. Kababikira, a student   currently works with USAID, SBCA as a Communication and knowledge management intern.. She also works as a volunteer at Zente Sec, assisting the PR and marketing team to handle the company’s social media platforms. 

Winner PRAU Award Kababikira Mary receiving it from Ms. Helen Kawesa (2nd Right). Annual Media Convention, 12th October 2023, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Winner PRAU Award Kababikira Mary receiving it from Ms. Helen Kawesa (2nd Right).

Ms. Helen Kawesa works in the Parliament of Uganda. She thanked Makerere University for inviting PRAU to be part of this annual media convention.

“We  have a partnership with the department, and every year we award the best communication students in the academic year. I’m very happy to have the best communication students in the Department of Journalism at Makerere University. So congratulations  Mary. And I’m so happy that today all the winners are ladies. Ladies, communication is our field. So let’s thrive and take it away from this gentleman in a good way.

In PRAU we give our plaque. Then we have another package also of our internship. So you’ll be an intern for one year at the Node Group. Node Group is one of the biggest PR firms now in Uganda. Exciting. We give you membership in the PR Association of Uganda for one year, so starting January next year, you have free membership in that association, which is a very good one .. And then, next month, we have an East African PR week. We are hosting a very big conference where all the East African countries are coming together, practitioners are coming together from East Africa for a week in a conference which will be in Jinja. The cost of that attendance is 1.6 million. So we are giving you free attendance to that conference, that’s your crown. You’ll be able to hold on with the high and mighty in the PR field, not only in Uganda, but in East Africa. And I’m sure from there, we’ll only hear about you flying high. So congratulations to you, Mary. Wish you the best.

 And,  let us emphasize the professionalism in whatever field we are doing. In communications, it’s not easy, but if we are professional, we take it further and we do bigger” , Kawesa advised.

View on CHUSS

Jane Anyango

Humanities & Social Sciences

Makerere Marks 40 Years of Cultural and Academic Cooperation with the Italian Ethnographic Mission

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At exhibition site on 16th May 2025. L-R: Amb. Mauro Massoni, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Cecilia Pennacini, Prof. Alessandro Gusman, Prof. Dominic Dipio (2nd R) and other officials. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.

Minister calls on universities  to Mainstream Cultural Studies

Kampala, Uganda | May 16, 2025Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled “Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region.”

The exhibition, hosted at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), visually chronicles over 40 years of Italian ethnographic research in Equatorial Africa. Since its establishment in 1979, the Italian Ethnological Mission—anchored at the University of Turin—has documented and studied the social and cultural fabric of the Great Lakes Region, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.

Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and supported by the Erasmus+ programme, the mission focuses on topics including refugee integration, traditional knowledge, oral history, and cultural continuity.

The exhibition aims to share the Mission’s ethnographic insights, celebrate academic cooperation between Uganda and Italy, and highlight the deep interwoven cultural legacies of the region’s communities.

Commissioner Timothy Ssejjoba representing the Minister at the launch. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Commissioner Timothy Ssejjoba representing the Minister at the launch.

Presiding over the official opening on behalf of the Honorable Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, Commissioner Timothy Ssejjoba delivered a message emphasizing the educational significance of the initiative.

“This is not merely an exhibition of images,” he said. “It is a profound representation of intellectual partnership, cultural dialogue, and the enduring power of research and education to shape societies.”

Drawing inspiration from an African proverb—”When a child washes their hands, they dine with kings”—he acknowledged the honor of representing the Minister at such a distinguished gathering and used the opportunity to reaffirm government support for cultural preservation and academic innovation.

Commissioner Ssejjoba noted that Uganda’s aspirations, as articulated in the Vision 2040 and successive National Development Plans (NDP III and IV), align strongly with the goals of ethnographic research. He highlighted that investing in cultural heritage is not merely nostalgic but strategic for human capital development, social cohesion, and regional integration.

The entire team in group photo at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
The entire team in group photo at the Main Building entrance.

“In today’s world of globalization and displacement, ethnographic work becomes indispensable. It helps us preserve intangible heritage and build resilient, inclusive communities,” he said.

The commissioner commended the Italian Ethnological Mission, founded by Prof. Francesco Remotti and carried forward by Prof. Cecilia Pennacini and current Director Prof. Alessandro Gusman, for their long-standing engagement with Uganda and the wider Great Lakes Region.

Ministerial Appeal: Cultural Studies Are a Necessity, Not a Luxury

A key message in his remarks was a direct call to Uganda’s higher education institutions:

“I therefore call upon our universities to continue integrating cultural studies into mainstream curricula—not as a luxury, but as a necessity in building well-rounded, empathetic, and informed citizens.”

This appeal was underpinned by the government’s commitment to transformative education, as outlined in the Social Education Sector Strategic Plan, which seeks to produce globally minded graduates capable of addressing complex societal issues.

Italian Embassy officials, Minstry of Education and Sports representative, college coordinator and Principal in a group photo with the Ambassador and Vice Chancellor after meeting. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Italian Embassy officials, Ministry of Education and Sports representative, college coordinator and Principal in a group photo with the Ambassador and Vice Chancellor after meeting.

The commissioner also lauded the Erasmus+ Programme for facilitating student and staff mobility between Makerere and the University of Turin, significantly improving PhD completion rates and strengthening international research ties.

The Connecting Cultures exhibition offers a visual journey through four decades of ethnographic work, touching on themes such as identity, migration, oral traditions, music, and the social lives of communities across the region. It serves not only as a scholarly archive but also as a bridge between past and future generations.

“These photographs are living stories,” Ssejjoba emphasized. “They reflect identity, tradition, and the power of memory in shaping who we are—and who we aspire to become.”

In echoing the day’s theme, Commissioner Ssejjoba described the exhibition as “a testament to the transformative power of education, culture, and international solidarity.” He called upon development partners to support similar initiatives that use culture as a tool for peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive development.

CHUSS Heads of Unit in a photo moment with the invited guests. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
CHUSS Heads of Unit in a photo moment with the invited guests.

“To the students, researchers, and the broader public,” he concluded, “may you draw inspiration from this work. Let us preserve our cultural heritage, connect across borders, and use education as a force for progress.”

Italy Backs Cross-Cultural Research as Key to Social Transformation – Ambassador Massoni

Italy’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, hailed cross-cultural academic collaboration as a powerful vehicle for social change, policy innovation, and mutual understanding, calling the partnership between Makerere University and the University of Turin a model for international cooperation.

Ambassador Massoni praised the longstanding collaboration between Italian and Ugandan scholars, particularly through the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region. He noted that the mission, established over four decades ago, continues to foster intercultural dialogue and tackle shared global challenges through ethnographic research.

“This exhibition offers more than images. It tells the story of enduring cooperation—academic, cultural, and human—between our two countries,” he said. “It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together across disciplines, borders, and continents.”

Ambassador Mauro Massoni delivering his speech during the launch. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Ambassador Mauro Massoni delivering his speech during the launch.

The Ambassador commended the University of Turin, particularly Professors Alessandro Gusman and Cecilia Pennacini, for their leadership in driving fieldwork-based research that links academia with community needs. He emphasized that the mission has not only enriched scholarly understanding but also played a role in social dialogue, community engagement, and humanitarian advocacy.

“This partnership transcends academic borders. It contributes to policy development and community cohesion. It shows how research—when rooted in empathy and equity—can improve lives,” he said.

Ambassador Massoni also spotlighted collaborative projects such as those examining migration, refugee experiences, and mobility in East Africa, many of which are supported by the Erasmus+ programme. These joint initiatives, he said, help address pressing social issues through shared academic pathways.

“Such work strengthens mutual comprehension and confronts the complex realities shaping our societies today,” he noted.

The Ambassador signs the Visitors' book flanked by the Vice Chancellor and Principal CHUSS. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
The Ambassador signs the Visitors’ book flanked by the Vice Chancellor and Principal CHUSS.

Additionally, he highlighted the recent launch of the Strengthening African-Italian Museum Partnerships project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The initiative aims to digitize and preserve African cultural heritage in collaboration with major Italian and African museums, including the Uganda Museum.

“Italy is proud to support this effort. We see scientific diplomacy and cultural heritage as powerful tools for trust, understanding, and long-term collaboration,” he said.

In closing, Ambassador Massoni expressed gratitude to Makerere University and the wider academic and curatorial teams behind the exhibition. He encouraged guests to view the display not only as a celebration of past work but also as a call to future action.

“Let us continue building together—not only academic bridges—but human ones,” he concluded.

We must train more Archeologists and Anthropologists- Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe

Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe  hailed universities as key agents of peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue, emphasizing their critical role in advancing global understanding amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Prof. Nawangwe praised the longstanding collaboration between Makerere University and Italian institutions, calling it a shining example of how academic partnerships can foster peace and mutual respect.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe delivering his speech during the official launch. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe delivering his speech during the official launch.

“Universities are the best engines for promoting peace in the world. There is no better institution than a university to bring people and cultures together,” Prof. Nawangwe asserted.

Reflecting on historical ties, Nawangwe recalled the substantial support Makerere received from the Italian government during the 1987 donor conference, particularly in reviving the Faculty of Technology. He noted that the impact of such partnerships goes beyond infrastructure and education, contributing to nation-building and lasting international friendships.

“I personally benefited from those exchanges. I lived in Italy for a month, studied the language, and engaged with Italian culture. These interactions create lifelong connections,” he said.

He pointed to Makerere‘s global footprint as a leading research institution, recently ranked by Times Higher Education as the most collaborative university in the world, based on international research partnerships.

“At Makerere, we have more researchers publishing with colleagues from other universities than anywhere else. This collaborative spirit reflects our belief in academic diplomacy as a force for development,” he explained.

Prof. Nawangwe hands over a Certificate of Appreciation to the Ambassador for the 100 years of collaboration. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe hands over a Certificate of Appreciation to the Ambassador for the 100 years of collaboration.

Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the university’s particularly strong ties with Italy, noting that most of its Erasmus+ academic exchange agreements are with Italian institutions. He attributed this to the deep-rooted friendship between Uganda and Italy, with Makerere acting as “Uganda compressed in one place.”

Praising the exhibition’s vivid portrayal of East and Central African cultural heritage through photography, Nawangwe called visual documentation one of the most powerful tools for preserving and communicating knowledge.

“A photographic illustration is the strongest kind of evidence. It stays with you. What I saw today helped bring to life things I’ve only read or heard about,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor also expressed concern over the limited development of disciplines like archaeology in Uganda, describing it as “a shame” that the country only recently graduated its first archaeologist.

Italian Embassy Officials, Ministry of Education and Sports Representative, and the College representative in a brief meeting with the Vice Chancellor. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Italian Embassy Officials, Ministry of Education and Sports Representative, and the College representative in a brief meeting with the Vice Chancellor.

“With all our cultural diversity and historical wealth, how can archaeology be new in Uganda? We must train more archaeologists and anthropologists to study our own heritage,” he urged.

He concluded by encouraging scholars to remain committed to cultural research and international collaboration, thanking the Italian Embassy for its continued support in fostering ties between Uganda and Italy.

“We must keep walking in our pursuit of knowledge, peace, and progress for Uganda and the world,” Nawangwe said, in his characteristic blend of seriousness and humor.

Nkabala Calls for Introduction of Italian Language at Makerere to Deepen Cultural Connections

Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), called for the introduction of Italian language instruction at the university as a strategic step in strengthening cultural and academic ties between Uganda and Italy.

 Prof. Nkabala emphasized the importance of language in fostering deeper intercultural understanding and advancing the university’s global engagement agenda.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala making her remarks. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala making her remarks.

“In addition to what is already happening, we’d like to invite you to the School of Languages, Literature, and Communication so that we can start teaching Italian at Makerere University. When we talk about connecting cultures, issues of poetry come in,” Nkabala said.

The principal highlighted the longstanding relationship between Makerere University and Italian academic institutions, referencing ongoing collaborations with the University of Turin, the European Academy of Religion, and new engagements with Sapienza University of Rome. She also acknowledged support from Italian scholars such as Prof. Alessandro Gusman and Prof. Cecilia Pennacini.

“Friends, today is testimony that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences will use all that is within its means to change the narrative,” she said, referring to the exhibition as a powerful demonstration of the college’s research impact and cultural outreach.

Prof. Nkabala praised Makerere’s deans, heads of departments, and academic staff for their collective efforts in organizing the exhibition, and extended special appreciation to the Italian Embassy in Kampala for its continued logistical and visa support, which has enabled seamless academic exchange.

“Our academics never get problems because you have a very dynamic team. We thank you very much for allowing them the opportunity to support us when we need it,” she noted, addressing Italian Ambassador Mauro Massoni directly.

The Principal, VC, Ambassador and Minister's representative in a group photo with the Italian Mission officials. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Italian Embassy officials, Ministry of Education and Sports representative, college coordinator and Principal in a group photo with the Ambassador and Vice Chancellor after meeting.

She also paid tribute to predecessors, including Prof. Josephine Ahikire and the former Principal  Prof. Edward Kirumira, for their role in laying the foundation for enduring academic partnerships between Uganda and Italy.

As the College of Humanities and Social Sciences continues to expand its international footprint, Nkabala urged faculty and students to remain committed to collaboration and participation in future joint initiatives.

“Colleagues, I call upon you to be present when called upon,” she said, reaffirming CHUSS’ dedication to cultural diplomacy through research, language, and the arts.

Africa Offers the World Wisdom and Science—Prof. Pennacini Urges New Era of Equal Academic Partnerships

 Professor Cecilia Pennacini, former Director of the Italian Ethnographic Mission in the Great Lakes Region called for a paradigm shift in Africanist research and cultural cooperation, asserting that Africa offers the world invaluable wisdom, philosophy, and science.

Prof. Pennacini emphasized that Italian scholars came to Africa “not to teach, but to learn.”

“The ancient civilizations of Africa have so much to teach the Western world—in terms of knowledge, wisdom, philosophy, politics, even science and art,” she said. “This is why our mission has always been grounded in humility and mutual respect.”

Prof. Cecilia Pennacini reading her speech. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Cecilia Pennacini reading her speech.

Prof. Pennacini reflected on the foundational vision of the Italian Ethnographic Mission, established by her mentor, Prof. Francesco Remotti, who advocated for fieldwork rooted in cultural dialogue rather than colonial paradigms of knowledge extraction.

Upon assuming leadership of the Mission in 2005, Pennacini prioritized creating equal academic partnerships. She credited this approach with the establishment of a formal collaboration with Makerere University, which has since flourished through joint research, teaching exchanges, and mobility programs funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ initiative.

“We have grown together—building common knowledge and hopefully laying foundations for future generations,” she noted.

Prof. Pennacini also announced a major new initiative aimed at transforming museum practice and cultural preservation across Africa and Europe. The project, Strengthening African-Italian Museum Partnerships, is supported by the Italian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AICS) and will connect eight museums—four in Africa and four in Italy.

Participating institutions include the Uganda Museum, the National Museum of Ethiopia, the National Museum of Lubumbashi in the DRC, and the Ethnographic Museum at Addis Ababa University. These will collaborate with the Museum of Civilizations in Rome, the Royal Museums of Turin, the Savoy Residences in Piedmont, and the Anthropology and Ethnography Museum at the University of Turin.

At the exhibition site. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
At the exhibition site.

“This project seeks to digitize, catalogue, and valorize ethnological and artistic collections through a participatory approach,” she said. “It will involve local communities, diaspora groups, and civil society as co-creators of museum life.”

Prof. Pennacini stressed the need for museums to be transparent about the provenance of their collections and to embrace inclusive narratives that reflect source communities’ voices. She tied this initiative to Italy’s broader commitment to a redefined model of cooperation inspired by the Mattei Plan for Africa, which promotes non-exploitative, mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Culture must be seen as a fundamental pillar of human development—socially, economically, and intellectually,” she concluded.

Italian Ethnological Mission Celebrates 46 Years of Cultural Research and Partnership in the Great Lakes Region — Prof. Gusman

 Professor Alessandro Gusman, Director of the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region, reaffirmed the mission’s enduring commitment to linking people, cultures, and institutions across national borders through academic and cultural research.

Prof. Gusman described the event as both a celebration and a reflection on 46 years of Italian ethnological research in East Africa, particularly the Great Lakes Region.

“This exhibition retraces the history of our work and celebrates our long-standing collaboration with Makerere University, one of the most esteemed academic institutions in East Africa,” he said.

Prof. Alessandro Gusman addressing the audience. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Alessandro Gusman addressing the audience.

The Italian Ethnological Mission, founded in 1979 by Prof. Francesco Remotti in what was then Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), has progressively expanded its research footprint across the region—later including Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. It officially began its partnership with Makerere in 2004, a relationship Prof. Gusman said has significantly shaped the mission’s academic trajectory.

“The title Connecting Cultures reflects the mission’s core goal understanding and linking diverse societies through shared anthropological inquiry,” Prof. Gusman noted.

He expressed gratitude to the Italian Embassy in Kampala for its continued support, and to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University for hosting and nurturing the partnership over two decades.

Special acknowledgment was extended to Prof. Cecilia Pennacini, who led the Mission from 2004 to 2018, for deepening the collaboration with Makerere and expanding research into Uganda. Prof. Gusman emphasized that the Mission’s work has always prioritized cultural continuity and regional interconnectivity through language, social structures, and institutions.

“The photographs and texts featured in this exhibition are the result of decades of collaborative research and dialogue,” he said. “They are not just artifacts—they are bridges between nations, histories, and academic traditions.”

Looking forward, Prof. Gusman expressed hope that the partnership would continue to flourish, enhancing academic prestige and generating lasting societal impact.

“Our hope for the future is that these collaborations will grow deeper, bringing not only recognition to the institutions involved but also creating meaningful change across communities,” he concluded.

Makerere’s Prof. Dipio: Italian Collaboration Brings Cultures and Institutions Closer

Professor Dominic Dipio, Coordinator of the ERASMUS Mobility Program at Makerere University,  praised the ongoing academic and cultural partnership between Uganda and Italy, calling it a powerful force for diplomacy and institutional connection.

 Prof. Dipio highlighted how collaborative efforts between the University of Turin, Makerere, and the Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region have served to “bring Italy closer to Uganda.”

“Exhibitions like this are important because many Ugandans, especially those shaped by British colonial heritage, know little about Italy. These events narrow that gap,” she said.

Prof. Dipio Dominic making her welcome remarks. Makerere University, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Italian Embassy in Kampala, marked four decades of academic and cultural partnership with a landmark photographic exhibition titled "Connecting Cultures: The Italian Ethnological Mission in the Great Lakes Region" 16th May 2025, Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Dipio Dominic making her welcome remarks.

The exhibition, organized in partnership with the Italian Embassy in Kampala, builds on a previous one held in 2022. Prof. Dipio lauded the long-standing academic ties facilitated by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, which has enabled robust student and staff mobility between the two universities since 2016.

“This triangular relationship between the Government of Italy, Erasmus+, and our universities has allowed Makerere students to spend up to ten months in Italy completing their dissertations — a rare opportunity that boosts our PhD completion rates significantly,” he noted.

Prof. Dipio emphasized the critical role of scholars in diplomacy, stating that research and academic exchange naturally weave connections across cultures and borders.

“The work of scholars often goes beyond classrooms and papers. It becomes a means of international dialogue and peacebuilding,” he said.

She also commended the logistical teams from Makerere, the University of Turin, and the Italian Embassy — particularly the visa section — for enabling seamless academic travel.

“Your commitment, your flexibility, and your belief in this partnership have made it thrive. We are grateful,” Dipio said, addressing embassy representatives present.

The exhibition showcases decades of ethnographic research by the Italian mission and emphasizes themes of cultural continuity, social institutions, and intercultural exchange in the Great Lakes region. Prof. Dipio expressed hope that the exhibition panels remain accessible for more students and faculty to benefit from before the academic break.

“We pray this collaboration continues to flourish. It is not just institutional — it is deeply personal. We now call each other by our first names, a sign of the trust and friendship we’ve built,” she concluded.

The Connecting Cultures exhibition is part of a broader movement at Makerere University to internationalize its academic outlook and deepen ties with institutions around the world, especially in the humanities and social sciences.

Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer CHUSS

Jane Anyango

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Advert: Application for Additional Undergraduate Programmes 2025/26

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The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The following Programmes have been added:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE)
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences (Day and Evening)

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug.

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 27th May 2025.                                                           

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Humanities & Social Sciences

Call for Applications: MISR Interdisciplinary MPhil/PhD Programme 2026

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The Okot p'Bitek Pavilion, Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) engulfed in greenery. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere Institute of Social Research launched its interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Social Studies program in January 2012.

This five-year program comprises three years of coursework leading to the attainment of a Master of Philosophy in social studies, followed by two years dedicated to fieldwork and dissertation writing, culminating in the award of a Ph.D. in social studies. Four broad themes define the program’s intellectual focus: Political Studies, Political Economy, Historical Studies, and Cultural and Literary Studies. While students specialize in one field, they engage in coursework across all four themes. This allows students to be grounded theoretically while also giving them a broad foundation in historically informed debates in the humanities and social sciences. Additionally, students are required to complete core courses focusing on theory and historiography. The courses are taught by MISR faculty, faculty from other Makerere departments, and prominent visiting scholars through the MISR Global Scholars program. As the fourteenth cohort progresses,  applications are now open for the fifteenth cohort, which will commence in January 2026.

Admission Criteria

The MISR Interdisciplinary MPhil/PhD program is open to applicants who hold at least a Bachelor’s degree with a Second Class (Upper Division) or its equivalent. Applicants with a Second Class (Lower Division) may be considered if they provide clear evidence of academic maturity, such as a postgraduate diploma or substantial research experience. All admitted candidates must complete the entire program, including two years of coursework, regardless of their previous academic qualifications.

Application procedure

Apply through the application portal.

Online Application Portal user-guide

  1. Visit the Makerere University’s Admissions URL: https://apply.mak.ac.ug
  2. Sign up using full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to both your email and mobile number.
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill a form (all form sections must be filled) the applicant clicks on the APPLY NOW button (for first time applicants) or MY PORTAL button (for renewal of application) displayed on the appropriate scheme i.e. Taught PhDs, Masters & Postgrad Diplomas OR PhD by Research.
  6. All academic transcripts/certificates and passport photos should be scanned and uploaded on the system.
  7. You can access the referee’s letter by following the following link: Referee-Recommendation. This should be filled, scanned and uploaded.
  8. Obtain a payment ref no. by clicking on “Pay for Form” button
  9. Make payments at any of the banks used by URA.  i)   Application fee = Ugx 50,000 (East African applicants) or Ugx 151,500 (International Applicants)
  10. International students can make payments for admission via Visa. In order to make a payment via Visa/plastique, follow the detailed guidelines on the link: Fees payment using visa-mastercard

Fees

The fee structure is as follows:

  • Ugandans/East Africans: 4 million Uganda Shillings per semester. East Africa includes Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
  • Students from outside East Africa: US$4,000 per semester.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Every applicant who is admitted will automatically be considered for financial aid. Download the scholarship application form at: Application form

Strictly observe the closing date of Friday, May 30, 2025.

Responses to successful applicants will be sent out by Friday, July 21, 2025.

Please send an email notification to applications.misr@gmail.com once you have completed your application.

For more information about the MISR MPhil/Ph.D. program, or about MISR, please contact the Director of MISR at director.misr@mak.ac.ug or visit the MISR website at: http://www.misr.mak.ac.ug.

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