Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Celebrates the International Mother Language Day: Families, Language Experts & Policy Makers Called to Harness & Promote African Languages
Makerere University through the Department of African Languages, School of Languages, Literature and Communication on 21st February 2024 joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Mother Language Day. This day is observed every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
The celebrations started with the official opening of the Sir Edward Muteesa II Museum at Makerere University in the morning. Sir Edward Muteesa II was the 35th Kabaka of Buganda and the first President of the Republic of Uganda, and an alumnus of Makerere University. Sir Edward Muteesa II Museum is located at Makerere University, Quarry Road, Plot 95. This site was the on- campus private residence of Sir Edward Muteesa II when he was a student of Literature at Makerere from 1943 to 1945.
The International Mothers Language Day ceremony was held in the afternoon on the major theme, “Different Languages, One People: Celebrating and Harnessing Uganda’s Linguistic and Cultural Diversity,” while the days’ Sub-theme was, “Harnessing Cultural Diversity for Social and Economic Development”
The inauguration of the Museum and the celebrations to mark the International Mother Language Day were presided over by the Kabaka of Buganda represented by the Nnaalinnya – Agnes Nabaloga at the Yusuf Lule Auditorium. Nnaalinnya was accompanied by the Katikkiro Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga. The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ministers and the royal family members from Buganda Kingdom, Members of University Council and top Management, Principals, Deans and Heads of department, Students’ leaders and the Nkoba Zamboggo Students’ Association and the academic fraternity graced the occasion.
Multilingual Education is a pillar for Inter- Generational Learning, says the Kabaka
While delivering Kabaka’s message, Nnaalinnya hailed the School of Languages, Literature and Communication for collaboratively organising the 2024 celebration with the Nkoba Zamboggo Students Association.
As custodians of culture that cherishes and endeavors to protect and develop its own mother language (Luganda), Nnaalinnya thanked the nation of Bangladesh which initiated the idea of celebrating mother languages at the international level. This idea she reported, was embraced and promoted by UNESCO in 1999 and, has been celebrated since then.
In line with the theme of the conference, Nnaalinya said, multilingual education is a pillar for inter- generational learning which rhymes appropriately with country’s pillars, contexts and environment which is multicultural and multilingual.
Nnaalinnya also applauded the chosen theme, “Different Languages, One people: Celebrating and Harnessing Uganda’s Linguistic and Cultural Diversity” which brought the celebration of the day closer to home.
“The two themes are worth celebrating with the pomp and seriousness they deserve. Even more importantly, am very encouraged to know that youth represented by Makerere University Nkoba Zamboggo Students Association have played an active part in the organisation of the event.” She said.
She noted that such participation of the youth guarantees the promotion, protection and promotion mother languages for the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable manner.
She also noted with joy that, this year’s celebration coincides with the commemoration of the Nkoba Zamboggo 34 years of existence and activity which was active in the difficult years of the 1960s.
Prioritise your mother languages and learn other languages –The Katikkiro of Buganda
The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga advised on the need to prioritise mother tongues and to learn other languages.
Mayiga said, learning a language is resourceful and that while prioritising own mother tongue, it is important to learn other languages.
“To promote mother languages is to acknowledged diversity. Our diverse heritage should be seen as the foundation of the modern African states. Every time we neglect or relegate our mother tongues, we inadvertently ignore the similarities of our different nationalities.” He said.
The Katikkiro expressed the need to acknowledge similarities to help build consensus noting that ,consensus is the true and genuine source of national unity.
He commended the university administration for restoring the former residence of Ssekabaka Edward Mutesa II and for turning it into a museum.
“A people that ignore their history can learn nothing from their experiences and that is one of the sources of constant turbulence in the world”, He said.
Makerere can only be stronger if Traditions, Culture and Heritage are Embraced – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe stressed that Makerere can only be stronger if all embrace traditions, culture and heritage.
Nawangwe said the university was honored to host two important celebrations namely, the opening of the Muteesa II Museum at Makerere and hosting the international mother languages day.
“This is a historic event in our university. Kabaka Muteesa was a student at Makerere University when he was already king and that alone, is a such a big honor for us and, we must indeed be proud of that. That is why we have honoured his legacy by making the house where he stayed a museum.
“That museum is invaluable for all of us in Uganda and, I invite all Ugandans and visitors to come and witness the history of our first president of this country and one of the leaders in the struggle for independence”. The Vice Chancellor emphasised.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the Buganda Kingdom for gracing the occasion when the university is celebrating the World’s Mother Language Day.
“There could not have been a better choice than inviting one of the cultural leaders in this country to officiate at this event and, I want to congratulate you Principal, Dean and Head of department for that vision of putting events properly in context”. Prof. Nawangwe appreciated.
The Vice Chancellor said he had picked a number of lessons from the various speakers and challenged to write his memoirs when he retires in Lugwe, then have it translated in English by others.
“But we are privileged this morning to have these important visitors to honour these two events at Makerere University, please send our highest regards to His Royal Highness the Kabaka”, Nawangwe said.
The Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Josephine Ahikire expressed the need for Ugandans to value their mother tongues on grounds that the African culture had the power to correct men and women adding that, there is so much to learn and put in practice.
Prof. Ahikire also noted that language is needed as a powerful instrument of connection, and teaching one another with respect that expresses our political and social state of humanness.
The Principal applauded the Buganda kingdom for the initiatives that have deepen knowledge in culture among students and staff.
Language experts called to translate, write and publish in mother tongues
In his Keynote address on the Linguistic and Cultural Landscape of Uganda Prof. Manuel Muranga said, all human beings are potentially at their most effective, their most creative, their most comfortable when using their mother tongue or first language.
“The language one spoke as an infant and grew up in, matters. It is possible to learn to write in a dominant language in one’s neighbourhood, rather than writing in one’s own, but to learn to speak that language in lieu of one’s own involves a painful death to self, a sort of denial of one’s linguistic identity”. Muranga stated.
Because of the strength of inspiration and the energy of creativity that comes from this relationship to one’s mother tongue or first language, Prof. Muranga called on language experts to start writing and publishing in their mother languages.
To harness linguistic diversity, Muranga challenged language experts and educational institutions to have as many books as possible produced in the mother tongues through direct authorship in those mother tongues and through translation into them.
“We need to say “Yes!” to a phase in our lives of adventure and experiment with our mother tongues. It will get us somewhere. The harnessing of our mother tongues, each one of his or her own, begins right here: at the point where we, especially university dons in language, literature and communication, get a pen and begin to write a letter, a story, a translation or whatever, in the mother tongue”, Prof. Muranga advised.
At the same time, Prof. Muranga also advocated for writing in one’s mother tongue on the linguistically standardised foundations of orthography that should be encouraged and even deliberately cultivated by cultural leaders and educationists. These he said, would entail sms’s and WhatApp messages, email and other types of letters, poems, short stories, long stories, biographies and autobiographies); novels, plays, newspaper articles, sermons etc. in good, interesting language.
Muranga also advocated for the use and promotion of mother languages in families especially the young, upper class and in some cases middle class, urban families, and from educated ethnically mixed marriages, whose first and strongest language is our Ugandan English.
“But we should also have textbook writers in all the academic disciplines writing in the mother tongue: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, History, Geography, Economics, Law etc. in the mother tongue. We need M.A.s and Ph.D.s that consist in the main in the production of, for example, a modern Biology or Mathematics textbook in Luganda, Lugbarati or Lukonzo through translation”. The professor stressed adding that:
“When I was in S.2 we had a textbook of Chemistry by an author called Atkinson; it was, of course, in English. I never understood the concept of valence and even today I don’t understand it. Can someone explain it to me in simple English or, preferably, in Rukiga or Luganda? A person doing an M.A. in translation would explain to us what valence is and would propose a viable, or at least debate-provoking rendering for it in his or her mother tongue.
That kind of work, should be happening in our universities. An interdisciplinary M.A. and M.Sc. in Translation would produce for us disseminators of knowledge and tools for the implementation of a tri-lingual (Mother Tongue, English and Swahili in that order) education policy which I advocate for”. Muranga stated.
Benefits from linguistic and cultural diversity
Speaking on Advantages of linguistic and cultural diversity prof. Muranga noted that the entire world’s fabric is diversity. Diversity according to the professor, is part and parcel of nature’s design, just as there are no two people who are 100% alike even when they are identical twins, so each human being has his or her own way of speaking, his or her idiolect.
He explained that multilingualism in Uganda and worldwide can, if positively embraced, lead to a language and language-based cultural industry being built around, for example, each single one of the 65 languages of Uganda and the 2080 or so languages of Africa. If this has happened in Europe, Prof. Muranga argued, then it can also happen in Africa- but it takes conviction and linguistic patriotism on the part of the speakers of these languages. If such patriotism is absent, those languages will die within a few generations of the descendants of the present-day speakers.
Prof. Muranga highlighted some of the advantages of linguistic and cultural diversity as follows:
- Sharing the culture around each of these languages can be great educational fun and can also create jobs. This sharing is, again, primarily the work of translators and interpreters. There were, as of August 2022, approximately 640,000 translators in the world. Interpreters’ statistics are harder to determine but there were in the USA alone in 2023, 52,000 interpreters and translators.
- The freedom to be creative in your mother tongue or first language is something very precious – indeed the entire freedom to access education in the mother tongue from elementary school to university is one of the principles of international justice as propounded by UN and UNESCO. Great poets and writers in general are those who write in their mother tongues (cf. Johann Gottfried Herder’s {1744-1803} essay entitled: “A true poet is one who writes in his own language”.) But it takes practice to be good even at writing in one’s mother tongue. It does not come automatically – and even I at my age I am still learning.
- Those who embrace linguistic and cultural diversity embrace world citizenship, or cosmopolitanism, at the same time; they overcome ethnocentrism. And cosmopolitanism harmonises well with a central Christian doctrine as stated in Galatians 3:28, which suggests that you cannot be a true Christian and at the same time a tribalist or a racist; the two are incompatible.
- Cultural diversity promotes tourism both domestic and interethnic/international, creating opportunities for a healthy enjoyment of positive human life and creative talent in all its variegation as music, dance, drama, poetry, architecture, engineering, indigenous knowledge, etc. Imagine we had an income-generating ethno-historical museum and a cultural centre at the headquarters of each of the 136+ districts of our current Uganda. I would like to urge the parliamentarians to vie for this kind of development.
Disadvantages:
- Linguistic and cultural diversity can be rather costly. Yet if the economy of a multilingual nation is well managed, the income from the diversity can cover the cost, yielding profits and benefits.
- Working through translators and interpreters is not direct conversation face to face and ear to ear. Something gets lost in the process of transfer.
- Some uncouth, ethnocentric minds in a multilingual and multicultural nation might be tempted to exploit linguistic and cultural diversity for secessionist ends, instead of for cosmopolitan ones. But such narrow-minded people are doomed to failure, for even in a family unit of two parents and three children, there can be division and even secession. A monolingual or even culturally homogeneous situation in a country does not guarantee harmony and peace. Look at Somalia; and remember Rwanda.
Language, as a symbol of identity, vehicle for communication, a pillar for social integration, education and development, Dean SLLC
The Dean School of Languages, Literature and Communication Assoc. Prof. Saudah Namyalo explained that the International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21st February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity which exists in many communities.
The day was first announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, and it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of UN resolution in 2002. The International Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world”.
Although languages,are a symbol of our identity, a vehicle for communication and a pillar for social integration, education and development, Prof. Namyalo observed that due to globalization processes, they are increasingly under threat, or disappearing altogether.
“Every two weeks a language disappears or dies. When a language dies, it takes with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. Not only that, we also lose perspectives, ideas, opinions and most importantly, we lose a unique way of being human.Opportunities, traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking and expression which are valuable resources for ensuring a better future also lost. Sadly, close to 45% of the estimated 7000 languages spoken in the world are endangered, threatened or near extinction. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world.” Prof. Namyalo observed.
Namyalo called on participants to reflect, understand and appreciate that although Ugandans are diverse in terms of the languages and cultures they possess, they are one.
She explained that Africa’s divisive seed was planted with the advent of colonialism and the Berlin Conference that gave Africa its modern states. The artificial borders and the dirty politics that ensued according to the professor, made people think that they are different.
The present ethnic emblems according to Dean Namyalo, are more of geographical markers than distinct cultural entities. For instance, she said, one is a Musongora because they come from Busongora.
“Today, we recognize over 50 ethnic groups, but we need to be political about this and invest in our history in order to cement our rootedness and recognise the bonds that hold us together. Unless we understand the importance, of unity in diversity and stop giving lip service to multiculturalism we shall continue to see new kingdoms and ethnic groups emerging”, Dean Namyalo warned.
Just from our myths, Prof. Namyalo highlighted that the Baganda are related to the Bagisu, and the Bagisu are related to the Basamia, Banyole, and the entire Luhya community in Eastern Kenya. Their language intelligibility attests to this. The Bagisu are linguistically and culturally related to the Bakonzo, who are related to the mountainous Bakiga. The Bakonzo are 1 million people in Uganda, while their kin are over 6 million in Eastern DRC called the Bayira (this is just one example of the colonial border problems).
The kin of the Bamasaba: The Baganda (Via the myth of Kintu/Kuntu) are linked to the Banyoro, the Banyoro are connected to the Batooro and Banyankole- Bakiga, and Banyarwanda because they all belong to the Kitara empire and their cattle keeping and agricultural practices demonstrate this. When Kitara disintegrated with the fall of the Bacwezi, the Biito Luos took over. There is a close linkage between the Luos and the Banyoro, especially, the ruling families in Bunyoro, Tooro, Buganda, Busoga, and Ankole are all of Luo origin. The Luos are cousins to the West Nilers, who have a close affinity to the Lango. The Lango are Luo in terms of language but, genetically and culturally, are linked to Itesots, Karamojongs, Masai, and Turkana.
Makerere to start teaching Advanced Lusoga, Ateso and other languages – Head Dept. of African Languages
The Conference Convener and Head of Department of African Languages Dr Gilbert Gumoshabe explained that department was established in 2012, having been part of the then Institute of Languages, which had also been part of the Department of Languages. At present, five degree subjects at undergraduate level namely; Luganda Advanced, Kiswahili Advanced, Kiswahili Beginners, Runyakitara Advanced and Luo Advanced are offered.
“We have proposed to start teaching Lusoga Advanced and Ateso Advanced. We believe these will be part of the subjects in the next admission in August 2024, as BA Arts is in the final stages of re-accreditation. The syllabus for Lugbarati Advanced is also in the final stages of development. Our mission is to ensure that all local languages taught at the secondary level in Uganda are also taught at the department”, Dr. Gumoshabe said
At the masters level, Dr. Gomushabe said , they have MA in African Languages. During the revision period, it was agreed to re-introduce MA in Luganda, MA in Kiswahili and MA in Runyakitara and to continue to develop indigenous languages as capacity is built. The department also offers PhD in African Languages by Research.
Dr. Gomushabe appreciated the persons who spearheaded the teaching of local languages especially Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi (RIP), Prof. Kasalina Matovu (RIP), Prof. Ruth Mukama, Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire, Prof. Manuel Muranga, Mrs. Shirley Byakutaga, Prof. Edith Natukunda and Ms. Jane Alowo.
At the level of staffing, the head reported that the department has 9 PhDs, and 5 registered PhD members of staff with one at the Associate Professor level. The students offering the subjects in African Languages are doing BA Arts, BA with education, BA Social Sciences. The department also service programs in the Colleges of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Computing and Information Sciences and Education and External Studies.
The Aim of the conference
Gumoshabe said the aim of the conference is to motivate discussion between national scholars and stakeholders of language and culture in Uganda and beyond.
“It is on this day that we celebrate cultural diversity and appreciate the sweetness in our mother tongue through cultural entertainment of different forms, presentations and discussions. It is through our mother tongue that we can preserve our cultural heritage. This is a God-given gift that we should never lose”, he said
Mother language according the convener, is a natural heritage and a foundation of identity. He stressed that what is important is to embrace unity in diversity by respecting and promoting diverse languages as they are in the motherland Uganda and this will enable document indigenous knowledge systems to supplement what is got from other countries.
Even in the face of development, civilization and modernization, Gumoshabe stated that mother languages should never be forgotten on reason that , there is no country on record that has developed using a foreign language.
“All countries that have developed have started by indigenizing knowledge and a foreign language has supplemented their efforts. This applies to both populous and less populous countries”, Dr. Gumoshabe asserted,
Gumoshabe cited Iceland with a population of 399,189 as of January 2024 that uses the Icelandic language as their official language. Since it has a small population, they would have used one of the European languages but they opt to use their indigenous language and their GDP per capita is $69,833.
He argued that, now that English is here to stay, all efforts should be put into developing mother languages and being multilingual. He added that, knowing four languages significantly increases chances of success in adulthood.
Dr. Gumoshabe extended gratitude to the college leadership for the tremendous support given for the success of this conference.
Gumoshabe thanked Keynote speakers, Prof. Manuel Muranga and Mr. Richard Nzogi and the panelists, for accepting for honoring the invitation and sharing their expertise and experiences..He also appreciated the Organizing Committee for this Conference headed by Dr Fridah Katushemererwe together with the different student associations especially Nkobazamboggo spearheaded by Mr Adrian Lubyayi, for tireless efforts in making this day colourful.
Finally, the convener thanked the Centre for Languages and Communication Services, the Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Vice Chancellor, for the financial support that has made this day successful.
By Okeya John and Primrose Nabankema
The intensive one-month course, running for the first time from June 5 to July 24, 2025, is jointly offered by Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH)’s Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences (CHBS) and the Department of Journalism and Communication (DJC) at the School of Languages, Literature, and Communication (SLLC), co-designed in 2024 with support from the Rockefeller Foundation through Amref Health Africa.
It seeks to equip healthcare providers at the community level, public health and environmental health practitioners, communication specialists, health educators, community development officers, social scientists, and policy makers, among others, with strategic communication skills to improve public health messaging, strengthen community engagement, and support evidence-based interventions, ultimately empowering participants to effectively engage communities and improve population health outcomes across Uganda and the region.
Launching the course, the heads of the Department of Journalism and Communication and the Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences noted that participants who complete the short course will gain practical tools to influence behaviour change, build trust, and deliver timely, accurate, and relevant health information to the communities they serve. The first cohort attracted more than 60 applicants, with 36 reporting for the opening in-person session on June 5, 2025, at MakSPH in Mulago. Between now and July, participants will undergo a hands-on, multidisciplinary learning experience within the Certificate in Health Communication and Community Engagement program, which combines theory and practice.
Among the participants in the first cohort of the certificate course, designed as a pilot for the anticipated Master of Health Promotion and Communication to be jointly offered by the two departments at Makerere University, is Ms. Maureen Kisaakye, a medical laboratory technologist specialising in microbiology and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and currently pursuing a Master’s in Immunology and Clinical Microbiology at Makerere. She is driven by a passion to help reverse the rising tide of AMR, a growing global health threat where drugs that once worked are no longer effective. Kisaakye is particularly concerned about common infections, like urinary tract infections, becoming increasingly resistant and harder to treat.
“I enrolled in this course because I’m an advocate against antimicrobial resistance, and it came at a time when I needed to deepen my knowledge on how to implement our projects more effectively and engage with communities. The experience has broadened my understanding of AMR and its impact on society, and strengthened my passion for community-driven health initiatives and advocacy,” Kisaakye said, explaining why she enrolled for the short course.
Kisaakye’s work in antimicrobial resistance extends beyond the lab. Having earned her degree in medical laboratory science from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, she founded Impala Tech Research in 2024 to drive impact and save lives. She has led grassroots AMR campaigns that integrate antimicrobial stewardship with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) education in underserved urban communities, including the informal settlements in Kampala. She also has since designed peer-led initiatives that empower university students as AMR Champions, building a network of informed youth advocates. Kisaakye believes the health communication course will sharpen her ability to design and deliver impactful, community-centred interventions in response to the growing threat of drug resistance.
“The department collaborates with many partners within and beyond the University, including the School of Public Health, where we are working to develop the subfield of health communication and promotion. Our goal is to train specialists in this area and build a community of practice, something we have each been doing in our own spaces. There’s a lot of work ahead, and COVID-19 showed us just how urgently we need a generation trained to do this kind of work, and to do it very well,” said Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication, during the opening of the short course on June 5.
She assured participants they were in good hands and underscored the importance of the partnership between the Department of Journalism and Communication and the School of Public Health, describing it as a vital collaboration that brings together strategic communication and public health expertise. This dynamic, multidisciplinary approach, she noted, is essential to developing practical solutions that empower communities, strengthen health systems, and ultimately improve livelihoods.
The course offers a hands-on, multidisciplinary learning experience, with participants intended to explore key modules including Health Communication and Promotion, Risk Communication, Smart Advocacy, Community Mapping, Community Mobilisation and Empowerment, and Strategies for Community Engagement. The course combines theory with real-world application, and its assessment includes a field-based project and a final exam.
“You are our first cohort. We are seeing the fruits of our efforts in bringing this short course to life. It was born out of a joint initiative to develop a Master’s programme in Health Promotion and Communication,” said Dr. Christine Nalwadda, Head of the Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences. “We carried out extensive consultations with our different key stakeholders during the process and discovered a real need for such a course. It was the stakeholders who even named it; this course name didn’t come from us.”
For Kisaakye, by the end of the course in July, she hopes to have sharpened her skills in health promotion and strategic communication, particularly in crafting targeted messages that help individuals and communities effectively respond to threats such as antimicrobial resistance. She also aims to gain practical experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating community health initiatives that can strengthen her advocacy and drive lasting impact.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Makerere Marks 40 Years of Cultural and Academic Cooperation with the Italian Ethnographic Mission
Minister calls on universities to Mainstream Cultural Studies
Kampala, Uganda | May 16, 2025 — 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.”
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
“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 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.
“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.
“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.
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. 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.
“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.
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.
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
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