Archives and the process of archiving are key parts of identity formation, nation-building, struggles for community justice, the consolidation of state power, and resistance to power.

Archive is one of the most capacious concepts in the humanities and social sciences. To “archive” or to consult “the archives” are often used to authorize evidence and legitimate certain knowledge at the expense of others. In an effort to re-centre the politics of knowledge from the Global South, some scholars have attempted to expand or re-imagine archival practice.

From 2022, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) has been implementing a three-year Archiving, Memory and Method (AMM) from the Global South project that has studied the intersection of archives with communities, institutions and academia. The project is expected to come to an end in December 2024. Spearheaded by a core team composed of Dr. Edgar Taylor, Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi, Dr. Charlotte Mafumbo, Dr. Levis Mugumya, Dr. Pamela Khanakwa and Prof. Josephine Ahikire, the AMM project has been centred on research and mentorship for both staff and students.

The first deliverable of the AMM from the Global South project is book that will be published by Makerere University Press by December 2024.In terms of professional growth and capacity building, the project is supporting 18 staff who hold PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy degrees), and two (2) students who are studying PhDs, and eight (8) studying MA degrees.

As the project comes to an end, CHUSS is organizing an international conference on the relationship between archiving, memory and method from the Global South. The three-day AMM International Conference will be held at Makerere University from 17^th -19^th October 2024.

The Call for Conference papers released in April 2024 led to submission of over 75 abstracts from scholars, archivists and community practitioners from the different parts of the world.

The Principal Investigator, Prof. Josephine Ahikire explained that whereas the AMM Conference Core team has maximally utilized the previous months to review the 60 abstracts from other scholars, it was important for this team, which is the source of 15 abstracts to meet and specifically focus on critiquing their abstracts.

Consequently, on Thursday 22^nd August 2024, the AMM Conference Core team participated in a symposium, providing an opportunity to each team member to present his or her work in a plenary session, followed by an in-depth discussion of his or her work by the participants, hence receiving instant feedback.

Delivering the welcome remarks, the Principal Investigator, Prof. Ahikire thanked the AMM Conference Core team for accepting to dedicate time to listen to presentations, engagements and feedback sessions aimed at enriching the abstracts and papers ahead of the upcoming International Conference. She stressed the significance of the symposium admitting that it intended to ensure researchers are on course as well as living to the practice of peer mentoring.

She applauded Mellon Foundation for coming on board to fund the work and research in the field of archiving, memory and method (AMM) noting that such areas do not always attract funding from national and international bodies/partners.  “I am grateful to Mellon Foundation that allowed us to dream and put ideas together as a team from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. This funding has elevated the level of humanities and social sciences through undertaking of research central to people’s lives as well as training staff in the College at PhD and Masters,” she remarked. The Principal Investigator also thanked the University and College management for the facilitation and the conducive environment for research and other academic engagements.

The Project Coordinator, Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi noted that archiving, memory and method underscores the power dynamics at play when dealing with de-colonization, history, knowledge, museums, artefacts, culture, language, and among other complexities in the world that we live in. During archiving and documentation, researchers, scholars and students are presented with questions, “Whose archive, whose information, and, who is exactly telling the story? This is pertinent because in many societies, archives were institutional tools and ideological prisms of colonial control.

An overview of the 15 abstracts that were presented and reviewed during the symposium highlighted the need to de-colonise Africa. Listening to the presentations, the different researchers and scholars revealed that interactions and engagements with people and the communities provided lived experiences (and in most cases first-hand information from people who are still alive) on pertinent issues such as African knowledge, artefacts, museums, art pieces, symbols, storytelling, dances, music, language and other forms of culture on the African continent.

The AMM from the Global South Project therefore presents to Makerere University through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, a golden opportunity to document this knowledge from Africans as well as lived experiences from different communities.

In the presentations from the AMM Conference Core team, participants observed that patriarchy, which is entrenched in the African culture was still a dominant force, and as such, significantly influenced the quest for gender equality and equity.

The participants implored researchers or scholars to deal with the intriguing questions of: Whose archive? Whose Information? Who is the source of the information? They emphasized the need to go an extra mile to listen to the true African stories and experiences. 

The participants prioritized the discourse on returning the artefacts that were “stolen” or “confiscated” from Africa to different parts of Europe. The symposium resurrected the debate on the need for Europe to return the artefacts to the African continent.

This followed watching a video containing a powerful keynote address delivered by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie at the Humboldt Forum.

Titled: Chimamanda Adichie Exposes Stolen African ‘Art’ in European Museums, the message details the painful experience of Africans losing their treasured symbols, artefacts and spiritual identities to Europe. African art tells the story or tradition or memories. She noted that missionaries were very keen on destroying African art. They would only refer to it as African magic. She emphasized that we cannot be dismissive of beliefs because they are unknown to us.

She stressed that there should be decolonization of cultural Heritage with a Perspective on Artifact Return, Ownership, and Historical Context.

She reveals the psychological impact of colonialism on African identity and the need for inclusive negotiations regarding artifact return and emphasized the importance of redefining historical narratives to acknowledge African contributions. She challenged the power dynamics in ownership dialogues.

She emphasized the need to tell European history presenting the truth. The story about colonialism in Africa is one-sided, which leaves out atrocities. This is a lie. She called upon Europe to own the stories of colonialism and its evils to Africa.  She noted that all countries have parts of their past that they are not proud of, that they would rather forget, but it takes courage to face those parts and bring in some light. She stated that although we cannot change the past, we can change our blindness to the past.  

 “With respect to African art, we should develop the courage to say, that about art acquired illicitly, this is not ours, tell us what to do with it,” emphasized Chimamanda.

She questioned why the term “ethnological” is used for art from certain parts of the world, and not art for other parts of the world. She is also concerned that the language itself (ethnological) already suggests a hierarchy of value.

The Keynote Speaker highlighted the complex issues surrounding the return of cultural artifacts, ownership, and historical context, with a focus on African cultural heritage.

“When we talk about this art that was stolen, we are told that this art cannot be returned to Africa because Africans will not take good care of them. It is not merely condescending to say that I cannot return what I stole from you because you will not take good care of it. It is also lacking in basic logic since when has the basis of ownership been taking good care of what is owned. This position is paternalistic arrogance of the most stunning sort. It does not matter whether Africans, or Asians or Latin Americans can take good care of the art stolen from them, what matters is that this art, belongs to them,” she reiterated.

Chimammanda Ngozi Adichie also urged Europe to revisit the international humanitarian law, historical processes of artifact acquisition, and economic power dynamics regarding the Stolen African artifacts.

During the symposium, AMM Conference Core team reviewed the following abstracts:

• Archival Absences: Interrogating representation of African men in colonial and missionary archives in Uganda -Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine.
• Memory of Bunyoro Artefacts relocated to Europe-Dr. Ann Ninsiima.
• Memory and resilience of healing traditions of two indigenous Ugandan Communities-Prof. Julius Kikooma
• Choreo-Rhythmic provenance of Baakasimba dance as a living pedagogy meaning, memories and methods: An embodied practical Workshop-Dr. Alfdaniels Mabingo
• Archival Ambivalence: Hoarding and Professionalization in Ugandan State Archives Since 1951-Dr. Edgar Taylor.
•  Diachronic changes of folklore genre: an exploration of language archiving in praise Recitals-Dr. Levis Mugumya
• Between dialogical imaginations and archival discourse in the context of the Ganda Folktale-Dr. Eve Nabulya
• Folk Collection of archival forms of Language-Dr. Celistino Orikiriza
• Joy Kwesiga Facing the Mak@100 Monument: Memory Moments in Makerere’s quest for Gender Equality-Prof. Josephine Ahikire
• Humour, Satire and Socio-Political Commentary in Selected Emmanuel Tumusiime Rushedge’s (Tom Rush’s Old Fox Columns)-Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi
• “The Government says that we are running our land”: Land Tenure concerns in colonial Bugisu-Dr. Pamela Khanakwa
• Abazeeyi B’e Bama: Memory, Honour and Compensation of Uganda’s World War II Ex-Servicemen, 1945 to 2021- Dr. Zaid Sekito, Dr. Christopher Muhoozi, and Dr. Deogratius Kyanda.

View on CHUSS

On August 22, 2024, St. Francis Chapel at Makerere University was filled with mourners from all walks of life who gathered to pay their final respects to Grace Wilson Mubi Igaga Mutekanga, the esteemed alumnus, musician, and educator. Mutekanga, who passed away on August 16, 2024, at the age of 81, leaves behind a legacy rooted in education, music, and community service. His most celebrated contribution to the university was composing the Makerere University Anthem, a song that continues to resonate with pride among students and alumni alike.

The funeral service, organized by Makerere University in coordination with the bereaved family and the Department of Performing Arts and Film, was a tribute to the life of an exceptional man whose impact on Makerere University and the field of education will inspire future generations.

During the service, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized that the Makerere University Anthem, composed by Mutekanga, is not just a song but a powerful symbol of institutional pride, unity, and spirit. “We should celebrate because God has enabled us to share this path with such a great mind that was in the late Mutekanga,” Nawangwe added.

The Vice Chancellor elaborated on the personal connection he shared with Mutekanga, highlighting their shared educational background at Busoga College Mwiri. “I am in a way related to the late, first as my OB [Old Boy]; we went to Mwiri, and many good things came out of that school. We gave this country a first minister, and we gave this country a motto. We donated Mutekanga to Makerere, and he gave us a lifetime anthem that will remain alive for thousands of years. What a great man!” he remarked.

Nawangwe also spoke of the Makerere Anthem’s unique ability to evoke emotions, noting how graduates celebrate the anthem with unparalleled enthusiasm. “We always have graduations here. And of course, we always stand to our national anthem, but we never dance. But when it comes to singing the Makerere Anthem, students never just stand, they even dance and go wild because of the joy they have when it is sung. But you can’t stop them because of the joy we have when we dance with them” Nawangwe observed.

Turning to Mutekanga’s academic journey, Nawangwe described him as a man with a “restless mind” who pursued his passion for music despite initially studying social sciences. “Great minds are always restless. Mr. Mutekanga came to Makerere to study social sciences, but he loved music. And so, he was restless. He wanted to know what he really had in his heart and loved. If that had not happened, maybe we would not have this anthem,” Nawangwe reflected.

In a poignant moment, Prof. Nawangwe unpacked the meaning behind the Makerere University Anthem, describing it as a powerful summation of the institution’s values and mission. “The song says, ‘Great are the walls beside thee.’ And he said to his new students and the new staff, ‘Great are the gates beside thee.’ So, you have passed through great walls and great gates. And that gives us great hope and reminds us that we are great,” Nawangwe explained.

He continued to highlight the significance of the anthem’s call to action, “Arise, all of you arise. Makerere, arise.” “Arise means, when we want to do anything important, we stand up. That’s why they say, ‘Stand up to be counted.’ So, this gentleman had such a weight in these few sentences that he wrote that he actually talked a lot of things. So, we always, of course, arise to the occasion, as the greatest institution, in order to make the lives of our people better,” Nawangwe said.

Nawangwe concluded by emphasizing the anthem’s enduring legacy and its role in uniting people from all over the world. “From east and west, from north and south. All voices singing the great Makerere. It means the institution will welcome people from everywhere in the world, not just the people from the south and west. And that has been the legacy of the university. Makerere University is considered the most international university in the world,” he noted.

The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Associate Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, offered her reflections. “It is so sad that we gather here not only to celebrate in a happy way but also in a sad way. However, we are celebrating a great man who has given us something to live by as Makerere University,” Nkabala said.

She lauded Mutekanga as a visionary who saw the world before it was made and as someone who celebrated the diversity of humanity. “One who did not only celebrate from east to west, but also from north to south, which takes care of the central. One who was able to know that as we are here, we are beautiful, but there are those who are poor and there are those who are proud,” she added.

In a final tribute, Nkabala emphasized the legacy Mutekanga has left behind. “We are not mourning; we are celebrating because he has left a legacy that no one can match—not now, and not tomorrow. We celebrate him, we thank God for that and to the family, for the life that we have lived with him,” she said.

The service, filled with heartfelt tributes, underscored the deep respect and admiration for Mutekanga, whose contributions will continue to inspire generations at Makerere University and beyond.

Grace Wilson Mubi Igaga Mutekanga Igaga

Grace Wilson Mubi Igaga Mutekanga Igaga was born on June 29, 1943, to Daudi Kintu Mutekanga and Erina Babyale Mutekanga in Bubula, Kamuli, Busoga. He passed away on August 16, 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy rooted in education, music, and community service. Grace was married to Frances Katusabe Mutekanga, and together they raised a large and loving family, including their children: Basalirwa Frida, Mutekanga Andrew, Igaga Isaac, Igaga Yonah, Mutekanga Erina, Bakibinga Jacob, Igaga Amos, Namutebi Irene, Igaga Matthews, and Ibembe Patrick. His life was further blessed with numerous grandchildren.

Grace’s educational journey began at Naminage and Mwiri Primary Schools from 1951 to 1956, where he completed his Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). He then attended Busoga College Mwiri from 1957 to 1962, earning his O-Level Certificate, and Makerere College School from 1963 to 1964, where he obtained his A-Level Certificate. He briefly attended Makerere University College, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree, before transferring to Heidelberg University in Ohio, USA, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music between 1966 and 1969. He furthered his studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, from 1970 to 1971.

His career in education and music was distinguished and impactful. Grace began his professional journey at Olive-Hervey College in Chicago, USA, before returning to Uganda, where he served as a teacher and part-time lecturer at Makerere College School and the Department of Music, Dance, and Drama from 1971 to 1973. He later became the Head of the Music Department at the National Teachers College in Kyambogo from 1973 to 1975. Grace continued to shape young minds as a lecturer at Makerere University‘s Department of Music, Dance, and Drama, and later at the School of Education from 1975 to 1988. He also held leadership roles, such as Warden of Livingstone Hall and Principal of Bishop Willis Teacher’s College in Iganga from 1989 to 1995. His commitment to education culminated in his positions as Principal at Kabulasoke Teacher’s Training College and Director of the National Teacher’s College in Mubende from 1996 to 2003.

Grace’s contributions extended beyond the classroom. He composed the Makerere University Anthem and other notable songs and played a key role in proposing the Grade V Diploma Programme for Primary Teachers in Uganda, working closely with prominent figures such as Mrs. Joyce Mpanga and Mr. Eric Karuhije. His dedication to music education was recognized by his peers, earning him an honorary award from the PHI Delta Kappa Chapter at Northwestern University. Grace also served as the Chief Examiner for Music with the East African Examinations Council and contributed to various educational governing councils, including Mwiri Primary School, Iganga S.S., Buckley High School, and Kamuli Girls S.S. His work significantly impacted teacher education in Uganda, leaving a lasting legacy.

After retiring in 2003, Grace devoted himself to community development in Bufumba, Kamuli. He was deeply involved in church administration within the Church of Uganda and pursued his passion for agriculture, focusing on fruit cultivation. His contributions to Makerere University were recognized during its 90^th Anniversary Grand Finale celebrations on August 3, 2013. Accompanied by his wife and family, he received an award from the Chancellor, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera, for composing the university anthem, earning a standing ovation from those present.

Mutekanga  was a man of many interests and passions. He was an avid reader, a film enthusiast, and a passionate gardener who found joy in cultivating flowers. His love for music was profound, and he often sang whenever the opportunity arose. He valued laughter and happiness and cherished his time with friends and family, always generous in sharing love and joy. His life was a testament to his deep commitment to education, music, and community, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

You can watch live the entire funeral service via the link:

Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, CHUSS

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admissions lists showing SUBJECT COMBINATIONS for the following programmes: Bachelor of Arts(ARTS), Bachelor of Arts with Education, Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) for the academic year 2024/25. 

The admission lists showing the respective SUBJECT COMBINATIONS can be accaessed by following the links here below:

• Bachelor of Arts with Education
• Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences)
• Bachelor of Arts (ARTS)