Humanities & Social Sciences
CHUSS Bursar Ms. Joseline Biganja Hands Over Office
Ms. Joseline Biganja, the outgoing Bursar of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University, officially handed over her responsibilities to Mr. Michael Mbaine, previously the head of student halls, in a ceremony held on August 6, 2024.
The handover followed a transfer letter received by Ms. Biganja on August 2, 2024, reassigning her to the University Hospital after four years of service at CHUSS from August 2021 to August 2024.
Presiding over the ceremony, Principal CHUSS Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala acknowledged Ms. Biganja’s contributions, describing the event as a takeover and pledging to organize a proper send-off at a later date. “I found two letters on my table. I am told this is a normal reshuffle and other units had similar changes. If it is the system, we move and serve where we have been deployed,” Prof. Nkabala remarked.
Nkabala welcomed Mr. Mbaine, emphasizing the collaborative and friendly environment at CHUSS. “In CHUSS, we are friendly, we work together for the good of the community. This is the mother of all disciplines”, The Principal remarked.
The ceremony was attended by the University Internal Auditor, Winnie Mbabazi, alongside college management and administrative staff.
Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Biganja expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at CHUSS. “I want to thank God for the opportunity that He has given me to serve in CHUSS. It has been a good working relationship, and I must say that I have enjoyed the interaction with everyone in this college. We have met, worked together, and where things were not right, I believe it was not intended. I have truly enjoyed the working relationship,” she said.
Ms. Biganja added, “I take these changes as ministry because I am a believer. When I am called to a certain place, I believe it is not only man but God who wants me to go there. So, I believe God has seen that I have done what I am supposed to in CHUSS, and it is time to move on. I thank Him that He has used me, and we have achieved what we managed to achieve with the available funds and resources.”
In her handover report, Ms. Biganja outlined her responsibilities and contributions, including initiating the construction of a ramp for students with disabilities, building repairs across various college buildings, and outlining the college budgets, work plans, and procurement plans for FY 2024-2025.
Incoming Bursar Mr. Michael Mbaine thanked Ms. Biganja for her efforts and achievements. “I understand that CHUSS is one of the largest units in terms of activities and especially the operations of the finance department. I thank Joseline for her work and pledge to work closely with the finance staff to support the college’s operations effectively,” he stated.
The handover ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for both the outgoing and incoming bursars, with Ms. Biganja moving to a new role at the University Hospital and Mr. Mbaine stepping into his new responsibilities at CHUSS.
Representing the Deputy Principal, the Dean School of Psychology Dr. Martin Baluku appreciated the outgoing Bursar for the job well done.
“I have not had any problem with Joseline and we appreciate the services rendered. You have served and it is time to move on. CHUSS is always home, don’t forget”.
To the incoming Bursar, Dr. Baluku urged Mr. Mbaine to feel good on reason that CHUSS is the place to be.
By Atwenda Nancy. E
Makerere University, June 20, 2025 — The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is holding its 2025 Graduate Symposium from June 19 – 21, 2025, bringing together scholars, mentors, and graduate students in a spirited exchange of ideas, research, and academic collaboration.
The symposium, hosted at Makerere University, has provided a dynamic platform for PhD students to present their ongoing research, while also strengthening ties with sister universities and celebrating the achievements of the CHUSS Graduate School in nurturing the next generation of scholars.
In his keynote address, Dr. Edgar Fred Nabutanyi welcomed participants and acknowledged the contributions of speakers from the previous day’s sessions, including Prof. Eric Awich Ochen (Deputy Principal, CHUSS), Dr. Peter Wekesa, and Dr. Zaid Sekito, among others. He emphasized that the symposium was not just a showcase of academic work, but a strategic platform to build partnerships and attract research funding.
“Generations must prepare for the next generation,” Dr. Nabutanyi noted, reflecting on life after PhD and the evolving role of Makerere University as a research-intensive institution. He praised department heads for their role in ensuring timely completion of graduate programmes and reiterated the college’s commitment to research excellence.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. In his remarks, Prof. Buyinza highlighted the importance of research that is impactful and relevant to society.
“Research is unimportant unless it is relevant,” he stated. “If one conducts research that doesn’t benefit society, it becomes a waste of resources.” He urged graduate students to approach their academic work with purpose, noting that Makerere is not a “PhD factory” but a hub for innovation, with over 300 active PhD students registered.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of CHUSS, underscored the College’s intentional approach to graduate success. “You are in the mind of an excellent mind,” she said, encouraging students to continue striving for excellence and leadership in their respective fields. The 2025 CHUSS Graduate Symposium served as both a celebration of academic progress and a call to action for scholars to engage in meaningful research that addresses the needs of communities and contributes to national and global development.
The Writer is an Intern in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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