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CHUSS holds Symposium in preparation for the Archive, Memory and Method International Conference

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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.

Part of the audience at the Symposium. Archiving, Memory and Method (AMM) from the Global South Symposium by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) on 22nd August 2024 ahead of the International Conference at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa from 17th -19th October 2024.
Part of the audience at the Symposium.

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 17th -19th 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.

The AMM Principal Investigator, Prof. Josephine Ahikire. Archiving, Memory and Method (AMM) from the Global South Symposium by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) on 22nd August 2024 ahead of the International Conference at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa from 17th -19th October 2024.
The AMM Principal Investigator, Prof. Josephine Ahikire.

Consequently, on Thursday 22nd 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.

Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi presents his abstract on Humour, Satire and Socio-Political Commentary in Selected Emmanuel Tumusiime Rushedge’s (Tom Rush’s Old Fox Columns). Archiving, Memory and Method (AMM) from the Global South Symposium by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) on 22nd August 2024 ahead of the International Conference at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa from 17th -19th October 2024.
Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi presents his abstract on Humour, Satire and Socio-Political Commentary in Selected Emmanuel Tumusiime Rushedge’s (Tom Rush’s Old Fox Columns).

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.

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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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Engineering, Art & Tech

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

Mak Editor

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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.

Mak Editor

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