Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Celebrates 10 Years of the Confucius Institute with Launch of Three Associations
Makerere University on 25th November 2024 marked a decade of cultural and academic partnership with China by celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Confucius Institute and the 20th anniversary of the global Confucius Institutes network. Established in 2014, the Confucius Institute has grown into a key pillar in fostering relations between Uganda and China, language education, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration.
The event, held at the University Main Hall, featured the launch of three associations: the Confucius Institute Alumni Association, the Uganda Native Chinese Language Teachers Association, and the Uganda Secondary School Chinese Students Association.
The colorful ceremony was presided over by Mr. Mulindwa Israel, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, representing Uganda’s Minister of State for Higher Education. The function was also graced by the representatives of the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda and the Vice President of Xiangtan University. Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addressed the gathering. The event included cultural performances, speeches, and panel discussions that highlighted the growing ties between Uganda and China.
Uganda’s Ministry of Education Extends Gratitude to Confucius Institute
A representative of Uganda’s Minister of State for Higher Education, Mr. Mulindwa Israel lauded the Confucius Institute at Makerere University for its decade-long role in fostering stronger ties between Uganda and China. Speaking at the Institute’s 10th anniversary celebrations, Mr. Mulindwa, the Director for Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasized the Institute’s pivotal contribution to promoting Chinese language and culture in Uganda.
Mr. Mulindwa delivered the message on behalf of the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. J.C. Muyingo, who was unable to attend due to another pressing engagement. “It is my great honor to represent the Ministry today as we celebrate a decade of academic collaboration and cultural exchange between Uganda and China,” Mr. Mulindwa stated. “The Confucius Institute has been an important bridge in strengthening the relationship between our two nations.”
Highlighting the Institute’s achievements, Mr. Mulindwa praised its role in introducing Chinese language instruction to Ugandan secondary schools and facilitating teacher training. “This year, we witnessed the significant milestone of Chinese language assistants being deployed across Uganda’s ordinary and advanced secondary schools. I am also excited to note the commitment to train over 500 teachers in the coming years to meet the growing demand for Chinese language education,” he said.
The Director also commended the Institute for its innovative virtual Chinese and Asian Studies program, which has already produced highly qualified graduates in the Chinese language. “This initiative complements the Ministry of Education and Sports’ efforts to train sufficient teachers to meet the increasing demand for Chinese language instruction,” Mr. Mulindwa added.
Reflecting on the philosophy of Confucius, Mr. Mulindwa concluded, “Learning without thought is laborious. Thought without learning is priceless. The Confucius Institute embodies this philosophy, nurturing minds and fostering global citizenship.”
He further expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, the leadership of Makerere University, and all partners involved in supporting the Confucius Institute’s success. Mr. Mulindwa assured them of the Ministry’s continued support in advancing cultural understanding, innovation, and cooperation between Uganda and China.
“Congratulations to the Confucius Institute on this remarkable achievement,” Mr. Mulindwa concluded, pledging continued support for the Institute’s future endeavors.
Makerere Vice Chancellor Celebrates 10 Years of Cultural and Educational Achievements
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, hailed the Confucius Institute for its transformative impact on Chinese language education and cultural exchange in Uganda. Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the institution’s role in fostering deeper ties between Uganda and China.
“The Confucius Institute at Makerere University, established in 2014 with the generous support of the Chinese Government and Xiangtan University, has achieved remarkable milestones over the past decade,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
He highlighted the growth of the Chinese language program at Makerere University, which began with just 30 students and now boasts over 4,000 learners across degree programs, short courses, and secondary schools. “This significant growth reflects the increasing interest in Chinese language and culture among Ugandans,” he added.
Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the Institute’s pivotal role in building partnerships with Chinese companies and institutions, enabling Makerere students and staff to access scholarships and other opportunities in China. He also commended the Institute for serving as a bridge between Uganda and China, enhancing economic and cultural ties.
Looking ahead, the Vice Chancellor outlined an ambitious vision for the next decade. “We envision the Confucius Institute becoming a leading center for Chinese language and cultural studies in East Africa. Our plans include expanding our programs to cover Chinese culture, history, and business, and establishing more partnerships with Chinese enterprises and institutions,” he stated.
Recognizing the challenges of meeting the growing demand for Chinese language skills driven by Uganda-China economic ties, Prof. Nawangwe called for continued investment in programs, infrastructure, and innovation.
He expressed gratitude to the Chinese Government, Xiangtan University, and the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation for their unwavering support. “We are also deeply thankful to our dedicated staff and students, whose efforts have made the Confucius Institute at Makerere University a success,” he noted.
As the celebrations concluded, Prof. Nawangwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to promoting Chinese language and culture and strengthening the relationship between Uganda and China.
“This 10th anniversary is not just a reflection of our achievements but a beacon for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead,” he concluded.
Directors Celebrate Milestones
Directors Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe and Mr. Tang Fei reflected on the Institute’s achievements. They highlighted milestones such as training over 50,000 students in Chinese language and culture, preparing 170 Ugandans as Chinese language teachers, and facilitating the further studies of 200 students and scholars in China.
“Today, we celebrate a journey that has transformed lives and fostered understanding. With unwavering support from our partners, we have moved mountains,” Gumoshabe said
The Institute has also excelled in hosting cultural events, supporting the introduction of Chinese in Ugandan secondary schools, and launching a Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies program that has already produced graduates. Additionally, it has connected students to job opportunities in Chinese companies, significantly improving their livelihoods.
One of the notable accolades mentioned was the recognition of the Confucius Institute as the “Institute of the Year” in 2018, a testament to its exemplary performance. Other achievements include fostering research in China-Africa relations, excelling in international competitions such as the Chinese Bridge Competition, and organizing cultural activities beyond Makerere University.
The Directors acknowledged the support of Makerere University, particularly under former Vice Chancellor Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu and current Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. They also extended gratitude to partners such as Xiangtan University, the Chinese Embassy, and the National Curriculum Development Centre, led by Dr. Grace Baguma, for their role in the Institute’s success.
Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute aims to expand academic programs, deepen cultural exchange, and enhance language training to meet growing global demands. The Directors also paid tribute to former CI directors, including Prof. Hong Yonghong, Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire, Ms. Xia Zhuoqiong, and Dr. Zhong Jianghua, for their contributions to the Institute’s growth.
In their closing remarks, the Directors invoked the wisdom of Confucius: “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” They expressed pride in the journey of hope and persistence that led to this milestone and emphasized their commitment to achieving even greater heights in the years ahead.
Chinese International Education Foundation Applauds Confucius Institute at Makerere for 10 Years of Excellence
The Vice President and Secretary General of the Chinese International Education Foundation congratulated the Confucius Institute at Makerere University on its 10th anniversary, celebrating its achievements in promoting cultural exchange and education between China and Uganda.
In a message delivered during the anniversary celebrations, the foundation commended the collaborative efforts between Makerere University and Xiangtan University. “In the past ten years, Makerere University and Xiangtan University have sincerely cooperated with each other. The Confucius Institute, adhering to the principles of carrying forward traditions, daring to innovate, uniting and cooperating, and dedicating with professionalism, has become an important bridge for disseminating Chinese culture and fostering friendship between China and Uganda,” the message read.
The foundation highlighted key milestones of the institute, including offering multi-level Chinese language courses, organizing cultural activities such as Voice Into My Heart, and training local teachers to successfully integrate Chinese language education into Uganda’s national system.
Acknowledging Makerere University‘s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, for his congratulatory video message on the Confucius Institute Day in September, the foundation noted the strong support for the institute from both Ugandan and Chinese stakeholders. “This reflects how both the Chinese and Ugandan sides value and support the cause of the Confucius Institute, for which we express our heartfelt appreciation,” the Secretary General stated.
Expressing optimism for the future, the foundation emphasized its confidence in the institute’s continued success. “It is believed that with the cooperation of our two sides, the Confucius Institute will be able to give full play to its unique advantages and achieve even greater milestones,” the message concluded.
During a ceremony hosted by The French Embassy in Uganda on Wednesday, October 7 2026, four Makerere-affiliated academics were honoured with French Order of Academic Palms for their effort in strengthening working relations between France and Uganda.
The individuals recognised for their dedication to education, research, and the teaching of French include; Professor Edith Ruth Natukunda Togboa, Dr Agatha Tumwine, Professor Christian Kakuba, and Professor Enoch Sebuyungo.
During the ceremony, the French Ambassador H.E. Virginie Leroy highlighted that the partnership between France and Uganda partly thrives on the commitment of teachers and researchers who facilitate dissemination of knowledge and build lasting connections between the two nations.
One of the recipients, Professor Edith Ruth Natukunda Togboa, who was promoted to the rank of Officer of the Academic Palms is a long-time French instructor at Makerere University.
Professor Natukunda Togboa focused her career on bilingualism, translation, and language policy since returning from her studies in France in the 1980s.
Dr Agatha Tumwine the other recipient was appointed Knight of the Academic Palms.
As a Lecturer at Makerere University and President of the Association of French Teachers in Uganda (APFO), Dr Tumwine is recognised as instrumental in strengthening the French-teaching community and facilitating cooperation with the French Embassy.
The third is Professor Christian Kakuba who also received the rank of Knight. With nearly 30 years of experience at Makerere University in socio-demography and applied statistics. He has been a key figure in training new researchers and maintaining ties with the French National Institute for Demographic Studies (INED).
The fourth, Professor Enoch Sebuyungo, was equally appointed Knight of the Academic Palms.
Professor Sebuyungo is a linguist trained in France, and has worked to promote French as a tool for professional training and dialogue. He has also supported French-speaking refugees through translation services.
The Academic Palms (Ordre des Palmes Académiques) is an official National Order of Merit bestowed by the French Republic to honor distinguished academics, teachers, and individuals who have made valuable contributions to universities, education, science, and French culture.
Humanities & Social Sciences
MISR Director Assoc. Prof. Lyn Ossome Publishes New Book, Democracy’s Subjections
We are pleased to announce the publication of a new book by the Director, Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR), Assoc. Prof. Lyn Ossome titled Democracy’s Subjections: Colonial Modernity and the Gendered Subject of Violence. It was published by Bloomsbury Academic.
In this ground-breaking study, Lyn Ossome offers an authoritative, interdisciplinary theory of how postcolonial capitalist democracies reproduce the gendered forms of violence essential to colonial rule.
Through an interdisciplinary methodology traversing political studies, feminist political economy, historical and literary studies, Ossome shows how postcolonial, capitalist democracies in Africa, like their colonial antecedents, use various identity-markers to determine whose rights and bodies are violable, to what extent, and whether and how the violated have a right to resist. The book critically reflects on the dilemmas and contradictions produced by the colonial encounter and its subjugative orders for the postcolonial democratizing state, interrogating why the failures of democratic institutions target gendered, labouring bodies. Through evidence gathered from colonial archives in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, as well as through critical comparisons of two artistic responses to gender-based violence and rape in South Africa and India, Ossome offers a trenchant critique that, beyond the contexts analysed, is relevant across the postcolonial Global South.
The Makerere University community heartily congratulates Assoc. Prof. Lyn Ossome on this new milestone!
Book cover
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Humanities & Social Sciences
Prof. Walakira takes over as CHUSS Deputy Principal, pledges research-driven leadership
New Deputy Principal Prof. Eddy Joshua Walakira has pledged to build on the existing foundations at Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), with a focus on strengthening research, innovation, partnerships and the college’s income-generating capacity.
Prof. Walakira made the pledge on Monday, September 14, 2026, after officially taking over as Deputy Principal of CHUSS from Associate Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, who completed his four-year tenure after assuming office in April 2022.
The handover ceremony, held at the CHUSS Smart Room, brought together the College Principal, Associate Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, deans, heads of departments, academic, administrative and support staff, as well as representatives from the Directorate of Internal Audit.
Walakira said he was taking over at a time when CHUSS had established a strong foundation and pledged to work with the Principal and staff to take the college to greater heights.
“I’m coming in with a lot of hope, a lot of courage and a lot of optimism because the foundations are already in place and the structures are already in place,” Walakira said.
He said his immediate priority would be to understand the needs of the different schools and departments and develop practical interventions, particularly in research, innovation and partnerships.
The incoming Deputy Principal said he intends to undertake a tour of CHUSS schools and departments to assess their research, innovation and partnership needs. said the exercise would help management identify existing capacities, gaps and opportunities that could be developed into practical plans for the college.
“My thinking is that we are going to form the best team ever that has led CHUSS,” he said, stressing that the college has the human and institutional capacity to become a leading unit within the University.
Walakira said CHUSS should make greater use of the networks and partnerships already established by its academic units, arguing that these could provide opportunities for research collaboration, innovation and resource mobilisation.
He also challenged departments that have faced long-standing equipment shortages to explore sustainable solutions rather than relying entirely on external funding.
“If the Department of Journalism for the last 20 years is still crying about equipment, I don’t think that is a good song. There must be a way out from within,” Walakira said. He pledged to work closely with Principal Nambalirwa Nkabala and other college leaders to identify opportunities for strengthening research capacity, publication and partnerships.
Walakira pledges loyal and collaborative leadership
Walakira pledged to work closely with the Principal, deans, heads of departments and staff while respecting University policies and structures. He said his leadership approach would be based on humility, consultation and practical problem-solving.
“My pledge, first of all, is to be loyal and humble to my boss and, above all, to serve in the fear of the Most High and to respect the rules, the principles and the structures of the University,” he said.
Walakira said he would seek to strengthen existing research groups and explore opportunities for the college to generate more resources internally. He urged staff to embrace a collective vision and work together to address challenges facing the college.
He expressed confidence that CHUSS could become a leading college within Makerere University if its existing human resource and institutional capacity were effectively harnessed.
“We have people who can work in leadership, but we have to develop a collective vision. We have to respect and accept the capabilities that we have, and also accept to work together to address the challenges that confront us,” he said.
Assoc. Prof. Ochen highlights four years of academic and research gains
In his handover report, outgoing Deputy Principal Prof. Eric Awich Ochen highlighted progress made during his four-year tenure, including improvements in teaching and learning, academic programme development, research, internationalisation, staff capacity building and digitalisation.
Ochen said he assumed office in April 2022, in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and worked under two College Principals—Prof. Josephine Ahikire and Associate Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala.
He attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to collective efforts by the Principal, deans, heads of departments and staff.
“Whatever I did in the office of the Deputy Principal for the last four years has been in the best interest of the students. I tried to act in good faith,” Ochen said.
He acknowledged that leadership involves mistakes and said one of his major lessons had been the importance of consultation before making decisions.
Ochen advised his successor to maintain close consultation with the Principal, particularly when dealing with issues requiring clarification.
Ochen reported that the college had developed and revised several academic programmes during his tenure, including postgraduate programmes in French language studies, African languages and anthropology.
He said several existing programmes had also undergone accreditation and urged deans and heads of departments to begin preparations early for programmes due for re-accreditation.
He warned that delays in accreditation could disrupt student admissions and programme delivery, citing previous cases where some programmes were temporarily affected.
The outgoing Deputy Principal also highlighted efforts to revive and establish scholarly journals within CHUSS, including journals in history, peace, humanities, literature and communication.
He called for greater regularity in journal publication and continued digitisation to improve the visibility and accessibility of the college’s scholarly output.
Ochen said CHUSS had also made progress in modernising teaching and learning through the adoption of digital academic management systems.
He noted that staff had transitioned from the Academic Information Management System to ACMIS for the management and uploading of students’ results.
Timetable coordinators had also been trained to upload teaching timetables and workloads electronically.
The college also installed smart interactive screens in several lecture rooms, which Ochen said had improved the teaching environment and supported blended learning.
He urged the incoming leadership to continue investing in digital infrastructure, particularly for smaller postgraduate teaching spaces.
Ochen reported that CHUSS had significantly expanded its research and grants portfolio, with the college managing grants estimated at about US$12 million.
He attributed the growth partly to the development of research groups across departments and encouraged the new leadership to strengthen these groups to increase grant applications and scholarly publications.
“I believe in the last four years we have grown as a college. I think we have quite a higher portfolio of grants,” Ochen said.
He also cited numerous conferences, public lectures and international academic events as having contributed to CHUSS’s visibility nationally and internationally.
These included philosophy events, social work conferences, peace-related events, language celebrations, history and climate-migration conferences and other scholarly engagements.
Ochen said CHUSS had expanded its international collaborations through mobility programmes, academic partnerships and international conferences.
He pointed to Erasmus+ programmes and other collaborations involving universities in Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.
He also highlighted the Rotary Peace Centre and its growing international student community as important contributors to the college and University’s internationalisation agenda.
Despite the progress, Ochen identified inadequate equipment, particularly in journalism and multimedia production, as one of the challenges requiring attention.
He also cited concerns around support for staff supervising students, marking dissertations and other academic work, as well as the need to better recognise academic work conducted outside normal university hours.
He urged the incoming leadership to continue engaging staff and seeking practical solutions to these challenges.
Leadership transition will not disrupt CHUSS
Principal Associate Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala thanked Ochen for his service and said the transition would not destabilise the college.
She described Ochen as a committed colleague whose passion, energy and humility had contributed to the college’s progress.
Nambalirwa said the college was entering a new phase under Walakira, whose appointment comes as CHUSS implements its strategic priorities.
She said the college’s newly developed strategic plan provides a framework for advancing research, social protection, innovation, partnerships and other institutional priorities.
“We are very ambitious. We are hoping that we shall get a lot of wealth. For this college to move further, we are moving with stability,” Nambalirwa said.
The Principal also urged staff to continue supporting the new Deputy Principal as they had supported Ochen.
“Please, support that you have given Professor Ochen should be extended to Professor Walakira, because service is only fun when you have all your hands,” she said.
Staff commend Ochen, welcome Walakira
Staff members who spoke during the ceremony commended Ochen for his leadership and commitment to students while welcoming Walakira to the new role.
Mr. Gidange Moses from the Directorate of Internal Audit praised the Principal for nurturing staff and creating opportunities for them to take up leadership responsibilities.
He commended Ochen for completing his tenure and urged Walakira to embrace the responsibility of leading the college alongside the Principal.
Dr. Charlotte Mafumbo, Head of the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies, described Ochen as a passionate leader and thanked him for his contribution to the college.
She pledged the department’s support to the incoming Deputy Principal.
Dr. Denis Muhangi, Head of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, representing the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, praised Ochen for his resilience in following up decisions and his commitment to student welfare.
He assured Walakira of the school’s support as he takes on his new responsibilities.
Maria Gyezaho, from the Principal’s office, also thanked Ochen for his guidance and leadership, saying the skills he had imparted to staff would continue to benefit them.
The handover formally marked the end of Ochen’s tenure as Deputy Principal and the beginning of Walakira’s term, with the college leadership calling on staff to maintain the momentum achieved over the previous four years while pursuing new opportunities for growth.
For details about Prof. Eddy Joshua Walakira, please click on the link below:
https://chuss.mak.ac.ug/en/personnel/eddy-joshua-walakira/
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer CHUSS
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