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Inaugural CHUSS Non-Academic Staff Retreat Highlights Customer Care, Quality Services and Professionalism to Improve University Image

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The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) at Makerere University held its first-ever non-academic staff retreat on December 7-8, 2024, at the Grand Global Hotel in Kikoni, a Kampala suburb. The retreat focused on customer care, quality assurance, professional work ethics, and human resource management. This landmark event, organized under the guidance of CHUSS Principal Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, was aimed at fostering teamwork, reflecting on work practices, and strategizing ways to enhance service delivery and the university’s overall image.

The retreat brought together administrative and support staff to build networks, improve working environments, and align individual efforts with the university’s strategic goals. “We are here to learn, dialogue, and strategize together to improve our services in line with the university’s strategic direction. It starts with us,” said Prof. Nkabala in her opening remarks. She emphasized the collective responsibility of staff in achieving Makerere University’s vision.

Principal Assoc. Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala speaking during the retreat. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Principal Assoc. Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala speaking during the retreat.

Prof. Nkabala also highlighted challenges such as inadequate staffing, particularly among security personnel and custodians, and called for the Human Resources Directorate to reconsider housing policies to support this vital group of workers.

In addition to formal sessions, the retreat featured interactive dialogues between staff and management, work place role plays, team-building exercises, and fitness training. A fireplace dinner provided a relaxed setting for staff to share concerns and suggestions. Activities like these rejuvenate the spirit and promote a sense of belonging.

Key Presentations and Insights

The retreat featured presentations from Makerere’s Director of Human Resources, Deus Tayari Mujuni; Chair of the CHUSS Quality Assurance Committee, Prof. Sylvia Nanyonga Tamusuza; Dr. Dickson Kanakulya, Head of the Department of Philosophy; and Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, Head of the Department of African Languages.

A section of staff attending the training at Grand Global Hotel. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of staff attending the training at Grand Global Hotel.

Love Your Work and Serve Clients Diligently- Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe

Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, the Head of the Department of African Languages, presented on the importance of customer care in the workplace, focusing on how staff should attend to clients, particularly students, and the behavior expected of them while on the job. He began by emphasizing the importance of loving one’s work, regardless of the role. “Love your work. You applied for it. If you’re a secretary, PR, cleaner, or messenger, love your job. There is nothing more rewarding than people trusting you. Do your work with a smile,” he advised.

Dr. Gumoshabe discussed several key aspects of professional conduct, beginning with the importance of time management and serving clients diligently. He also highlighted the need for staff to leave personal beliefs, especially those related to witchcraft, outside the workplace. “Leave your beliefs like witchcraft behind the office. Witchcraft is real, and it moves in families. If you’re bewitching, what will happen when you’re bewitched? Always do to others what should be done to you. Avoid being jealous of those who do their work. If you focus on doing your job well, you won’t be chased, but if you indulge in witchcraft, you will be deceived. Sometimes you condemn yourself and slander others,” he said.

Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe presenting on Customer care. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe presenting on Customer care.

He also stressed the importance of professionalism in the workplace. Dr. Gumoshabe lectured staff on maintaining confidentiality, being polite in communication, greeting people with respect, and handling personal problems privately. He emphasized the need for staff to be friendly, responsible, and cooperative with colleagues and their leaders. Furthermore, he advised staff on maintaining personal hygiene and cultivating good habits. “Dress appropriately and be mindful of your shopping. Look for what fits you. No matter how much you want to attract love, your dressing matters. Avoid talking negatively about your supervisors, as all information that goes around comes around. There is no perfect person, and administrators want results,” Dr. Gumoshabe concluded.

Upholding Quality Standards: There must be a change in the image of our college and university- Prof. Tamusuza

Professor Sylvia Antonia Nanyonga Nakimera Tamusuza, the Chair of the CHUSS Quality Assurance Committee, addressed staff on the essential role of quality assurance in enhancing service delivery and improving the university’s reputation. She emphasized that quality begins with personal responsibility, encouraging staff to reflect on their work environments and professional conduct. “Quality is about doing things the best way and ensuring they meet the required standards,” she remarked, highlighting that teamwork, cleanliness, and attention to detail are vital components in maintaining high standards.

Assoc. Prof. Helen Nkabala (Left) introducing Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nanyonga Tamusuza (Right). The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Prof. Helen Nkabala (Left) introducing Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nanyonga Tamusuza (Right).

Professor Tamusuza warned against complacency and urged staff to embrace continuous improvement. She explained that quality assurance not only leads to better services and a more conducive working environment but also reduces complaints. “When there is quality, we will always smile when things are done well,” she said. She added that quality assurance contributes significantly to the university’s reputation, resulting in happier students and staff, and fostering a sense of pride within the university community.

To further elaborate, Professor Tamusuza highlighted the principles of quality assurance. She emphasized the importance of doing the right things consistently, checking work to ensure it aligns with assigned tasks, correcting mistakes, being efficient, managing time effectively, and promoting clear communication and teamwork. “We cannot change what we do unless we improve the quality of what we do. Let us think about efficiency and time management, and we should be people who pay attention to detail,” she stressed.

Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nanyonga Nakimera Tamusuza presenting on Quality Assurance. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nanyonga Nakimera Tamusuza presenting on Quality Assurance.

In addition, she underscored the critical role of staff in maintaining quality assurance, including keeping offices clean, greeting visitors politely, filing documents properly, ensuring cleanliness in toilets and compounds, arriving on time, and maintaining self-discipline at work. Creating a daily checklist for tasks, she suggested, is another way to ensure quality.

“Remember, you hold the quality of the work in the place where you work. Whether it’s a professor, student, or visitor, please handle them properly because we are here because they are here,” Professor Tamusuza emphasized. She concluded by stressing the need for a shift in the image of the college and university, noting that this change starts with each individual. “There must be a change in the image of our college and university because of the services we offer. It begins with me,” she declared.

Some of the staff that attended the training. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the staff that attended the training.

Offering motivational advice, she shared that quality is not just an action but a habit that everyone must cultivate. “Every small thing makes a difference. Doing your work well helps you remain healthy. Your work helps Makerere shine,” she concluded.

Work Ethics and Professionalism by Dr. Dickson Kanakulya

Dr. Dickson Kanakulya delivered a compelling session on the importance of work ethics and professionalism, emphasizing that a strong work ethic is the foundation for high performance and institutional success. He discussed how attitude, ethical behavior, and professionalism are integral to creating a productive and harmonious work environment.

Dr. Dickson Kanakulya presenting on Ethics and Professionalism. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Dickson Kanakulya presenting on Ethics and Professionalism.

In his presentation, Dr. Kanakulya underscored the transformative power of a positive attitude, describing it as essential for workplace success. “A negative attitude is like a flat tire—you won’t get anywhere until you change it,” he remarked. He explained that cultivating a positive outlook not only boosts personal engagement but also fosters productivity and collaboration among colleagues.

Dr. Kanakulya also reminded staff of the importance of aligning their actions with Makerere University’s core values of integrity, accountability, and respect. Ethical conduct, he emphasized, is critical for building trust, strengthening teamwork, and enhancing the university’s reputation as a global knowledge hub. “Ethical conduct builds trust, strengthens teamwork, and contributes to Makerere’s standing as a global knowledge hub,” he stated, highlighting how these principles serve both the individual and the institution.

Some of the non-teaching staff during the training. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the non-teaching staff during the training.

He further stressed the importance of efficient use of time, urging staff to manage their schedules effectively and ensure that their tasks are completed in a timely manner. Efficiency, he noted, is a hallmark of professionalism and a vital component of high performance. Additionally, he encouraged staff to pay close attention to detail in their work, explaining that professionalism requires care and precision to uphold the university’s high standards.

Through his engaging presentation, Dr. Kanakulya illustrated how embracing ethical principles, maintaining a positive attitude, and demonstrating professionalism can enhance individual performance while contributing to Makerere University’s strategic vision.

HR Reforms to Streamline Operations– Chief HR Deus Mujuni

Chief Human Resource Officer, Deus Tayari Mujuni detailed Makerere University’s revised Human Resources policies, aimed at enhancing efficiency and compliance with employment laws. Addressing the retreat, he outlined updates from the amended 2009 HR Manual, which emphasize recruitment protocols, leave management, and payroll accuracy.

Chief Human Resource Manager Deus Tayari Mujuni training staff on Human Resource Policies and Regulations. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Chief Human Resource Manager Deus Tayari Mujuni training staff on Human Resource Policies and Regulations.

Mujuni  reported that Makerere University has rolled out significant updates to its Human Resources (HR) policies, aiming to streamline staff management and ensure compliance with labor laws. The changes, unveiled by the university’s Human Resources Director, Deus Tayari Mujuni, focus on recruitment, leave management, performance evaluation, and payroll systems, as detailed in the revised 2009 HR Manual.

“The manual consolidates policies, procedures, and practices to guide the recruitment, development, and retention of staff,” Tayari explained, emphasizing its critical role in defining the responsibilities of the University Council and employees.

A section of staff follows proceedings. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of staff follows proceedings.

A key reform mandates that, starting FY 2024/2025, unit-level appointments funded by non-wage budgets will be prohibited, ensuring such funds prioritize teaching and research. The University Council reaffirmed this during its May 9, 2024, meeting, emphasizing that all salaries must align with the designated wage budget.

Tayari also underscored the expanded duties of line managers, which include monitoring performance, overseeing leave compliance, and ensuring accurate payroll management. Notably, staff on study leave must now submit signed bonding agreements and periodic progress reports, with failure to return from leave classified as misconduct under Section 9.6 of the HR Manual.

Some staff attending the training react to proceedings. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some staff attending the training react to proceedings.

The revisions also enhance payroll accuracy by requiring timely updates about inactive staff receiving salaries. Occupational safety and health measures have been bolstered to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

“These updates aim to propel Makerere into becoming a high-performance institution by aligning individual and organizational goals,” Tayari concluded. The reforms are expected to improve efficiency, accountability, and institutional alignment with Makerere’s strategic vision.

Staff in a role play of a student in the process of looking missing marks. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Staff in a role play of a student in the process of looking missing marks.

Participants react

The retreat underscored the critical role of non-academic staff in achieving Makerere University’s vision as a global knowledge hub. The event concluded with a collective commitment to apply the insights gained, ensuring that CHUSS remains a model of excellence within Makerere University.

Staff in a role play of preparing for a VIP visit to the university. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Staff in a role play of preparing for a VIP visit to the university.

Participants expressed gratitude for the retreat and praised its relevance to their roles.

Sunday Seezi, Chief Custodian, shared:
“This retreat was a first of its kind for us as non-teaching staff. Many times, we hear of workshops for academic staff, but this time we felt seen and valued. The activities were well-organized, and we left with valuable lessons to implement in our daily work. We appreciate our Principal for this initiative.”

Chief Custodian Sunday Seezi contributing during the retreat. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Chief Custodian Sunday Seezi contributing during the retreat.

Rebecca Talikaza, another custodian, added:
“We are indeed happy to be included in such an event. The choice of the hotel was excellent—we slept well, ate well, and learned a lot. The presentations were rejuvenating, and I believe everyone who attended has a changed mindset. However, I suggest that next time, participants be given certificates of attendance. It would mean a lot to many of us who don’t have formal academic qualifications.”

Custodian Rebecca Talikaza contributes during the discussion. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Custodian Rebecca Talikaza contributes during the discussion.

Annet Nakaye, a cleaner and messenger, noted:
“This was my first time attending such a workshop. I learned a lot about how to improve my work and serve better. I am grateful to our Principal for thinking about us. We promise to improve where we have been falling short.”

Secretary Joyce Hatemere speaking during the discussions. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University first-ever non-academic staff retreat, December 7-8, 2024, Grand Global Hotel, Kikoni, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Secretary Joyce Hatemere speaking during the discussions.

The retreat reaffirmed that achieving institutional goals requires the dedication and collaboration of every member of the university community.

Jane Anyango

Humanities & Social Sciences

Over 2,000 Attend Makerere’s  Dialogue on Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth

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Some of the attendees that graced the public dialogue on 29th April 2025. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala | Makerere University 29th April 2025

In one of the most intellectually provocative events in recent memory, over 2,000 participants—online and in person gathered at Makerere University on Tuesday for a historic public dialogue titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” The forum, hosted by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), drew academics, students, researchers, spiritual practitioners, and members of the public to explore issues often considered taboo in formal education.

By 2:00 pm, the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology’s Conference Hall was filled beyond capacity, forcing latecomers to seek alternative venues or follow the conversation through livestreams. Zoom was capped at 500 users before the official start, while over 1,000 more followed via YouTube. The dialogue extended into the evening, with audiences riveted for more than five hours.

Clash of Paradigms: Philosophy Meets Spiritual Practice

At the heart of the event were two divergent but deeply respected voices: Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, philosopher, ethicist, and renowned cartoonist, and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, a traditional spiritualist, herbalist, and trained dental surgeon with a PhD in Public Health. Sekagya also studied Law.  

Decolonizing Knowledge and Defending Indigenous Science

Dr. Sekagya, Director of PROMETRA Uganda and a global voice in traditional medicine, provided a nuanced defense of African spirituality and indigenous healing practices. Moving fluently between biomedical terminology and metaphysical concepts, he highlighted the depth and legitimacy of knowledge embedded in African cosmologies.

Dr. Sekagya Yahaya Hills responding to questions during the public dialogue. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Sekagya Yahaya Hills responding to questions during the public dialogue.

Although often judged by his appearance—he wore a spiritual robe during the event—his academic and medical credentials challenged stereotypes about traditional healers.  Many who initially dismissed Sekagya as a “witch” based solely on his attire, were shocked upon hearing of his scientific training.

A Dialogue That Defied Boundaries

Their dialogue dissected the boundaries between indigenous healing systems, spiritual worldviews, modern science, and Western rationalism. The discussion traversed numerous academic and epistemological fields—philosophy, sociology, engineering, religion, psychology, and medicine—emphasizing that complex issues such as truth and healing cannot be understood through isolated disciplines. Both speakers called for an integrative approach to knowledge that includes the arts, humanities, and traditional sciences alongside STEM.

The key take away was that, “Knowledge is not confined to university departments. We need philosophy to understand medicine, and we need spirituality to understand psychology. The human experience is too complex for a single lens.”

Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo: “The More You Know, the More Knowledge Humbles You”

Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo delivered a powerful address on the necessity of openness, intellectual humility, and epistemic justice . He was  gave the  motivation behind hosting the public dialogue interrogating African spirituality, herbal medicine, and the boundaries of science.

Dr. Ssentongo opened with a moment of synchronicity involving the name “Augustine,” moving  into a parable about Saint Augustine and the mystery of divine knowledge. He used this story to underline a key point: that human understanding is always partial, and that true wisdom begins with acknowledging how little we truly know.

“We always want to imagine that we know the world so well,” he said. “But we fail to acknowledge that the world is so complex. There are more things than we can ever know.”

Drawing from Socrates’ declaration—“I know that I don’t know”—Ssentongo urged fellow academics and participants to adopt a humble posture toward knowledge, rejecting the arrogance that comes with narrow-mindedness or disciplinary silos.

He addressed the backlash surrounding the event, including accusations of promoting witchcraft, with sharp critique and clarity:

Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo.

“You don’t have to agree with something to understand it… It’s our unwillingness to engage that empowers ignorance and exploitation—whether in herbal medicine or religion.”

Ssentongo challenged the binary thinking that dominates academia and social discourse, particularly how indigenous knowledge is marginalized through labels like “alternative medicine.”

“That language is not innocent,” he warned. “It has already created the main—the authentic—and the alternative. And we keep building these binaries which are very detrimental to understanding.”

He lamented the politics of knowledge production, pointing out that powerful interests from pharmaceutical companies to religious establishments often dictate what is recognized as legitimate knowledge, thereby stifling critical inquiry into African spiritual and healing practices.

In a moment of warmth and humility, Ssentongo lauded guest speaker Dr. Sekagya for his depth of knowledge and gracious composure, despite being prematurely judged based on appearance:

“We profile people based on what’s already in our minds. When you do that, you build a wall that blocks understanding.”

He closed with gratitude to the organizing teams, university leadership, and the patient audience, reminding all that the session’s six-hour length was testament to the power of curiosity, intellectual freedom, and dialogue.

“The more you know, the more knowledge humbles you,” he said. “And I love humble people—that’s the sign of true education.”

Principal Nkabala Applauds Groundbreaking Dialogue on Truth and Decolonisation

While closing the dialogue, Associate Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), reflected on the boldness of the topic, Prof. Nkabala admitted initial concerns over whether enough publicity had been done for such a sensitive conversation. But her concerns quickly gave way to admiration for the depth and courage of the discussions.

The Principal making her closing remarks online. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal making her closing remarks online.

“This is the very reason the college exists,” she said. “We are not afraid of speaking about the things many are afraid to talk about.”

She praised the dialogue for achieving the core mission of the Humanities and Social Sciences: to broaden perspectives, enhance global awareness, and deepen our understanding of human behaviour. With confidence, she noted that all participants—whether in-person or online—had walked away transformed in their thinking.

Prof. Nkabala commended Dr. Sekagya for integrating science with cultural and spiritual frameworks, and Dr. Spire Sentongo for initiating a conversation that challenged binaries and inspired creativity. She mentioned emerging ideas such as “deep green spirituality” and renewed interest in electromagnetics, highlighting how the discussion had sparked innovation beyond the humanities.

“This shows that the conversation we have had has really inspired people—and they are becoming more innovative than they would have wanted,” she remarked.

With gratitude, she acknowledged the CHUSS team, Makerere University management and all participants. Her message was clear: this was not a one-off event, but a starting point in a series of transformative engagements.

“Just watch this space,” she said, promising more impactful dialogues to come.

She then invited Deputy Principal Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich Ochen to offer closing sentiments on behalf of the college, adding a “physical touch” to the collective appreciation for such a powerful and memorable gathering.

One of the Most Impactful Symposiums at Makerere: Deputy Principal Applauds Courageous Dialogue Bridging Humanities and Science

Using a metaphor from astrophysics, Prof. Awich likened human understanding to the work of space telescopes like Hubble, which, despite operating for decades, can only capture a fraction of the vast cosmos.

Assoc. Professor Eric Awich Ochen delivering his remarks. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Professor Eric Awich Ochen delivering his remarks.

“Even what the telescope is showing us is less than 1% of what’s out there,” he remarked. “That tells you how little we know—and how much more there is to question, explore, and understand.”

He also offered warm praise to Dr. Sentongo, whose public image as a cartoonist and columnist is matched by a deeply intellectual and humble personal presence. Sentongo, he revealed, is preparing to exhibit new creative work that continues this exploration of truth and identity.

The deputy principal applauded the panelists and especially Dr. Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu, the symposium’s moderator from the Department of Religion and Peace Studies, for guiding the complex conversation with clarity and balance. He described her selection as the “best choice that could ever happen for this symposium.”

Prof. Awich also emphasized how the themes of the day—truth, spirituality, medicine, and the decolonisation of knowledge—are not merely academic curiosities but essential areas of inquiry for understanding African identity, history, and global positioning.

Dr. Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu moderated the discussion. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Christine Mbabazi Mpyangu moderated the discussion.

“This is very good for our students,” he said. “It’s humbling, and it’s intellectually nourishing. I have been deeply moved and educated by this dialogue.”

He closed by inviting all participants to “watch this space” for future dialogues that will continue to push intellectual boundaries and make CHUSS a cornerstone of Makerere’s global thought leadership.

“Thank you again for coming. Whether you were here physically or joined us online, we are grateful. And I promise, this is just the beginning.”

A Bold Dialogue on Truth, Decolonisation, and African Knowledge Systems

Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, Dean of the School of Liberal and Performing Arts at Makerere University, called on scholars, students, and the wider public to embrace African epistemologies, challenge colonial legacies, and confront entrenched biases in the understanding of truth and science.

“Why should we fear these conversations?” Dr. Khanakwa asked. “Our dialogue today seeks to interrogate the little understood and often blurred lines between traditional African spirituality, herbal medicine, and witchcraft.”

The she said formed part of Makerere‘s broader initiative to decolonise education and expand the frontiers of knowledge by re-examining the role and validity of indigenous African practices in modern society and  a reclamation of African intellectual space

Khanakwa’s address was not merely ceremonial; it was a scholarly critique of how colonial regimes distorted African worldviews and knowledge systems, relegating them to the margins of legitimacy.

“What was African—our indigenous knowledge—was labelled barbaric, primitive, demonic, evil,” she said. “Meanwhile, Western belief systems, especially biomedicine, were centralized as the standard of progress and truth.”

Dr. Pamela Khanakwa delivering her speech. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Pamela Khanakwa delivering her speech.

She pointed to laws like Uganda’s Witchcraft Act of 1957 and Zimbabwe’s Witchcraft Suppression Act of 1899 as colonial tools used to criminalize African religious and healing practices, reinforcing the hierarchy between Western science and African spirituality.

These laws, she noted, continue to influence public policy and education, often excluding or diminishing traditional healing and metaphysical systems that millions on the continent continue to rely on.

Blurring the Line Between Science and Spirituality

Dr. Khanakwa challenged the false dichotomy between science and non-science, noting that many African healing practices dismissed as superstition may simply be sciences that remain understudied or misunderstood.

“How about if what we consider witchcraft is actually science which has not yet been unlocked?” she asked, raising the example of traditional bone-setters who reportedly mend fractures remotely—an observation met with nods and murmurs of agreement from the audience.

She also referenced the lingering stigma within academic institutions, sharing a conversation with a colleague in veterinary sciences who was wary of interacting with social scientists because of perceived connections to witchcraft.

“This fear and ridicule are rooted not in reason, but in the colonial devaluation of African knowledge,” Khanakwa explained and  called for critical appraisal, not blind reverence.

While deeply rooted in the cultural reclamation agenda, Khanakwa emphasized that the event was not a platform for blind celebration of all traditional practices. Rather, it was a space for critical epistemic appraisal—an honest, analytical exploration of what constitutes truth, and who gets to define it.

“We are not just here to romanticize indigenous knowledge,” she said. “We are here to examine it rigorously, question the boundaries, and reclaim intellectual agency.”

She framed the dialogue as both an academic and civic responsibility, rooted in the liberal arts tradition of open-minded inquiry and debate- a knowledge without borders

Spire and Sekagya during the conversation. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Spire and Sekagya during the conversation.

In a nod to African communalism, Dr. Khanakwa closed her remarks with an invitation to inclusivity and collective growth:

“In an African house, there is always space for one more. You cannot lock someone out in the rain because you say the house is full.”

The spirit of intellectual hospitality, she argued, must extend to epistemological spaces—where truth is not confined to laboratories or lecture halls in the Global North, but also resides in shrines, herbs, rituals, and oral traditions passed down through generations.

As she welcomed the day’s speakers, Khanakwa reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to being more than an academic institution: a site of African self-discovery, healing, and intellectual sovereignty.

Questioning the Scientific Method and Medical Colonialism

Dickson Kanakulya, Head of the Department of Philosophy at Makerere University, issued a critique of society’s fear of “uncomfortable knowledge” and  positioned Makerere as a courageous leader in pushing intellectual frontiers that others fear to approach.

Makerere is not fearful to explore all aspects of knowledge,” Dr. Kanakulya declared. “That is what has made this institution great—we ask the questions that others are afraid to ask.”

The event—attended by over 2,000 people both in-person and online—was part of a growing series of intellectual forums led by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) that challenge conventional paradigms of science, truth, and African knowledge systems.

Dr. Kanakulya used the platform to interrogate the longstanding hierarchies that have historically labeled indigenous knowledge as superstition or witchcraft. He drew attention to how rituals, symbols, and metaphysical practices in African traditions have been ridiculed, while similar elements in Western religious and scientific institutions are normalized or revered.

“Why is it that when a Pope wears red or conducts elaborate rituals, it’s considered sacred—but when an African elder wears a leopard skin, it’s ‘witchcraft’?” he asked. “What is the psychoanalytic message behind those colors, garments, and rituals?”

Referencing comparative burial rituals—from Vatican ceremonies to the traditional burial of a Omutaka wrapped in over 200 barkclothes—he questioned the global double standards that determine which practices are called ‘holy’ and which are dismissed as irrational.

“We are not just asking religious questions—we are asking epistemological questions: who defines what knowledge is, and who gets excluded?”

Dr. Dickson Kanakulya speaking during the opening session. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Dickson Kanakulya speaking during the opening session.

Perhaps most provocatively, Dr. Kanakulya challenged blind reliance on what he called the “so-called scientific method,” especially in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 raised a very serious question: does the scientific method work?” he asked. “When the pandemic struck, even our most decorated scientists ran and hid. Vaccines were promised, but not available. And yet, African herbal knowledge—like Professor Ogwang’s COVIDEX—saved lives.”

He praised Ogwang’s use of traditional medicinal knowledge passed down by his mother to develop a treatment that gained national certification and public trust during the health crisis, even while being initially discouraged by the scientific establishment.

Kanakulya described this contradiction as “medical colonialism”—a phenomenon where Western institutions continue to control narratives around health, healing, and legitimacy, despite relying on indigenous knowledge for drug development.

“Over 60% of pharmaceutical drugs have roots in traditional herbal medicine. Yet we are told the version made in the lab is superior to the one made by God. Why?”

Echoing themes from thinkers like Descartes, Richard Rorty, and Albert Einstein, Dr. Kanakulya urged attendees to reconsider the very nature of knowledge and reality. He connected traditional African metaphysics to emerging fields like quantum physics, highlighting how both challenge fixed notions of objectivity and material reality.

“Traditional African science believes that molecules and cells are constantly absorbing information—through light, sound, and energy. That’s what quantum mechanics now confirms,” he explained. “When elders say a stone remembers what happened, and science says DNA remains at crime scenes, are we not talking about the same phenomenon through different lenses?”

He raised challenging philosophical comparisons: summoning a person’s spirit in a water basin vs. seeing their face on a smartphone screen. Both, he argued, deal with unseen connections and transmissions of information. So, which one is called witchcraft—and why?

Participants seeking to ask questions after the conversation. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants seeking to ask questions after the conversation.

“The question of witchcraft is a question of epistemology. It’s not just a cultural issue; it’s about how we define reality and truth. It is time to decolonize those definitions.”

Kanakulya also connected philosophical inquiry to policy questions, especially the right to health in African constitutions. He noted that 80% of Africans rely on traditional medicine, yet it remains underfunded, un researched, and stigmatized.

“If the right to health is a human right, then herbal medicine must be mainstreamed,” he said. “We cannot continue to rely on knowledge produced in Western laboratories when we have solutions rooted in our own environment and history.”

Citing rising rates of non-communicable diseases among Africans under 30, he warned that Africa’s future is being shaped by pharmaceutical industries and researchers who are not accountable to local communities.

“They have our DNA in labs. They are designing drugs for African genes. That is medical colonialism. And you think you are free because you raise a flag on Independence Day?”

Dr. Kanakulya concluded with a call to embrace philosophy as a tool for critical inquiry and emancipation.

“Philosophy asks the uncomfortable questions. Are you in love or are you dreaming? Are you alive or are you merely existing under illusions passed down to you?”

He urged the academic community to take seriously African forms of knowledge—including metaphysical and spiritual practices—and to move beyond outdated colonial binaries of science vs. superstition.

Dr. Sekagya interacts with attendees after the dialogue. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) a historic public dialogue between Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo and Dr. Yahaya Hills Kagali Sekagya, titled “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truth.” 29th April 2025, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Sekagya interacts with attendees after the dialogue.

“Witchcraft is not just in shrines. It’s in churches, markets, and technology. The real question is not whether it exists—but how we understand it, and what truths we are afraid to see.”

The remarks set a powerful tone for the evening’s dialogue and reinforced the role of the Department of Philosophy as a leading voice in deconstructing knowledge hierarchies at one of Africa’s oldest universities.

Looking Forward

The event has sparked interest in more dialogues exploring spirituality, healing, and knowledge systems. Students and staff reportedly requested future sessions, including modules on electromagnetics in traditional healing and “deep green spirituality.”

As the sun set on Makerere Hill, the session ended not with closure, but with a challenge—one issued implicitly by every speaker and participant: to keep questioning, keep listening, and to rediscover the wisdom that centuries of erasure have tried to silence.

You can access the Public Dialogue, “Traditional Spirituality, Herbal Medicine, Witchcraft and Questions of Truthon YouTube Video embedded below.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer CHUSS

Jane Anyango

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Humanities & Social Sciences

Call For Abstracts: 2025 CHUSS Graduate Symposium

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Students walk into the Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

With funding from Lisa Maskell, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University has held several symposia targeting PhD students and early career scholars of Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences from Makerere University. The CHUSS 2025 Graduate Symposium is now open to PhD students from Ugandan, regional and PANGeA affiliated universities.

This change in direction is cognisant of the achievements of the Graduate Schools in training the next generation of African scholars in Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences. The interventions have checked the existential threats that these disciplines faced because of the denigration of higher education, especially the Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines, under the aegis of the International Momentary Fund/World Bank Structural Adjustment Policies of the 1990s. Indeed, the Lisa Maskell grants to the universities of Stellenbosch, Makerere, and Ghana have reversed the crisis within these disciplines and ensured their sustainability on the continent. Nonetheless, an organic networked and viable community of continental Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences scholars and practitioners graduating from these universities has not been established. Therefore, CHUSS wishes to contribute towards building this community through this inaugural Graduate Symposium.

In this regard, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Makerere University, invites PhD fellows from Makerere University including those from Ugandan, regional and PANGeA affiliated universities of Yaoundé, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Malawi, Stellenbosch, Ghana at Legon and Botswana to the 2025 CHUSS Graduate Symposium. The 2025 Symposium will congregate PhD fellows into an interactive and networking collaboration besides presenting their work in progress and acquiring requisite scholarly/professional skills for 21st century Humanities and Social Sciences academics.

Participation and Submission of Abstracts

The CHUSS Graduate Symposium 2025 hereby calls for 250-word abstracts drawn from the fellows’ work in progress such as research proposals, draft theses or research articles for presentation at Makerere University, Kampala from 19 to 21 June 2025. The Symposium will be preceded by a writing workshop that will be curated by Prof. Grace A. Musila (University of Witwatersrand), Dr Peter Wafula Wekesa (Kenyatta University), Dr Amon Ashaba Mwine (Makerere University) and Dr Isaac Tibasiima (Makerere University). The Symposium will start with a keynote address by Prof. Grace A. Musila on “Life after the PhD: Building and Nourishing Supportive Scholarly Communities and Networks”. It will also include a panel discussion on the challenges of graduate studies and mental health.

Funding

The Symposium is fully supported by a Lisa Maskell grant at Makerere University; therefore, participants from Ugandan, regional and PANGeA affiliated universities will not pay conference fees. However, the participants will have to meet their travel and accommodation costs in Kampala.

The Symposium will be held in-person at Makerere University and fellows who plan to attend should submit their abstracts clearly stating their name, affiliation and contact details to: chusssymposium@mak.ac.ug by Friday May 23, 2025. Contributors will be notified of the decisions on their submissions by Friday June 6, 2025.

For further information and inquiry, please write to:

  1. Dr Edgar Nabutanyi: Symposium Convenor Email: edgar.nabutanyi@mak.ac.ug
  2. Dr Levis Mugumya: Symposium Convenor Email: levis.mugumya@mak.ac.ug
  3. Ms. Esther Namitala: Symposium Administrator Email: namitalaesther@gmail.com

Keynote Speaker

Prof. Grace A. Musila University of the Witwatersrand
Grace A. Musila is an Associate Professor of African Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. She has taught African Literature at the University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University and University of the Witwatersrand. Her research focuses on Anglophone African literature and popular culture, primarily in East and Southern Africa. Her work interrogates how settler colonial history of East and Southern Africa and its twin legacies of epistemic injustice and selective apportionment of humanity continue to shape these regions’ formal institutions and socio-political practices.

Jane Anyango

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Humanities & Social Sciences

Special University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

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Students from the Department of Performing Arts and Film entertain guests at the APRC launch. Official launch of Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) by Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), represented by Mr. Steven Byantwale, the Commissioner for Crop Protection, 24th February 2025, Makerere University School of Public Health Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar Makerere University invites applications for the Special University Entry Examinations for admission to the Diploma in Performing Arts.

The examination will take place on Saturday 17th May, 2025.

Application process is online for those intending to sit the examination. Kindly note that there is payment of a non-refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000/- excluding bank charges in any (Stanbic Bank Branch, Dfcu Post Bank, UBA and Centenary Bank). The application fee includes 2 Past Papers availed to you on completion of the online process.

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO SIT THE EXAMINATIONS, THE CANDIDATE MUST POSSESS AN O’LEVEL CERTIFICATE (UCE) WITH AT LEAST 5 PASSES.

The deadline for receiving the online applications is Tuesday 13th May 2025.

How to Apply

  • Application is online for ALL applicants.
  • Other relevant information can be obtained from Undergraduate Mature Age Office, Level 5, Room 505, Senate Building, Makerere University or can be acceessed from https://see.mak.ac.ug
  • A non refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000= for Ugandans, East Africans Applicants (Including S. Sudan & DRC) OR US $ 75 or equivalent for international applicants plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
  • Apply through the application portal https://see.mak.ac.ug

Please see download below for the application portal user guide.

Further inquiries may be sent to email: see@mak.ac.ug

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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