Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Reviews Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies Program to Address Key Gaps
The School of Languages, Literature, and Communication at Makerere University held a stakeholders’ workshop to review the Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies (BICAS) program. The workshop, held on 5th December, 2024 aimed at refining the curriculum to meet the evolving academic and professional needs of students and employers.
The Dean of the School, Associate Professor Saudah Namyalo emphasized the significance of engaging stakeholders in the curriculum review process. She noted that feedback from students, employers, and academia is crucial for identifying gaps and improving the program.
“It’s a very important stage in our curriculum review to ensure that we have stakeholders’ workshops. This is an opportunity to hear from potential employers, students, and academic experts. Today, for example, we’ve learned that many of our graduates are not fully grounded in the science of the language, and because of that feedback, we are going to improve on it,” she said.
The Dean highlighted gaps in the current curriculum, such as limited focus on linguistic aspects like syntax, morphology, phonology, and semantics, which are essential for students pursuing advanced degrees. Additionally, the cultural component of Chinese language education was found to be inadequate.
“There’s no way you can teach a language detached from its culture. We are going to introduce courses emphasizing the culture of the Chinese so that the two go hand in hand,” she added.
The review aims to address these gaps by incorporating courses that build linguistic competence and cultural understanding. The program will now cater to both beginners and advanced learners, allowing graduates to pursue academic careers, including master’s and PhD programs, in Chinese linguistics. It will also strengthen the Asian Studies strand, enabling students to specialize in either Chinese language or broader Asian studies.
Dr. Enock Sebuyungo: Aligning Uganda’s Needs with Global Opportunities
Dr. Enock Sebuyungo, Head of the Department of European and Oriental Languages, underlined the growing importance of Chinese proficiency in Uganda. He noted that China’s rise as a global economic superpower has strengthened ties with Uganda in trade, education, and infrastructure development.
“Chinese companies dominate Uganda’s major infrastructure projects, and increasing numbers of Ugandans engage in trade and studies in China. Proficiency in Chinese offers competitive advantages for accessing the Chinese market,” he said.
Despite this, students under previous programs faced challenges achieving desired proficiency levels in international tests like HSK3. Employers expressed dissatisfaction with graduates’ language skills, and scholarships for study in China remained underutilized. The proposed BICAS program aims to bridge these gaps by producing graduates proficient in Chinese, knowledgeable about Asia’s economic and geopolitical landscape, and skilled in business, tourism, and diplomacy.
The BICAS program aligns with Makerere University’s expertise in foreign language instruction and supports Uganda’s strategic need to engage with Asia’s rapid development. It is expected to attract students from Uganda and East Africa, where Chinese is currently offered only as a short course. The program projects an annual revenue increase of UGX 865 million from an estimated 200 enrolled students. Partnerships with Chinese companies will provide scholarships for 10-15 students per intake, ensuring financial sustainability and accessibility.
Uganda joins a growing list of countries incorporating Chinese studies into higher education, with similar programs established in Botswana, Australia, and the United States. Makerere University, which already trains secondary school Chinese teachers, is poised to create a critical mass of experts to sustain Chinese language education and strengthen Uganda-China bilateral relations.
Dr. Sebuyungo expressed gratitude to Associate Professor Helen Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), for her moral and financial support in organizing the workshop. He also thanked the Confucius Institute and Xiangtan University for their invaluable contributions to the program.
“Confucius Institute and Xiangtan University sent us professors who reviewed this course. What we are looking at is a revised course done by professors from Xiangtan University, and we deeply appreciate their support,” he said.
The Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies program positions Makerere University as a regional leader in language and cultural studies. It prepares graduates to address gaps in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange while enhancing Uganda’s ability to benefit from China’s global influence. The workshop marked a pivotal step in ensuring the program aligns with both local and international demands.
The Makerere University fraternity is mourning the loss of a dedicated and hardworking academic, Dr. Brian Semujju. At the time of his passing, Dr. Semujju was serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, where he had worked for eight years. He was a prolific scholar with more than 20 publications to his name, the most recent of which was published in February 2025.
In a condolence message from the Vice Chancellor delivered by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, the University extended its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family. Prof. Ireeta noted that Dr. Semujju was widely known for his enthusiasm and commitment to academic research. Drawing from scripture, he offered comfort to mourners with a quote from Psalms 34:14: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He also extended condolences to Dr. Semujju’s students, fellow scholars, and colleagues.
On behalf of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Principal, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala and the Deputy Principal, Dr. Eric Awich Ochen, shared heartfelt condolences. The College Leadership acknowledged Dr. Semujju’s immense contributions and the deep void his death left in the college following his passing on 3rd August 2025. Equally commended was Dr. Semujju’s remarkable journey from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer—a clear testament to his passion and commitment to research. Dr. Semujju’s dedication to his work was described as extraordinary, and Dr. Awich Ochen confirmed that he was due for promotion to Associate Professor at the time of his death, a reflection of his unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.
Prof. Gorretti Nassanga delivered a message on behalf of the Head of the Department, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, describing Dr. Semujju as a man who left behind a strong legacy of academic excellence. She traced his academic journey at Makerere University, beginning as a Master’s student in 2010, graduating in 2012, and completing his PhD in 2017—the same year he joined the Department as a Lecturer. She highlighted his significant research contributions, including publications in high-impact international journals and involvement in diverse research projects covering community media, gender and media, environmental and climate change communication, and the use of mobile phones in journalism practice. Prof. Nassanga praised his critical mind and eagerness to explore new frontiers of knowledge, adding: “Apart from his work at the Department of Journalism and Communication, he took interest in other areas like music, he composed several songs including some on how to tackle climate change.”
Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo, Dean at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University, and Prof. Monica Chibita both spoke about Dr. Semujju’s insatiable curiosity and commitment to his work. Prof. Chibita noted his exceptional sense of duty, as evidenced by his latest publication in February despite battling illness. She emphasized the importance of preserving his legacy: “He leaves a gap in many people’s hearts but Brian also leaves a legacy of academic excellence. As many of his mentees who are here, we all have a duty to keep this legacy alive.”
Dr. Robert Kakuru, Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), reflected on the collective loss felt by the academic fraternity: “As the academic fraternity we have lost a hardworking man. We have lost a man that was destined to achieve much.” He expressed appreciation to the University Management, especially the Vice Chancellor, for their support during this difficult time. Dr. Kakuru also used the occasion to promote the MUASA Social Support Fund, encouraging both new membership and mutual support among existing members.
Representing the Fulbright Scholars where Dr. Semujju served as President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Saul Daniel Ddumba also expressed his sympathies: “He accepted to be our Fulbright President, which was another job on top of what he already had,” he said, praising Dr. Semujju’s enthusiastic spirit.
Mr. Baker Batte, one of Dr. Semujju’s earliest Master’s students, shared a memory that reflected his high standards and intolerance for mediocrity: “I think I gave him approximately 15 drafts for him to accept that my dissertation was good for submission.”
A family representative, Dr. Semujju’s brother, spoke of his strong work ethic and obsession with quality, recounting his frequent reminder to the family: “Every time he would tell us that we cannot teach if we are not doing research.” He expressed gratitude to the Department of Journalism and Communication and the University for their support, particularly through financial assistance.
The funeral service held on 5th August 2025 at St. Francis Chapel and was presided over by the Chaplain, Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa. In her sermon, the Chaplain urged the bereaved family to turn to God for comfort, describing Him as “not distant, but… the God of Comfort.” She read from 2 Corinthians 1:3–7, reminding the congregation of God’s enduring presence in times of suffering: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction… Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort,” she preached.
The event was graced by several dignitaries from the Media, including the CEO of Vision Group, Mr. Don Wanyama, and the Head of Bukedde TV, Mr. Richard Kayiira.
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