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Humanities & Social Sciences

Call For Abstracts: 2025 CHUSS Graduate Symposium

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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

Humanities & Social Sciences

Dr. Brian Semujju: A Bright Burning Torch Extinguished

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Left to Right: Prof. Gorretti Nassanga, Dr. John Baptist Imokola, Ms. Harriet Sebaana, Dr. Wilson Kaija, Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, Dr. Charlotte Ntulume and other colleagues lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju's casket in St. Francis Chapel on 5th August 2025. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays tribute to Dr. Semujju. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta pays tribute to Dr. Semujju.

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. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Right) is joined by Dr. Eric Awich Ochen (Left) and Dr. Eve Nabulya to lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju's casket. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (Right) is joined by Dr. Eric Awich Ochen (Left) and Dr. Eve Nabulya to lay a wreath on Dr. Brian Semujju’s casket.

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. Gorretti Nassanga (Holding Microphone) is joined by members of the Department of Journalism and Communication to deliver their message. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gorretti Nassanga (Holding Microphone) is joined by members of the Department of Journalism and Communication to deliver their message.

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.”

Prof. Monica Chibita (Front) and Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (Left) spoke on behalf of Uganda Christian University (UCU). Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Monica Chibita (Front) and Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (Left) spoke on behalf of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

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.

Dr. Robert Robert Kakuru delivers his message. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Robert Robert Kakuru delivers his message.

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.”

Mr. Baker Batte ( Holding Microphone) pays tribute to his former supervisor. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Baker Batte ( Holding Microphone) pays tribute to his former supervisor.

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.

Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa leads congregants in song. Funeral service in honour of Dr. Brian Semujju-Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism and Communication, School of Languages Literature and Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), 5th August 2025, St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa leads congregants in song.

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.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

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The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

Mak Editor

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Special Exam Results -Diploma in Performing Arts 2025/26

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The results for the 2025/2026 special entry examination for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025. Candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above passed the Examination and have been recommended to the university’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

Mak Editor

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