General
Harmonizing Africa’s Future through Musical Arts Education
By Julius Tukacungura
The 14th Pan-African Society for Music Arts Education (PASMAE) in partnership with the International Society for Music Education (ISME) Regional Conference brings on board educators, researchers, performers, students, cultural practitioners, and policymakers from across the globe to revolutionalize African musical arts education.
The four-days conference (1st to 4th July 2025), themed, Re-imagining Musical Arts Education in Africa: Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainability, presents participants with a platform for critical reflection, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Officially opening the 14th edition of the PASMAE-ISME conference hosted at Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, represented by Prof. Robert Wamala, highlighted the essential role of music and the arts in African society, noting that they have always been a central thread in Africa’s history, carrying memory, nurturing identity, fostering unity, and igniting social movements.
“From the drumbeats of liberalization, the chants of peace, and the readings of celebration, music has been an enduring tool of communication, resistance, and renewal,” he reflected.
The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence that the deliberations would give rise to fresh insights on how to reform music education curricula, support artists as change agents, and influence policy that positions the arts at the heart of Africa’s development agenda.
On his part, Prof. Wamala, who is the Acting Director, Research, Partnerships and Innovation at Makerere University urged participants to ensure that the impact of the conference extends beyond the confines of conference hall. “It must go to classrooms, communities, and institutions that shape the future of our nations,” he said.
In a keynote address titled, ‘The Time Is Now: Rising Together Through Music Arts Education’, Professor Sheila Woodward highlighted the significance of music education in promoting cultural diversity, social justice, and human flourishing. She emphasized that music education can profoundly impact poverty and transform lives.
Prof. Woodward said, “Music needs to remain a vibrant space where we have freedom, innovation, intercultural dialogue, and this conference provides a space for that dialogue.
Prof. Woodward stressed the need for music educators to be aware of AI’s impact on the music industry. “We must now take action on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ensure that music remains a space for creativity, innovation, and cultural expression,” she said.
She explained that AI tools can augment creativity, but the final output is that human factor that drives the generation of material and finalizes artistic decision-making.
In the keynote address, Prof. Woodward discussed the importance of music education in promoting social justice and addressing issues of poverty and inequality. “As music teachers, we have a chance to forget about those rules and just give them real joy,” she said.
“Music education can profoundly impact poverty and transform lives. It has the power to heal and unite, but also to exclude and oppress. By embracing music education and being mindful of its potential, we can harness its benefits while minimizing harm, and create positive change in individuals and communities. Action can start now, without waiting for perfection,” she emphasized.
The International Music Council, led by Prof. Woodward, is focused on advocating for fair compensation and recognition for artists, particularly in the face of AI-generated music. “Fair compensation remains elusive for many artists, and the Council is working with Spotify and YouTube to advocate for better remuneration,” she stated.
The International Music Council stands for a world where everyone can enjoy access to music, learn, experience, create, perform, and express themselves in music.
Prof. Woodward stressed that the world is facing growing threats to cultural diversity, including economic pressures, algorithmic homogenization, and the marginalization of minority voices.
She also noted that the need to affirm the musical skills of students including providing a sense of validation and a sense of safety.
Prof. Caroline Van Nievero, Charter President of PASMAE, reflected on the society’s 25-year journey, highlighting its growth and impact on music education in Africa.
“This is possibly, in many ways, the most special conference we have held,” Van Nievero said. “We have a unique gathering of past and present leaders, including PASME-ISME president and a current PASMAE president, as well as a past Secretary General.”
Prof. Van Nievero emphasized the importance of PASMAE’s relationship with the International Society for Music Education (ISME) and the International Music Council. She noted that PASMAE’s history dates back to the year 2000, when it was founded in Harare, Zimbabwe.
PASMAE has a history of a quarter of a century, which is quite significant, “We have had biennial conferences ever since the year 2000, and we are celebrating this milestone today and for the rest of the week,” Van Nievero said.
Prof. Van Nievero reflected on the evolution of PASMAE’s name, from the Pan-African Society for Music Education (PASME) to its current name, which was proposed by Professor Meki Nzewi of University of Pretoria to reflect the integrated nature of music and dance in African cultures.
“For those of us who have been involved with ISME and with PASMAE over a long period, it is an integral part of our lives,” Van Nievero said. “It is part of our identity, and we mark our lives in terms of ISME and PASMAE conferences.”
Dr. Benon Kigozi, Chair and Convener of the conference, welcomed participants to the event, expressing gratitude to the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Banabas Nawangwe, and the acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Wamala, for their support. He highlighted the significance of the conference in promoting musical arts education and its potential to drive innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in Africa.
“We are here to discuss, and to take on all steps that will help us as musical artists in the field of education to keep it going, to make it even more and more alive,” Dr. Kigozi said.
Dr. Kigozi expressed appreciation for the support received from partners, including ISME, and acknowledged the contributions of iconic figures in PASMAE, namely Prof. Caroline Van Nievero, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s history.
“We’re equally delighted to host iconic figures in PASMAE,” Dr. Kigozi said. “PASMAE has a history, and there are people that have paved the path for that history.”
We believe that, “As participants engage in presentations, workshops, performances, and cultural exchanges, they will have opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn from one another.
“As we engage with a rich program of presentations, workshops, performances, and cultural exchanges, we hope that we all will take time to enjoy the weather and the vibrancy of Kampala, the artistic and intellectual heart of Uganda,” Dr. Kigozi said.
The Conference featured a Panel Discussion on different topics, among these was; (Social Impact of music education in higher education Ensemble settings in south-western Nigeria) by Professor Mellitus Wanyama and Kadupe Sofola from Kabarak University, Kenya, (Comparing the Development of Black South Africans and African American Choral Music: Society and Music) by Randy Tillmutt from Virginia Union University, (State of flux: a case study of decolonizing music lessons in a South African School) by Dr. Urvi Drummond from North Western University Potchefstroom, Olubiri as a Context for intergenerational music education: Insights from lived experiences of Entenga Royal Music of Buganda Kingdom by Dr. James Isabirye from Kyambogo University.
Participants at the conference believe that by bringing together diverse perspectives, ideas, and expertise, they can create a comprehensive approach that addresses the complex challenges facing the music culture. In addition, through synthesis and unity, they can forge a cohesive system that celebrates their rich cultural heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability.
The participants will continue to integrate different components, considering multiple aspects and factors that contribute to effective music education, in order to harness the transformative power of music to promote social justice, cultural diversity, and human flourishing.
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Scholars Discuss Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing AI for African Identity at Makerere University
Betty Kyakuwa & Eve Nakyanzi
Scholars from across Africa and beyond convened at Makerere University for a workshop on “Techno-Colonialism: Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Identity.” The event formed part of the ongoing African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Conference hosted at Makerere University, under the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, welcomed participants to what she described as a “thought-provoking engagement for early career researchers.” She noted that the Centre, hosted at Makerere University, now brings together over 10 universities across Africa and partner institutions in the Global North to examine evolving African identities in the face of global transformations.
“We don’t imagine a single African identity defined by class, tribe, or religion,” Prof. Ssali said. “We consider African identities as lived, negotiated, and continually reshaped by experiences such as colonialism, globalization, and technological change.”
The workshop was moderated by Dr. Kemi Kehinde, an ARUA–Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellow from Anchor University, Nigeria, who emphasized the need to critically examine the intersections between artificial intelligence, indigenous knowledge, and identity formation.
Dr. Kemi invited participants to reflect on a presentation by Dr. Sameen Musa on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AI in the Context of Decoloniality and Sustainable Futures. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI systems recognize and integrate oral African traditions such as storytelling, proverbs, and performance arts—areas where current technologies often fall short.
“As young African scholars, we have a responsibility to shape the training models of AI so that future systems engage authentically with African oral traditions and worldviews,” Dr. Kemi noted.
The panel featured Prof. Aghogho Akpome from the University of Zululand, Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Marvin Galiwango, a machine learning engineer at Makerere, and Dr. Nikolai Golovko from the Centre for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow and Dr. Chongomweru Halimu, a lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, Makerere University.
Speaking from South Africa, Prof. Aghogho Akpome delivered a strong critique of what he termed “the intellectual dependency fostered by generative AI tools.” He cautioned that over reliance on artificial intelligence for writing and research risks eroding cognitive skills and perpetuating new forms of colonial dependence.
“The use of generative AI without critical engagement amounts to intellectual theft,” he said. “It replaces creative thought with algorithmic mimicry, and that is the essence of techno-colonialism.”
Dr. Isaac Tibasiima, from Makerere University’s Department of Literature, offered a balanced view, arguing that while AI poses risks of cultural misrepresentation, it also presents opportunities for Africans to reclaim their agency by shaping the data that powers these systems.
“We need to feed our own knowledge into AI systems—honest, transparent, contextually grounded African knowledge,” Dr. Tibasiima said. “That’s the path to inclusion and authentic representation.”
From Moscow, Dr. Nikolai Golovko provided a global policy perspective, noting that while 11 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, implementation remains limited by resource and data inequalities. He warned that foreign-designed algorithms often ignore local contexts, reinforcing what he called “algorithmic colonialism.”
“African governments and universities must prioritize indigenous participation in AI design,” Dr. Golovko urged. “Otherwise, we risk reproducing colonial hierarchies in digital form.”
Dr. Halimu Chongomweru discussed the theme “Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Ideas.” He argued that today’s global digital ecosystem mirrors historical patterns of colonial exploitation—only now, instead of natural resources, Africa’s data is being extracted to fuel AI economies controlled by others.
He described this as a form of modern colonialism, not through armies or flags, but through algorithms, cloud servers, and digital platforms that define African problems and solutions without African participation. These systems enrich others while disempowering African communities.
Dr. Chongomweru emphasized that AI without culture is not intelligence but extraction. When AI models are trained on Western norms, they impose Western values globally, leading Africans to adopt technology without shifting the moral and cultural lenses behind it.
He urged a shift in focus from access to ownership, arguing that access without control only deepens dependency — another form of digital colonialism. True equalization, he said, means determining who owns, benefits from, and governs African data and AI systems.
To decolonize AI, Dr. Chongomweru proposed several actions:
- Build African-owned data repositories hosted on African soil and governed by African laws.
- Invest in AI research in African languages, moving from translation (copying) to representation (originating ideas).
- Develop home-grown technological infrastructure, ensuring computation and innovation occur within the continent.
He concluded that Africa’s AI agenda must be rooted in cultural, linguistic, historical, and sovereign identity, drawing from African philosophical traditions to create ethical and inclusive AI systems.
Marvin Galiwango cautioned that Africa’s growing engagement with AI still relies heavily on foreign tools, funding, and servers, creating digital dependency rather than empowerment. He argued that so-called “inclusion” often leaves Africans creating within systems they don’t control. Drawing parallels with genomics, he noted that Africa provides data but lacks ownership of infrastructure and outcomes. He concluded that true technological independence requires Africans to build and govern their own digital systems.
The session closed with a lively discussion on the ethics of AI use in research, the need for inclusive data models, and the role of African universities in decolonizing digital technologies. Participants agreed that decolonizing AI is not merely a technological issue but a cultural, ethical, and identity-driven imperative for Africa’s future.
-
General2 weeks agoMak Endowment Fund 3rd Board of Trustees Inaugurated
-
Agriculture & Environment1 week agoMakerere hosts International Conference on Food Systems Transformation for Climate Actions
-
Research6 days agoAfrica’s Future through Research and AI: Makerere Hosts ARUA 5th Biennial Conference
-
General1 week agoStrengthening Partnerships for Transformative Education: Makerere University Hosts Delegation from University of Malmö
-
Research2 weeks agoFrom Print to Digital: A Historical-Political Economy Narrative of the Emergence and Adoption of ePapers in the Ugandan Press