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.
College of Health Sciences Quality Assurance (QA) Training in Assessments, Pedagogy and Competence Based Curriculum Held 18–19 June 2026 at Esella Hotel.
Pedagogy, Assessment and Supervision Training Workshop
The College of Health Sciences has embarked on the journey to improve the teaching, assessment and preparation for the adoption of the competence-based curriculum.
The training was held on 18-19 June 2026, at Esella Hotel, Kira, the training targeted the teaching assistants, lecturers’ senior lecturers’ key administrators and some PhD fellows, generally the early career academic staff that are yet growing in the ranks.
Objectives
- Equip participants with modern pedagogical approaches for effective teaching and learning.
- Review and harmonize assessment strategies to ensure quality and fairness in academic evaluation.
- Enhance supervisory competencies for guiding graduate students in research and academic progress.
- Foster collaboration and shared experiences among facilitators, supervisors, and administrators.
The key focus areas for the training
- Guidelines in Assessment & Course Outlines- Dr. Cyprian Misinde -Chief Quality Assurance Officer.
- Competence Based Education and Assessment- Dr. Mike Kagawa
- Advancing continuous improvement in teaching, learning through teaching styles -Dr. Ssebowa Dorothy.
- Teaching methods Knowledge production and acquisition- Dr. Peter Ssenkusu
- Graduate Supervision Challenges and Opportunities- Prof. Grace Ndeezi.
- Competence Based Curriculum in line with the NCHE- Dr. Innocent Besigye.
- Feedback mechanisms in training- Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende.
Key Outcomes for this training
- The participants gained the understanding of learner-centered teaching approaches and pedagogical principles.
- Acquired new skills supervisory skills, particularly in guiding research and addressing student challenges.
- Consensus on adopting standardized assessment tools across graduate programmes.
- Practical exposure to teaching models and interactive learning methods.
- Development of action plans for continuous professional development in pedagogy and supervision.
- The participants also acquired more skills in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education.
During the Discussion Key important Questions emerged as follows:
- Who supervises the supervisor?
- What is the difference between notion hours and contact hours?
- The 60/40 way of assessments—can it be independent for every course unit taught or allocated differently?
- How do we manage difficult supervisors?
- How do we Coerce PhD students to be fully involved in departmental activities without them feeling Coerced?
- How much time do we need to prepare for the review of the programmes in line with the competence-based curriculum as required by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the World Health Organization (WHO)?
We truly thank the facilitators and the participants who made this training very informative and enlightened. We also appreciate the Principal/Deputy CHS, the Chief QA Officer, Makerere University and the University Management for the enormous support and for making this activity possible.
Dr. Irene Rebecca Namatende
Quality Assurance 0ffice
College of Health Sciences,
Makerere University
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Sarah Ssali on 15th July 2026 commended the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)’s Industrial Trainee Program, describing it as the perfect hands-on intervention for the future workforce. She made the comments while on a guided tour of RENU’s on-campus Lab facility where ten undergraduate students from Makerere and other Universities are undergoing a two-month practical training.
Origin of tour
The tour was prompted by a 24th June 2026 meeting with a RENU delegation led by CEO, Mr. Nicholas Mbonimpa, aimed at broadening the existing partnership with Makerere University beyond internet service provision to supporting teaching, learning and research activities. During the said meeting, Prof. Ssali expressed Makerere‘s desire to produce graduates that are not only academically grounded but also cognizant of the needs of the job market.
In his response then, Mr. Mbonimpa expressed RENU’s readiness to continue advancing digital transformation through advancing resilient connectivity, research infrastructure, and innovative initiatives that enhance teaching, learning, and research. He shared that the Senate Building’s computer network had been revamped in line with advancing resilient connectivity, and the initiative would be expanded to the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) buildings and other premises subsequently.
The RENU CEO further highlighted that resilient connectivity forms a good basis for the proposed Open Radio Access Network (RAN) Architecture deployment set to be done within six months, so as to boost training of students in 5G and other technologies. Other initiatives discussed included training staff and students on acquisition of Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID) to improve visibility of their publications and research output.
Training Program Lauded
Addressing student interns during the 15th July guided tour, the DVCAA who was accompanied by the 92nd Guild Speaker Rt. Hon. Trevis Mutatiina Muhwezi urged beneficiaries to harness all the technical and social opportunities accorded by the Program. “Not all students in your respective academic programmes had the benefit of being exposed to this kind of training so please make the most of it and utilize skills gained here beyond the classroom setting”.
The 2026 Industrial Trainee Program is equipping students with skills on how to diagnose and repair ICT equipment based on old and disused stock.
Prof Ssali was also toured the makerspace where solar-powered routers are manufactured and deployed to extend internet connectivity to both rural and urban locations. In 2023, RENU partnered with Mesh++, a Chicago-based connectivity solutions manufacturer, to manufacture solar-powered internet routers in Uganda. Since inception, over 200 units have been manufactured and deployed across various sites in Uganda, while over 80 units have been shipped to various African countries such as Malawi, Rwanda and South Sudan under the RENUMESH Technologies joint venture.
Partnerships Inspiring New Prototypes
The RENU CEO nevertheless pointed to a long turnaround time for shipping parts from the U.S. as one of the drawbacks hindering the product’s rapid deployment. As a result, RENU, in response to the Ugandan Government’s call for import substitution and local capacity development is developing a solar-powered internet router with some of the components sourced from Ugandan companies Innovex and Chloride Excide.
“Innovex will supply the Internet of Things (IoT) component to help RENU remotely monitor and control the router while Chloride Excide will provide the batteries” Mr. Mbonimpa explained. He added that some of the current lot of trainees were already running simulations on the prototype and proposing how the device can be further refined so as to increase its portability and reduce its price.
A call for Expansion
At the conclusion of the tour, Prof. Ssali who commended the use of modular Ugandan components for the prototype thanked the RENU team to exposing students to real-world technological deployments. She nevertheless urged the CEO and his team to expand the program’s intake beyond ten trainees and duration beyond the current two months so as to give students a richer experience.
The CEO RENUMESH Technologies Mr. Brian Masiga thanked the DVCAA for following up their 24th June meeting with the visit, which demonstrates that the University Management values students’ development of practical skills. He equally thanked Prof. Ssali for Management’s support to RENU activities and pledged to further refine the prototype to produce a cheaper and more portable proudly Ugandan product.
General
Makerere University Launches First Writing Summer School to Strengthen Professional Writing Skills.
KAMPALA, UGANDA, EAST AFRICA| July 6, 2026.
Makerere University has officially launched its inaugural writing summer school, a week long professional development program aimed at equipping students, graduates, researchers and staff with practical writing skills required for academic excellence and success in today’s competitive job market. The program jointly organized by the Makerere University Writing Centre and Makerere University Press (MakPress), reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing graduates with not only academic knowledge but also the communication skills needed to thrive professionally.
Held virtually, the launch attracted more than 280 participants from Makerere University and other higher education institutions, demonstrating the growing demand for structured writing support beyond the classroom.
Building the Next Generation of Writers.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of Makerere Writing Press, Prof. William Tayeebwa, said the summer school represents an important investment in developing writers before their work reaches publication.
“The press has traditionally focused on publishing books, journals and scholarly work. Today, we are expanding that mission by helping and develop the writers who will produce tomorrow’s publication.
He noted that MakPress continues to support the publication of books and scholarly works produced by members of the Makerere Community. Using recently published books authored by a member of staff and a student as examples, he encouraged participants to submit manuscripts for publishing support rather than relying solely on self publication.
Writing as a Foundation for Academic and Professional Success.
Chairperson of the Makerere University Writing Centre, Prof. Frederick Muyodi, said the center was established to strengthen the writing competences among students, researchers and university staff.
” The Writers Center is here to support every stage of the writing process from CVs and application letters to research manuscripts, grant proposals, reports and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in writing.”
He explained that the Centre supports writing across multiple disciplines and professional contexts, adding that its long term vision is to extend writing support beyond Makerere University to institutions across Uganda and the East African region.
Equipping Graduates for the Labour Market.
Officially launching the summer school, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, described the initiative as a strategic investment in preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive labour market.
She observed that while universities successfully impart disciplinary knowledge, many graduates leave campus without the practical writing skills required to secure employment and other professional opportunities.
“We teach content very, but many students are never taught how to write an effective CV, application letter, motivation statement or scholarly essay. Yet these are the documents that often determine whether someone secures an opportunity.”
Prof. Ssali said the writing summer school would bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice by equipping participants with market ready communication skills.
Reaffirming her office’s commitment to the initiative, she added:
“My office is pleased to support this initiative as we institutionalize the Writing Summer School to ensure that Makerere graduates leave not only with degrees but also with practical competencies needed to thrive professionally,”
She officially declared the inaugural Writing Summer School open and expressed optimism that future editions would attract even more participants and resources.
Participants Gain Practical CV Writing Skills.
The first technical session was facilitated by Mr. Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student in the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences within the School of Bio sciences at Makerere University, a Senior Fisheries Officer with Luweero District Local Government, and the founder and director of the ANL Foundation, an organization that supports youth employment and capacity building.
During the session, he guided participants on developing competitive CVs tailored to specific professionals and employer expectations. He emphasized that applicants should customize their CVs to suit each opportunity instead of submitting the same document for every application. Participants also learned how effectively present their education, work experience, leadership roles technical competencies and professional achievements, while avoiding unnecessary personal information. Practical demonstrations using professional specific CVs provided participants with hands on examples of preparing competitive job application documents.
Looking Ahead.
The Writing Summer School continues throughout the week sessions on application letter writing, responsible use of artificial intelligence, professional communication and other essential writing skills aimed at improving academic productivity and employablity.
Through initiatives such as the Writing Summer School, Makerere University continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are not academically accomplished but also equipped with practical communication skills that enable them to compete and lead in today’s global workplace.
-
General2 weeks agoRE-ADVERT: Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General7 days agoPress Release: Updates on Makerere University’s Staffing, 2026/7 Academic Calendar, Ebola Response Leadership
-
General2 weeks agoStakeholders of Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University Convene to Review Progress and Strengthen Collaboration
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere Strengthens Capacity to Prevent Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence
-
General5 days agoDVCAA Commends RENU Industrial Training Programme, Calls for its Expansion