Humanities & Social Sciences
Makerere University Press launches a Groundbreaking Book “Gender, Social Norms and Agency: Perspectives from East Africa,” Sparking a New Era of Collaborative Action for Gender Equality in the Region
By Wilber Tumutegyereize
Kampala, Uganda — In a significant event that fused academia with practical activism, Makerere University Press launched the highly anticipated book “Gender, Social Norms and Agency: Perspectives from East Africa” at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. Edited by Professor Paul Bukuluki and Dr. Daphine Agaba Kabagambe. this book represents a crucial contribution to the field of gender studies, focusing on the complex interplay between gender, social norms, and agency across East Africa.
The book’s launch brought together scholars, development practitioners, and activists who are committed to advancing gender equality, social justice, and transformative change in the region. It marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue around gender, social norms, and how these deeply rooted cultural forces shape the experiences of women, men, and marginalized groups in East Africa.
Mr. Aloysius Nyombi, the Technical Advisor, Social Norms. As a key partner in the creation of the book set the tone for the evening by celebrating the collaborative efforts that brought together a diverse group of researchers and practitioners.
“The launch of this book is a celebration of collaboration,” Nyombi stated. “We are here not just to celebrate an academic achievement, but also to honor the work that’s being done in communities across East Africa. What we are doing on the ground must be documented, and it must be accessible to all.”
Nyombi’s comments highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between research and real-world application, underscoring the value of such academic works for informing policy and driving social change. His emphasis on collaboration between researchers, NGOs, and practitioners reinforced the book’s focus on addressing gender-related issues in a tangible and actionable way.
The Power of Local Expertise:
Dr. Ruth Nsibirano, The Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies at Makerere University spoke passionately about the significance of the book in deepening the understanding of gender norms within the East African context. She stressed the need for locally relevant research that reflects the lived experiences of communities.
“This book is not just an academic publication; it is a tool for social change,” Dr. Nsibirano said. “It provides us with a critical lens through which we can examine the norms and practices that continue to shape gender roles in our societies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for making lasting change.”
Dr. Nsibirano emphasized the importance of the book’s multidisciplinary approach, which brings together academic scholars, field practitioners, and activists to create a well-rounded narrative. Her reflections resonated deeply with the audience, who were united in their shared commitment to gender equality.
A Vision for Collaborative Academia
Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, the Principal of Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences underscored the importance of institutional support and collaboration in academic publishing. Representing the Chief Guest, Professor Sarah Ssali, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at Makerere University, Professor Nkabala conveyed her pride in the academic community’s collective effort to produce the book.
“It is an honor to be part of this project, which is a true reflection of the collaborative spirit at Makerere University,” Professor Nkabala said. “This book is a testament to the commitment of our researchers, students, and faculty members who are dedicated to addressing the most pressing social issues of our time.”
Professor Nkabala spoke about the increasing urgency to address issues such as unpaid care work, child marriage, and violence against women, topics that the book explores in depth. She praised the book for its holistic approach, combining theory and practice to offer insights that can be directly applied to social and policy interventions.
“The power of this book lies in its ability to challenge harmful gender norms and provide solutions that can transform societies,” she said.
The book’s co-editors, Dr. Daphine Agaba Kabagambe and Professor Paul Bukuluki, who shared the journey of bringing the book to fruition, expressed their deep commitment to shedding light on the social norms that influence gender behavior in East Africa and how such norms can be transformed for greater gender equality.
Dr. Agaba Kabagambe, a senior lecturer at Makerere University, reflected on the importance of examining how social norms in East Africa influence the lives of women, men, and children. She noted that while much of the discourse around gender focuses on laws and policies, there is still a significant gap in understanding how entrenched norms and cultural practices impact the real-life experiences of individuals.
“We wanted this book to serve as both a scholarly resource and a practical guide for those working to change societal behaviors,” Dr. Agaba Kabagambe explained. “The research inside this book offers a deeper understanding of how gender and social norms shape our world, and it provides us with tools to challenge and change those norms.”
Professor Bukuluki, expanded on the book’s focus on action-oriented research. He noted that while the book provides theoretical insights into gender norms and agency, it also includes valuable contributions from field practitioners working in communities across East Africa. These chapters are crucial for bridging the gap between academia and the grassroots work being done to promote gender equality.
“This book reflects the intersection between theory and practice,” Professor Bukuluki explained. “We wanted to include not only the academic perspective but also the voices of those who are working in the field, dealing with the realities of gender inequality on a daily basis.”
The book is structured around 13 chapters that explore themes such as unpaid care work, the impact of technology on gender roles, and communication about sexuality. These chapters bring together academic theory with practical insights from development practitioners and community leaders across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and beyond.
The Role of Makerere University Press
Mr. Elvis Lubanga, representing Dr. William Tayebwa, the Chief Managing Editor of Makerere University Press, highlighted the press’s pivotal role in bringing the book to life. Lubanga’s remarks underscored the importance of publishing local research that meets international academic standards while remaining grounded in the realities of East African communities.
“At Makerere University Press, we take pride in producing works that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of the Global South,” Lubanga said. “This book is not just an academic text; it is an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about gender equality and social transformation.”
Lubanga emphasized the press’s commitment to ensuring that local knowledge and research are accessible to global audiences, while also supporting the work of local scholars. He noted that the book is available both in print and online, making it accessible to readers across East Africa and the wider world.
Dr. Aramanzan Madanda representing Mr. Apolo Gabazira the Country Director of CARE International Uganda, shared the organization’s appreciation for the book, noting how it aligns with CARE’s mission to empower women and girls and address gender-based inequalities in East Africa.
“CARE Uganda has long been committed to addressing the root causes of gender inequality,” Dr. Madanda said. “This book is a crucial tool for organizations like ours, helping us better understand the social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence and other forms of inequality.”
Mr. Yiga Deo, Executive Director of the Impact and Innovation Development Center (IIDC), highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and community action, emphasizing that sustainable gender equality requires locally informed, innovative approaches. Mr. Deo urged collaboration between universities, civil society, and policymakers to ensure that research informs real-world interventions. He called for a reimagining of development practices that center on culture as a foundation for progress, ensuring that knowledge translates into lasting, transformative change.
Through the launch of “Gender, Social Norms and Agency: Perspectives from East Africa”, Makerere University Press has provided a much-needed resource that will inspire further research, action, and policy reform. The book’s insights will not only enrich the academic community but also inform the work of development practitioners, policymakers, and activists who are striving to create a more just and equal East Africa.
As Dr. Daphine Agaba Kabagambe aptly stated, the book is a “bridge between theory and practice,” and it will undoubtedly be an essential resource for anyone committed to understanding and challenging the social norms that shape gendered behavior across East Africa.
The launch of “Gender, Social Norms and Agency: Perspectives from East Africa” is a landmark moment in the ongoing quest for gender equality and social justice in the region. With contributions from leading scholars, development practitioners, and gender experts, this book provides an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand and transform the gendered social norms that impact millions of lives in East Africa. The collaboration betweenMakerere University Press, scholars, and community-based organizations highlights the importance of a unified effort to address the region’s most pressing gender-related issues.
Through its innovative approach, combining theory and practice, this book promises to be a catalyst for change in the fight for gender equality and social transformation across East Africa.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice Ignites Debate on African Unity and Decolonisation of Systems
By Charles Iga and Ritah Namisango
On 21st May 2026, candid discussions and reflections on the dignity and survival of the African people took centre stage as Pan-Africanists, youths, global diaspora leaders, esteemed royals, and scholars, convened at Makerere University, for the Inter-University Symposium on Pan-Africanism and Reparatory Justice.
Held ahead of the Africa Day Celebrations on 25th May 2026, the Symposium with over 23 participating Universities re-awakened the spirit of Pan-Africanism, African Unity, and the need to defend the dignity and the future of the African People.
The different speakers, panelists and participants rallied African nations to demand for reparation from those who dehumised the African people through slaverly, torture, conolialism, and any form of injustice.
“Pan-Africanism is about survival, dignity and power. It’s the understanding that Africa’s problems cannot be solved in isolation. It has a huge diaspora. It has to be holistic. Division is our greatest weakness. Unity is our strongest weapon,” said Chief Eric Phillips, the Keynote Speaker at the Inter-University African Symposium hosted by Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, in partnership with the Pan Afican Fraternity in Uganda, CARICOM, and AIDO International Network.
This is global citizenry in action
Opening the symposium on behalf of Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Alinaitwe described the gathering as a historic convergence of global African identity.
“As we gather in the Makerere University MainHall, we are deeply honoured to host distinguished delegates from across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the wider global African diaspora,” Prof. Alinaitwe said.
He added, it is a meeting of minds, cultures, generations, and visions committed to shaping Africa’s collective future, emphasizing that African liberation must extend beyond political independence into economic and intellectual sovereignty.
“This symposium is happening at a critical moment in global history when Africa and people of African descent are redefining their place in a multipolar world,” he said.
Makerere re-affirms role as Pan-African Intellectual Hub
Re-affirming Makerere University as a critical centre for intellectual liberation and African-centred knowledge production, Prof. Alinaitwe noted that the struggle for African liberation continues through economic sovereignty, reparatory justice, cultural dignity, and decolonisation of knowledge systems.
He tipped the students that the future of Pan-Africanism will be shaped by their ideas, courage, and innovation.
Humanities hold the key to transformation
Citing the theme of the Symposium, Pan-African Intellectualism: The Urgency to Defend the Dignity and Future of the African People, the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University, Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, stressed the central role of African scholarship in social transformation.
“Our presence here reflects the urgency of defending the dignity and future of African people through knowledge,” Prof. Nkabala said.
She added, “Humanities and Social Sciences are vital for social transformation because without those disciplines, there can never be societal change. The humanities and social sciences hold the key to understanding society and reshaping it.”
The issue of reparations is central
The Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, reiterated the African voices on the need for reparation. “In December 2025, I represented Makerere University at the African Diaspora Summit in Accra, Ghana. The President of the Republic of Ghana, and the President of the Republic of Togo, spoke very strongly about the issue of reparation justice,” he said.
“When we talk about reparation. Africa suffered from slavery and a lot of injustices during that period. Those responsible for that kind of injustice to us, may need to find away of making some compensation to Africa,” said Prof. Awich Ochen.
Inter-University Symposium kicks off the Africa Week celebrations
In a very special way, Dr Sarah Hasaba, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the Pan-African Liberation Week (21st to 25th May 2026) welcomed the participants who had travelled from the different parts of the world and within Uganda, to be part of the 5th Inter-University Symposium.
“As we celebrate the 63rd Africa Liberation day, we are honoured to start with the Inter-University symposium at Makerere University. As we engage in dialogue today, let us exchange ideas and build strategic partnerships. May this symposium be an opportunity for practical solutions, strong collaboration, and renewed commitment to the Pan-African vision of unity and transformation,” remarked Dr. Hasaba.
The Youth are an integral pillar of the Pan-African agenda
Her Highness Dr Queen Grace Eganda, was delighted to return to Makerere University, where her academic and leadership potential was nurtured in the 1990s. During that time, she was privileged to have served as the Chairlady of Mary Stuart Hall, and happy to return to Makerere University, in the capacity of a global leader, and General Secretary of AIDO Network International.
Emphasizing the importance of the symposium, she said: “This is a significant moment because we are looking at a bridge between the past and the present. As we reflect on the journey of Pan-Africanism, we are looking at our historical realities, present situations, and exploring how do we move forward progressively. We are working with the youth and the academia to promote the Pan-Africanism agenda.”
Underscoring the role of the youth, the Queen articulated: “ Any space where there’s no youth, any organization or planning where there is no youth is a dying moment. We are therefore encouraged to see many brilliant young people participating in the Symposium, we are passing the baton, the future is bright, and where we end, we know that the fire will keep burning.”
Building partnerships and promoting collaboration
With nostalgia, the President of AIDO Network International, and Chairman of the Global Africa Diaspora Kingdom, His Highness Papa, Dr Paul Jones Eganda, was pleased to return to Makerere University.
“In the 1990s, I was at this great University. I stayed in Lumumba Hall. Today, I come back, not as a student, but as a King and global leader with over 2.5 million followers globally,” he said amidst applause from the audience.
He informed the audience that the delegation consisted of 70 royals and key personalities who travelled to Uganda to participate in the activities of the Africa Liberation Week. “Some of them have remained at Speke Resort Munyonyo because the Head of State, H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is launching the Uganda Tourism Expo. Some of us have made it to Makerere University, to participate in the Inter-University symposium,” he remarked.
His Highness Papa Dr Eganda said the AIDO Network International and the Inter-University Symposium, present to the African people, a platform to strengthen partnerships and collaboration, undertake joint research, and advocate for scholarships.
“We are here to listen and learn from each other, and build partnerships. We would like to promote inter-university collaborations, research opportunities, and scholarships,” he stated.
In a very special way, he recognized Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye and Lieutenant Gen. Amanda Magambo, for their commitment to the Pan-Africanism agenda.
Keynote Speech on Pan-Africanism and Reparation
A sense of quiet reflection and re-awakening was evident as the Keynote Speaker, Chief Eric Phillips, passionately shared his views about Pan-Africanism and reparation.
Highlighting the roots of Pan-Africanism, he said: “Before borders were drawn, before Africa was divided in Berlin, before the world told us who we were, Africans were already connected by culture, by trade, by identity and by civilization. But then came slavery, colonization, and the forced scattering of millions of Africans across the world.”
The keynote speaker articulated that from that pain, Pan-Africanism was born-starting in the hearts of enslaved Africans who refused to forget who they were.
“Today, the chains may look different, economic dependency, mental colonization. But the mission of Pan-Africanism remains the same. A united Africa is not a dream. It’s a necessity,” he emphasized.
Geopolitics of Reparatory Justice
The Keynote Speaker informed the participants that the geopolitics of reparatory justice is not often spoken about, yet it impacts people of Africans daily.
“European nations do not want to pay financial reparations. Financial reparations have been paid to the Jewish nation, the Japanese, and to many other people across the world. But when it comes to reparations for people of African descent, there seems to be a resistance, a denial, as if they still consider us as not being human,” he wondered.
Panel on Pan-Africanism and Intellectualism
Moderated by Callistus Mubangizi, the panel consisted of the following discussants: Dr. George Okiror-Makerere University, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, the Keynote Speaker-Chief Eric Phillips, Prof.Eria Hisali-Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences, Associate Professor Robert Ojiambo- Department of History, Archaeology, and Heritage at Kyambogo University, and Dr. Shadat Semakula from Canada.
The discourse indicated that Intellectualism still continues to be the basis upon which Pan-Africanism lives. The panel tackled the relevance of Pan-African intellectualism as the framework for addressing structural inequalities and neocolonialism, as well as, the need for a unified African-led development.
Reparatory Justice is about Dignity, Not Only Money
Throughout the symposium, scholars and activists repeatedly emphasised that reparatory justice must go beyond financial compensation. “Reparations is not just about money. It is about restoring dignity, identity, truth, education, land, psychology, and institutions.”
It was crystal clear that reparatory justice must begin with us. “We cannot ask for reparations while abandoning our languages, our knowledge systems, and our identity. Reparatory justice must begin internally.”
We Lost Kingdoms, Artifacts, and Memory
Dr Davidson Amooti, representing Bunyoro cultural and administrative structures, gave a deeply historical account of colonial-era losses. “On behalf of Bunyoro Kingdom, we lost 2.5 million human beings during colonial wars,” he said.
Additionally, “We also lost more than 3,000 artifacts. The British government could not allow me to access museums and libraries. I had to go to court to obtain permission.”
Dr Amooti called for structured documentation and legal action. “We must mobilise every citizen in our cultural institutions for development. We cannot keep begging. We must research, document, and sign agreements.”
Education is not neutral
Dr Zaid Sekito, Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology & Heritage Studies at Makerere University, reframed reparatory justice as an educational and intellectual process.
“Reparatory justice is a pedagogical practice. We must understand what was destroyed, how it was destroyed, and how to rebuild it,” he said.
He highlighted that education systems continue to shape consciousness. “The classroom is not neutral. Even today’s curriculum is not neutral.”
Dr Sekito urged students to take leadership in transformation. “You have the power to influence institutional change. Youth movements have always been at the centre of African transformation.”
We must transform education and mindset
Speakers consistently called for curriculum reform and African-centred education. Some of the proposed reforms included: Introducing African-centred history from primary school; funding African research; supporting African languages; and building exchange programs with the diaspora.
A critical analysis indicated that colonial education was designed to produce obedience, not freedom. “Africans must now design education for liberation.”
Reparations requires Organisation, Not Rhetoric
Tackling this pertinent issue, the panelists and participants agreed as follows:
- Pan-Africanism must move beyond conferences into action. Any plan is dependent upon discipline and execution.
- Reparations will not be achieved by governments alone. It requires organised people, informed people, and committed youth.
- CARICOM’s reparations agenda did not happen by chance. It happened because people organised, studied, and persisted.
You are the Next Movement
Dr Hilary Brown urged young Africans to take ownership of the Pan-African struggle. “To the young brother who asked, ‘What next?’ — you are the next,” she said. “The movement needs scholars, lawyers, journalists, musicians, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs. Everybody has a role.”
Therefore, “I request you to form reading circles, join Pan-African organisations, document your histories, engage leaders, and build networks across borders.”
Unity between Africa and its diaspora
The convening emphasised unity between Africa and its diaspora. “Africa and her diaspora are one people—different histories, but one destiny. Pan-Africanism is not an event. It is a lifelong commitment.”
The symposium that included cultural performances, and a session on promoting a “drug free world” concluded with renewed calls for youth engagement, research collaboration, and institutional reform across Africa and the diaspora. The symposium also marked the official launch of Pan-African Week activities leading to Africa Day 2026, reinforcing calls for research-driven advocacy, continental unity, and structured reparatory justice frameworks.
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