The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) has invested over UGX 100 million in the acquisition and installation of state-of-the-art interactive smart screens, marking a major step in strengthening digital teaching and learning at Makerere University.

Under the investment, 86-inch interactive 4K smart screens have been installed in major lecture rooms across the college’s schools, replacing traditional projectors and whiteboards. The upgrade is intended to modernise instructional delivery, enhance student engagement, and support blended and hybrid learning models.

The touch-sensitive smart screens enable lecturers to write, draw, and annotate content directly on the display, while simultaneously integrating multimedia resources such as videos, presentations, and online materials. The screens support wireless screen casting from laptops, tablets, and smartphones, allowing for smooth, cable-free presentations and real-time sharing of students’ work during lectures and group discussions.

Designed to promote interactive and learner-centred pedagogy, the smart screens feature multi-touch capability that allows several users to interact with the board at the same time. This functionality supports collaborative learning, problem-solving exercises, and group presentations, making lessons more engaging and inclusive for students with diverse learning styles.

The boards are equipped with built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling seamless hybrid teaching through platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. This allows lecturers to conduct virtual and physical classes simultaneously, record full lectures, and share them with students for later review, revision, or catch-up purposes.

Running on dual Android and Windows operating systems with full internet connectivity, the smart screens provide direct access to online academic resources, digital libraries, and learning management systems. Their AI-powered features further enhance lesson organisation, content clarity, and efficient, paper-free instruction, contributing to a more sustainable learning environment.

To ensure safety and prevent misuse, the smart screens are secured in fabricated metallic safety boxes installed in the lecture rooms.

Beyond digital infrastructure, CHUSS has also undertaken additional physical improvements. The Russian Lecture Room in the School of Languages, Literature and Communication has been furnished with new chairs, tables, and a projector screen, significantly enhancing its teaching environment.

The college has further improved staff working spaces, with the School of Psychology renovating office space and classrooms in Block A, while similar renovations have been carried out in the School of Social Sciences.

The infrastructural upgrades underscore CHUSS’ commitment to improving the quality of teaching, learning, and staff working conditions in line with Makerere University’s digital transformation agenda.

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More than 130 cadet officers from the Uganda Military Academy (UMA) in Kasambya have been oriented on library use and access to electronic resources during a one-day academic visit to Makerere University, as part of preparations for their Bachelor’s Degree in Defence Studies.

The cadets, who are enrolled under Makerere University through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), visited the main campus on 20^th November 2025 for induction on the use of the Makerere University Library, with a particular focus on accessing e-resources remotely. UMA is one of Makerere’s affiliated institutions, and the Bachelor’s Degree in Defence Studies is coordinated by the School of Social Sciences.

Speaking during the visit, the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Dr. Justus Twesigye, said the orientation was significant, noting that for some cadets it was their first time at Makerere University. He explained that the group included East African students from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan.

“They came here after the first six weeks of military training, a kind of reorientation, before they begin the Bachelor’s Degree in Defence Studies,” Dr. Twesigye said, adding that the visit to Makerere was symbolic because the cadets are formally Makerere University students, even though most of their teaching takes place at the Uganda Military Academy in Kasambya.

Dr. Twesigye said the library induction was a critical component of the orientation, as the cadets will rely heavily on the Makerere University Library while studying remotely. “They needed instruction on how to access e-resources and assurance that they will always be supported remotely,” he said.

The cadets also toured selected parts of the university, including the School of Social Sciences, interacted with library staff and teaching staff, and took part in activities aimed at officially kick-starting the semester, which commenced the following week.

According to Dr. Twesigye, the one-day orientation has become a standing practice since the inception of the Defence Studies programme. He noted that logistical and resource constraints make it difficult to host the cadets for longer periods on campus.

The visit has since opened opportunities for further collaboration between Makerere University Library and the Uganda Military Academy. Dr. Twesigye revealed that a month later, a delegation from Makerere University Library, led by the Deputy University Librarian, visited UMA to explore areas of cooperation.

Discussions focused on library support, archiving, training, and a proposal to establish a museum at the academy. He said the engagements have strengthened ongoing efforts to support cadet officers in accessing library services remotely.

Makerere University continues to expand academic and institutional linkages with affiliated institutions to enhance access to learning resources for students in specialized training environments.

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The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) on 11^th December 2025 celebrated the launch of five scholarly books, marking a significant milestone in the College’s contribution to academic research and discourse. The event brought together faculty, students, and distinguished guests, highlighting the College’s commitment to advancing knowledge, preserving institutional memory, and fostering innovative scholarship.

Advancing Knowledge: Recognizing Authors and Promoting Research Excellence

Representing the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, commended CHUSS on the launch of its five scholarly publications. He highlighted the significance of these works in advancing research, preserving institutional memory, and enriching student-centered teaching. Prof. Ireeta acknowledged the support of the Mellon Foundation under the Center of Excellence for Research, Teaching, and Learning (CERTL), as well as the contributions of the College’s faculty, research teams, and support staff. He emphasized that these publications not only strengthen the College’s academic profile but also foster critical thinking, informed debate, and national and international engagement, offering valuable resources for both scholars and the wider community.

Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), praised the CHUSS for the launch of five scholarly publications, emphasizing the dedication, intellectual rigor, and perseverance of the authors. He highlighted that these works—three books and a journal—demonstrate the critical role of the humanities and social sciences in shaping national development, informing public debate, and contributing to global discourse. Prof. Wamala commended the College for fostering a research environment that supports capacity building, collaborative networks, and high publishing standards, noting that the publications document African realities, preserve institutional memory, and provide knowledge that resonates locally and internationally. He encouraged continued scholarly collaboration, underscoring the university’s commitment to strengthening research governance and advancing its agenda as a leading center for African scholarship.

Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, warmly welcomed all attendees to the book launch, emphasizing the college’s pivotal role as the intellectual bridge connecting all other faculties at Makerere University. She acknowledged the presence and contributions of publishers, editors, management, and authors, noting that the success of such scholarly works relies on collaborative support across the University. Prof. Nkabala celebrated the dedication of homegrown talent, highlighting the importance of nurturing research, writing, and publication within the college. She also shared exciting updates on the establishment of the Office of Grants, Research Resource Mobilization, and Graduate Training, underscoring the college’s commitment to structured leadership, research excellence, and capacity building.

Celebrating Excellence: Contributions from University and Partner Publishers

Dr. William Tayeebwa, Head of Makerere University Press, celebrated a landmark day for the institution, highlighting the Press’s remarkable productivity and impact. He reflected on the recent launches, including Reinventing Uganda and Memory and Method for Material, and noted the impressive volume of over 15 publications released this year alone. Dr. Tayeebwa emphasized the Press’s commitment not only to publishing new works but also to republishing significant titles that have sold out globally, ensuring continued access to vital scholarship. A particular highlight was the revival of the Makerere Journal of Languages, Literature and Communication, which had not seen a publication since 1991; archival issues dating back to 1975 are now being digitized and made accessible online. He also stressed ongoing efforts to enhance the international visibility of the University’s journals through indexing and quality standards, underscoring the Press’s role in strengthening academic scholarship and advancing Makerere University’s global reach.

Speaking on behalf of Fountain Publishers, Mr. Tom Tibaijuka highlighted the long-standing partnership between the publishing house and Makerere University, noting the collaborative efforts that have helped nurture local scholarship. He emphasized that, despite the commercial nature of Fountain Publishers, their mission extends beyond profit to supporting scholarly contributions that enrich society. Mr. Tibaijuka praised the recently launched book, which features 12 chapters and 11 contributors, commending both the authors and the editorial team for their dedication in harmonizing such a complex manuscript. He noted the book’s alignment with the new competency-based curriculum promoted by the National Curriculum Development Authority, emphasizing its relevance in fostering critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills in education. He concluded by congratulating all involved and encouraging educators and stakeholders to engage with the publication as a valuable resource for navigating contemporary educational challenges.

Prof. Rev. Sr. Dominica Dipio, representing the African Humanities Series Publisher, provided an overview of the series’ evolution and its impact on the continent’s humanities scholarship. She explained that the series began in 2014 as part of the African Humanities Program, initially supporting doctoral completion, before shifting focus to early-career mentorship to cultivate a new generation of humanities scholars. Over the past 15 years, the program has benefitted over 500 fellows across Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania, nurturing research and publications that address a wide range of humanities and social sciences disciplines, including philosophy, literature, languages, sociology, politics, and culture. Prof. Dipio emphasized that the series combines the experience of senior scholars with emerging voices, producing accessible, globally relevant work. She also highlighted an upcoming fellowship program designed to support early-career researchers for up to ten years, encouraging increased participation from Uganda to ensure broader engagement in the continent-wide initiative. The book being launched, she noted, exemplifies the series’ commitment to engaging, applied humanities that speak to everyday societal challenges, demonstrating the relevance and reach of African scholarship.

Championing African Scholarship and Knowledge Production

Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Principal Emeritus of CHUSS and Project Principal Investigator (PI) for Mellon Projects at Makerere University, emphasized the transformative role of the College’s publications in shaping African scholarship. She highlighted that these edited books and journals go beyond traditional metrics of academic recognition, creating vibrant scholarly communities where ideas are shared, debated, and collaboratively developed. Prof. Ahikire noted the importance of centering African-generated knowledge, reclaiming histories, and exploring underrepresented topics such as the social and cultural dimensions of motherhood. She applauded the project teams for their dedication and collaboration, describing the 2025 book launches as the beginning of a broader effort to document and disseminate African perspectives, ensuring that the continent’s intellectual contributions are recognized, celebrated, and preserved for future generations.

Prof. Andrew Elias, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL), highlighted the critical relevance of the book Reclaiming Learning: Struggles and Innovations in Higher Education, noting that it arrives at a pivotal moment for Ugandan universities. He emphasized that growing enrollment, limited resources, and structural challenges—including large class sizes, inadequate facilities, and unequal access to online learning—have impacted the quality of education. The book, he noted, not only validates these shared experiences but also showcases innovative practices by Ugandan lecturers, from contextualized teaching methods to active learning strategies and the use of indigenous knowledge. Prof. Elias underscored that meaningful educational change requires institutional support, inclusive policies, and professional development, reminding stakeholders that effective pedagogy is a shared responsibility. The volume, he concluded, serves as both a practical guide and an inspiration for educators, policymakers, and institutions seeking to place students at the center of learning while promoting justice, inclusion, and human dignity in higher education.

The Five Publications and Their Impact

Reclaiming Learning: Pedagogical Struggles and Innovations in Higher Education in Uganda (Prof. Andrew Ellias State et al.) explores student-centred teaching and innovative approaches in African higher education, supported by the Mellon Foundation through CERTL.

Reading Archives, Memory and Method from Makerere University (Assoc. Prof. Edgar Nabutanyi, Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine, Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Dr. Edgar Taylor, Dr. Pamela Khanakwa, and Dr. Levis Mugumya, highlights the importance of archives and memory in shaping scholarship and reclaiming African narratives, funded by the Mellon Foundation’s AMM project.

Living with Others: Ethnic Conflict and Pluralism in Uganda’s Greater Kibaale Region (Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo) examines identity, conflict, and co-existence, offering insights toward social justice and peaceful co-living, supported by the African Humanities Foundation.

The Makerere Historical Journal (Vol. 6, No. 1, 2025) (Deo Katono, Rebecca Glada, Edgar Taylor, and Christopher Muhoozi.) continues the university’s tradition in historical scholarship, nurturing emerging scholars and deepening debates, published by Makerere University Press.

Makerere Journal of Languages, Literature and Communication (Vol. 1, Issue 1) which is the inaugural issue marks a milestone for the School of Languages, Literature and Communication (SLLC), promoting cross-disciplinary dialogue, with support from the Center for Languages and Communication Services and Makerere University Press.