Dr. Denis Muhangi is the Head of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration (SWASA) at Makerere University, under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He holds a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast, where he focused on government–NGO partnerships in Uganda’s HIV/AIDS response. His academic and professional experience spans over 15 years, with a strong focus on social research and evaluation in areas such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, livelihoods, water and sanitation, governance, and support for orphans and vulnerable children.
Dr. Muhangi also coordinates the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in Social Work with Families and Children (MFamily), a collaborative initiative between Makerere University and several European universities. He has served as a postdoctoral researcher under the CoHeRe Project and consulted for various international and local organizations, including UNDP, UNICEF, UPHOLD, PSI/PACE, and others. His expertise includes institutional development, monitoring and evaluation systems, social service design, and participatory community research methodologies.
Since his election to lead SWASA in May 2023, Dr. Muhangi has focused on strengthening the department’s visibility, supporting graduate students, and fostering a collegial and innovative academic environment. He is committed to advancing the department’s identity within and beyond the university through strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and mentorship. His leadership vision emphasizes peaceful conflict resolution, academic excellence, and a student-centered approach to learning and research.