The 2024 CHUSS Annual Report

Message from the Principal

I am honored to present the Annual Report for 2024, which highlights our collective achievements in teaching and learning, research, knowledge transfer, partnerships, publications, innovations, and infrastructure development. The past year has been transformative, showcasing the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students to the advancement of humanities and social sciences.

Our college continues to set the standard for academic excellence. In the year under review, the college recorded the student enrolment of 3,720, including 2,854 undergraduate and 866 graduate students.

The successful administration of semester teaching and examinations demonstrated our unwavering commitment to delivering quality education. Our graduation statistics from the 75th Graduation Ceremony underscore our academic excellence, with 1,660 candidates receiving degrees and diplomas, including 20 doctoral graduates, the inaugural cohort of Master of Social Work graduates and 86 UPDF officers.

This year, CHUSS has strengthened its role as a knowledge hub by engaging communities, policy makers, and global partners. We hosted several public lectures, seminars, and policy dialogues addressing key societal challenges such as gender equality, governance, and climate change.

Our partnerships expanded to include collaborations with the University of Cambridge, Teesside University and the Gerda Henkel Foundation. These partnerships have enhanced our research capabilities and fostered innovative solutions to global challenges. Notable projects include the Archiving, Memory, and Methods from the Global South International Conference, marking the conclusion of a three-year Mellon-funded project.

CHUSS remains a beacon of scholarly excellence, with faculty members contributing over 120 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals and books in 2024. These works span diverse fields, from history and philosophy to emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and digital humanities.

Innovations in research continue to be a priority. A new rock painting, discovered by archaeology students and staff during a field study in Nyero, Kumi District, marks a significant contribution to Uganda’s cultural heritage. The CHUSS Gerda Henkel PhD Model, adopted by the university, addresses low graduate completion rates by providing structured timelines and mentorship to PhD students. The KISH initiative has advanced the fight against sexual harassment through student clubs, a Men’s Hub, and an innovative reporting system. At the School of Psychology, tools such as Uganda’s Standardized Ethics and Integrity Scale and the UNICARE counseling app are shaping psychosocial and ethical evaluations, while health and mental services continue to support the well-being of students and staff. These innovations demonstrate our commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation, and creating a safe, supportive environment for all.

Our students continue to excel, with journalism students receiving prestigious awards from Vision Media Group, Daily Monitor, and the Public Relations Association of Uganda, reflecting the high standards of education and mentorship within CHUSS.

Infrastructure development has been a key focus in 2024. Notable advancements include the acquisition of the Social Sciences state-of-the-art teleconferencing facility, renovations of the lecture rooms, conference facilities, and offices, all of which have created an enabling environment for academic discourse, research dissemination and community engagement.

As we move forward, we remain committed to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and engaging with society. I extend my gratitude to The Government of Uganda, the University Management, all unit Heads, staff, students, and partners for their contributions to our successes in 2024. As we step into 2025, we trust that together, we will continue to shape the future of the Humanities and Social Sciences education and research. We also welcome you to CHUSS-the Mine of Excellent Minds at a time of your convenience to engage more with us.