The management and staff of Makerere University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) assured the 2024 cohort of Gerda Henkel PhD fellows of their unwavering support throughout their academic journey. During a welcome meeting held on October 23, 2024, in the CHUSS Smart Room, students were encouraged to approach their research with resilience and determination as they work toward making a global impact.
The fellows, comprising ten scholars from across Africa, including two Nigerians, one Ethiopian, one Zimbabwean, and six Ugandans, were given laptops to aid their studies. They were also reminded of their critical role in advancing Makerere University's research agenda.
The Principal, Associate Professor Helen Nkabala Nambalirwa emphasized the college’s commitment to ensuring that students receive the necessary guidance and mentorship throughout their studies.
"At the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, our very existence hinges on the fact that you exist," said Prof. Nkabala. "You are our co-partners as the university embarks on a research-led agenda. We are looking to you to make a difference not only in Uganda and your own countries but also globally."
Nkabala highlighted the importance of collaboration with supervisors and coordinators, urging the students to focus on their studies while taking advantage of the wealth of expertise available. "Please walk the journey with determination and resilience," she advised. "The deans, facilitators, and coordinators you see here are here to support you, but it will take your dedication to complete the journey."
The Principal called on students to maintain open communication with the administration and their supervisors. “You will meet many experts along this journey,” Nkabala said. “Listen to all voices, but remain focused and work closely with your supervisor. This way, you will make it through successfully.”
Deputy Principal Prof. Erich Awich Advises Ugandan Students to Support International students
Deputy Principal Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich extended a warm welcome, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and friendship among students. Prof. Awich encouraged Ugandan students to actively support their international peers.
“PhD students are high-level scholars, and I urge our Ugandan students to take this opportunity to guide and make our international colleagues feel at home,” he stated. He acknowledged the unique challenges of the PhD journey, describing it as both interesting and often lonely, but reassured students that their cohort-based program would provide essential support and camaraderie.
Prof. Awich, who oversees academic affairs within the college, highlighted his role in facilitating various academic processes, including thesis submissions and examiner appointments. He expressed confidence in the university’s commitment to resolving any challenges that students might encounter throughout their studies, whether they are funded or self-sponsored.
“In the past few years, we have consistently found ways to address any issues that arise,” he noted. “I encourage you all to utilize the resources available to you and lean on each other for support during your time here.” Awich advised
Dr. Levis Mugumya Emphasizes Importance of Timely Research Proposal Development for PhD Students
Project Coordinator, Dr. Levis Mugumya underscored the significance of developing research proposals promptly following the students arrival for their programs on September 13.
Dr. Mugumya noted that while the admission team had initially planned a meeting on September 17, scheduling conflicts prevented it. However, they proceeded to introduce the new cohort to the university’s library resources and various training sessions, including foundational topics in PhD studies, scholarly writing, and historical methods.
Currently, Mugumya reported, the focus of their workshops is on qualitative research methods, which will continue until November. "As you undertake these workshops, you also need to be working on your research proposals," he advised the students, stressing the importance of utilizing the six-month provisional admission period effectively, particularly for those on data-funded scholarships, which have stricter timelines than standard admissions.
"The scholarship is time-bound, and you need to complete within three years," he warned, indicating that delays could jeopardize funding. Dr. Mugumya confirmed that all necessary contracts have been signed, ensuring that the students are set for a productive academic journey.
2024 PhD Cohort is a special group following a funding freeze and revision of a funding model, says Dr. Nabutanyi
Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi provided an update on the 2024 PhD cohort highlighting their academic journey since their arrival on November 13. This group, comprising ten students—two from Nigeria, one from Ethiopia, one from Zimbabwe, and six from Uganda—represents a significant milestone for Makerere University following a funding freeze that affected the previous year’s admissions.
The 2024 cohort according to Dr. Nabutanyi is special, having come after a funding freeze in 2023 due to a revision of the Gerda Henkel Foundation’s funding model.
“This cohort is particularly special as it marks the resumption of funding under the Gelda Henkel framework, after our funders revised their funding model,” Dr. Nabutanyi noted. “The students are actively participating in these workshops, which are crucial for their research development
Dr. Nabutanyi emphasized the importance of the workshops the cohort has undertaken, which include sessions on the nature of PhD studies, scholarly writing, and historical methods. Currently, they are engaged in qualitative research methods, aimed at equipping them with essential skills for their doctoral studies.
He also acknowledged the challenges and expectations that come with the program, stressing the need for students to make the most of their time in the program and complete their research proposals within the stipulated time frame.
Student Representative Expresses Gratitude for the warm reception at Makerere
Christian Nnabuike Onoga, a student representative from Nigeria, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks for the warm welcome exhibited by the college management, program coordinators and support staff in the graduate coordinating unit.
Onoga expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity to study at the institution and the hospitality he and his fellow students have received.
“I must confess my unworthiness to be given this opportunity,” Onoga stated, thanking the principal of CHUSS, Prof. Nkabala, as well as the Deans of various schools, facilitators, and fellow students. He described his decision to leave Nigeria for Makerere University as one of the best choices he has made in the 21st century, highlighting the kindness and hospitality of the people he encounters daily.
Onoga acknowledged the contributions of several individuals, noting, “Dr. Levis Mugumya has been incredibly resourceful, always willing to support us in realizing our potential.” He also expressed gratitude to Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi for his guidance and to Dean Pamela Khanakwa for her ongoing support.
“I have learned so much from all of you,” he said, commending the welcoming atmosphere that has made him feel at home. He humorously remarked on not feeling homesick, stating, “It is actually those who are at home that are sick. I feel at home here.”
In his closing remarks, Onoga urged his fellow cohort members to embrace their journey together, echoing the sentiment of unity and collaboration emphasized by faculty throughout the meeting. “Let’s walk this journey together,” he concluded.
About the Gerda Henkel PhD Program at Makerere University
With funding from the Gerda Henkel Foundation in Düsseldorf, Germany, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University admitted ten students for the 2024 intake. This program leads to the award of a PhD in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University.
The fields of Historical Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences encompass a range of disciplines that examine human society, emphasizing the influence of changing historical contexts over time. Scholars in these areas utilize various types of evidence to analyze the factors that inform and shape societal changes, as well as the implications of such changes. Preference is given to research projects focusing on the Classics, including Literature, Philosophy, Epic, and Drama; Prehistory/Early History of Africa; Archaeology; Modern African History; Sociology; Anthropology; Language and Linguistics; Creative Arts in Africa; Religion in Africa; Political Theory; and Gender Studies.
The program is fully funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation attracting students from Sub saharahan Africa and is tenable at Makerere University. The scholarship covers all costs associated with the PhD training, including tuition, stipend, medical insurance, laptop computer, books, travel expenses for non-Ugandan fellows to take up the fellowship, conference attendance, and fieldwork.
This is a three-year program that begins in September 2024 and concludes in June 2027. Upon admission, the fellows will receive a detailed almanac outlining timelines and their respective outputs, which include proposal development from September 2024 to March 2025, fieldwork from April 2025 to September 2026, and dissertation writing from October 2026 to September 2027. The program is managed by Dr. Edgar Nabutanyi (Program Coordinator) and Dr. Levis Mugumya (Program Administrator).