MAWAZO

Volume 15, No. 1

Published June 30, 2023

Articles

  1. Agatha Tumwine (Author)

    Reflections on Folktales in the 21st Century: Perspectives from Bakiga Youths

    Characterised by technological advancement, urbanisation, and cultural changes, the 21st century presents a variety of documentation, both in print and digital forms. These different media forms provide different ways of entertainment, communication, and education. Consequently, traditional forms of entertainment and education, like folklore, that were popular in previous centuries, especially in the African traditional communities are seemingly less utilised; thus, given less attention. Yet, the role they play in handing down cultural values from generation to generation cannot be overlooked. This paper, therefore, presents the reflections and perspectives of the young generation among the Bakiga on how the role of folktales can be revitalised in society. The study was carried out in Rubanda and Kabale districts, in southwestern Uganda. Data was collected through documentary review as well as the use of informal and unstructured interviews with four focus group discussions composed of ordinary youths, aged 14-20 years, both male and female. These youths were interviewed to get their perspectives on folktales, their role, their translation, and how they can be preserved and/or revived in their communities in the present times. The study reveals that although changing times have negatively affected the propagation of cultural values through folklore, the youths, working with language scholars, can do some literary work to reincorporate them in education.

  2. Priscilla Asiimire, Alice Nankya Ndidde, Pamela Khanakwa (Author)

    Adult Education at Makerere University College (1953-1962): Motivations and Provisions

    Makerere University College opened in 1953, established the Department of Extra-Mural Studies following the recommendations of the 1945 Asquith Commission. The Asquith Commissioners hoped that university adult education offered through centres of extra-mural studies would serve the remote areas that were unreachable by the university colleges through offering adults opportunities for part-time study. The end of World war II and the subsequent creation of the United Nations (UN) Organisation led to pressure being mounted by the Organisation on its member states to enhance efforts to prepare colonies for self-government. Focused largely on foreign content delivered through weekend classes, public lectures, evening classes, one-day schools, and annual study vacations, extra-mural studies targeted English- speaking adults. This paper identifies some contradictions in the starting of extra-mural studies. Extra-mural studies promoted the Eurocentric lifestyle. It was disguised as preparation for self-government and yet the colonial officers became suspicious of the work of tutors as though worried that they might lead to increased nationalism. They seemed worried about the impending loss of empire and change of the status quo.

  3. Eric Jjemba (Author)

    Efficacy of Students’ “Body Stories” on Novice Dance Students’ Training at Makerere University

    Whereas both scientific and humanistic experiences are essential for effective dance teaching and learning, the lack of prior knowledge about students’ movement experience inhibits pedagogical excitement. Looking at mindfulness observation as a science to perceive, recall and develop methods for teaching and learning (about) dance, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of students’ body stories on dance teaching and learning. I precisely shared my transition from non-formal practice to dance academia. This enthused my students to write their lifelong body stories during our dance class. A systematic reflection on these qualitative inquiries illustrated an influence for authentic dance teaching and learning at Makerere University. Twenty-three students (15 females and 8 males) participated in the study.

  4. Ignas Fedeo (Author)

    A Mythical Recreation of Nyerere and the Lake Nyasa Conflict in Banyakyusa Narratives

    For decades, Tanzania and Malawi have been discordant over Lake Nyasa border. Apart from its colonial history, the conflict became stiff in the post- colonial era, especially between 1967 and 1968 when Tanzania under Nyerere officially submitted to Malawi their intention to rectify the border line from eastern shoreline of the lake to the middle. This article examines the 1967- 1968 phase of the conflict by focusing on local perceptions on Nyerere’s involvement in the conflict. The article specifically looks at Banyakyusa whose position on both sides of Tanzania-Malawi border placed them at the centre of military and political matters during the conflict. The article examines the depiction of Banyakyusa voice, beliefs, and point view embedded in their myths to recreate Nyerere’s image with reference to his involvement in the conflict. As per Banyakyusa, Banda’s desire to extend his leadership beyond Malawi was a key reason for the outbreak of Lake Nyasa border conflict. The article establishes that Banda claimed that the whole Lake Nyasa belongs to Malawi. He also claimed that Tanzanian regions along Lake Nyasa: Mbeya, Iringa, and Ruvuma are part of Malawi. Banyakyusa perceived that without Nyerere being supernatural and mystically endowed, the conflict would have led to the outbreak of armed war between the nations. With his mystical powers, Nyerere was able to know and stop all incidents which would have led to physical battle.

  5. Kamya Bazilio (Author)

    Quality of education in Uganda: A narrative from a common man’s view

    Uganda started the implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy in 1997, purposely to allow access to all children of school-going age. However, during the implementation phase, many institutional and structural issues emerged that impacted the quality of education provided. This paper focuses on the views of a common man on the quality of education and particularly UPE in Uganda. In other words, how doses a common man who goes about his daily businesses in the markets, on the streets (informal sector) hustling to make ends meet, including payment of school dues view the quality of primary education in Uganda? Data was collected using interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) from a total of 110 respondents spread across the five divisions of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) area. Results indicate that the common man is fully aware that the different challenges affecting UPE have compromised its quality; and these range from inadequate funding by the government, corruption by government officials both at national and local levels but also headteachers and teachers in schools to issues of insufficient infrastructure in schools, absenteeism by both pupils and teachers and a curriculum that is not focused on local realities and needs. All these challenges in the eyes of the common man have affected the quality of UPE in Uganda. As a way forward, the paper recommends that there is a need for government to review the entire UPE policy with a view to understanding the implementation challenges in detail and seek for solutions. The curriculum too needs to be reviewed to match the community needs. Equally important, government needs to increase education budget and fully fund the education sector.

  6. John Baptist Imokola, Brian Semujju, Goretti Nassanga (Author)

    Re-defining Local Content: How VJs are Changing the Concept and Appreciation of Television Local Content in Uganda

    Video Jockeys (VJs, Veejays) are popular in Uganda, and are an integral part in the advancement of television local content. However, the current definition of local content does not recognise the work of VJs, and treats them as a threat to the industry. Yet, these contribute to the country’s popular culture, through influencing consumption of audio-visual content and the meaning of local content to the audience. This paper argues that VJs have re-defined local content and that it might be a mistake to disregard them. It examines their contribution to the industry, which contribution is ignored and sometimes even fought because of the current definition of local content. Despite a general feeling in local content regulation that VJs are illegal and infringe on copyright and in many cases promote foreign content, this paper argues that formalized and properly regulated VJs can promote local content, if the concept is revisited. This paper is a result of 5 key informant interviews (KIIs) with key players in the television industry, and four focus group discussions (FGDs) with television viewers. Guided by Paul du Gay’s Circuit of Culture, I discuss how the meaning of local content is shaped by the VJ’s, and why a re-definition may lead to the achievement of local content quotas.

  7. Agatha Alidri (Author)

    The Criminalisation of Indigenous Social Control Systems among the Lugbara by the British Colonial Administration in Uganda

    Social control systems based on established customs, traditions, practices, beliefs, and values, handed down through generations by word of mouth and practice still exist in African societies. It aims at bringing social order through healing relations, reconciliation, repairing the social fabric, protecting the peace, and preventing the recurrence of conflict. Since the introduction of modern law under colonial rule, society continues to experience a rise in crime and social injustice; a paradox which this study attempts to explain. This article attributes crime in contemporary society to the historical developments during the colonial and post-colonial periods. Colonialism introduced a modern state and law with a dual legal system that invented crime and criminalised aspects of African customs and culture. It further codified African customs into the native customary law which had the effect of disrupting social order. This work calls for rethinking aspects of modern law as a means to resolve the paradox of increased crime to emancipate the Africans from the continued existence of the errors of colonialism in the post-colonial state.

  8. Nakalawa Lynda (Author)

    Social-Cultural and Historical Milieu Surrounding Youth Empowerment in Buganda: Lessons from Community and Lay Perspectives

    Youth account for more than 70% of Uganda’s population. Empowerment of this youthful population is at the forefront of the country’s agenda. Contemporary studies of empowerment in mainstream psychology focus on a Western and individualised conception of the self that is at odds with the African view of the self. African philosophy views the self as socially situated and developing in discourse with others that inhabit the same social-cultural and historical space. This worldview underpins the rationale for understanding the social-cultural situatedness of youth empowerment discourse as is argued in this paper. In an exploratory qualitative study, I elicited the views of 41 respondents from within three districts in Buganda region of Uganda concerning youth empowerment processes. I used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. I transcribed the interviews verbatim and thematically analysed them. The results of this study revealed that problematic assumptions, attitudes, and practices which have worked against youth empowerment in Buganda are woven into language, daily discourse, and narratives but have been normalised and accepted. Such discourses need to be problematised again and targeted for change as vigorously as other barriers to youth empowerment, such as lack of education and employable skills. This calls for psychology scholars to interrogate empowerment discourse from jua kali, the “lay citizen” using theoretical frameworks that are able to appreciate, resonate with and critically assess the dynamics of the African experience.

  9. Deborah Nakalyowa-Luggya, Evelyn Lutwama-Rukundo, Consolata Kabonesa, Margareta Espling (Author)

    Perceptions about Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Uganda

    Violence and coercion, including physical and verbal threats in intimate relationships, is a serious global problem. Although statistics reveal that women are the predominant victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), they are by no means the only affected gender. IPV research trends indicate growth in male victimisation by their female intimate partners. Yet, despite the growth, widespread disbelief of actual occurrence of female-perpetrated IPV against men still exists. The current status quo presents a contrast between what emerging research shows as a growing problem and the way ordinary societal members perceive the issue. This paper, thus, explores prevailing perceptions about violence perpetration by women against their male intimate partners in a variety of contexts. It further examines the implications of such perceptions about male victimisation on society’s general understanding and recognition of IPV against men. Narratives on perceptions around female perpetrated IPV and male victimisation are presented and illustrated with direct quotes drawn from the interview transcripts. While men share their individual experiences of victimisation, they reveal how gendered notions, histories, structural, cultural and other social factors have negatively influenced societal perceptions about male victimisation in intimate relationships. These perceptions have consequently resulted in the under-recognition of men as legitimate IPV victims; thus, the limited provision of male-specific victim support services and resources.

  10. Ssemulende Robert (Author)

    Leveraging the jua kari rather than the Ivory tower to situate the Sangoan Techno complex at Sango Bay

    The paper evaluates the concept of public archaeology practices in relation to archaeological work undertaken in Uganda, especially at Sango Bay. The article explores the forms of engagement between academia (ivory tower) and the local community (jua kali) to establish if archaeology was done for, by, and with the communities in Uganda. Three specific objectives guided the paper, namely;) to discuss the concept of community archaeology based on work done at Sango Bay;) to historicise the Ugandan community’s participation in archaeology outside Sango Bay, and) to discuss the importance of community engagement and why the ivory tower relinquished its mandate to the jua kali in archaeology. Using primary data from archaeological surveys, excavation, archival data, field notes, interviews, and modern plant sample collections; and secondary data from documentary reviews, it is clear that the non-professional archaeologists or the jua kali determined the agenda. The results suggest that the Ugandan jua kali participated in archaeological work as either individuals or as part of institutions, such as the Uganda Museum and the Uganda Geological Survey Department. Ugandans prior to the 2020 Sango Bay field work mainly constituted the lower cadres in the archaeological fields serving as interpreters, sieving, trowelling and cooking. University students, especially, from Makerere University formed the bulk of the ivory tower locally in Uganda’s archaeology fieldwork. In conclusion, the nonprofessional archaeologists or jua kali determined the agenda before the full involvement of the ivory tower staff.

Editorial

  1. Patrick Mangeni, Edward Silvestre Kaweesi (Author)

    Editorial

    The Jua Kali can speak but will the egocentric elites ever listen? We welcome you to read this special issue of the Mawazo Journal published by Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences Makerere University (CHUSS). The topic of this issue is “The Ivory Tower Meets Jua Kali: Reflections on theorising the Profound from the Ordinary”, which was the theme of the CHUSS Annual Conference of 2020. The voices of the “Jua Kali” are highlighted in the articles. According to Vincent Ogutu, the term “Jua Kali” has , two meanings: “Jua signifies ‘the sun’ but it also means ‘to know’. Kali denotes scorching and sharpness. Jua Kali therefore has the dual meaning of scorching sun or sharp knowledge” (Kinuthia, 2023).