KAMPALA, Uganda – The Makerere University Department of Philosophy in the School of Liberal and Performing Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), in collaboration with the School of Law, UNESCO, and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), has organized a high-level, two-day conference to commemorate World Philosophy Day under the theme “30 Years of the 1995 Constitution: Gains, Pitfalls, and Prospects.”
The conference, which kicked off on 19 November at Makerere University Main Hall, was officially opened by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, who addressed more than 800 participants. The attendees gathered to reflect on the status of the Constitution and how it has influenced the country’s political and socio-economic development agenda.
The conference features paper presentations, screenings of the Constituent Assembly debates, panel discussions with the drafters of the 1995 Constitution, philosophers, legal scholars, creative performances, and pictorial exhibitions highlighting the constitution-making process, as well as plenary debates, among other sessions.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, represented by the Principal of CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Hellen Nambalirwa Nkabala, welcomed the delegates to the conference and urged them to make positive and impactful contributions to the theme. She emphasized that such contributions enrich the national debate on the Constitution, which marks 30 years since its promulgation in 1995.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University, which is striving to become a research-led institution, is committed to providing a platform for national dialogue on topical issues such as the Constitution, which he described as the country’s supreme law.
About World Philosophy Day
World Philosophy Day is held annually on the third Thursday of November to promote philosophical reflection worldwide. It provides an opportunity for people to share ideas, explore new perspectives, and inspire public dialogue on pressing societal challenges.
An initiative of UNESCO, World Philosophy Day brings together individuals and institutions across the globe through activities such as philosophical dialogues, debates, lectures, international conferences, exhibitions, book fairs, and philosophy cafés.
