Speaking during a public discussion on the future of humanities education, Makerere University School of Liberal and Performing Arts Dean Dr. Pamela Khanakwa and Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya argued that humanities are as important today as ever, particularly in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, globalization and rapid technological change.
Dr. Khanakwa said humanities programmes continue to face significant challenges, including lower government funding, fewer scholarship opportunities and limited access to research grants compared to science-based disciplines.
“We know that humanities teachers are not paid like science teachers. We also know that students pursuing science courses are more likely to receive government scholarships, while only a handful of humanities students benefit from such support,” she said.
She noted that the challenges are not unique to Uganda, describing them as part of a broader global trend in which humanities disciplines are increasingly being questioned over their relevance and economic value.
According to Dr. Khanakwa, negative perceptions about arts and humanities have discouraged some students from pursuing the disciplines and influenced policy decisions regarding funding and investment.
She also rejected claims that unemployment is primarily a humanities problem, arguing that graduates across different fields are struggling to secure jobs.
“The shrinking job market is affecting all disciplines. Even doctors are on the streets looking for jobs,” she said.
While acknowledging concerns about employability among humanities graduates, Dr. Khanakwa said universities must do more to help students identify diverse career pathways beyond traditional professions such as law, journalism and social work.
She urged academics to strengthen public engagement and demonstrate the practical relevance of humanities scholarship to contemporary social challenges.
“We need to find ways of making humanities education more relevant without abandoning its core purpose,” she said.
Prof. Katunguka echoed those sentiments, arguing that technological advancement has increased rather than diminished the importance of humanities education.
“We are living in a world characterized by unprecedented technological advancement, artificial intelligence, globalization, climate change and rapidly evolving labour markets,” he said.
“While science and technology continue to drive innovation, the humanities help us understand what it means to be human in a changing world.”
The Kyambogo University vice chancellor described humanities as a source of critical thinking, communication skills, ethical leadership and cultural understanding, qualities he said are increasingly important as societies grapple with the opportunities and risks created by new technologies.
“The question before us is no longer whether humanities are relevant. It is how societies can thrive without the critical insights, values and perspectives that the humanities provide,” he said.
Prof. Katunguka cautioned against viewing science and humanities as competing fields, saying both are necessary for sustainable national development.
He said discussions on higher education funding, including those involving President Yoweri Museveni, have often focused on the balance between investment in science and humanities programmes, but maintained that the two disciplines should complement rather than compete with each other.
According to the vice chancellor, scientific and technical expertise alone is insufficient for leadership and professional success.
Drawing on his 12 years leading Kyambogo University, Prof. Katunguka said skills such as communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence and time management have been critical in navigating complex institutional challenges.
He recalled an incident involving a staff member who confronted him over a funding dispute, saying the experience underscored the importance of emotional intelligence and self-control in leadership.
“There are many things that challenge your humanity as a leader, but you must demonstrate that you can manage them,” he said.
The remarks come amid continuing debate over government priorities in higher education, where science and technology programmes have traditionally received greater financial support than arts and humanities courses.