Kabale University Marks Successful Completion of the RESPECT Project on Human Rights and Social Justice

Kabale University has celebrated the successful completion of the RESPECT Project (Responsible Critical Thinking for Human Rights of Marginalized Groups), a transformative initiative implemented in partnership with Lund University and funded by the Swedish Institute.

The colorful End of Project celebration brought together distinguished guests, university leadership, faculty members, students, and representatives from marginalized communities, particularly members of the Batwa community whose inclusion formed a central focus of the project.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, commended Kabale University for positioning itself as a leading institution in promoting inclusive education, critical thinking, and community-centered scholarship. She emphasized that human rights education must move beyond theoretical discussions and become embedded within institutional culture, academic research, and community engagement initiatives.

Prof. Kwesiga applauded the RESPECT Project for strengthening postgraduate teaching and mentorship, supporting both PhD and Master’s students, and promoting responsible critical thinking in addressing the rights and challenges faced by marginalized communities.

The event also attracted strong political and community support. The Woman Member of Parliament-elect for Rubanda District, Hon. Everyne Kikafunda, praised Kabale University for its commitment to social justice and pledged continued collaboration between academia and policymakers to promote inclusive development within the Kigezi sub-region.

Similarly, Abel Bizimana, the LC5 Chairperson of Kisoro District, highlighted the importance of partnerships that engage local governments and vulnerable communities. He noted that the historical marginalization of the Batwa community requires sustained attention from both academic institutions and policymakers.

Speaking during the event, Prof. Eva Brodin, the Project Leader from Lund University, reflected on the two-year journey of collaboration between Swedish and Ugandan scholars. She noted that the RESPECT Project had significantly strengthened research capacity and created meaningful dialogue on human rights education across academic disciplines.

Prof. Brodin also commended Kabale University for its openness to international collaboration and its commitment to building partnerships that generate both academic advancement and community impact.

A key highlight of the evening was the awarding of certificates to academic staff and graduate students who successfully completed specialized training under the project.

Graduate supervisors who undertook the course on Human Rights of the Marginalized were recognized for enhancing their supervision skills through a human rights-based approach.

Graduate students who completed the programme were equally celebrated for their dedication to research addressing issues of inequality, exclusion, and justice.

The recognition marked an important step toward institutionalizing human rights scholarship and strengthening postgraduate research capacity at Kabale University.

In his remarks, Prof. Mesharch Walto Katusiimeh, the Local Project Coordinator at Kabale University, emphasized that while the formal project cycle had concluded, its vision and impact would continue to shape the university’s academic future.

He outlined several sustainability strategies aimed at deepening the impact of the initiative. These include the development of a Master’s Programme in Human Rights, Culture, and Social Justice, as well as the establishment of a Centre for Batwa and Other Marginalized Peoples.

The proposed centre will serve as a hub for research, policy engagement, advocacy, and documentation focusing on marginalized communities.

Prof. Katusiimeh emphasized that the long-term goal is to integrate human rights perspectives across curricula, research agendas, and community engagement programmes, aligning with Uganda Vision 2040, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Representatives from the Batwa community expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the project not merely as subjects of research, but as partners in dialogue and knowledge creation. Their participation underscored the importance of community-centered research approaches in addressing social inequality and historical marginalization.

As the celebrations concluded with certificate awards and reflections from participants, the event reaffirmed Kabale University’s commitment to advancing human rights, inclusive scholarship, and transformative education.

What began as a collaborative initiative between Kabale University and Lund University has now evolved into a lasting institutional commitment to dignity, justice, and inclusive academic transformation.

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