Makerere University has clarified that Yusuf Serunkuma, a prominent Ugandan public intellectual and columnist, is not currently affiliated with the institution.
In a statement released on social media, the university said, “The author has continuously signed off as ‘a political theorist based at Makerere University.’ We would like to clarify that, currently, Mr Serunkuma’s only association with Makerere University is as an alumnus. He is currently not enrolled or based at Makerere University or the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) in any capacity.”
Serunkuma, also known as Yusuf Kajura Serunkuma, is widely recognised for his critical writings on Ugandan politics, governance, neocolonialism, and economic issues. He is a regular columnist for The Observer newspaper and has contributed to outlets including The Elephant, ROAPE, and AllAfrica.
An alumnus of Makerere University, Serunkuma studied for an MPhil in Social Studies/Cultural Studies and was involved in the interdisciplinary PhD program at MISR, though he did not complete the program. He has also held postdoctoral positions at KU Leuven in Belgium and Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg in Germany.
Beyond academia, Serunkuma is a playwright and author. His works include The Snake Farmers (2014) and Surrounded: Democracy, Free Markets and Other Entrapments of New Colonialism (2025). He frequently comments on issues such as electoral violence, opposition politics, and the impact of neoliberal policies on Ugandans.
Makerere University emphasised that Serunkuma’s publications and media commentary should not be interpreted as representing the university.
