MUKONO — The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Professor Aaron Mushengyezi, on Wednesday delivered his inaugural professorial lecture, marking his formal entry into the rank of full professor and another milestone in his academic career.
The lecture, held at the university’s main campus in Mukono, came after Mushengyezi’s promotion from Associate Professor to Professor. His lecture was titled “The Historiography of Orature and Media Culture for Young People in Uganda,” focusing on the evolution of oral traditions, media and communication among young people in the digital age.
According to the university, an inaugural professorial lecture is a formal public address delivered by a newly appointed or promoted full professor. It serves as an important academic tradition that celebrates a scholar’s career, showcases their body of research and provides an opportunity to present future research priorities to colleagues, students and the wider public.
During the lecture, Mushengyezi argued that Uganda’s rich oral traditions remain relevant in the digital era and should be integrated into modern communication, education and knowledge preservation.
He said communication among young people is increasingly shaped by hybrid, technology-mediated forms and called for greater appreciation of indigenous knowledge systems in research and education.
The university described the occasion as a landmark achievement for its Vice Chancellor and a celebration of academic excellence.
“Here’s to the newest Professor (Full) in town,” UCU said in a statement announcing the lecture, adding that the event marked an opportunity to celebrate Mushengyezi’s scholarly achievements and contribution to academia.
Mushengyezi, a scholar of literature, media and communication, became Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University in 2020 after previously serving as Dean of the School of Languages, Literature and Communication at Makerere University. His academic work has focused extensively on orature, indigenous communication systems, children’s literature and African media studies.
An inaugural professorial lecture is regarded in many universities around the world as one of the highest academic milestones, signifying a scholar’s elevation to the rank of professor while providing a platform to reflect on past research contributions and set the agenda for future scholarship.
