Makerere University has promoted veteran media scholar William Tayeebwa to the rank of Associate Professor, marking a significant milestone in his long academic career in journalism and communication.
The promotion was announced by the university’s Department of Journalism and Communication, which congratulated the scholar for what it described as “a deserved milestone in your academic career.”
A Veteran of Journalism Education
Assoc. Prof. Tayeebwa is a senior lecturer and media scholar who has spent more than two decades teaching and researching at Makerere University. He joined the university as a lecturer in 2000, shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Mass Communication from the same institution.
Over the years, he has taught both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas such as media theory, development communication, environmental journalism, investigative reporting, research methods, and media ethics.
He also previously served as Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication, a position he held for about six years, helping shape the direction of one of the oldest journalism training programs in East Africa.
Academic Journey
Tayeebwa’s academic journey spans several international institutions. He holds:
PhD in Communication from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada
MPhil in Media Studies from University of Oslo in Norway
Bachelor of Mass Communication from Makerere University
His doctoral research focused on the role of radio and journalism in promoting reconciliation during conflicts, particularly during Uganda’s war with the Lord’s Resistance Army.
Research and Global Collaborations
Throughout his career, Tayeebwa has built a reputation as a researcher in peace journalism and media accountability. His work explores the intersection between media, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, environment, and development communication.
He has participated in several international research collaborations and fellowships, including projects supported by the European Commission and global academic networks studying media coverage of migration and conflict.
Tayeebwa has also contributed to global publications such as “The Global Handbook of Media Accountability” and the book “Journalism in Conflict and Post-Conflict Conditions.”
Career in Journalism
Before entering full-time academia, Tayeebwa worked as a journalist for several media houses including Daily Monitor and New Vision, where he covered regional conflicts and major national stories.
His experience in professional journalism later influenced his academic work, where he advocates for conflict-sensitive reporting and peace-oriented journalism practices.
Leadership in Academic Publishing
Beyond teaching and research, Tayeebwa has also been active in scholarly publishing. He serves as Chief Managing Editor of Makerere University Press, where he has supported the publication of academic research and books produced by the university.
He has also been involved in efforts to revive and strengthen Makerere’s academic journals to improve the global visibility of African scholarship.
A Career Dedicated to Journalism Education
Colleagues describe Tayeebwa as a passionate educator who is committed to preparing the next generation of journalists.
“I love teaching because of the interactions with dynamic students whom you see transforming into amazing professionals,” he once said when reflecting on his career in academia.
His promotion to Associate Professor now places him among the senior academic ranks at Makerere University and reflects his years of research, teaching, publishing, and leadership in journalism education.
