Kabale University, in collaboration with Lund University, Sweden, is pleased to announce the RESPECT (Responsible Critical Thinking) programme on human rights research for marginalized groups in East Africa. This initiative, funded by the Swedish Institute, supports postgraduate research on human rights, with a particular focus on marginalized communities such as the Batwa in Kigezi.
Programme Overview
The RESPECT programme aligns with UN SDG 16.7 on inclusive and participatory governance. It offers postgraduate students from the Faculties of Education, Social Sciences, Economics & Management, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, and Law the opportunity to enhance their research skills through a series of capacity-building workshops.
Workshops include:
- Interdisciplinary approach to human rights of marginalized groups
- Responsible critical thinking to solve complex challenges
- Participatory action research
- Implementation, evaluation, and social impact
Between workshops, participating students will receive mentorship from distinguished researchers at Lund University and Kabale University.
Programme Schedule
- Cohort 1: February and March 2025 (dates to be communicated to selected participants)
- Cohort 2: November 2025 and February 2026 (to be announced later)
Benefits for Participants
- Full sponsorship, including meals and drinks during the workshops
- Financial support for fieldwork for 12 postgraduate students researching human rights among marginalized communities. In case of competition, transport funding will be randomly raffled to ensure equal opportunities
- A certificate upon successful completion of all four workshops
Student Application
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be first-year Master’s or PhD students at Kabale University within the eligible faculties
- Demonstrate a strong research interest in human rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups
Selection priority will be given to candidates who meet the outlined criteria, with applications considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Process
Submit an Expression of Interest by 5:00 PM (EAT), 14th February 2025 to:
- Project Administrator: Boaz Nabimanya (bnabimanya@kab.ac.ug)
- CC: Assoc. Prof. Mesharch Katusiimeh (mkatusiimeh@kab.ac.ug) & Prof. Eva Brodin (eva.brodin@ahu.lu.se)
Required Documents:
- Proof of enrollment as a Master’s or PhD student at Kabale University
- Statement of Purpose explaining your motivation and research interest in human rights
- Partial transcript (First Semester 2024/2025 results, if available; can be submitted later before final selection)
Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Gender equality and diversity are key priorities of the programme.
For inquiries, contact:
- Prof. Mesharch Katusiimeh (mkatusiimeh@kab.ac.ug)
- Prof. Eva Brodin (eva.brodin@ahu.lu.se)