Apply Online

Berinde Godfrey Asiimwe

Berinde Godfrey Asiimwe

Professor

Units

Contact Details

Asiimwe Berinde Godfrey is a Professor of History, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in Fort-Portal, Uganda. He taught at Makerere University from 1986 until June 2023 when he relocated to MMU.

Asiimwe has won domestic and International awards & Fellowships. He was a pioneer East African Visiting Research Fellow (SOAS), University of London (1995) working with Prof. David Anderson & Prof. Michael Twaddle; A Research Fellow, Centre of African Studies, University of Cambridge & Fellow, Wolfson College (2004), benefiting from advice of Prof. Derek Peterson and Prof. Shane Doyle; Guest Research Fellow, Nordiska Afrikainstitutet – (NAI), (2005); Senior Research Fellow, Nile Basin Programme, University of Bergen, Norway (2009), working with Dr. Tore Walderhaug Sætersdal & Prof. Tvedt Terje; A Fulbright African Senior Research Scholar at Mt. Holyoke College, Massachusetts (2010-2011), working with Prof. Holly Hanses; Senior Research Fellow, Durham University (2018), working with Prof. Justin Willis, and Erasmus Visiting Professor, University of Torino, Italy Jan – April 2016; Feb-March, 2018, May 2019, working with Prof. Cecilia Penacini.

At Makerere, Asiimwe was Head of Departments of History, Organisational Studies & Development Studies from 2003 to 2018, and University Senate member. He rejuvenated Mawazo, the Journal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and was Uganda’s Liaison Officer for the Organisation of Social Science Research in East & Southern Africa (OSSREA). He networked internationally and brought collaborations, projects like, inter alia, “Waster is Life” with Irish Universities co-ordinated by Dr. Suzanne Linnane & DANIDA’s “Certizens” headed by Prof Amanda Hammer with graduate scholarships. He external examined in various international and domestic Universities, and supervised international and local graduate students including 19 Masters and 13 PhD students to completion. Asiimwe has won local and international consultancies, for instance, with Uganda Constituent Assembly, European Union, NGOs, CSO, UNECA, NEPAD & AU, OXFAM & DGF and has been appointed on the Horn Policy Reference Group/HPRG, a pool of experts for deliberating on pressing regional issues for actionable policy outputs.

Asiimwe’s scholarship and consultancies cover areas of History, economic reforms, Democracy and Governance, Political Accountability, Budgeting and Corruption, Youth and Employment, Civil Society, Citizenship, Resource Contestations, Civil Society Advocacy, Rights and Gender relations, Community Development, Governance & Democracy, Corruption, Citizenship, Gender Relations, Resource Contestations, Civil Society and Community Advocacy as they related to Development. He was an Advisory Board member of the Journal of East African Studies, Journal of British Institute in Eastern Africa and on the Advisory Board of The International Spectator, an Italian Journal of International Issues and a member of the African Studies Association, USA.

BA/Education (Hons), History and Education Major (Minor Religious Studies); Makerere University – Kampala.

MA (History), Makerere University – Kampala

  • Dissertation: Asiimwe B. Godfrey (1991) “Capital State and Peasantries in Uganda: The Case of Igara and Bunyaruguru Counties in Bushenyi District”, MA Dissertation, History Department, Makerere University, Kampala (Unpublished). Supervisors Prof. PG Okoth and G. Mishambi

PhD (Development Studies, Agriculture & Rural Development Specialisation): International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University. Funded by Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP).

  • Thesis: Asiimwe Godfrey, (2002). The impact of post-colonial policy shifts in coffee marketing at local level in Uganda: A Case Study of Mukono District, 1962-1998, Maastricht: Shaker Publishing B.V.;
  • Promoters: Prof. Martin Doornbos (ISS-Erasmus University), Dr. Bridget O’Laughlin (ISS-Erasmus University), Mr. Abraham van Eldijk (Wageningen Agricultural University).

 

  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2026), “Pre-colonial organisations”, in Mette Kjær Anne, Moses Khisa and Xichavo Alecia Ndlovu, (Eds), Elgar Encyclopedia of African Politics, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, pp. 365- 372, www. e –elgar. com.
 
  • Odd-Helge Fjeldstad and Asiimwe B. Godfrey, (2025), “A brief history of taxation in Uganda: From pre-colonial times to the present”, Working Paper Number 5, Chr. Michelsen Institute, Bergen, Norway.
 
  • Anne Mette Kjær and Godfrey Asiimwe, 2025, “Multiplicity of taxes, marketization of services: Ugandan citizens’ experiences with and perceptions of tax and service payments”, CMI Michelsen Institute Working Paper Number 7, December.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2022), “Decolonising Identity and Citizenship: Revisiting the Historicity of the Indian Question in Uganda”, in Bruce-Lockhart Katherine, Johnathon L. Earle, Nakanyike B. Musisi and Edgar C. Taylor (Eds), Decolonising State and Society in Uganda: The Politics of Knowledge and Public Life, Woodbridge: James Currey.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2022), (Mis)management of Sub-Nationalism and Diversity in “Nations”: The case of Buganda in Uganda, 1897 – 1980, Kampala: Makerere University Press.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2022), “Historicising Humanities and Forging their Future at Makerere University”, in Josephine Ahikire, L. Mugumya, Edgar F. Nabutanyi and Peter Atekyereza (Eds), Historicising Humanities at Makerere, Kampala: Fountain Publishers.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey, (2022) “Interrogating Unemployment Amid Growth: Tracking Youth Unemployment in Neo-Liberal Uganda, 1990–2019”, Journal of Asian and African Studies, https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096221076113
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey, (2018) “The Impact of Neoliberal Reforms on Uganda’s Socio-Economic Landscape” Wiegratz Jörg, Giuliano Martiniello and Elisa Greco (Eds), Uganda: The Dynamics of Neoliberal Transformation, London: Zed.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey, Tabitha Mulyampiti & Ayikoru Joyce (2018). “Uganda’s Post-Independence Development Paradoxes through International Aid Architecture, 1962–2010”, in R. T. Akinyele (Ed), History and Diplomacy: Essays in Honour of Ade Adefuye, Glassboro: Goldline and Jacobs Publishing, pp. 348-372.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey & Kamukama Dixon (2017). “Community Security Initiatives in low-income areas of Kampala”, African Review, 44(1):138-160.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2016). “Progress and Constraints of Civil Society Anti-Corruption Initiatives in Uganda, 2008-2015” in Brenda Davis (Ed) Corruption: Political, Economic and Social Issues, New York: Nova Science Publishers.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2016). “Progress and Constraints of Civil Society Anti-Corruption Initiatives in Uganda, 2008-2015”, International Journal of Ethics, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p19-46.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2015). “Migrations and Identity of Indian-Pakistani Minorities in Uganda” in Adam Michael (Ed) Indian Africa: Minorities of Pakistani Origin in Eastern Africa, Dar-es-Salaam: Mkuka na Nyota Publishers Ltd., pp. 317-350.
   
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2015). “Progress and Challenges of Liberal Democracy in Uganda”, in Said Adejumobi (Ed), National Democratic Reforms in Africa: Changes and Challenges, Palgrave MacMillan.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2015). “Of Fundamental Change and No Change: Pitfalls of Constitutionalism and Political Transformation in Uganda, 1995-2005”, Africa Development, Vol. XXXIX(2):21 – 46
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2013). “Of extensive and elusive corruption in Uganda: Neo-patronage, power and narrow interests,” African Studies Review, 56 (2):129-144.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2013). “From monopoly marketing to Coffee Magendo: Responses to policy recklessness and extraction in Uganda, 1971-1979” Journal of East African Studies, Journal of the British Institute in Eastern Africa, 7(1): 104-124.
 
  • Asiimwe G, J. Macha, J. Obuoyo & P. Ipulet (2012). “Sustainable Utilisation of Wetland Resources for Enhancement of Women’s Incomes: The Case of Production and Marketing of Crafts in the Lake Victoria Basin” Mawazo, Journal of the Collage of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, 11(1) January.
 
  • Asiimwe Godfrey & Nahamya K. Wilfred, (2011). Challenges of Co-operative Institutions in the Post-colonial Transformation of Uganda, Mawazo Journal of the Collage of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, 10(2):58-72.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey, (2011). ‘Inside the Coffee Smuggling Arena: The Amin Regime versus ‘Others’ in Uganda, 1973-1979’, Mawazo Journal of the Collage of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, 10(3)164-182), (ISBN 997-05-005-2).
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey (2010). “Migrations et identité des Minorités d’origine indo-pakistanaise en Ouganda”, in Michael Adam (éd.) L’Afrique Indienne: Les Minorité d’origine Indo-pakistanaise en Afrique Orientale, Paris: Karthala, pp. 327-360.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey, (2010). “Household Gender and Resource Relations: Women in the Marketing Arena of Income Generating Crops in Uganda” Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review, OSSREA, XXVI (2):1-29
 
  • Asiimwe G, (2010). “The Performance and Dynamics of the Liberalised Coffee Marketing System at Grassroots in Uganda, 1990-2005” Mawazo, Journal of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Makerere University, 9(1)116 – 134.
 
  • Asiimwe B. Godfrey, (2009). “Of Policy Guiding Theories versus Realities in Produce Marketing: The Case for Concrete Research for Development Policy Regimes in Uganda”, in Karuti Kanyinga and E. Adera, Rethinking Development Research and Policy: Trends in the East African Region, Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, pp. 68-93, (ISBN: 978-9966-786-08-2)
 
  • Kiiza J., G. Asiimwe, D. L. Kibikyo, (2006). “Understanding the Economic and Institutional Reforms in Uganda,’’ in J. Mensah (Ed.), Understanding Economic Reforms in Africa: A Tale of Seven Nations, Ottawa: Palgrave MacMillan, pp. 57-94.
 
  • Asiimwe Godfrey (2006). “Uganda: From Regression to Success and Globalisation Challenges” News, The Nordic Africa Institute, No. 1, January, pp. 18-20; (ISSN 1403-8366).
 
  • Asiimwe Godfrey, (2002). The impact of post-colonial policy shifts in coffee marketing at local level in Uganda: A Case Study of Mukono District, 1962-1998, Maastricht: Shaker Publishing B.V., Maartenslaan 26, 6221 AX Maastricht, (ISBN 90-423-0198-8).
Winner, Sixth Social Science Research Competition on Structural Adjustment, Oganisation of Social Science Research in East Africa (OSSREA). April 1993 – April 1994.

Winner, (with Dr. Nahamya Wilfred), Fifth National Policy Research Competition, Network of Ugandan Researchers and Research Users (NURRU), 2003 – 2004.

Winner & Lead Researcher, Uganda: The Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS), Nairobi, 2016

“Suatainable Utilisation of Lake Victoria Basin Resources for Enhancement of Women’s incomes through the Craft Industry”, VICRES, Inter-University Council of East Africa, (2007 – 2009), (Asiimwe Godfrey (PI Makerere University); Joyce Macha (Sokoine University Co-PI); Joyce Obuoyo Atieno (Maseno, Co-PI); Ipulet Perpetua (Makerere University, Co-PI)

“Water is Life”, collaboration between Dept of Devt Studies, Makerere, Irish /Aid: Universities (2018) Project Co-ordinator, Dr. Suzanne Linnane

“Creating an Inter-University Research and Innovation Community for Early Career Researchers in Uganda”, Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (RIF), 2020.

“Certification of Citizenship in Africa”, Denmark Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Collaboration Copenhagen University and Development Studies, CHUSS Makerere University, 2020 to 2024; Prof Amanda Hammar Project Co-ordinator.

“Public Services, Security and the Legacy of Pre-colonial States in Uganda”, Research project funded by the Research Council of Norway, 2020 – 2022 (Professor Odd-Halge PI; Asiimwe Godfrey (Resercher).

 

Masters Students

Tibayungwa Gabriel, MA, (Human Right, Mak), Thesis Title: “Challenges of Protecting Rights of Pedestrians in Urban Areas: A Case Study of Kampala City”, Graduated, 2004

 Alidri Agatha, MA, (History, Mak), Thesis Title: “The Causes and Persistence of Illicit Trade in Post-Colonial Uganda: A Case Study of Arua District, 1962-2000”, Graduated, 2006

Nansikombi Proscovia (Sr.), MA, (History, Mak), Thesis Title: “The Role of the Catholic Church in Post-Colonial Conflict Resolution in Uganda”, Graduated, 2006

Najjemba Harriet, MA, (History, Mak), Thesis Title: “The Impact of Colonial Agricultural Policies on Food Production: A Case Study of Peasant Producers in Bulemezi, 1900-1939”, Graduated, 2006

Kambale Ezron Muhumuza Albere, MA, (History, Mak), Thesis Title: “Trends Towards Monarchism: A Case Study of the Bakonzo of Western Uganda”, Graduated, 2007

Twine Said, MA, (History, Mak), Thesis Title: “The Banyarwanda Citizenship in Ntungamo-Uganda”, Graduated 2008

Naku Mubarak, MA, (History Mak), Thesis Title: “The Impact of Informal Sector on the Socio-Economic Development of Uganda”, Graduated, 2012.

Susan Justine Nabwire (Sr.), MA, (History, Mak), Thesis Title: The Contribution of Women Missionaries to Education in Uganda: The Case of Fransiscan Sisters 1902-1964”, Graduated, 2012.

Mukose George, MA, (History, Mak), “History of Teacher Education in Uganda: A Case Study of Primary School Teachers in Kamuli District 1945-2005”, Graduated, 2012

Otika Patrick Akubu (Reg. No. 2010/HD03/1591U), MA (Peace and Conflict Studies, Mak), Thesis Title: ‘The Challenges of Urban Community Policing in Uganda: A Study of Mbarara Municipality.’, Graduated, January 2015

Nashiba Nakabira (Reg no: 2018/HD03/602U), MA (Peace & Conflict Studies, Mak), Thesis Title: “Youth Refugees Participation in Socio-economic development: A case of Bidi-bidi Refugee Settlement in Yumbe District, Northern Uganda as of March, 2020″, Graduated 2022

Ahmed Abdi Yusuf (Reg Number: 2020/HD03/23713X), MA (Peace and Conflict Studies, Mak), Thesis Title: “Somalia Women Role in Peace Building in Mogadishu-Somalia in 1991-2021: A Case Study of Somali Women in Uganda”, Graduated, 2023

Muluba Moses, MA History, (Mak), Thesis Title: “Unfolding Diverse Citizen Responses to Birth Registration in Iganda District, Uganda 1904-2021”, Graduated, 2024

Baguma Brian 2022/U/MMU/MPAM/017, (MMU), Topic: “The Effectiveness of the Fisheries Policy on Immature Fish Trading in Western Uganda’s Fish Trading Corridor, 2015-2023”, Graduated

Kamu Jim Gilbson 2022/U/MMU/MPAM/006 (MMU), Topic: “The Effect of Fiscal Decentralisation on Utilisation of Central Government Transfers in Uganda: A Case of Bundibugyo District Local Government”, Graduated.

Karugaba Deogratias reg. 2022/U/MMU/MPAM/002, (MMU), Topic: “Utilisation of Appraisal Outcomes to Enhance Job Performance: A Case Study of selected Public Health Workers in Fort-Portal Tourism City”, Graduated.

Otafiire Ariho Amon, 2023/U/MMU/MPAM/01029 (MMU), Topic: “Fiscal Decentralisation and Local Government Performance in Uganda: a Case Study of Kabarole District Local Government” Graduated

Tumwesigye Emmanuel 2023/U/MMU/MPAM/00131 (MMU), Topic: “Community Participation in Reintegration of Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Ex-Combatants in Bundibugyo District: Policy and Administrative Perspectives”, Defended

Doctoral Students

Kamuruko Tapiwa (Co-Supervisor, Dr. Nasanga G.), PhD, (Mass Communication, Mak), Thesis Title: “The Impact of ICT in Developing Countries: An Exploratory Study on ICT uses and Appropriation in Uganda and Zimbabwe”, Graduated, 2012.

Mbabazi Peace Mwesigye, PhD (Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology), Thesis Title: “Intra-Household Gender Relations in Accessing Agricultural Extension Services for improved Livelihoods: The case of NAADS beneficiary Sub-Counties in Kabale District”, Graduated, 2018

Owineeza Mimi Harriet, PhD (Peace & Conflict Studies, Mak), Thesis Title: “The Persistent Rwanda Refugee Phenomenon in Great Lakes Region of East Africa: Peace and Security implications for Uganda”, Graduated, 2021

Ssekito Zaid, PhD (History, Mak), Thesis Title: “A Historical Perspective of the Dynamics of Terrorism in Uganda, 1976-2015”, Graduated 2021

Nakabo Robinah Seruga (2017/HD03/19110U), PhD, (Development Studies, Mak), Thesis Title: “Followership in Uganda’s Political Development: Women’s Agency and Empowerment”, Graduated 2022

Kamya Bazilio, PhD (Development Studies, Mak), Thesis Title: “Public Service Delivery in Uganda: An Interrogation of Pre-Colonial and Post-Colonial Eras”, Graduated 2023

 Kasumba Yusuf, PhD (History, Mak), Topic: “The Rise of Religious Extremism in Uganda and Implications to National Security,1980-2010; The Case of the Salaf Sect”, Graduated 2024

Jumanne Kassim Ngohengo (2019/HD03/30525X), PhD, Development Studies, Mak), Thesis: “Land Tenure Systems in Tanzania: A Comparative Study between Patrilineal and Matrilineal Communities, 1800 to 1970”, Graduated, 2024

Katusiime Elisabeth (2019/HD03/2588), PhD History (Mak), Thesis: “The Military in Uganda’s Political Space 1962-2021”, Graduated, 2024

Cheromoi Clare, PhD (History, Mak), Thesis Title: “Corruption in the Post-Independent Uganda: A Historical Perspective”, Graduated, 2026.

 Buhamizo Martin (2020/HD03/23877U), PhD, (Development Studies, Mak), Topic: “Bureaucracies of National Digitisation and Citizen Certification in Uganda”, Graduated, 2026.

Abasabyona Milcah (2020/HD03/23879U), PhD, (Development Studies, Mak),  Topic: “Intimacies of identification and lived citizenship in Uganda”, Graduated, 2026.

KassawAlene Kassaw 2019/HD03/31027X   Stud Number – (1900731027), PhD Religion and Peace Studies (Mak), Topic: “Conflict in Wolkait, Ethiopia: Actors’ Motivation: Interests and Strategies”, Graduated 2026.