Dr Catherine Namakula, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law – who is passionate about the human rights of Africans and people of African descent, as well as reparations for Africa – believes in promoting these human rights on a global, regional, and domestic scale.

Dr Namakula is a member of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent. She also holds the position of Professor of Human Rights and Criminal Justice at the Global Humanistic University, Curacao. Additionally, she is a published scholar in public law and has served in various positions with expert bodies and organisations.

“I am independently mandated by the Human Rights Council to advise its member states on the human rights situation, Africans, and people of African descent. In executing that mandate, I was placed in a working group with four other members appointed from other regions of the United Nations,” says Dr Namakula.

Anchoring Africa’s reparations agenda

She has made notable scholarly contributions related to the inclusivity of people in criminal justice processes, promoting the parity of esteem for African languages, and ensuring effective interpretative performance. She is also a legal adviser and community leader among immigrant entities and associations in South Africa.

Notably, Dr Namakula played a significant role as the chairperson of the working group in the previous year, and now she is tasked with mapping out and anchoring Africa’s reparations agenda. “I am thankful that my department has supported the establishment of the Africa Reparations Hub. Part of the work is now being carried out here in South Africa, and we have built a robust team.”

She is not only focused on her own work, but also actively encourages others to take an interest in reparations work and the promotion of human rights for Africans and people of African descent. Dr Namakula says there is so much to be done, and the number of individuals actively engaged in this important work is limited.

Passion for the well-being of her people

According to her, the work is built on her background of a lifetime of capacity building, continued interest, and passion for the wellbeing of her people. She is operating in her space, which comes with a sense of fulfilment and renewed energy.

In line with Vision 130, Dr Namakula says the UFS Africa Reparations Hub is establishing the UFS as an academic leader in the movement.

“Our work is increasing the global visibility and impact of our institution. We are offering more from the formidable resource base of the institution, as much as bringing more at home.”

“I am grateful to the university for its international focus, which has positioned the institution and its staff to expound the horizon of their work and impact. This alone benefits all stakeholders,” she concludes.