New UNESCO Chair established at Gulu University, Uganda, in  collaboration with the University of Groningen

In July 2026, a new UNESCO chair on 'Trauma, Therapy, Psychological Support and Social Work' has been established at Gulu University in Northern Uganda. Education to transform lives and contribute to building peace, eradicating poverty and driving sustainable development is at the heart of UNESCO's mission. To achieve this mission, UNESCO makes use of 'chairs' linked to universities. In 2016, such a UNESCO chair has been established at Gulu University, Uganda, with professor Jacques Zeelen, at the time working at the University of Groningen, as chair holder on ‘Lifelong Learning, Youth and Work’. Since 2020, this chair has been renewed twice till the end of 2028 with the chair holder Dr. Josje van der Linden (Department of Pedagogy, RuG) and co-chair holder Dr. Robert Jjuuko (Gulu University).

Northern Uganda is emerging from violent conflicts disrupting education, leading to child maltreatment, self-harm, drug abuse, domestic violence, and cumulative trauma, particularly among the youth, women, and children. Consequently, complementary to the activities of the chair on ‘Lifelong Learning, Youth and Work’, there is an urgent need for mental health services to improve the well-being of survivors. In line with UNESCO’s Education 2030 Agenda, the goal of the new UNESCO chair is to develop capacity for sustainable delivery of mental health services to war survivors. The chair is supported by the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences of the University of Groningen and several universities in Uganda. Chairholder will be Professor Kennedy Amone-P’Olak, who obtained his PhD at the University of Groningen in 2007 and is currently Professor of Clinical Psychology at Kyambogo University in Kampala, Uganda. Initial activity will be establishing an international network comprising scholars and professionals in Uganda, the Netherlands and other countries.

More information:

Prof Dr Kennedy Amone kpamone@gmail.com

Prof Dr Jacques Zeelen j.j.m.zeelen@rug.nl