Performing Identities in Urban Spaces; Kampala, Uganda - Royal ...

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the Royal Geographical Society, without whom this research
would not have been possible; the staff and students of the School of Women and
Gender Studies at Makerere, and Mr Ronald Kalyango and Dr.Consolata Kabonesa in
particular; Evelyn Dodds, Grace Carswell and Mike Collyer at the University of Sussex
for all of their help over the last two years. Most importantly we want to thank the
participants of this study for their enthusiastic participation in this research project, for
giving their time so willingly and welcoming us so kindly.
The purpose of our fieldwork
This fieldwork was designed to uncover the ways in which identities are (re)produced
and constructed within and through urban spaces and institutions. This was a group
research project intended to inform three separate final-year undergraduate theses at
the University of Sussex. It was conducted in association with the School of Women and
Gender Studies at Makerere University, Kampala.
The Research Team
Rachel Fairfield – Rachel’s particular interest was in the experience of female students
at Makerere University, the intersection of the different strands of gender, faith and age
identites that were narrated and performed.
Hannah Clarke – Hannah was interested in the (re)construction of gendered identities
and stereotypes within school spaces, and the various power relations that help to
(re)enforce gender inequalities.
Lauren Turner – As a student of Development Studies, Lauren focussed primarily on the
role of Christian identity and church culture in a developing context.
Ronald Kalyango – As a lecturer at the School of Women and Gender Studies at the
University of Makerere, Ronald Kalyango, acted as a gatekeeper. He enabled us to make
contact with initial participants and formally introduced us to other institutions (see
appendix 1). As a team member, he was vital in ensuring our safety in country and
remained our first point of call regarding health and safety issues.
1