Dr. Claire Nalukenge
Dr. Claire Nalukenge is a distinguished Ugandan scholar and Structural Textile Designer with a background in art history and cultural research. She recently completed her PhD in Art History at Rhodes University, South Africa, under the NRF/DST SARChI Chair for Geopolitics and the Arts of Africa, focusing on the theme of "The Spiritual Space of Mubende Hill in Uganda: Rethinking ‘Awaka W’ensi Aw’omweyimirize, Maama Nakayima’ as a Symbol of Ritual and Spiritual Performance". Her doctoral research unpacks the intersections of spirituality, geography, and cultural identity, reinterpreting the significance of Mubende Hill as a site of ritual practice and spiritual engagement.
Dr. Claire’s academic journey began at Makerere University, Uganda, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Fine Arts (BIFA), followed by a Master of Arts in Fine Art (MAFA). During her master’s program, she explored the role of cultural symbols in artistic expression, with a specific focus on Buganda culture. Her thesis, titled “Art and the Ngeye Totem: Constructing the Ngeye Clan Identity beyond Home Space,” highlighted the use of the Ngeye totem and the responsibilities of clan members toward the Kabaka (King) to construct identity narratives through fiber art.
In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Claire is a hands-on enthusiast in the field of
Structural Textile Design, blending traditional Ugandan techniques with contemporary art forms as exhibited in her MAFA. Her ongoing research includes exploring the subversive potential of indigenous textiles in contemporary art, as evidenced by her upcoming publication on barkcloth’s use in the book Audacious Art Histories: Situating the Contemporary Arts of Africa, scheduled for release by Jacana Media in 2026. Besides, her monograph titled Decolonizing Indigenous African Art History and Heritage: Unveiling Ritual Objects Power as Spiritual Resilience is due publication by Berghahn Books in December 2025
Beyond academia, Dr. Claire has actively participated in various workshops, exhibitions, and community engagements. Notably, she was a co-organizer for exhibitions such as the Art and the Brain exhibition auction for Assoc. Prof. Amanda Tumusiime’s Paintings (2022), curated the Skoolies Mini Museum of African Art at Ndere Cultural Centre (2025), Greenware Pottery Conservation: Body, Form and Surface Making in Progress exhibition by Ronald Mpindi (2024) and My Heritage Art Exhibition by Leonard Kateete (2024), installed and uninstalled various art exhibitions, facilitated numerous art tours for primary and secondary schools across Uganda at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts. As a researcher and artist, Dr. Claire Nalukenge continues to contribute to the discourse on African art and cultural identity. Her work not only preserves traditional artistic practices but also challenges contemporary narratives by
reimagining the role of art in socio-political and spiritual contexts.