Philipp Schwartz Scholar Conducts Research at Friedensau

Friedensau Adventist University is hosting Dr. Mohamed Bakhit, a scholar and recipient of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative for Endangered Scientists scholarship. Dr. Bakhit, an Associate Professor at the University of Khartoum, Sudan, will conduct research on the experiences of Sudanese refugees in Kampala, Uganda.

Dr. Bakhit, specializing in Social Anthropology with a focus on migration and refugees, is undertaking a post-doctoral study titled “Refugees in Kampala: Citizenship Challenges and Refugee System.” His research aims to investigate the lives of Sudanese refugees displaced by the conflict that began in April 2023, forcing many to seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and Uganda.

The study will examine how Sudanese refugees in Uganda are rebuilding their lives. Dr. Bakhit will focus on the different categories of refugees, particularly the distinctions between low-class and middle-class refugees, each facing unique challenges and needs. His findings are expected to provide insights for local and international NGOs and other development actors working with these refugees.

The Philipp Schwartz Initiative, under the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, is funding Dr. Bakhit’s research. This support includes his stay in Friedensau with his family, his fieldwork in Uganda, and the publication of his research findings. Additionally, the foundation's post-doctoral network offers significant professional benefits to Dr. Bakhit.
During his research scholarship in Friedensau, Dr. Bakhit will receive support similar to that provided to teaching staff, particularly from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Professor Ulrike Schultz, who is his mentor at the university. He appreciates the research environment at the university and the safety it provides for his family. Over the next two years, Dr. Bakhit will also teach several courses in the Master's program Development Studies, contributing his expertise to discussions on migration and displacement.

Friedensau Adventist University, through its commitment to the Philipp Schwartz Initiative, supports endangered scholars and their families, providing a secure environment for their continued academic work and research. This initiative underscores the university's dedication to academic freedom and the protection of at-risk scholars.
For a detailed discussion on Dr. Mohamed Bakhit’s work and experiences, read the complete interview on our blog.