Makerere University has once again reaped big at The Pearl of Africa Lifetime Achievement Award (PALITA AWARD) 2013 organised by the Public Opinions Inc. The over nine recipients from Makerere University were rewarded in honour and appreciation of their contribution towards Socio-Economic transformation of Uganda and attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Uganda.

The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi who was the Chief Guest noted that it was important to honour and pay tribute to individuals who have worked tirelessly to the attainment of social transformation in Uganda. He urged both private and government agencies to work hand in hand for the attainment of MDGs  such as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; improving maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; promoting gender equality and empowering women; achieving debt sustainability; reducing child mortality rates; ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development by 2015.

“I therefore welcome the Public Opinions Inc. initiative to honour individuals who have contributed to the achievement of MDGs. MDGs have time bound targets but also embody basic human rights,” said Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi. Although he acknowledged that we still face challenges in curbing HIV/AIDS prevalence, improving maternal health and reducing child mortality rates, he reiterated Government’s commitment to turning Uganda into a modern country

“I appeal to the investors to include the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in their respective activities,” said The Prime Minister. “I call upon the Private Sector and Civil Society to support government programmes for sustainable development,” he concluded.

Present at the awards were the Chairman, Public Opinions Inc., H.E. Dr. Boney Katatumba and Gen. Pecos Kutesa the Consulting Patron, Public Opinions Inc. who emphasized the need to recognize people who excel while they are still alive.

The recipients from Makerere University included:

Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, who was voted the most respected woman scholar of the year 2013.

Prof. David Justin Bakibinga, Professor of Commercial Law, School of Law.

Dr. John Baptist Kirabira, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)

Dr. Samuel Baker Kucel, Senior Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)

Dr. Tumwine Fredrick Ruguma, Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Geography, Geo-informatics & Climatic Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

Dr. Helen Byamugisha, Associate Professor and Deputy University Librarian

Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, Executive Director, Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR).

Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi, The University Secretary

Dr. Mubazi John Kigongo, Senior Lecturer, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)

Mr. Patrick Mutimba, Director Investments

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Irene Mulyagonja took home the Overall Prize for the year 2013. In her remarks, she commended Public Opinions Inc. for recognizing her contribution and those of others while they were still alive.  “These awards avail us an opportunity to present the next generation with role models whom they can look up to for inspiration.” she said.

Other recipients of the awards included; The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, The Minister for Energy and Minerals Hon. Irene Muloni, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, Minister for General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Charles Mbire who was voted the most respected and inspiring businessman of the year 2013, among others.

The 2013 awards were held on 18^th October 2013 at the Imperial Royale Hotel, and details may be obtained from the Public Opinions Inc. publication “THE 2013 – 2014 UGANDA WHO IS WHO BOOK OF RECORDS – The Key Contributors towards Social-Economic Transformation of Uganda and attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in Uganda, Second Edition”

Article by Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office