On 4th July, 2014, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Sentamu signed three Memoranda of Understanding on behalf of the Makerere University with representatives from three universities from The Peoples Republic of China. The ceremony held in the Vice Chancellor’s Office witnessed Shenyang Aerospace University (SAU), Liaoning University and Liaoning Shihua University sign MoUs entering them into a partnership with Makerere University.

The first of its kind in history of Makerere, this grand partnership is aimed at strengthening the cooperation in Education, Science, Engineering and Technology transfer between the Makerere on one hand and the three Chinese Universities on the other hand.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu expressed his gratitude to the three Chinese Universities for further strengthening the longstanding relations between Makerere and China.

“Makerere University has been collaborating with China in different academic aspects for a while now and I am happy to note that this tri-university collaboration today signals a new chapter in our relationship and clearly illustrates the good terms Makerere and China operate on,” Prof. Ddumba remarked.

The Dean-College of International Education, SAU Mr. Chen Yongqing, noted that since his institution is deeply engaged in computing they will greatly engage with the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS).

“We are strong in aviation, but we also need computer scientists to enable us improve in this industry,” said Mr. Yongqing.

Taking note of Liaoning’s status as a master university in economics and among the top-ten in China, the Dean-Institute of International Education, Liaoning University, Prof. Xing Yuanyuan said, “I really admit that the two parties are going to benefit equally in the field of economics after strengthening this relationship.” she remarked.

Prof. Shi Liju, Dean-Institute of International Education, Liaoning Shihua University further pointed out training in technological advancement as one of the great opportunities set to come out of the MoU signed between Makerere and Liaoning Shihua University.

“Liaoning Shihua University is proficient in practical technologies which involve the petrol, electrical, computer technology. I believe that since Makerere University is also offering some of these courses, this collaboration will help us share knowledge and research on technology.” she said.

According to the Memoranda of Understanding the parties will collaborate in awarding joint Bachelors and Masters Degrees, Student and Staff exchanges, joint research and publications and scholarships for Masters Students in the respective universities.

Immediate benefits of the MoUs signed include the first Masters scholarship from Shenyang Aerospace University set to be offered to one Student from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) to undertake studies at SAU starting September this year.

In explaining the nature of the partnership, the Senior Legal Officer, Makerere University Mr. Goddy Muhumuza noted that the parties had entered into partnership out of mutual desire in a bid to promote further cooperation and understanding between Uganda and The Peoples Republic of China and enhance the intellectual and experiential resources of the institutions. He added that the MoUs shall be governed by the international law, the common law and equity.

By Prossy Nabatte, Public Relations Office