Makerere University together with the Government of China and Xiangtan University launched the Confucius Institute at a colorful ceremony, held on 19th December 2014 in the University's Main Hall.   The launch was as result of long term partnership between Makerere University and Xiangtan University to train and teach Chinese language and culture in Uganda.

The first of its kind to be established in the country, the Confucius Institute is a non–profit public institution, born out of the genuine cooperation between Makerere University and Xiangtan University since 2010. The institute hosted by Makerere University with support from the Government of the Peoples Republic of China will offer courses in Chinese to Makerere university students, staff and members of the general public interested in learning Chinese for all purposes. The Confucius Institute will also be a centre for promoting cultural and business ties between the people of Uganda and China.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, appreciated the Government of China for choosing Makerere University to host the first Confucius institute in Uganda.

“The establishment of Confucius Institute at Makerere University is indeed an important milestone in the history of cooperation between Uganda and China. I therefore thank the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Uganda and Xiangtan University for the financial and material support rendered towards the establishment of the institute”

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu also advised Ugandans to utilize this chance to learn Chinese so as to broaden their cooperation with Chinese nationals as it is one of the fastest ways to bring development and modernization to Uganda‘s economy.

“As you may be aware, China is currently one of the fastest growing economies in the world and its influence in global affairs cannot be underestimated. Therefore, as the interaction between Chinese and Ugandan businesses continues to grow, communication becomes more important. I believe that, with our collective efforts, the Confucius Institute will surely act as a window for Ugandans, especially the youth, to understand and study Chinese culture,” he said.

In his speech read by the State Minister in the Office of the Vice President, Hon. Vincent Nyanzi, The Vice President of Uganda His Excellency Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi noted that language is a key component to culture which is a core determinant of a people’s identity. The Vice President said that understanding Chinese language will acquaint Ugandans with Chinese norms and values that have influenced China’s fast growing economy.

“Ugandans need to study Chinese to be able to associate with such a vibrant economy in politics, commerce, culture and general trade. Uganda established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1962 and has since enjoyed excellent relations in bilateral trade, cultural exchange, technology and scientific transfers, modernization of our security forces agricultural and industrial modernization” read the Vice President’s speech.

In his remarks, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, hailed the strengthened cooperation between the China and Uganda in various sectors including education and business. He said through technology, the world has become more connected and Ugandans can no longer afford to live in isolation, especially from countries like China that have influenced events on the global stage.

“The rest of the world cannot afford to do without China. The Confucius Institute therefore offers an opportunity to Ugandans to learn more about China. I hope that it will not only focus on teaching the language but also the work quality and ethical values of the Chinese people,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in Uganda, H.E. Zhao Yali, said the Institute would further enhance cooperation between Uganda and China, “With the growing relations between our two countries, more and more Ugandans are visiting and studying in China, and many Chinese choose Uganda as their travel and investment destination.”

“The demand for learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture among Ugandans has increased in the recent years. The Confucius Institute at Makerere University will provide a great platform for Ugandans to better understand Chinese language and culture” the Ambassador added

During the ceremony, Mr. Chu Maoming, Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Uganda, read a letter from Madame Xu Lin, Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing congratulating Ugandans upon their “landmark achievement”.

After a sumptuous dinner, guests were treated to different activities including; martial arts displays, Traditional Chinese dressing, and entertainment from the Confucius students.

Article by Nabatte Prossy, Intern-Public Relations Office