On Saturday 23rd May 2015, H. E President Yoweri K. Museveni paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu.

Commenting on the historic courtesy call held in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu informed the Mak Public Relations Office that the Vice Chancellor and the Head of State who is also the Visitor of Makerere University had a one-on-one interaction focusing on scaling Makerere University to greater heights.

The Vice Chancellor used the same opportunity to thank H.E President Museveni for increasing funding to Makerere University.  He equally thanked the President for the ongoing negotiations between the Government and the Church of Uganda aimed at securing the land occupied by Mak College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB).

After the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, President Museveni proceeded to the Freedom Square accompanied by the Minister of State for Lands, the Chancellor, Chairperson of Council, Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), University Secretary, Academic Registrar, Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Guild President, Vice Guild President and other dignitaries.

The Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera commended H.E President Museveni for ensuring that the Government of Uganda increases salaries for Makerere University staff, supporting research and innovations through the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology among other strategic initiatives.

Addressing the congregation gathered in the Makerere University Freedom Square on Saturday 23rd May 2015, H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reiterated the commitment of Government to funding the Makerere University Perimeter Wall.

"The Vice Chancellor has told me that we need UGX.5billion to build the fence. This matter keeps coming up. I will follow up this issue of the perimeter wall with the Ministry of Education, Science Technology and Sports so that we solve the problem of the perimeter wall. We need a secure university," emphasized the Head of State and Visitor of Makerere University amidst applause from the audience.

H.E President Museveni, who is the Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), then addressed the congregation focusing on building a stronger political party base, budgeting and prioritization for sectors critical to national development as well as re-orienting the congregation on the NRM principles.

“I thank the NRM for organizing the Makerere University NRM Sub-county conference. This is a very important day for ideological fellowship. We should remember the need for unity in the NRM, patriotism-the love for Uganda, and Pan-Africanism-the love for Africa,” emphasized President Museveni, Chairman of the Party.

The Chairman of the NRM also condemned in the strongest terms sectarianism based on religion, tribe and any other form. “Sectarianism is wrong scientifically. It mixes up identity with interest. Sectarianism threatens unity critical for national development and economic integration,” said the Chairman of NRM.

Story by:  Ritah Namisango