General
It’s a Brand New Ford Ranger Christmas for Msgr. Kanyike
On Sunday 20th December 2015, the Makerere University St. Augustine Catholic Community presented to Monsignor (Msgr.) Dr. Lawrence Kanyike a beautiful Christmas Gift-a Brand New Ford Ranger. The sleek off-roader worth UGX.180 million was handed over to Msgr. Dr. Kanyike by the Chaplain, Rev. Josephat Ddungu together with the Chairperson of the St. Augustine Catholic Community Prof. Edward K. Kirumira at the climax of mass led by Rev. Fr. Michael Kamulegeya.
Msgr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyike served Makerere University for 30 years as the Chaplain of St. Augustine Chapel. Msgr. Kanyike has been cruising a manual transmission Toyota Corolla car which he bought 33 years ago.The splendid Christmas gift was a fulfilment of the promise made to Msgr. Dr. Kanyike by the Makerere University St. Augustine Catholic Community at his 
remarkable farewell ceremony. According to Prof. Edward Kirumira on 23rd February 2014, the Makerere University Catholic Community promised to buy a new car for their beloved Msgr. Dr. Kanyike for the selfless service and tremendous developments accomplished during his tenure at Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel.
“From February 2014, the Chaplaincy embarked on a fundraising campaign to raise the money for the Ford Ranger double cabin. I would like to mention that the fundraising campaign was a success and today we witness our fruitful efforts, as we hand over the special gift to our one and only Msgr. Kanyike,” he remarked with a beaming smile.
The Chaplain Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu sent waves of excitement through the congregation when he said: "Today, I must tell you that I am a very happy man. You know why, KIGGWA LEERO! On 23rd February 2014, we promised Msgr. Kanyike that we would give him a car. On that day, we presented the desired car to him on an art piece. Today, Sunday 20th December 2015, we are presenting Msgr. Kanyike with the keys to the car that is now parked at the Entrance leading to this Chapel."
Addressing the congregation that he loves dearly, Msgr. Dr. Kanyike thanked the Makerere University Community for the wonderful Christmas gift.
"I promise you that I will drive the Ford Ranger. I do appreciate your generosity. This is a very beautiful gift. It is the biggest Christmas Gift ever given to me. Thank you for loving me. The vehicle will be very useful in the execution of my pastoral work," assured the obviously jovial and humbled Msgr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyike.
Msgr. Dr. Kanyike used the same opportunity to reiterate the special message he shared with the Makerere University community at his farewell ceremony held 23rd February 2014 when he said, “All I ask of you is to always remember that I loved you. Every time I stand here, it comes to my head eventually, I feel like this is my community. I am pleased to say, I am glad to be here. Thank you very much for loving me. I wish you the very best of time. Merry Christmas.”
The Chairperson of Makerere University St. Augustine Catholic Community, Prof. Edward K. Kirumira, an instrumental figure in the fundraising drive thanked the Makerere University community and well wishers for generously contributing to the initiative.
“Every coin counted. Every coin counts. May God continue to bless you for the generous contributions that have made it possible for us to present a befitting Christmas gift to Msgr. Kanyike,” he said.
“We are also very grateful to members who are still making contributions towards its maintenance. In the first mass, one of our community members pledged to provide a monthly fuel allowance of UGX 300,000. In the same spirit Eng. Max Kigobe has given us UGX 200,000 to service the car at the appropriate time,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with Makerere University Public Relations Office team, Eng. Max Kigobe from the College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology (CEDAT) and a member of the St. Augustine Community said that Msgr. Kanyike will always be remembered for his noble contributions and selflessness that endeared so many to him and to St. Augustine chapel.
“He has been so close to us. He has inspired us spiritually, socially and academically and I can personally testify of the love of Msgr. Kanyike. He has been acting as my father academic wise and he always interceded in my social life. He uplifted my spiritual belief and made me realise the importance of prayer,” stated Eng. Kigobe.
Msgr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyike was appointed in May 1984 by His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga as Chaplain of the Catholic Community at Makerere University. Since 1984, Msgr. Kanyike diligently served the Makerere University community and is credited for soliciting resources for the expansion of St. Augustine Chapel, construction of a Chaplain's house as well as initiating a number of activities that attracted students to participate in the affairs of the Church and the community at large. After 30 years of service at Makerere University, Msgr. Kanyike was transferred to Kyengera Parish.
Sunday 20th December 2015 will forever be a memorable day on the St. Augustine Catholic Community Calendar. Apart from the highlight Ford Ranger handover ceremony, the day comprised a 
series of activities including; the Sickle Cell Fundraising Music Concert 2015, organised by St. Augustine Catholic Community, St. Augustine Choir and Ivuga Band.
In the evening hours, the Chaplaincy of the Makerere University St. Augustine Catholic Community treated over 300 Members and well wishers to a sumptuous dinner. The hosts, Prof. Edward K. Kirumira and his wife, Dr. Rose Kirumira thanked the Chaplaincy for not only funding the evening of socialisation but also choosing their residence as the venue. The merrymaking then went on in earnest thanks to the great selection of music; the happy hours climaxing with the serving of the tasty specially-baked St. Augustine Community Christmas cake.
Article by: Ritah Namisango and Proscovia Nabatte, Mak Public Relations Office
Photos by: Charles Iga, Mak Public Relations Office
General
Prof. Nawangwe urges Makerere University community to support the Mastercard Foundation E-learning Initiative
By Bernard Buteera
Makerere University has launched a two million dollar E-learning Project, dubbed The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program E-learning initiative.
The launch was held on Tuesday 20th September 2022 at Makerere University, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. It attracted over 200 participants, who included members of University Management, College Principals, School Deans, Academic and Administrative staff, students and the general university community.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), congratulated Makerere University for winning such a huge grant, which will go a long way in transforming the eLearning infrastructure at Makerere University.
“I am happy to be joining you in launching a project that is at the heart of National Council for Higher Education. Online learning is at the heart of the Council, not only because of the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also the world is now a digital world.” Prof. Okwakol remarked.
Prof. Okwakol thanked Mastercard Foundation and other development partners who have continued to support initiatives that help transform higher institutions of learning in Uganda.
“I sincerely thank the Mastercard Foundation and other partners who have continued to support higher education in Uganda, especially in the area of research and online learning. Globally, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, greatly disrupted education systems forcing learners and some schools to shift to virtual learning to curb the spread of the pandemic.” Prof. Okwakol pointed out.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe urged the university community, especially the academic staff to take advantage of the Mastercard Foundation E-learning initiative to develop e-content across all Colleges of the University, to enhance capacity for eLearning at Makerere University.
”I appeal to the Colleges to embrace this project and have as many courses adopt this pedagogy development system, even though students will continue with face-to face and phyisical learning, they should be allowed the option of online learning. The platforms that are going to be built, will give our students an opportunity to interact with international students, scholars, teachers and with each other.” Prof. Nawangwe applealed.
The Vice Chancellor, further called upon all other development partners to emulate Mastercard Foundation in supporting Makerere University and other universities on the entire African continent in strengthening digital literacy, so that Africa is not left behind.
”In 2018 I attended a conference on E-learning in Beijing China, where a critical question was asked; Will Africa be left behind again? This was in reference to many advancements that were taking place in the western world, in which Africa had been left behind.” The Vice Chancellor reminded the audience.
Prof. Nawangwe further emphaised the importance of e-learning as one of the critical modes of teaching and learning in the 21st first century.
”Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot over emphasise the importance we attach to e-learning the 21st Century, that is why we took a decision to elevate the Department of Open and Distance Learning into an Institute of Open and Distance E-learning with an intention of having e-learning extended to other Colleges of the university.” Prof. Nawangwe pointed out.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, and Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the E-learning Initiative, Prof. Umar Kakumba, rallied the University community to support the implementation of the project in the University.
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program E-learning initiative could not have come in at a better time than post COVID19 era. A pandemic, which exposed our systems and methods of teaching and learning. You all recall, when were hit by the pandemic, with lockdowns and closures of institutions of learning, we all went into a panicky mode on how were going to cope with online learning. I therefore call upon every member of the university to give this project the support it deserves.
Prof. Kakumba reminded the audience the importance and relevancy of online learning at Makerere University and other universities in Uganda.
“The online method of learning is best suited for everyone. This digital revolution has led to remarkable changes in how the content is accessed, consumed, discussed, and shared. Office goers and stay home mothers can take up online educational courses too, at the time that suits them. Depending on their availability and comfort, many people choose to learn at weekends or evenings.” Prof. Kakumba remarked.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Coordinator of the Mastercard Foundation E-learning Initiative, informed the audience the importance of the project and the expected outcomes for the University.
“The Mastercard Foundation e- Learning Initiative is a Project funded by Mastercard Foundation aimed at addressing the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic that constrained access and continuity of teaching, learning, research and community engagement activities at Makerere University” Prof. Muyinda pointed out.
Prof. Muyinda further thanked the team that he worked with in putting up the proposal in a very short time that yielded such an important grant for the University.
“I thank the team that spent sleepless nights putting together the proposal that resulted into this project. I must report that Makerere University is privileged to be having the most highly qualified persons in online instruction design and online pedagogy at the IODeL and beyond. It is now up to Makerere University in particular and the Country in general to make use of these persons to transform the terrain of online, blended distance and e-learning education.” Prof. Muyinda remarked.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Coordinator for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, informed the audience, that the E-learning initiative was one of the many partnerships between Mastercard Foundation and Makerere University geared at supporting the young people to succeed on the African continent.
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program continues to recognize that in order to enable young people across Africa to succeed, there is need to; Address systemic barriers in Higher education, Strengthen the capacity of Institutions that serve the Young People, and Support innovative solutions across critical sectors.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
The colourful launch ended with a panel discussion in which panelists digested the importance and opportunities for open distance and eLearning in higher institutions of learning.
Bernard Buteera is the Communications Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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