General
Xiangtan University hails Makerere University for promoting multilingualism
The President of Xiangtan University Prof. Huang Yunqing has appreciated Makerere University for teaching and promoting Chinese language in Uganda.
President Prof. Yunqing made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang on Tuesday 15th December 2015 in the Office of the Vice Chancellor from 10:30am to 11:20am. The Courtesy Call preceded the celebrations of the one year Anniversary of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University scheduled to take place on the same day in the Main Hall.
Accompanied by Eight (8) delegates from China, Prof. Huang thanked Makerere University for being a spring board for Chinese language and culture in Uganda.
“The support you have rendered to the Confucius Institute at Makerere University has enabled us to promote and teach Chinese language and culture, as well as developing and strengthening the China-Uganda political, social, cultural and business relationship in Uganda,” said Prof. Huang Yunqing.
Since its inauguration on Friday 19th December 2015, the Confucius Institute at Makerere University has opened up various branches in Uganda to offer courses to the general public interested in learning Chinese. The Institute is also well known for promoting cultural and business ties between the people of Uganda and China.
On behalf of Makerere University, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang equally thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China and Xiangtan University, for supporting the Confucius Institute at Makerere University.
“Many of our students and staff have greatly benefited from learning Chinese language at the Institute. They have attained knowledge and information on Chinese culture, won scholarships to study in China and some of them have been employed in Chinese companies in Uganda,” he said.
Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) added that Makerere University would work hand in hand with the Xiangtan University and the Chinese Embassy in Uganda to ensure that the Confucius Institute achieves its objectives of spreading Chinese culture, promoting the Chinese language as well as the Uganda-China friendship.
In the same spirit, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the Government and People of China for the reception and support always accorded to Ugandans who pursue studies in China.
The Ugandan Director-Confucius Institute at Makerere University Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire highlighted that Makerere University has benefited from the long term collaboration with a number of Chinese Universities, engaged and interacted with several experts to promote the learning of international languages.
In memory of the continued collaboration, the delegates from China and Makerere University officials exchanged souvenirs and gifts.
Other officials who attended the Courtesy Call include: Prof. Hong Yonghong, Chinese Director-Confucius Institute at Makerere University; Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire, Ugandan Director- Confucius Institute at Makerere University; Mr. Rodney RugyemaAdministrator-Confucius Institute at Makerere University, Mrs. Mary Tizikara, Director-Human Resources Makerere University; Mr. Goddy Muhumuza-Senior Legal Officer; and Ms Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer.
After the Courtesy Call, Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire and Prof. Hong Yonghong led the Xiangtan University delegates, to tour the premises of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University. The Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Edward K. Kirumira together with his family then hosted the Xiangtan University delegates and the team from the Confucius Institute to a sumptuous luncheon at his official residence.
Written by: Charles Iga and Proscovia Nabatte, Interns-Mak Public Relations Office.
Edited by: Ritah Namisango,Senior Public Relations Officer, Makerere University
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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