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
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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