The Republic of South Korea on 31st March 2016 donated an assortment of books to Makerere University in the interest of promoting the Korean language and culture in the Institution. The books were handed over to the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Ezra Suruma by the South Korean Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Park Jong Dae, during his courtesy call. The books will be freely accessible to all staff and students interested in learning Korean Language and culture.

The donated books are to be housed in the Korea Corner, which was established on 6th August 2014 in the Makerere University Main Library.  The Korea Corner was as a result of long term relationship between Makerere University and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda. H.E Park Jong Dae, hailed Makerere University for spearheading the promotion of Korean language and culture in Uganda. “I would like to thank you for this opportunity to spread Korean language and culture. We are happy that we have started to fulfill this interest here and soon we shall be able to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and prominent Universities in South Korea,” said the Ambassador.

“We want Korean culture to be shared in Uganda and of course Makerere University as the most prominent University in the country and is the best option. We would like to use this vicinity to introduce our language and culture in Uganda. We have started with the donation of books which are mostly to be used to teach the Korean language.” H.E Park Jong Dae explained.

He further shared that Uganda as the Perl of Africa has all that it takes to become the agricultural and possibly economic hub of Africa. Commenting on the friendly people and diverse cultures of Uganda, the Ambassador noted that Ugandans have what it takes to turn the challenges they have faced in the past into opportunities for the future.

The Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma appreciated the donation of books, the good relationship South Korea has with the Institution and the interest expressed to further cementing this close relationship.

“We welcome you Your Excellency and appreciate your interest in Makerere University as well as advancing the relationship between Uganda and South Korea. I believe that there exists a close mutually beneficial relationship between Uganda and South Korea. There is no doubt that we can greatly benefit from South Korea’s development, especially as we consider exchange of human and other resources” Prof. Ezra Suruma said.

The Chancellor appreciated the warm hospitality accorded to delegations from Makerere University whenever they visit the South Korean Embassy in Uganda and looked forward to receiving the Ambassador whenever he visited Makerere.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ernest Okello-Ogwang thanked the South Korean Government for the donation of books and the great collaboration with Makerere University. He encouraged scholars from Korea to come and join Makerere University for courses at various levels of qualification “Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, the Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) holds a Master of Agricultural Economics from the Seoul National University,” he said. He noted that such exchanges would further promote interrelations between Ugandan and South Korean people.

In her remarks, the Acting University Librarian Dr. Hellen Byamugisha, expressed her appreciation to the Ambassador for facilitating continued cordial relations between Makerere University and South Korea. “As the Makerere University Library, we are blessed to collaborate with South Korea. I have seen a number of people including Library staff taking keen interest in learning the Korean Language and today’s book donation shall give more people access to these learning resources,” she said.

Article by Charles Iga, Intern, Public Relations Office