In recognition of his distinguished contribution to serving humanity, transformation of Turkey and nation states across the globe, peace keeping and state building programmes at national and international levels and his partnership in the development of Uganda, Makerere University will on Wednesday 1st June 2016 award the Honorary Doctorate of Laws (Honoris Causa) to His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey.

H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the 12th President of the Republic of Turkey and the first to be elected by popular vote. H.E. Erdogan has previously served as the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mayor of Metropolitan Istanbul and is the founder of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party).  

The decision to award H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan an honorary Doctor of Laws of Makerere University follows his successful nomination by the Department of Religion and Peace Studies, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) to the Honorary Awards Committee and subsequent consideration by the University Senate.

Makerere University has greatly benefited from H.E. Erdogan’s pro-development leadership style. Through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) the Makerere University’s Peace and Conflict Studies Centre (PCSC) received ICT equipment worth UGX 100M to enhance the smooth running of the Peace and Conflict Studies program. Negotiations between Makerere and TIKA are still ongoing for further support towards the construction of a state-of-the-art home for the PCSC which will include lecture theatres, office space for staff, conference facilities, visiting lecturers' research facilities, an e-Learning centre and baby care facilities.

At a National level H.E. Erdogan’s government annually offers a minimum of 60 scholarships under various disciplines to eligible Ugandans, to study in Turkey. Additionally, the Turkish Government has contributed towards the renovation and oftentimes expansion of schools. Furthermore, His Excellency is spearheading poverty eradication in Uganda by encouraging Turkish investment in agriculture value addition and infrastructure development. Annually, 30 journalists are taken to Turkey for training in Media for Peace and sustainable development, not to mention capacity building of the Ugandan armed forces through training and provision of equipment.  

On the African continent, H.E. Erdogan took a bold step by establishing an Embassy in Somalia and has significantly contributed to democratic state building efforts, as well as humanitarian interventions in the face of drought and famine. The President has also championed efforts to make education systems in Africa more relevant and rewarding to the recipients so as to promote meaningful development. To help achieve this, an Academic and Scientific Cooperation protocol was signed between the Turkish Government and 40 Vice Chancellors from African countries, including Makerere University’s Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu.

Furthermore, on the world scene, under H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Turkey has been ranked the number one (1) country in terms Overseas Development Aid and is ranked number two (2) in terms of Development Assistance especially to the Balkans, Central Asia & Caucasus, and African countries. H.E. Erdogan has also championed the wellbeing of the multitude of migrants that have either found themselves in Turkey or have been returned to Turkey from mainly European countries. Turkey currently hosts more than three million refugees.