The Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma has commended the tremendous efforts of the U.S government in developing the academic and social-economic sector of Uganda through the Fulbright scholarship program. This was during the celebration of the 70^th Anniversary of the Fulbright program organized by the U.S Mission in Uganda together with the Uganda-US Exchange Alumni Association and hosted by Makerere University under a theme; 70 years of partnership and achievements.

Speaking to the overjoyed congregation on 21st October 2016, Prof. Suruma congratulated the “Fulbrighters” upon a successful 70^th Anniversary full of partnerships and achievements. He acknowledged the program’s tireless efforts in promotion of international goodwill through cultural exchange, mutual understanding and academic development among countries.  Prof. Suruma also highlighted the program’s impact in Uganda where it has nurtured exceptional talented men and women who have socially, economically, politically and culturally impacted the society.

 “So many prominent and outstanding Ugandans have passed through Fulbright program; the late Prof. Ssenteza Kajubi who contributed immensely in the formulation of Uganda’s curriculum; Prof. Lutalo Bbosa has influenced and continue to influence higher education in Uganda; Dr. Martin Aliker is a renowned Ugandan dental Surgeon, Business man and a successful Entrepreneur; Prof. Joy Kwesiga is the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University  and Hon. Olara Otunu has served Uganda at home and abroad and is a well renown political leader here in Uganda,” he said.

Citing the need for Ugandan universities to partner in research and scholarships, Prof. Suruma said that Fulbright remains a great partner and ally in Uganda’s push for academic advancement and excellence.

Started in 1946 by America’s distinguished Senator James William Fulbright, the Fulbright program was initiated with a purpose of transforming the world by bridging the barriers especially in academia across the global north and south. The programme is sponsored by the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Educational Cultural Affairs and its primary source of funding is the annual appropriation by the U.S. Congress to the Department of States.

According to the U.S Ambassador to Uganda Her Excellency Deborah R. Malac, more than 370,000 “Fullbrighters” have participated in the program since its inception. Her Excellency Deborah R. Malac said that the program operates in over 160 countries worldwide. Today, approximately 8000 grants are awarded annually. Out of these awards, 399 have been awarded to Ugandans.

 “The program has witnessed several success stories with 33 current or former Heads of states or government, 54 Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzers prize winners, 29 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, 16 Presidential Medal Freedom recipients, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and nonprofit sectors,” she acknowledged.

In Uganda, the Fulbright program has contributed tremendously to the development of the education system. Through its various scholarship opportunities, it has strengthened Ugandan’s university lecturers’ competence by sponsoring their  higher degree of training, provided research grants to scholars, encouraged academic exchange programs, provided professional enrichment studies, offered fully funded fellowships,  promotes linkages between U.S. scholars, professionals and their counterparts  at host institutions overseas.

The Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu mentioned to the congregation that Makerere University for years has been a key beneficiary of various opportunities provided by the Fulbright program.  According to Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu the program has been very supportive to the realization of the University’s strategic goals.

“We have benefited in the areas of staff development, joint research, scholarships for students as well as staff and students exchange. Indeed Fulbright programmes have contributed to the fulfillment of our core functions of teaching and learning, research and innovation as well as knowledge transfer partnerships and networking,” he said.

“Makerere University is therefore appreciative of this continued support. This is an achievement to be proud of because in academia, it is important to foster research collaborations, which translate into that Senator  James William Fulbright referred to as, in quotes, “…. A little more knowledge, a little more reason and a little more compassion into world affairs.” Indeed education without knowledge, reason, and compassion is meaningless,” he added.

Giving a living testimony, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor Ernest Okello Ogwang assured the delegates that Fulbright program is a distinct program among others, committed not only to the generation of knowledge that has facilitated the development of many nations, but it has also distinguished itself by its special attention to individuals.

“Fulbright sponsored my PhD at Indiana University. I would like to say, this is a family where different people from all walks of life are connected. It is a network of outstanding professionals with exceptional abilities mentored and sponsored to attain skills that are later passed on to their communities. I really wish that more and more scholars access the opportunities the program offers through its initiatives,” he said.

Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Principal of College of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Edward Kirumira  urged the young scholars to apply for related opportunities with  various Fulbright programmes. “The world we exist in today is about building global partnerships and establishing linkages in order to ensure continuing progress of humanity. I therefore encourage you to be part of the Fulbright network by applying for the available opportunities,” he said.

The function climaxed with a tour at the art exhibition organized by Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

Article by: Makerere University Public Relations Office