On 5th March 2018, the Rector of University of Bologna Prof. Francesco Bernini paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.  Accompanied by the Vice Rector for International Relations Professor Alessandra Scagliarini, the Rector praised Makerere University for its commendable work in research that has provided a platform for international recognition.

During an extensive meeting that was attended by the International Relations Officer Ms. Martha Muwanguzi and Makerere University Public Relations Team, the Rector together with his Vice Professor Alessandra Scagliarini and the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe discussed the possible ways the two Universities can strengthen their relationship to develop research in the field of engineering, medicine and veterinary.
 
“We have been following the Makerere University’s work through contacts and publications and I would like to say we are impressed with your extensive research in the areas of engineering, medicine and veterinary. I am therefore very sure that strengthening our collaborations will provide a lee for the two universities to share knowledge, information and ideas,” he said.

He commended Makerere University for utilizing the Erasmus Plus opportunities to build capacity among staff and students as well as securing funds to develop the institution academically through investing in research and writing.  He looked forward to a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Bologna and Makerere University that will see more developments between the two universities.

The Vice Rector for International Relations University of Bologna Professor Alessandra Scagliarini acknowledged Makerere University move to globalise its system and join other universities around the world to find solutions to both local and international problems. She applauded the Government of Uganda for its instrumental programs that have created a conducive environment for refugees.  

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University welcomed the Rector and his Vice to Makerere University, the incubator of Africa’s research. He appreciated the University’s move to strengthen the long term  relationship between Makerere University and the Government of Italy when he said, “the Italian Government was so instrumental when we were developing our then engineering faculty, it supported us through capacity building, renovated our laboratories and sent professors  to train our staff and students. We have made several collaborations with different universities and institutions from Italy in the areas of science, humanities and research. We are therefore looking forward to a strong relationship that will place the engineering plus veterinary medicine programs to a new level.”

 
Established in 1088, the University of Bologna is the oldest university in the western world, founded by students for students, when masters of grammar, rhetoric and logic began to devote themselves to law. Its earliest recorded scholar was a man named Irnerius, who catalogued Roman legal materials. Other early students included 12th century Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Other notable alumni include the poet Dante and former Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi.

Between the 12th and 13th centuries, a woman named Bettisia Gozzadini reputedly taught at the University, attracting crowds that were so big and her lessons had to be held in the city’s public squares. Today, with a community of more than 85,000 students, the University is among the largest in Italy, offering 200 degree programmes and two-year specialised courses across 33 departments and 11 schools.  It is a multi-campus institution with sites across northern Italy in Cesena, Forli, Ravenna and Rimini, as well as Bologna. It has an overseas campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which offers interdisciplinary programmes.

Article by: Nabatte Proscovia , Mak Public Relations Office

Photos by : Elias Tuhereze ,  Mak Public Relations Office