General
Mak-NUCD HAKUNA MATATA: Choreographies and Sounds of Unity
Way back in 2010, it was time for the Norwegian University College of Dance (NUCD) to internationalize its programs and expose students to cultures unique to those in Norway. NUCD wanted to learn more about the origins of music and dance and Africa was definitely the destination. Hopes to connect with Africa were raised when NUCD met Dr. Sylvia Nannyonga-Tamusuza, who had come from Uganda to visit Norway. Sylvia introduced NUCD to the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF), igniting collaboration with Makerere University and partnership with PAF. Since then, NUCD has never left the gates of Makerere!!!
In 2011, the first group of students from Norway came to Makerere, which crystallized the North/South and South/North mutual collaboration. What started as an adventure, a small sprout began to grow; indeed, everything grows so easily in a land on the equator.
Fast forward to 2019 and the NUCD-PAF marriage has through the years moved to another level. It is time to bring the community to Makerere University. Every year, Makerere University opens its gates to performing arts groups, potential students, parents and the general audience to present snapshot of what is happening at PAF and the progress of the collaboration. On this special day, the Makerere University Freedom Square is the meeting space for music, drama and film exhibitions and dance festival. The Dance Festival is a dialogue between the community artists, PAF and NUCD students. Potential students also receive information regarding admission into the Performing Arts and Film programs.
So come this Saturday, 6th April 2019, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, “HAKUNA MATATA” “No worries”, this year's production, this hard work is told through choreographies and sounds of unity; we do not give up, we scrub and wash together when needed.
Please see Downloads for details
For more on HAKUNA MATATA or the Mak-NCD Collaboration please contact:
Dr. Sylvia A. Nannyonga-Tamusuza Professor Ann Kristin Norum
Associate Professor of Music Rector
Chair, Performing Arts and Film Norwegian University College of Dance
Mob: +256-777-495212 Mob: +256-773-780541
Mail: ethnomusic[at]gmail.com Email: ann.k.norum[at]ndh.no
General
Makerere University and Xiangtan University Advance Strategic Partnership in Chemical Engineering
Makerere University and Xiangtan University are set to update their close to 20-year academic partnership, with a new focus on launching a joint Master’s degree program in Chemical Engineering and expanding student and staff exchange initiatives.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a recent visit by a delegation from Xiangtan University to Makerere University headed by Professor Dingyu Ou, in the company of Mr. Tang Fei and Professor Gilbert Gumshabe, the Chinese and Ugandan Directors of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University respectively.
While addressing the delegation, Professor Nawangwe highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify academic offerings and contribute to national development through training in Chemical Engineering. Through this new initiative, the University will better prepare graduates for the petrochemical industry and support the country’s industrial growth.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated that the proposed collaboration aims to address Uganda’s growing need for industrial expertise, particularly as the country develops its petroleum sector. The two universities here are working toward a 1+2 training model, which will enable Makerere students to gain practical experience and access advanced laboratory facilities at Xiangtan University.
Professor Nawangwe further reiterated that “our relationship with the people of China, not just for Makerere but also for a big part of Uganda, has been opened wider by the establishment of the Confucius Institute, considering that many other collaborations like one being discussed now have come through this collaboration.”
The head of the Xiangtan delegation, Professor Dingyu Ou, expressed appreciation for the meeting, and acknowledged the history between the institutions. “As mentioned, we have a very long relationship and a very stable friendship between our two universities.”
Professor Ou extended appreciation for the support provided to the Confucius Institute at Makerere, the care shown to his colleagues, and looked forward to the successful start of the Chemical Engineering collaboration.
Assuring the delegation of Makerere’s readiness for the collaboration, Ms. Hawa Ndagire Kajumba the Lead, Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, Makerere University Advancement Office, aligned with the Vice Chancellor’s emphasis of University goal to have both theory and practice imparted to the students.
She said “the curriculum of the university and Uganda as a whole is moving towards competence-based education training to ensure students are equipped to demonstrate those skills in the actual field, particularly regarding petroleum exploration.”
Ms. Ndagire Kajumba also emphasised a shift in strategy for the partnership office, saying, “we are moving away from just signing MOUs that collect dust, and moving towards those that are more collaborative to benefit our faculty and students, just like this one.”
Professor Gilbert Kumushabe aligned his remarks with those of the Vice Chancellor and Ms. Ndagire Kajumba, and described the method used at Xiangtan University as “actually competence-based teaching.”
Based on his recent visit, Prof. Gumoshabe shared that students in China are divided into groups with dedicated teachers to perform practical, hands-on work beyond the theoretical lecturers. He expressed gladness that the same was being adopted for the Ugandan context.
Both institutions are now working to finalise the specific agreements for the joint degree and exchange programs. Beyond academic training, the collaboration will advance cultural and professional exchange.
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