General
Mak – Hunan Province, China to partner in research and academic development
![[L-R] Mr. Jiang Changzhong, the Director General, Hunan Provincial Department of Education, Prof. William Bazeyo - Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Makerere University, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda- Deputy University Secretary at a meeting held in Council Room on 13th June 2019.](https://news.mak.ac.ug/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/field_image_IMG_0584-edt-group-1.jpg)
On 13th June 2019, a delegation from Hunan Provincial Department of Education, China met the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (Makerere University) Prof William Bazeyo, Members of Management together with directors and staff from Makerere University Confucius Institute. Led by Mr. Jiang Changzhong, the Director General of Hunan Provincial Department of Education, the delegation consisted of Prof. Cheng Chenyang and Prof. Zhen Chijian, Vice Presidents of Central South University and Xiangtan University respectively.
Mr. Jiang Changzhong was also accompanied by Mr. Lui Jing-Director, Department of Human Resources, and Mr. Zhou Fangyou- Director, Office of International Exchange- Hunan Provincial Department of Education; Prof. Zou Wei- Deputy Dean, School of International Exchange, Prof. Lui Qin- School of Continuous Education, Mr. Chen Yang- Director, Department of Psychical education and Mr. Chen Xingua- Deputy Dean, School of Civil Engineering and Mechanics- Xiangtan University; and Mrs. Li Xinhua- Deputy Director, Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, Central South University.
In an intensive meeting that was held in Makerere University Council Room, the team discussed the possible areas of collaboration that will culminate into signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and Hunan Provincial Department of Education. Among the areas discussed included;
- Support scientific research in areas of engineering, medicine, agriculture, and social sciences
- Students and staff exchange
- Construct a ten stored multi-facility building that will house the Makerere University Confucius Institute and a museum
- Academic construction and communication
- Available scholarships and fellowships
- Academic opportunities at Chinese Universities.
The fruitful meeting also focused on strengthening ties between Makerere University and Xiangtan University as well as Makerere University and Central South University. In 2010, Makerere University entered into a long-term partnership with Xiangtan University under the framework of Chinese and African Universities 20+20 Cooperation Plan. The collaboration focused on training and teaching Chinese language and culture in Uganda. This partnership led to the birth of Makerere University Confucius Institute in 2014. In 2017, Makerere partnered with Central South University to enhance knowledge transfer in areas of engineering and medicine.
In the remarks he made on 13th June 2019, Prof. Bazeyo warmly welcomed Mr. Jiang Chanzhong, and other delegates to Makerere University. In a special way he welcomed Prof. Cheng Chenyang and Prof. Zhen Chijian, Vice Presidents of Central South University and Xiangtan University respectively and appreciated their tremendous support that has shaped the academic setting and research at the helm of Makerere University.
Prof. Bazeyo informed the visiting delegation that Makerere is a comprehensive University whose research output is highly ranked on the Africa continent. According to him, the institution is known for having the best tropical medicine school in the whole world where research on tropical medicine is done.
“Makerere University has for long engaged in activities that are geared towards finding solutions to African problems. The institution has engaged in developing human resource capacity that has strongly supported the economic and industrial sector of Uganda and Africa at large. Our students excel internationally and we probably have the largest number of collaborations in Africa,” he said.
He hailed the strengthened cooperation between China and Uganda in various sectors including education and business. “Uganda established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1962 and has since enjoyed excellent relations in bilateral trade, cultural exchange, technology and scientific transfers,” he stated.
In an overview about Makerere University, the Head, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Prof, Noble Banadda outlined the research trends at Makerere University that have been geared towards solving African challenges.
The Director General, Hunan Provincial Department of Education Mr. Jiang Changzhong, thanked Prof. Bazeyo for the warm reception accorded to his delegation. He was happy to visit Makerere University; the oldest, biggest and most influential University in Uganda.
He appreciated the strong relationship China has with Uganda and Makerere University and hoped for an enhanced mutual understanding that will broaden their areas of collaboration.
Mr. Jiang Changzhong, in a synopsis on the education status in Hunan Province said that Hunan is a big province featured with developed economy, technology, education, culture, openness and tourism. The area is taking advantage of the opportunities brought by the developments in belt and road initiatives to build a strong education system in the country. Currently Hunan is implementing the strategy of innovation and openness to become more comprehensive.
Oriented by the strategy of innovation and openness, Mr. Jiang Changzhong also mentioned that Hunan Province highly values international communication and cooperation in the field of education. According to him, Schools in Hunan have established stable connection with 300 education institutions from 50 countries.
“We have hired 1500 foreign experts and teachers, built 1 China foreign cooperative institute, created 48 China foreign cooperative programmes and 14 Confucius institutes, constructed 6 Confucius class rooms and sent more than a thousand volunteers to teach Chinese language,” he mentioned.
“In recent years, education in Hunan province is more internationalized. The cooperation in education field between Hunan and Uganda has reached a very constructive level. Except the fruitful cooperation between Xiangtan University and Makerere University, Hunan international, business vocational college has signed cooperation agreements with Uganda side covering students and teachers’ exchanges and human resource training,’’ he added.
The Vice President of Xiangtan University Prof. Zhen Chijian, applauded Makerere University for hosting and building a strong foundation for Makerere University Confucius Institute. “Makerere University Confucius Institute was selected one of the best among others in the world. Currently the institute has 6000 students across all the programmes offered,” he said.
Impressed by the historical achievements of Makerere University, the Vice President of Central South University Prof. Cheng Chenyang, said that the institution is ready to strengthen ties with Makerere University in areas of medicine and engineering.
Article by: Nabatte Proscovia- Mak Public Relations Office
Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor of Makerere University, has laid out his vision for the institution during the 75th graduation ceremony.
Installed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chancellor of Makerere University on 2nd October 2024, the 75th occasion marks his maiden graduation ceremony as the titular head of this great institution.
A total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas during the 75th graduation ceremony (13th to 17th January 2025).
On the first day of the 75th Graduation ceremony, the following colleges presented students for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas: College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security and the School of Law.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet. K. Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports represented by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education congratulated the congregation upon attaining this major milestone.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I am grateful to the University Council, Senate, Management and all staff for their unwavering commitment towards preparing our students who have duly completed the requirements leading to the award of the academic qualifications they are receiving today” she said.
The Minister equally congratulated the University Management for ensuring that transcripts for all students graduating are ready for collection from their respective colleges, and urged the graduands to embrace the spirit of hard work and the desire to make the world a better place.
“I have no doubt that you will face the future with courage, creativity and conviction. There are plenty of opportunities out there, take advantage of the many opportunities to create jobs,” encouraged the First Lady and Honourable Minister of Education and Sports.
Furthermore, she commended the Students Guild for cultivating a cordial working relationship with the University Management and ensuring that matters affecting to students welfare in the University are handled amicably.
In his address, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga outlined several key areas that he aims to focus on as he steers the university forward. A proud alumnus of Makerere, Dr. Kiyonga reflected on the transformative power of education, emphasizing that Makerere’s role in national progress must extend beyond teaching to include research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.
Dr. Kiyonga revealed that enhancing the university’s research capacity is one of his primary goals. He praised the government’s allocation of UGX 30 billion to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), recognizing the importance of research in driving Uganda’s socio-economic growth.
“Makerere University is the oldest university in the country. Over the years the institution has built a strong stock of high quality human resources. The University is doing significant amount of research,” he said.
He noted that there is need for further support, saying, “More work is required to mobilize for an increment of funds in order to further support research work.”
He also emphasized that Makerere should play a leading role in generating knowledge to address pressing national challenges. “Research plays a very vital role in the development of any community,” he said, underscoring the importance of transforming research into actionable solutions.
In addition to research, Dr. Kiyonga highlighted the need forMakerere University to build stronger connections with both national and international industries. “We are generating innovations that should eventually be taken to the commercialization level,” he remarked. He proposed the creation of agro-industrial parks on land allocated by President Museveni, which would provide both practical training for students and contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
“At this stage, more resources and infrastructure are needed to support our innovations,” he added, calling for formal partnerships with the investment community to scale up these efforts.
Addressing the issue of unemployment, Dr. Kiyonga urged graduates to leverage their education to create opportunities for themselves and others. “What is critical is sustaining the thinking that you can indeed apply your knowledge to create work in areas with demand within the population,” he said.
He also encouraged graduates to work together to innovate and start businesses, stating, “Partner with some of your friends to form teams, come up with an idea, and you could turn that idea into an innovation, business enterprise or product.” He emphasized that graduates should not limit themselves to seeking employment, but should embrace entrepreneurship as a means of solving societal problems.
Dr. Kiyonga proposed expanding Makerere’s community outreach efforts, particularly in the agricultural sector. “I propose formalized relationships with some medium to large scale farmers across the country,” he said, suggesting that students in the agriculture department could benefit from hands-on internships with these farmers. In return, students would assist with extension services, boosting productivity in smaller farms and contributing to food security.
“There are also gaps in some of the training of Ugandans abroad,” Dr. Kiyonga added, noting that Makerere University could collaborate with foreign universities to provide practical training for Ugandan students, especially in fields such as human medicine.
In line with President Museveni’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga also highlighted the importance of incorporating political economy into all university courses. “It is critical that we deeply appreciate socio-economic forces that determine forward movement or lack of it,” he said, explaining that understanding these forces is essential for preparing graduates to lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.
Prof. Nawangwe Highlights Achievements and Growth
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe celebrated Makerere’s progress, particularly in its transformation into a research-led institution. He detailed various innovative projects across the university’s colleges, including the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as the AI Health Lab’s malaria diagnostic tools, and initiatives such as the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod), which has incubated dozens of innovations.
“We are making steady progress on our strategic journey of a research-led university,” Prof. Nawangwe stated, revealing that Makerere has supported the commercialization of 15 projects, with a total of 157 projects now ready for integration into Uganda’s national economy.
Prof. Nawangwe also reflected on the institution’s ongoing infrastructure development, including the restoration of the iconic Main Administration Building and the opening of a new state-of-the-art Law School building. These developments, alongside initiatives such as the establishment of a Disability Support Centre, further underline Makerere’s commitment to improving both student and staff welfare.
Among the key statistics of the graduation ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted that 53% of the 13,658 graduands were female, and 491 graduated with first-class honors. He also spotlighted the achievements of specific colleges, including the College of Education’s initiatives to tackle youth unemployment through entrepreneurial training and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s efforts to develop vaccines and diagnostics for key diseases.
Further illustrating the university’s global reach, Prof. Nawangwe noted Makerere‘s collaboration with international partners such as Google and the European Commission, which has provided substantial funding for health and climate change-related projects. “The Government of Uganda provides Makerere University with a Research and Innovation Fund to support cutting-edge solutions,” he added.
In a powerful and inspiring commencement address, Professor LenkaBula Puleng, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), urged the graduates—especially women—to tap into their resilience, embrace their generational mission, and redefine their worth in shaping Africa’s future.
Reflecting on Makerere’s distinguished legacy, Professor LenkaBula praised the university as a beacon of academic excellence, whose contributions have been instrumental in Africa’s intellectual and social development. She highlighted its pivotal role as a cornerstone for both anti-colonial and post-colonial scholarship, underscoring the profound impact it has had on shaping the continent’s intellectual landscape.
 “Makerere University, along with its sister institution-the University of South Africa, has been pivotal in the African struggle for freedom and unity,” said Professor LenkaBula. “It stands as a symbol of Africa’s intellectual resilience, a place where the seeds of transformation were planted during the colonial era and continue to grow today.”
Addressing the congregation gathered at Makerere’s historic Freedom Square, the Vice-Chancellor recognized the remarkable scholars who have shaped the African academic landscape through their work at Makerere, referencing figures such as Professor Dani Wadida Nabudere, Issa Shivji, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Mahmood Mamdani, and many others. These scholars, she said, were instrumental in cultivating a new generation of thought leaders who continue to challenge the status quo and lead Africa toward progress.
Highlighting the role of African women in these transformative processes, Professor LenkaBula reminded graduates of resilient women who have played key roles in Africa’s history, such as Queen Amina of Nigeria, Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana, and Wangari Maathai of Kenya. These women, she noted, not only fought against colonial forces, but have continued to shape the post-colonial era through their activism, leadership, and vision.
Professor LenkaBula’s address focused on the significance of women in reclaiming their generational mission. She emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and transformation, especially for young women.
“Education is not an elite indulgence; it is a public good,” she said, citing the words of feminist scholar Amina Mama. She urged the graduates, particularly the women, to remember their history and their mission in the ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and peace.
Her call to action was clear: graduates must not be prisoners of the past, but leaders who redefine the future. She challenged the new generation to take their place in fields such as medicine, agriculture, science, and technology, which are essential to Africa’s development. She encouraged them to forge a future of peace, sustainability, and inclusivity, underscoring the importance of creating a world that reflects their values and dreams.
Professor LenkaBula spoke to the youth about their responsibility to overcome the legacies of patriarchy and oppression, both within African societies and globally. She acknowledged that women, despite their significant contributions, continue to face disproportionate challenges, but she expressed confidence that this new generation of graduates—especially women—has the strength and determination to break these barriers.
“As graduates, you carry the mettle and the light to create more opportunities—for yourselves and others—to reclaim your mission and redefine your worth,” she said. “Africa is waiting for you, and you must rise to the occasion with the strength, courage, and vision to lead us into the future.”
In conclusion, Professor LenkaBula reminded the graduates that they are part of a legacy of change-makers and intellectual trailblazers, encouraging them to embrace their roles as the next generation of leaders who will drive the African Renaissance. She left them with an empowering message: “Reclaim your Generational Mission and Redefine your Worth as the new generation that Africa is waiting for!”
The 75th Graduation Ceremony at Makerere University marked not only the academic achievements of the graduates, but also a celebration of the university’s long-standing contribution to the African intellectual tradition and its continued role in shaping a better future for the continent. As the graduates left the Freedom Square, the call to action was clear: the future of Africa rests in their hands.
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