General
Chinese Ambassador awards 24 Scholarships to Mak Students
By Ritah Namisango
“When he entered the room, they looked at him with beaming smiles, an expression of the sincere gratitude deep within. A true friend, he was representing a generous People and Country that saved them from dropping out of Makerere University!”
That was the mood on Tuesday 26th July, 2022 when the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Uganda, H.E. Zhang Lizhong entered the Tele-Presence Centre at the Senate Building to officiate at the Scholarship Award Ceremony.
A total of 24 Makerere University students who are academically gifted, but challenged with raising tuition and functional fees received financial support to continue and complete their studies courtesy of the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship programme.
H.E. Zhang Lizhong presented the scholarship package worth UGX 83 million to Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at a colourful award ceremony witnessed by the beneficiaries and invited guests.
The 24 scholarship recipients currently in their third year of study were identified and supported during the second year of study, following documented evidence that they had performed well in the first year of study, but were struggling with payment of tuition and functional fees to move on to the next level. The Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship programme is coordinated by the Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD).
In her remarks, the Director GMD, Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine welcomed Ambassador Zhang Lizhong to Makerere University and commended him for continuity of the scholarship programme started by his predecessor. She thanked the Ambassador and the People’s Republic of China in general for the scholarship programme aimed at transforming lives of the scholars through provision of access to university education.
Providing an overview, Dr. Mugisha Baine pointed out that Makerere University signed the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship contract in 2018 when the then Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China presented the scholarship programme as a sign of friendship and cooperation between the people of Uganda and China.
“In 2018, the Chinese Ambassador offered 30 scholarships to students who are academically talented, but economically disadvantaged to study at Makerere University. In 2020, the Chinese Embassy renewed this scholarship offer by supporting an additional 24 students with scholarships categorized into two – the Friendship Award and Excellence Award.
“To date, 54 scholarships have been awarded to students studying various programmes in the different Colleges at Makerere University. The first cohort started with the Academic year 2018/2019. Out of the 30 scholars in the first cohort, 26 had graduated as at May 2022. The second cohort of 2020/2021 are now in the third year of study and are 24,” highlighted Dr. Mugisha Baine.
She was happy to note that the scholars have continued to excel in their studies. “We are delighted that three (3) of the 26 graduates obtained first class degrees, fifteen (15) obtained second class upper degrees and the rest second class lower degrees. The remaining four (4) are pursuing programmes that are more than three (3) years and are expected to complete studies this semester.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe underscored the value of education by quoting a line from the speech delivered by President Nelson Mandela on 16th July 2003 at the launch of the Mindset Network in South Africa.
“Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine; that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.”
Nelson Mandela
Prof. Nawangwe informed the audience that although many people in Uganda value education, not everyone can access university education. He provided an account of telephone calls that he regularly receives from different parts of the globe requesting for scholarships to study at Makerere University. He also noted that every year, more than 1,000 students drop out of school due to lack of fees.
Based on this lived experience, Prof. Nawangwe saluted the Ambassador and People’s Republic of China for the generosity extended to students pursuing studies at Makerere University supported by the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship programme.
Upholding the fact that there are many more students who would wish to receive such scholarships, the Vice Chancellor implored the lucky scholars to concentrate on their studies and use the knowledge acquired to contribute to the transformation of communities, Uganda and the world at large.
“Education will enable you to be a better person. Always remember that as a beneficiary under the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship, you have a duty to create a positive change in your life, your families and communities. When you become a better person, we expect you to uplift your families and communities,” he said.
Prof. Nawangwe re-echoed to the students that Makerere University by virtue of a number of collaboration activities/programmes involving the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese companies, the Confucius institute, and memoranda of understanding with universities in China accords them a number of golden opportunities to further their education.
Presenting the dummy cheque worth UGX 83 million to the Vice Chancellor, H.E. Zhang Lizhong congratulated the scholars on being awarded the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship for Excellence and Friendship. The Ambassador pointed that for five consecutive years, nearly 100 students have received financial support to fulfill their dreams through the Chinese Ambassador’s scholarship, with some graduates already active in all walks of life in Uganda. He thanked the Vice Chancellor and staff of Makerere University for promoting education and cooperation between Uganda and China.
H.E. Zhang Lizhong disclosed that people-to-people exchange is an important component of the China-Uganda Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership. He was therefore happy to witness the fruitful results brought by the cooperation in the education field among China, Makerere University and the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The Ambassador acknowledged the Confucius Institute at Makerere University for the instrumental role played in cementing the relationships at different levels and partnerships involving Uganda and China. The Confucius Institute has facilitated classes and cultural exchanges that have enabled many Ugandans to learn Chinese.
“The first phase of language training has been completed successfully and 100 Ugandan teachers for Chinese language are able to teach Mandarin in schools in Uganda, and the second phase of 500 is in good progress,” he highlighted. He also stated that for the past five years, China has provided 5,000 training opportunities and government scholarships to Ugandans.
In line with the Ambassador’s address, the Director of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University, Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe called upon the scholars to create time and participate in activities undertaken by the Institute. He also expressed readiness to work with the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate to come up with a schedule that would enable the scholars to learn the Chinese language and culture.
On behalf of the students, Ms. Daphne Naudho who is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences profoundly thanked the Ambassador, the People’s Republic of China and Makerere University for according them the golden opportunity to complete their studies.
“Your generosity has inspired us to help others and give back to the community. Thank you for putting our feet on the path of true greatness and setting us on the path of true discovery,” remarked Naudo amidst applause from scholars.
Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Public Relations Officer of Makerere University moderated the Scholarship Award ceremony as well as discussions between the Ambassador, the Vice Chancellor, the Confucius Institute, staff, scholars and the media.
Makerere University on October 8, 2026 commemorated Nkrumah Day with a Public Lecture at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. The Lecture gathered students, academics, historians and distinguished guests to discuss Kwame Nkrumah’s contribution and its relevance to Africa.
Organised by Nkrumah Hall under the theme “Leadership, Self-Reliance and Transformation: Reimagining Nkrumah’s Vision for the 21st Century African Youth,” the lecture explored how Nkrumah’s ideals of Pan-Africanism, self-reliance and African unity can guide the continent beyond political independence.
Endorsing Nkrumah’s Vision of Investing in Africa
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of Makerere University, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, was the chief guest.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, Dr. Kiyonga said the day was a moment to reflect on Nkrumah’s views on Pan-Africanism and the lessons on self-reliance still held for Africa today and emphasised the importance of keeping Africa’s young talent at home (in Africa).
He then discussed ways of encouraging young people to achieve Nkrumah’s vision, pointing out that Africa is losing skilled people to brain drain as many go abroad to work.
He encouraged young Africans to stay and contribute to the continent’s growth, describing Africa’s potential as a promising asset.
Transformation Requires Discipline
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gerald Karyeija, a political analyst and Head of Quality Assurance at the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
He discussed Nkrumah’s role in championing Pan-Africanism and the formation of the African Union. He acknowledged that “his legacy was also very complex” due to a number of challenges.
Regarding leadership, the professor argued, “leadership does not begin with the title. It begins with responsibility,” adding that “leadership is not only about power, privilege, entitlement, or status. It’s about service. It’s about stewardship.”
He encouraged attendees to emulate Nkrumah by using their knowledge and power for good.
“Don’t get the intellectual power from Makerere to become evil,” he cautioned, stressing that transformation requires discipline.
Universities Turn Knowledge into Action
Associate Professor Gorettie Nabanoga, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, represented Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
She aligned herself with the previous speakers and urged participants to move beyond simply celebrating Kwame Nkrumah’s memory and begin implementing his vision.
She called for practical action, urging the mobilisation of Pan-Africanism beyond slogans. “Perhaps the Pan-Africanism of this generation must therefore move from solidarity to capacity, from rhetoric to institutions, from potential to production, and from aspirations to implementation,” she said.
On the role of universities, she reiterated that Makerere University is a hub for innovation rather than just a degree-granting institution.
“We are building for the future when we develop people who can think critically, when we generate knowledge, when we challenge perceived knowledge and wisdom, and when we innovate,” she said.
Addressing the students present, she said, “You are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; you are citizens of Africa today. The opportunity you enjoy at Makerere University comes with responsibility.”
Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, set the tone at the 2026 Nkrumah Day Public Lecture.
She revealed that this lecture organised under Nkrumah Hall highlights its significance as a symbol of Makerere University‘s commitment to Pan-Africanism. “The name Nkrumah Hall has stood the test of time and sounds like a horn beautifully over the African continent and beyond,” she said.
She elaborated on the lecture’s theme of leadership, self-reliance and transformation, noting its alignment with the university’s mission to nurture future leaders.
Direction of Pan-Africanism
During a panel discussion, speakers questioned how far Africa has come. Associate Professor Zahara Napeewo, Deputy Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, stated that the continent was still lagging behind the progress Nkrumah would have wanted.
She shared that while educational institutions provide knowledge, they must go further and encourage graduates to become problem-solvers who can create employment for themselves rather than wait to be employed.
Dr. Zaid Sekitto, a Lecturer in the Department of History, Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Makerere, added that the structures of colonialism that Nkrumah fought against were still in place. “They must be addressed”, he said, or Africa would remain trapped in colonialism and lose sight of Nkrumah’s vision.
The Youth and the Unfinished Struggle
The students also had an opportunity to share their perspectives on the unfinished struggle for Pan-Africanism.
Nkrumah Hall Chairperson Joseph Sekabira noted that the Africa Nkrumah fought for was not the Africa that exists today.
He urged young people to take up leadership now rather than wait until they were older.
Mark Kwikiriza, a final-year Bachelor of Arts in Music student and resident of Nkrumah Hall, said Nkrumah’s legacy remained relevant because the problems he faced in Ghana were similar to those society faces today.
He recommended that society could rejuvenate the spirit of “Osagyefo,” the title meaning “redeemer” by which Nkrumah was known.
Honouring 13 Years of Service
The event also recognised Mr. John Kamya for his 13 years of outstanding service as Warden of Nkrumah Hall, a position he held from 2007 to 2020.
He received an appreciation award presented by the Chief Guest’s representative in the presence of the Hall Chairperson and other dignitaries.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Kamya noted that the 2018 visit to the Hall by Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter, Ms. Samia Yaba Nkrumah, was one of the fondest memories of his time in office. He thanked Makerere for the opportunity to serve the University community and its stakeholders.
At the peak, the event concluded with tree planting and cake-cutting activity in front of Nkrumah Hall. The audience was left contemplating one message of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of a united, self-reliant Africa, freed first in the mind, that remains unfinished and in the words of some speakers, has been handed to the current generation as a task to accomplish.
Today 8th October 2026, Makerere University has hosted the EU Uganda Research and Study Fair 2026, bringing together government officials, European Union representatives, researchers, academics, students, and young professionals to explore opportunities in education, research, innovation, and international collaboration.
The fair also marked 50 years of partnership between Uganda and the European Union, providing a platform for participants to learn about scholarships, research funding, exchange programmes, fellowships and opportunities for collaboration with European institutions.
Officially opening the fair, Acting Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo commended the European Union, its member states, Makerere University and other partners for organising the event, describing international cooperation as important to Uganda’s education and research agenda.
The Minister said Uganda’s young population presents a significant opportunity for national development if supported with the right investments in education, skills, creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He encouraged universities and research institutions to strengthen links between education, research, innovation and the world of work, noting that research should not only generate academic knowledge but also contribute to policies, technologies and practical solutions to national challenges.
Dr. Muyingo also encouraged students and young professionals to engage with the European Union, its member states and alumni to understand the opportunities available and prepare themselves for future applications.
Makerere highlights value of partnership
The Acting (Ag.) Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Makerere University, Prof. Sarah Ssali said the fair provided an important platform for bringing education, research, innovation and international cooperation together.
She noted that the event was particularly significant as Uganda and the European Union celebrate five decades of partnership, with Makerere’s relationships with some European institutions extending even beyond 50 years.
Prof. Ssali said the partnerships have supported education, research, skills development, innovation, institutional strengthening and human capital development, creating opportunities for Ugandans to acquire knowledge and skills, conduct research and establish international networks.
She called for the next chapter of the partnership to place knowledge, research, innovation, technology and young people at the centre.
“Research needs to move beyond publication of research, to influence policy, improve practice, create products and services, strengthen communities and contribute to the economic development of our country,” she said.
Prof. Ssali also encouraged participants to explore opportunities for scholarships, research, exchange programmes, doctoral studies, joint research and fellowships available through European partnerships.
She said the ultimate value of international education and research partnerships lies in how knowledge, skills, networks and technologies acquired through such opportunities contribute to Uganda’s development.
Human Response programme strengthens partnerships
The fair also showcased Makerere’s partnerships through programmes such as the Humanitarian Response, Health and Displacement Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme (Human Response).
Dr. Justus Twesigye, the Dean, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University and Co-Principal Investigator of Human Response, explained that the programme has created partnerships between Makerere and universities in Europe and Africa.
These include the University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Athens in Greece, University of Cape Verde and University of Rovuma in Mozambique, alongside associate partners including the Uganda Red Cross Society, Allied Uganda, Refugee Led Organisation Network and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Twesigye said the partnerships have introduced new approaches to teaching and learning by involving practitioners directly in training and giving students opportunities for concurrent field practice.
He noted that organisations such as the Uganda Red Cross Society have participated in delivering classes, while students also gain practical experience in the field before returning to class for reflective learning.
The programme is also promoting joint research between academics and practitioners, moving away from approaches where researchers and practitioners work separately.
CEES project supports competence based education
The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) also presented an EU supported project aimed at helping higher education institutions and regulators transition to competence based education.
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Esaete, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Science, Technology and Vocational Education, said the project brings together nine partners from Uganda, West Africa and Europe.
She explained that the project seeks to strengthen the capacity of universities and higher education regulators in designing competence based curricula, teaching, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
Makerere University is coordinating the four year project, with Mountains of the Moon University among the Ugandan partners.
Assoc. Prof. Esaete said the project is timely as universities work towards transitioning their programmes and curricula to competence-based education.
The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and industry so that students can acquire skills relevant to the world of work.
Fair creates opportunities for students and researchers
The exhibition brought together different EU supported research projects, academic programmes and institutional partnerships, allowing students, researchers and other participants to interact directly with project teams and representatives of European institutions.
The fair also provided opportunities for participants to learn from Makerere alumni who have benefited from international study and research opportunities.
Prof. Ssali urged participants to use the opportunity to “engage, explore, connect, and discover” new possibilities while encouraging young people to dream boldly, seek knowledge, build networks and use what they learn to contribute to Uganda’s transformation.
Take ownership of your future
Officially closing the fair, the Director, Research Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Robert Wamala urged the students and young professionals who had participated in the fair to take ownership of their future because the Fair had shown that opportunities are real.
“Do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to apply, do not be discouraged by your first unsuccessful application, build your academic profile, build your research skills, build your networks, and remain curious”, Prof. Wamala encouraged.
On behalf of Makerere University, he sincerely appreciated Team Europe, the European Union and its Member States in Uganda, for organising this important Fair and the Ag. Minister, Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo for presiding over the event and reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening education, research and international cooperation.
“At Makerere University, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships remains ready to work with our European partners, the Ministry, researchers, students and other stakeholders to help translate the opportunities identified today into meaningful collaborations and outcomes” Prof. Wamala reassured.
The fair reaffirmed Makerere University‘s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support research, innovation, human capital development and national transformation.
-
General2 weeks agoStatement on Concerns Circulating Regarding a Member of Academic Staff
-
General2 weeks agoBeyond Map Size: Africa’s Agency Should Not Be Funded by Other People
-
General5 days agoTimothy Khabusi: From Barefoot Walks to shaping Uganda’s Eye health Future
-
General2 weeks agoPress Statement: Incident Involving Death of a Student at Makerere University
-
General2 weeks agoJNLC Leadership Symposium Equips Young Leaders for Responsible and Transformative Leadership