On 7^th March 2024, Makerere University hosted the second edition of the French Study and Campus Fair under the theme: unlocking opportunities in the vibrant world of French education and employment. The one-day event was organized by the French Embassy in Uganda, in conjunction with Makerere University as the host. The event that was structured in three moderated sessions attracted the participation of eight French Universities and more than twelve Ugandan Universities including; Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Islamic University in Uganda, Clarke International University, Uganda Management Institute, Cavendish University, Kampala International University, and the International University of East Africa among others.

In his welcome remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umar Kakumba welcomed the delegation and thanked the French Ambassador, H.E. Xavier Sticker, for his unwavering passion in strengthening cooperation between Ugandan and French Universities, especially in the areas of education, research, and innovation. He further noted that the participation of the eight French Universities was a perfect demonstration of opportunities that will facilitate the movement of students between the two countries.

“I am pleased that we are gathered here today at a time when Makerere recently took a new strategic direction that will see it become a research-led University in the region and the world. In so doing, the University developed and passed a comprehensive policy on the internationalisation of our Academic programmes. The fruits of these efforts are being supported through the existing programs like the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme hosted at our International Relations Office” Prof. Kakumba said.

To highlight the achievements of Makerere University in its journey of 100 years, Prof. Kakumba shared with the audience a five-minute video clip, featuring the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe narrating major breakthroughs in research, technology, innovation and teaching.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Xavier Sticker commended and appreciated the Makerere University Management, for their continued support to activities of the Embassy such as hosting the Career Fair. He noted that the presence of representatives from the various universities in Uganda and France was a definite sign of more collaborations and partnerships to come. He challenged the French schools in Kampala to seek more partnership opportunities with Ugandan universities.

“As the French Embassy in Uganda, I wish to commend the eight French universities and the higher education institutions of Uganda that have come here today. This means that for Ugandan students, job applicants, and people who are interested in exploring international avenues in building their career, today is the day of those opportunities,” Ambassador Xavier Sticker said.

He added that the Embassy will assist in availing information on all the internship opportunities and graduate training programs for Ugandan students, especially those who are interested in pursuing education in France.

In the realm of university collaboration and partnerships, France has welcomed more than 4,000 students this year, marking a significant milestone in international education partnerships. However, the statistics reveal that only a modest number of 69 students from Uganda have participated in the French higher education network across 74 public universities. Despite this, France stands out for its distinctive grande écoles, which offer specialized education paths to many African Universities.

Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Republic of Uganda, the Spokesperson Dr. Mugimba Dennis reiterated that the Ministry is intentional in supporting research efforts in Higher Education.  He added that Makerere University has benefited significantly from the Government’s research and innovations fund allocations. He encouraged the representatives of other Universities present to prioritize postgraduate research programmes that will in the long run address skills shortages, especially in STEM fields and their sub-specialties like medicine and agriculture.

The 2024 Campus France Education Fair was concluded with a dinner organized and hosted by the French Ambassador at his residence in Nakasero. Participants from the Academia, France Alumni Association in Uganda, and members of Diplomatic Missions in Uganda, graced the event.