Humanities & Social Sciences
Mak Celebrates 10 Years of the Confucius Institute with Launch of Three Associations
Makerere University on 25th November 2024 marked a decade of cultural and academic partnership with China by celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Confucius Institute and the 20th anniversary of the global Confucius Institutes network. Established in 2014, the Confucius Institute has grown into a key pillar in fostering relations between Uganda and China, language education, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration.
The event, held at the University Main Hall, featured the launch of three associations: the Confucius Institute Alumni Association, the Uganda Native Chinese Language Teachers Association, and the Uganda Secondary School Chinese Students Association.
The colorful ceremony was presided over by Mr. Mulindwa Israel, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, representing Uganda’s Minister of State for Higher Education. The function was also graced by the representatives of the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda and the Vice President of Xiangtan University. Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addressed the gathering. The event included cultural performances, speeches, and panel discussions that highlighted the growing ties between Uganda and China.
Uganda’s Ministry of Education Extends Gratitude to Confucius Institute
A representative of Uganda’s Minister of State for Higher Education, Mr. Mulindwa Israel lauded the Confucius Institute at Makerere University for its decade-long role in fostering stronger ties between Uganda and China. Speaking at the Institute’s 10th anniversary celebrations, Mr. Mulindwa, the Director for Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasized the Institute’s pivotal contribution to promoting Chinese language and culture in Uganda.
Mr. Mulindwa delivered the message on behalf of the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. J.C. Muyingo, who was unable to attend due to another pressing engagement. “It is my great honor to represent the Ministry today as we celebrate a decade of academic collaboration and cultural exchange between Uganda and China,” Mr. Mulindwa stated. “The Confucius Institute has been an important bridge in strengthening the relationship between our two nations.”
Highlighting the Institute’s achievements, Mr. Mulindwa praised its role in introducing Chinese language instruction to Ugandan secondary schools and facilitating teacher training. “This year, we witnessed the significant milestone of Chinese language assistants being deployed across Uganda’s ordinary and advanced secondary schools. I am also excited to note the commitment to train over 500 teachers in the coming years to meet the growing demand for Chinese language education,” he said.
The Director also commended the Institute for its innovative virtual Chinese and Asian Studies program, which has already produced highly qualified graduates in the Chinese language. “This initiative complements the Ministry of Education and Sports’ efforts to train sufficient teachers to meet the increasing demand for Chinese language instruction,” Mr. Mulindwa added.
Reflecting on the philosophy of Confucius, Mr. Mulindwa concluded, “Learning without thought is laborious. Thought without learning is priceless. The Confucius Institute embodies this philosophy, nurturing minds and fostering global citizenship.”
He further expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, the leadership of Makerere University, and all partners involved in supporting the Confucius Institute’s success. Mr. Mulindwa assured them of the Ministry’s continued support in advancing cultural understanding, innovation, and cooperation between Uganda and China.
“Congratulations to the Confucius Institute on this remarkable achievement,” Mr. Mulindwa concluded, pledging continued support for the Institute’s future endeavors.
Makerere Vice Chancellor Celebrates 10 Years of Cultural and Educational Achievements
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, hailed the Confucius Institute for its transformative impact on Chinese language education and cultural exchange in Uganda. Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the institution’s role in fostering deeper ties between Uganda and China.
“The Confucius Institute at Makerere University, established in 2014 with the generous support of the Chinese Government and Xiangtan University, has achieved remarkable milestones over the past decade,” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
He highlighted the growth of the Chinese language program at Makerere University, which began with just 30 students and now boasts over 4,000 learners across degree programs, short courses, and secondary schools. “This significant growth reflects the increasing interest in Chinese language and culture among Ugandans,” he added.
Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the Institute’s pivotal role in building partnerships with Chinese companies and institutions, enabling Makerere students and staff to access scholarships and other opportunities in China. He also commended the Institute for serving as a bridge between Uganda and China, enhancing economic and cultural ties.
Looking ahead, the Vice Chancellor outlined an ambitious vision for the next decade. “We envision the Confucius Institute becoming a leading center for Chinese language and cultural studies in East Africa. Our plans include expanding our programs to cover Chinese culture, history, and business, and establishing more partnerships with Chinese enterprises and institutions,” he stated.
Recognizing the challenges of meeting the growing demand for Chinese language skills driven by Uganda-China economic ties, Prof. Nawangwe called for continued investment in programs, infrastructure, and innovation.
He expressed gratitude to the Chinese Government, Xiangtan University, and the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation for their unwavering support. “We are also deeply thankful to our dedicated staff and students, whose efforts have made the Confucius Institute at Makerere University a success,” he noted.
As the celebrations concluded, Prof. Nawangwe reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to promoting Chinese language and culture and strengthening the relationship between Uganda and China.
“This 10th anniversary is not just a reflection of our achievements but a beacon for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead,” he concluded.
Directors Celebrate Milestones
Directors Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe and Mr. Tang Fei reflected on the Institute’s achievements. They highlighted milestones such as training over 50,000 students in Chinese language and culture, preparing 170 Ugandans as Chinese language teachers, and facilitating the further studies of 200 students and scholars in China.
“Today, we celebrate a journey that has transformed lives and fostered understanding. With unwavering support from our partners, we have moved mountains,” Gumoshabe said
The Institute has also excelled in hosting cultural events, supporting the introduction of Chinese in Ugandan secondary schools, and launching a Bachelor of Chinese and Asian Studies program that has already produced graduates. Additionally, it has connected students to job opportunities in Chinese companies, significantly improving their livelihoods.
One of the notable accolades mentioned was the recognition of the Confucius Institute as the “Institute of the Year” in 2018, a testament to its exemplary performance. Other achievements include fostering research in China-Africa relations, excelling in international competitions such as the Chinese Bridge Competition, and organizing cultural activities beyond Makerere University.
The Directors acknowledged the support of Makerere University, particularly under former Vice Chancellor Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu and current Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. They also extended gratitude to partners such as Xiangtan University, the Chinese Embassy, and the National Curriculum Development Centre, led by Dr. Grace Baguma, for their role in the Institute’s success.
Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute aims to expand academic programs, deepen cultural exchange, and enhance language training to meet growing global demands. The Directors also paid tribute to former CI directors, including Prof. Hong Yonghong, Prof. Oswald Ndoleriire, Ms. Xia Zhuoqiong, and Dr. Zhong Jianghua, for their contributions to the Institute’s growth.
In their closing remarks, the Directors invoked the wisdom of Confucius: “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” They expressed pride in the journey of hope and persistence that led to this milestone and emphasized their commitment to achieving even greater heights in the years ahead.
Chinese International Education Foundation Applauds Confucius Institute at Makerere for 10 Years of Excellence
The Vice President and Secretary General of the Chinese International Education Foundation congratulated the Confucius Institute at Makerere University on its 10th anniversary, celebrating its achievements in promoting cultural exchange and education between China and Uganda.
In a message delivered during the anniversary celebrations, the foundation commended the collaborative efforts between Makerere University and Xiangtan University. “In the past ten years, Makerere University and Xiangtan University have sincerely cooperated with each other. The Confucius Institute, adhering to the principles of carrying forward traditions, daring to innovate, uniting and cooperating, and dedicating with professionalism, has become an important bridge for disseminating Chinese culture and fostering friendship between China and Uganda,” the message read.
The foundation highlighted key milestones of the institute, including offering multi-level Chinese language courses, organizing cultural activities such as Voice Into My Heart, and training local teachers to successfully integrate Chinese language education into Uganda’s national system.
Acknowledging Makerere University‘s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, for his congratulatory video message on the Confucius Institute Day in September, the foundation noted the strong support for the institute from both Ugandan and Chinese stakeholders. “This reflects how both the Chinese and Ugandan sides value and support the cause of the Confucius Institute, for which we express our heartfelt appreciation,” the Secretary General stated.
Expressing optimism for the future, the foundation emphasized its confidence in the institute’s continued success. “It is believed that with the cooperation of our two sides, the Confucius Institute will be able to give full play to its unique advantages and achieve even greater milestones,” the message concluded.
On the morning of Friday, February 27, when the academic procession winds its way across Makerere University’s Freedom Square for the last day of the 76th Graduation Ceremony, Whitney Najjuka will walk into history with a number beside her name: 4.46.
At Makerere, that number means First Class Honours. It means the Vice Chancellor’s List. It means she graduates as the only First-Class student in Journalism and Communication this year. But numbers, as Whitney has learned, rarely tell the full story.
Born on March 27, 2002, in Nabbingo, Kyengera Town Council, to Margaret Kusemererwa and Fred Kasirye, dreamt she would do Law, one of the disciplines, prestigious, almost inevitable next steps for a student who had excelled in secondary school. She had done everything correctly. Studied hard. Scored well. Followed the script.
But Makerere University had other plans. She missed the pre-entry mark, but found her name under Journalism and Communication, another prestigious course offered by the Journalism and Communication Department at Makerere University.
Najjuka began her academic journey at Muto Primary School in Buwama, earning 8 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examination, a performance that positioned her strongly for secondary school.
She would later join St. Lucia Hill School, Namagoma, where she earned 20 aggregates at O-Level and 17 points in History, Luganda, and Divinity at A-Level.
Missing her dream course, Law, felt at first, like a detour. But Whitney was encouraged by Sanyu Christopher, her uncle, and she settled for a government-sponsored slot in the Bachelor of Journalism and Communication at Makerere, which she had applied for before.
She entered uncertain. But she graduates transformed.
The Pivot That Became a Purpose
Whitney speaks of her early university days with candor. She did not arrive at the Department of Journalism and Communication with a burning childhood ambition to be a journalist, but because another door had closed.
Then, Social and Behavior Change Communication happened. Applied Strategic Communication happened. She began to see media not as headlines and microphones, but as architecture, shaping how societies think, argue, and act.
The turning point came in her third year. The Female Journalist Foundation published her story on Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and its emotional toll on survivors. What startled her was not its publication but the reaction. Comments flooded in. Debates ignited, especially about the role of men in combating GBV.
“I realized media doesn’t just report,” she says. “It frames how society views a crisis.”
Her voice, once tentative, had entered a national conversation.
The Discipline Behind 4.46
At Makerere University, a First Class CGPA is not built on brilliance alone but on ritual.
Whitney’s ritual began with showing up, on time, every time. She treated lectures as appointments with her future self. She refused to confine her learning to the syllabus. While attending workshops at the Aga Khan Graduate School of Media and Communication and obtaining external certifications, she sought and was open to mentorship through the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU).
She wanted theory anchored in practice. And then there was the commute.
From Nabbingo, a hill in Wakiso District, some 18.6 km to Kampala, where the Makerere Main campus is situated, and back, nearly 20 hours a week dissolved into Kampala traffic. Two-hour journeys before 8:00 a.m. lectures. Dust. Noise. Headaches. She learned to manage energy the way others manage time. Fatigue became a tutor in resilience.
“I had to be intentional with every remaining hour,” she says. “Excuses were not an option.”
Learning to Practice Communication
If classrooms taught her analysis, presentations taught her courage. Pitching projects, defending research, and standing before peers quick to critique forced her to think on her feet. She was no longer simply studying communication; she was practicing it.
In 2024, the AGMES Fellowship at the Aga Khan Graduate School of Media and Communication pushed her further. She received funding to produce a capstone project on the mental impact of gender-based violence on survivors. She identified sources, conducted interviews, handled trauma with care, and worked with professional editors.
The Communication, she learned, is logistics and ethics as much as eloquence.
The Future She Sees
Whitney is optimistic about Uganda’s media landscape. The digital shift, she believes, has democratized influence. Young communicators are no longer confined to legacy newsrooms or offices.
Yet she sees a gap in the absence of structured research on sustainable, ethical, profitable independent media ventures in Uganda. Her ambition is not only to practice communication, but to study it. To produce data-backed frameworks that help young Ugandans transition from graduates to media entrepreneurs.
She wants to make the impact scalable.
What Remains
As the only First-Class graduate in her cohort, she is careful not to mythologize herself. “Success isn’t brilliance alone,” she says. “It’s a daily commitment when nobody is watching.”
Even before graduation, Whitney had stepped into the industry through a mentorship internship at Capital One Group (COG EA Ltd), a strategic marketing communications agency operating across East Africa.
At Capital One Group, we spoke to Paul Mwirigi Muriungi, the Managing Director and Head of Strategy, who spoke of Najjuka as a progressive and intentional young professional who approaches her work with curiosity, maturity, and responsibility.
“Her attitude is exemplary. She is teachable, receptive to feedback, and eager to grow. While technical skills can be taught, character, work ethic, and mindset determine long-term success, qualities that Whitney consistently demonstrates. Given her academic excellence and professional application, we believe she has a bright future both at Capital One Group and within the wider communications industry. She represents the kind of talent the profession needs: thoughtful, adaptable, and committed to excellence.
“We look forward to seeing her next chapter unfold,” says Mwirigi.
Najjuka’s gaze extends beyond her own trajectory. She speaks of what the Department could become. Furnished and equipped with industry-standard equipment, newsroom simulations, and deeper investment in data journalism as prayers. Her excellence is not self-congratulatory, but it is forward-looking.
“The University should support the Department to procure industry-standard equipment. Access to high-quality cameras, sound booths, and updated editing software like Adobe Creative Suite is critical to our learning environment,” she says.
Adding that, “We need a newsroom simulation, a physical or digital space where students work under real-time deadlines to produce content for the public. That would prepare us for industry and even strengthen the University’s own media platforms.”
In an era defined by metrics, algorithms, and digital traceability, data journalism is no longer a niche skill but a sine qua non of credible reporting. “There should also be more focus on data journalism and search engine optimization. These are no longer optional skills. Students would benefit immensely from stronger training in these areas.”
Dr. Aisha Nakiwala, the Head, Department of Journalism and Communication, says the faculty are very proud that she is graduating with a First Class—the only one in this year’s cohort.
“This achievement reflects not only exceptional intellectual ability but also discipline, resilience, and sustained dedication to the highest standards over four years. Graduating with first-class honors is no small feat; it requires consistent outstanding performance.
“Her accomplishment sets a powerful example for continuing students and reaffirms our department’s commitment to nurturing excellence. We are confident she will make meaningful contributions to the communication profession and society at large,” says Dr. Nakiwala.
On graduation day, applause will crest and recede. The gowns will fold back into wardrobes. The transcripts will be filed away in cabinets. But something quieter will endure; a young woman from Nabbingo who once missed her Law mark, who spent 20 hours a week on the road, who discovered that storytelling is power, and who now walks into Freedom Square not by accident, but by intention.
Life, as she has come to understand it, lives on.
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