Amb Popp urges enhanced democracy education in universities
Oct 03, 2024
The memorial lecture was held to remember the contributions of the late educationist Prof. George William Senteza Kajubi to the education sector.
U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp. (Credit: Makerere University)
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The US Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, has called for the enhancement of democracy education in Uganda's universities.
According to him, higher education institutions are important in shaping active and responsible citizens — fundamental to the stability and growth of democratic societies.
Popp made the remarks on Thursday (October 3) during the fifth Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture at Makerere University's main campus in Kampala.
The memorial lecture was held to remember the contributions of the late educationist Prof. George William Senteza Kajubi to the education sector.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, hailed Professor Kajubi’s legacy. (Courtesy Photo)
Academic stalwart Kajubi twice served as Makerere University's vice-chancellor.
An annual memorial lecture is held at the university to honour his role in Uganda's education sector.
The latest edition saw Amb. Popp — the keynote speaker — address an audience of academics, students, and civic leaders inside the Yusuf Lule Auditorium.
He urged universities to prioritize education that promotes civic participation, critical thinking, and informed citizenship.
"Universities are essential in fostering environments where students learn to engage with political systems, understand civil rights, and contribute to global discourse," he said.
His message were centred around the theme for this year's lecture: The role of higher education in building active citizens.
The event celebrated Prof. Kajubi's transformative impact on Uganda’s education landscape.
On his part, Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized Kajubi's vision for an education system that not only fosters personal growth but also encourages societal transformation.
(L-R) Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, Dr. Biyinzika Ruth Kasolo, Makerere Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba and Ambassador William W. Popp during the annual memorial lecture. (Courtesy Photo)
"We are standing on the shoulders of a giant who understood the power of education in driving national progress," he told the session.
Nawangwe said the memorial lecture not only honours Kajubi’s enduring legacy but also underscores the crucial role of higher education in shaping a democratic future for Uganda.
Fulbright Programme
Prof. Kajubi, who died in 2012 at the age of 85, was the first African to receive a Fulbright scholarship in 1952.
Amb. Popp highlighted the long-standing partnership between Uganda and the US, particularly through the Fulbright Programme, which has facilitated academic exchanges and collaboration.
More than 1,000 Ugandans have participated in this programme, alongside over 300 American scholars who have contributed to the academic landscape in Uganda.
Makerere University, a key participant in this initiative, has benefited from having 28 Fulbright alumni involved in national development.
"The Fulbright Programme exemplifies the shared commitment between the US and Uganda to fostering education that equips citizens for active participation in governance and democracy," said Popp.
Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira from Law Development Centre (LDC) remarks. (Courtesy Photo)
'Force for societal change'
During Thursday's memorial event, Makerere University Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba echoed Popp's call for stronger democracy education, urging universities to move beyond personal achievement and focus on community empowerment.
"Higher education should be a force for societal change, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to their communities," he said.
In the same spirit, Nsamba challenged institutions to prioritize education that fosters democratic values.
Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira from the Law Development Centre, highlighted the role of educators in instilling soft skills such as empathy and responsibility.
Dr. Biyinzika Ruth Kasolo from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda said universities must not only focus on academic knowledge but also on ethical leadership and civic engagement.
Lorna Magara (L), the chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Ambassador Popp and Prof. Nawangwe during the ceremony. (Courtesy Photo)
'Hands on the ground'
Lorna Magara, the chairperson of the Makerere University Council, closed the memorial lecture with a call to students to take the knowledge gained from institutions of higher learning and apply it in their respective communities.
“We want to take the walls of Makerere University into the society so that what we do and the research we are doing benefits government and the community,” she said.
“We are driving the agenda on research to give the students the opportunity to get their hands on the ground and serve the community. We have a fully-fledged innovation hub that is enabling students to go a step further in finding solutions to challenges in the community.”
Magars appreciated the longstanding partnership between Makerere University and the US government for the support in terms of funding and exchange programmes that have contributed to the excellence of the institution.
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