EDUCATION | MAKERERE | @100

KAMPALA - Members of Parliament have asked government to increase its funding to Makerere University. 

The MPs while paying special tribute to Makerere University as part of its celebration to mark 100years, noted that most of the problems in Makerere university stem from lack of funds that has affected its both academic and social performance. 

Members of Makerere University council attend Plenary. (All Photos by Maria Wamala.)

During the debate, several MPs spoke passionately about the institution and how it has developed over the years into a centre of academic excellence. 

To sustain its status, the MPs said Parliament needs to increase its budget to enable it meet its financial needs. 

MP Asuman Basalirwa who was a former guild President noted that although the University has grown over the years and doing well academically, “ it is financially bleeding.” 

MP Asuman Basalirwa who was a former guild President noted that although the University has grown over the years and doing well academically, “ it is financially bleeding.”

“Makerere University is bleeding and we need to help it as Parliament by allocating it more money. We should not stop just joining them to celebrate 100 years. I visit the University every year and I have noted that they have so many challenges which Parliament can help resolve,” he said. 

Basalirwa warned that as an institution of higher learning, it is very risky to let anything go wrong at Makerere University. 

State minister for higher education John Chrysestom Muyingo remarks.

Prof Elijah Mushemeza, who tabled the motion to commemorate the University’s 100 years asked Parliament to collectively honour the University for its contribution to the economic and social development and transformation of Uganda. He also asked the House to appreciate the various chancellors and vice chancellors and other leaders for their excellent stewardship service and immense contribution to the development of the University. 

He, however, noted that the high enrolment rate that does not match the staff recruitment levels. 

“There’s a debate on whether government should continue funding the education system at the University and whether the private sector should be invited. Lack of funding has affected the salary enhancement of staff resulting in low morale,” he said. 

MP John Musila praised the Institution for modelling him into the person he is today.

Attorney General Kiwanuka Kiryowa said that the University was transforming into a resource-based institution and therefore needs a lot of support. 

“They need our support all through to enable them find solutions for our problem. In order to do that, I propose that we need to review the University and Other Tertiary Institutions’ law and I hope you will support it when it is brought to the House,” he said. 

John Musila praised the Institution for modelling him into the person he is today. “I am a Rasta man and I was trained by Makerere University,” he said. 

 Makerere kick-started the century celebrations last year with the climax expected on 6th October at the university’s main campus in Kampala. 

Members of the university council attend plenary.

The University was established on August 1, 1922 as a technical college offering courses in carpentry, building, mechanical, arts, education and agriculture. 

It was renamed Makerere Collage in 1923 and in 1949, the British protectorate government granted it University status for the whole of East Africa in 1970 and it became a national University, offering undergraduate degrees. 

Take a look at the pictures as MPs paid special tribute to Makerere University as part of its celebration to mark 100 years, all by Maria Wamala;

State minister for higher education John C. Muyingo interacts with Makerere University VC Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Umar Kakumba after a Parliamentary resolution to celebrate 100 years of Makerere University during the plenary session on September 28, 2022.

Bugabula County South MP Henry Maurice Kibalya remarks.