Museveni Warns Universities

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday ended his term as Chancellor of Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) with a warning against universities being havens for government opponents, reports Hamis Kaheru. “We don’t expect universities to be hotbeds of anti-NRMism because you know NRM does not kindly take anti-NRMism,” he said at the 41st graduation ceremony of Makerere University.“United we stand, divided we fall. The NRM government is always there for Makerere and is doing all to promote the education system in Uganda. So we expect co-operation and harmony,” he said.Using a Runyankole proverb, engaro ibiri n’okunaabisana (two hands wash each other), he said, “Makerere is one hand and government is another. We need to wash each other.” Quoting another Luganda proverb he said, “Somebody with a baby at the back does not throw stones. “If you throw stones at people they also throw stones at you and hurt the child.”Museveni ceased being chancellor of government universities at midnight when the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 replaced the 1970 Makerere University Act.“This graduation marks the transition of my role as chancellor to that of visitor to this institution. I will be coming here only when you have problems,” he said amid laughter. “While it has taken you three to four years to complete your degrees, it has taken me 16 years to complete my chancellorship. I must be the longest serving chancellor. The others were only coming and going,” he said amid applause.He said in 1986 when he became chancellor, the number of graduands was 1,414 while the student population was 7,000. He said graduands yesterday were almost 5,000, almost equal to the student population in 1986.“That is why people keep on saying, ‘No change’,” he said amid applause. He said undergraduate programmes had increased from 25 to over 70 in the evening and 40 during day.Six people, five of them men, got PhD degrees. Florence Mutonyi D’ujanga was the only woman who got a PhD in physics.Judith Nakayiza (BA) emerged the best overall student. She was among 13 students who obtained First Class Honours. Among the graduands were two MPs, Eng. Hillary Onek (MBA) and Nasser Basajjabalaba (statistics), and the wife of state minister for sports Okello Oryem.Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Sebuwufu, his deputy Prof. Epelu Opio, the acting university secretary, and state minister for ethics Miria Matembe had daughters graduating. Sebuwufu announced several staff promotions. UPC stalwart Adonia Tiberondwa was promoted to professor.Museveni said education institutions should emphasise programmes which equip students with marketable skills, especially in practical fields like technology.He invited the fresh graduates to join the armed forces. Museveni said the Government would establish a loan scheme for fresh graduates.He said the Government values education because knowledge is the base of a modern society.Ends