When you visit Makerere University, you’ll find landmarks named after great people, including Pan-Africanists. Among them is Nkrumah Hall, named after Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who led Ghana to independence. The university recently celebrated his legacy.
Dr. John Serbe Marfo, a lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of understanding Nkrumah’s vision of Pan-Africanism, unity, and progress.
Nkrumah passionately advocated for African nations’ liberation from colonial rule. His dedication earned him the title “Osagyefo,” symbolizing his commitment to African advancement.
Nkrumah Hall at Makerere University features a sculpture with the motto “Activists, forward we ever move.” This motto embodies Nkrumah’s leadership spirit, encouraging continuous progress and collective efforts.
Nkrumah Hall, built in 1954, accommodates over 450 male residents and has produced notable alumni, including Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and Mr. Onapito Ekolomoit.
Nkrumah Day is an annual celebration at Makerere University, fostering connections between students, alumni, and sharing experiences. This year’s celebration includes a football match and charity visits to the elderly and orphanages.
Mr. Duncan Nuwabigaba, the Hall Chairman, invites alumni to join this event, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.
Mr. Rodney Rugyema, the warden, encourages past and present residents to inspire current students and uphold Nkrumah’s values.
In commemorating Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nkrumah Hall reaffirms its commitment to Pan-Africanism, unity, and progress.
The Makerere University Deans’ Forum (MUDF) was established in 2019 to promote research culture and collaboration among academic leaders. Four years later, it has facilitated collaborations across various disciplines.
The Forum provides Deans a platform to share reports and work on collaborative projects. Prof. Umar Kakumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, acknowledges the crucial role Deans play in enhancing academic leadership.
At a recent Forum, the discussion centered on enhancing safeguarding at Makerere University through policy development and validating the Draft Makerere Policy on Career Guidance and Mentorship.
Safeguarding is vital for the university’s reputation and the well-being of its community. Policies under review include those addressing sexual harassment, gender equality, and student accommodation.
The Career Guidance and Mentorship Policy aims to produce graduates with strong moral values and employability skills. It aligns with the university’s focus on innovative teaching and learning.
Feedback from the Forum called for the inclusion of identities in the Safeguarding Policy, positive passive mentorship, and specialized mentorship levels.
The Deans also proposed continuous staff retooling, weekly mentorship workshops, and student support centers to enhance mentorship and career guidance efforts.
The Forum concluded with the election of new office bearers, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary research and consensus-building.
Ms. Pamela Chen from the University of Cambridge visited Makerere University to highlight scholarship opportunities. The University of Cambridge, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, offers scholarships to high-achieving undergraduate students for Master’s degree programs.
Students with a minimum CGPA of 4.40 out of 5.0 are eligible to apply. The scholarships prioritize academic excellence and teaching quality.
Ms. Chen praised Makerere University’s academic standards and encouraged its graduates to apply. Application fees are waived for Ugandan applicants.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program also includes slots for persons with disabilities and refugee learners.
Makerere University will disseminate scholarship information to eligible students, further enhancing awareness through webinars and outreach efforts.