On March 7, 2024, Makerere University held the second edition of the French Study and Campus Fair, focusing on unlocking opportunities in French education and employment.
Organized by the French Embassy in Uganda in collaboration with Makerere University, the one-day event featured three moderated sessions and saw participation from eight French universities and over twelve Ugandan universities, including Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and others.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umar Kakumba welcomed the delegation, expressing gratitude to French Ambassador H.E. Xavier Sticker for enhancing cooperation between Ugandan and French universities in education, research, and innovation. He highlighted Makerere University’s strategic shift towards becoming a research-led institution and its commitment to internationalizing academic programs.
To showcase Makerere’s achievements over its 100-year history, Prof. Kakumba presented a video featuring Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, highlighting major breakthroughs in research, technology, innovation, and teaching.
H.E. Xavier Sticker praised Makerere University’s management for their support and emphasized the potential for further collaborations between French and Ugandan universities. He encouraged French schools in Kampala to seek partnership opportunities with Ugandan counterparts.
The French Embassy pledged assistance in providing information on internship opportunities and graduate training programs in France, particularly for Ugandan students interested in studying there.
France has welcomed over 4,000 students this year, but only 69 students from Uganda have participated in its higher education network across 74 public universities. However, France’s renowned grande écoles offer specialized education paths, particularly attractive to African universities.
Dr. Mugimba Dennis, representing the Ministry of Education and Sports of Uganda, emphasized the ministry’s support for research in higher education. He encouraged universities to prioritize postgraduate research programs, especially in STEM fields, to address skills shortages.
The 2024 Campus France Education Fair concluded with a dinner hosted by the French Ambassador at his residence in Nakasero. Attendees included members of academia, the France Alumni Association in Uganda, and diplomatic missions in Uganda.
