Makerere University’s 84th guild president, Papa Were Salim, has successfully completed his bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine after a decade of study. Papa, who served as the guild president in the academic year 2017/2018, was part of the recent graduation ceremony where 212 students from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (COVAB) received their degrees.
Originally joining the university in 2013, Papa was initially scheduled to graduate in 2019. However, he faced delays due to various challenges, including issues with missing marks. Despite these obstacles, Papa engaged in business ventures, particularly in money remittance within and outside the country, while awaiting graduation.
As a government-sponsored student, Papa managed his tuition during the extended period. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized the importance of persistence and hope, expressing gratitude to supportive lecturers.
Papa shared his joy on reaching this milestone, congratulating fellow graduates and describing the experience of passing through Makerere University’s gates as a great feeling. Acknowledging the sad experience of missing earlier graduation ceremonies, he encouraged others to persevere and keep pushing towards their goals.
According to Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Makerere University vice chancellor, the institution’s policy allows students to extend their course duration within specified limits. Prof Nawangwe clarified that Papa Were’s graduation fell within the permissible timeframe, considering the statutory time for the program plus an additional two years.
Papa Were gained public attention when he and his guild council opposed a proposed tuition fee hike of 45% to 91%, intended for students joining the university in the 2018/2019 academic year. The resulting demonstrations compelled the Council to halt the implementation of the policy.
The week-long graduation ceremony, which commenced on Monday, is set to conclude tomorrow.
