Prime Minister opens Makerere Stakeholders’ Conference

The Conference was themed : Leadership towards Africa's Transformation in the 21st Century

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Hon. Amama Mbabazi opened the Stakeholders conference at Makerere University on 3rd August 2012, with a call to more output from universities. The conference was organized by Makerere University as part of celebrations to mark 90 years of existence.

“Universities should be felt as key players in the political, social and economic development both at national and global levels. By highlighting its contribution to the economic growth of the country, Makerere University is moving towards establishing its relevance. The milestones achieved in health and agricultural research need to move beyond the classroom to the populace where they will create an impact on the livelihoods of the average Ugandan,’’ he advised.

The Premier thanked the development partners for their support towards higher institutions of learning and asked them not to deteriorate in their support.

“Credit also goes to our development partners; I have been informed that these have played a key role not only in funding for research but for the development of research capacity; the enhancement of female participation in higher education, through the female scholarship initiative; gender mainstreaming, enhancing access to library resources and ICT as well as science and technology. As you support Makerere University you inevitably support government’s programmes. May I request as the proverbial Oliver Twist that you continue with this support,” he said.

The Chairperson of council, Eng. Wana Etyem presented the premier with a Makerere University tie and a scraf in commemoration of his opening of the conference.

In his presentation, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, said there was need to place the university at the heart of development, in the relevant spheres, of health, agriculture, technology development and transfer as well as champion the government intent articulated in the National Development Plan of transforming society from peasantry to prosperity.

The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, highlighted the contribution of partnerships to Institutional Development. She pointed out the need to strengthen university management and develop more infrastructure.

In his remarks, the Makerere University Chancellor, Prof.Mondo Kagonyera was thankful for the continued partnerships between Makerere University and other institutions both in the public and private sectors.

“It gives me comfort that there is a partnership that can be nurtured between higher education, and the public and private sectors. When the different players come together like this, it means that synergies for service delivery are being created. The principle of organising stakeholders’ consultative meetings adopted by Makerere University is commendable, because it provides a unique opportunity for the university to receive feedback from her stakeholders. It creates an environment for learning and growth for the university. Yet it also highlights the concept of partnership in development. Indeed several partners have contributed to the advancement of this institution and as Chancellor I want to join university Management and Council to thank each and every one of you for your individual and collective contribution,” he said.

The conference brought together Makerere University staff, development partners and the alumni to share ideas on a wide range of issues for the betterment of the university.