On Saturday 29th JUne 2013 Makerere University, immortalized in the form of a bust her gallant Alumnus, Former President of the Republic of Tanzania and only Chancellor of the University of East Africa, the late H.E. Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. This immortalization was part of celebrations held to commemorate 50 years of the University of East Africa (1963-1970), in conjunction with the University of Nairobi and the University Dar es Salaam, the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO as well as the Government of Sweden,
The University of East Africa 50th Anniversary Celebrations were part of the year-long activities marking 90 years of Makerere University, with the grand finale set for August 3, 2013. During the celebrations, distinguished Alumnus of Makerere University, Literary and Social Activist Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong’o delivered the keynote address titled ‘Makerere Dreams: Language and New Frontiers of Knowledge.’ At the same occassion, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere's Family Members as well as the leadership of Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation took time off to interact with his former Roommate 99year old Rwot Ananiya Akera, who expressed joy at the recognition accorded to his long-time friend by his Alma Mater. The occassion also witnessed the launch of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere's book, ‘Women’s Freedom: Women are Eagles, Not Chickens,’ formerly written in Swahili and translated into English by Prof. Ruth Mukama, School of Languages, Literature and Communication, CHUSS.
At the occassion, prominent Alumni of the University of East Africa from each country were awarded for their service over the years as follows;
From Makerere University; Prof. Charles Lwanga Mark Olweny, Professor Livingstone Sserwadda Luboobi and Mrs. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, were awarded.
University of Dar es Salaam awarded H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Prof. Issa Gulamhussein Shivji.
University of Nairobi awarded Prof. (Mrs) Florida Amakobe Karani and Eng. Austin Salmon Kitololo
The awards were presented by Dr. Martin Aliker, the former Chairperson Council, UEA assisted by Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi, the Makerere University Secretary:
The Chief Guest H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was represented by Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Honourable Minister for Tourism, Government of Uganda. Also present were Minister for Education and Sports Hon. Jessica Alupo, State Minister for Higher Education Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, former Prime Minister and former Chancellor of Makerere University Rt. Hon. Apolo Robin Nsibambi, Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, Former Chairperson Council Hon. Matthew Rukikaire, Chairperson Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. George Magoha, University Dar es Salaam Vice Chancellor Prof. Mukanadla Rwekaza, Representatives from Diplomatic Missions and Donor agencies, Former Agriculture Minister Hon. Victoria Sekitoleko, cultural representatives like the Former Katikiiro of Buganda Eng. J.B Walusimbi, UPC Party President Olara Otunnu, Members of Staff from MUASA, MASA and NUEI, and Students from both Makerere University and neighboring Secondary Schools, among other distinguished guests.
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