Makerere University at 100: Tayebwa pushes for increased funding of higher institutions
KAMPALA – The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has urged government to increase the funding for Makerere University and other public institutions of higher learning to be able to do more research and bolster expertise as they teach.
Tayebwa made the call Wednesday presiding over plenary when the House also passed a motion for a resolution of parliament to commemorate 100 years of the existence of Makerere University.
The Deputy Speaker emphasised the increased funding in both public and private universities would specifically finance research programmes to enhance learning systems that can produce more job creators than seekers.
“If we want our universities to be relevant, to not only produce products that will go on the market to look for jobs, we shall need also to give them money for research so that they can design solutions for our problems,” Tayebwa, an alumnus of the university said.
The motion was moved by Sheema South MP, Prof. Elijah Dickens Mushemeza, who recognised Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s economic and social development as well as its active participation in the political transformation of not only Uganda but also other African countries.
The State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, urged parliament to support Makerere University as it repositions itself as a research and innovation-led university for the next 100 years.
Following the university’s training of medical doctors from Mulago Hospital, Dr. Muyingo went on to encourage members to support government in its efforts toward the construction of an independent hospital for Makerere University.
“We are also using these celebrations to solicit support for Makerere University to come up with its own Makerere University hospital, you are aware, Makerere University has been training medical doctors from Mulago, very soon, I will be coming here to present a request, I hope you do support me,” he said.
Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the House would need to support the university to transit to a research-based institution able to produce professionals that compete in the global job market.
“Makerere is transitioning into a research-led university and we will need to support Makerere in every possible way to achieve that dream of finding home breed solutions to our problems. Makerere must start doing research to find solutions which are made for us and by us.”
Bubulo East MP, John Musila said the university has had a great political contribution in the region, producing presidents, which should not be underlooked.
“Mr. Speaker, Makerere has done political transformation of the region and the whole of Africa. We have produced Presidents in Kenya, Mwai Kibaki…in Tanzania, President Nyerere and Benjamin Mkapa.”
Meanwhile, Kibuku Woman MP Jenipher Namuyangu noted that the university’s halls of residence are all in bad shape and need to be rehabilitated. “We need to support Makerere University to rehabilitate the halls of residence. I am told Lumumba apparently is closed for the next two years due to rehabilitation, and am happy for that. Halls like Mary Stuart should also be considered,” she stated.
Nakaseke South MP, Lutamaguzi Ssemakula challenged the MPs to support the university in its endeavours to transit into a research-led institution.
Maracha East MP, Lematia Ruth Molly Ondoru commended Makerere University for accepting to run a course that would allow nurses to get degrees and PhDs.
“When the nurses didn’t have degrees in this country, I sat down and prepared a proposal to introduce nursing degrees in Uganda. Therefore, I went to Makerere if they could take over this course, I am very grateful to Makerere, they were able to take it on. I am very happy today that nurses can also get degrees and PhDs in Uganda,” he noted.
Makerere University was established in January 1922 as a technical school, named Uganda Technical College with carpentry, building, and mechanics as the core disciplines.
Later it started offering medical care, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and teacher training.
In 1937, the university started offering post-school certificate courses before getting affiliated with University College London, offering general degrees in 1949
In June 1963, the relationship with the University College London was closed and the Kampala-based institution was associated with the University of East Africa, before it became independent in June 1970 offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 0
