- Deputy Speaker Tayebwa pushes for increased funding of Makerere and other Universities in the country .
- Makerere showcases the Kayoola fully electric buses a leading innovation coming out of the university in its 100 years of existence
The Deputy speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called upon government to increase funding for public universities to cater for research and innovations to ensure home grown solutions for local challenges .
Tayebwa was presiding over a plenary sitting where the parliament of Uganda passed a motion for a resolution to commemorate 100 years of the existence of Makerere University -one of the oldest and top universities in Africa and globally .
At the occasion , Makerere university- showcased one of the best innovations coming out of the Ivory Tower – the Kayoola fully electric buses that are produced in Uganda by Ugandan engineers led by Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa -majority of whom are products of the university.
A 40 member delegation of Makerere University’s top management-led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe and Council Chairperson Mrs. Lorna Magara, were transported on the Kayoola EVs on their way to parliament for special recognition .
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa emphasized the need to invest more funds in both public and private University research programs to enhance learning systems in higher institutions to produce more job creators .
He said universities should offer relevant education for the 21 century – to produce hands on graduates that are involved in the production of marketable innovations and products .
The motion to honour the great university was moved by Sheema South MP, Prof.Dickens Mushemeza , who recognized Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s economic, social development and 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,called upon parliament to support Makerere University as it repositions itself – to become a research and innovation led university for the next 100 years.
Following the University’s training of medical doctors from Mulago Hospital, Dr.Muyingo encouraged members to support government in its efforts towards the construction of an independent hospital for Makerere University.
“ We are also using these celebrations to solicit support for Makerere to come up with its own university hospital. Makerere University has been training medical doctors from Mulago hospital. I will present a request to fund the construction of a medical training hospital at Makerere University and I hope you will support me,” Dr. Muyingo told cheering MPs many of whom went through the gates of Makerere university.
What MPs said on the floor
* General Kiryowa Kiwanuka*: I am a proud student of Makerere University 1993-1996 where I was privileged to study law as a first degree and I was a student of Nkrumah hall. Makerere is transitioning into a research- led University and we will need to support it in every possible way to achieve that dream of finding home bread solutions to our problems. Makerere must start doing research to find solutions which are made for us and by us. Makerere has made us proud.
*Bubulo East Mp,John Musila*: Mr. Speaker, I want to add a voice that Makerere has contributed to the political transformation of the EAC region and the whole of Africa. We have produced Presidents in Kenya two of them, Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and in Tanzania, President Nyerere.
*Jenipher Namuyangu Woman MP, Kibuku*: I want to salute the men and women especially the lecturers of Makerere University. I was a student there for six years, Mao was my guild president. I agree that 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.
*Nakaseke South MP, Lutamaguzi Ssemakula*: Everyone is here singing about Makerere University, most of us have gone through Makerere University but the question arises Mr Speaker, what have we done for Makerere University?
*Maracha East MP, Lematia Ruth Molly Ondoru*: I am not an alumni of Makerere for higher degrees but a close associate. I am a nurse by profession. 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.
Asuman Basalirwa Bugiri Municipality MP and one of the former Makerere University Guild Presidents in parliament called for academic freedom of expression at the university .
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