“Higher education isn’t just about earning degrees, it is about developing the skills and values that shape active, engaged citizens ready to contribute to a better world,” stated H.E William W. Popp, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda.
Amb. Popp was the keynote speaker at this year’s edition of the Annual Senteza William Kajubi Fulbright, Memorial Lecture held Thursday in the Yusuf Lule CTF 1 auditorium at Makerere University under the theme, “The Role of Higher Education in Building Active Citizens.”
According to him, universities play a vital role in shaping responsible citizens and by encouraging debate, advocacy, and participation in governance, they equip students with the tools to lead in their communities and beyond.
“Universities play a crucial role in promoting civic participation, critical thinking, and informed citizenship, which are essential for a healthy democracy. A responsible and responsive democracy depends on citizens who are capable of engaging peacefully with each other and their leaders in informed and constructive ways. In this spirit, I would like to highlight some of how universities have bolstered democracy in the United States,” he stated.
He added: “In the field of civic education, universities offer courses in political science, history, sociology, and other disciplines that educate students about the functioning of democratic systems, civil rights, and global issues. They also often provide a platform for students to engage with current and former political leaders.”
He further noted that universities have played a critical role in fostering debate and critical thinking by promoting an environment where students are encouraged to question, debate, and critically assess issues.
“By engaging in discussions around controversial and complex issues, students can develop the ability to form informed opinions and engage in responsible and democratic discourse.”
According to him, through education, internships, and student councils, universities empower individuals to engage in democratic processes and social change.
“These experiences build the foundation for an active and informed citizenship. From civil rights to climate action, history shows that universities are incubators of social movements. Students learn to challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that benefit society as a whole.”
Dr Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, the Director of the Law Development Centre, said universities have three core roles which include; teaching, (applied) research, and community engagement.
“The question should now be, how well have we done on those three parameters?” she wondered.
She urged students to remain humble, take on a lifelong learning approach and always remember that not one single person can know everything.
Dr. Ruth Biyinzika, the Coordinator of the GROW Project under Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), interested the students in the various opportunities that PSFU offers which will aid them chart their career paths while still in school.
Dr Biyinzika, who equally serves on the Board of the National Curriculum Development Centre, further called on parents to take their roles seriously in shaping the students before passing them on to institutions of higher learning.
Honouring Prof Senteza Kajubi
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, described the late Prof. Senteza Kajubi as one of the biggest educationists Uganda has ever had.
A two-time Vice Chancellor of Makerere and first fullbrighter, Prof Kajubi opened so many doors for many African students who have since benefited from the Fulbright scholarship.
According to Prof Nawangwe, this has initiated a good and long-standing relationship between Makerere and the US Mission in Uganda.
“Prof. Kajubi was my personal friend, and I once travelled with him for about two weeks. To this day, I believe he is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met, from whom I drew a lot of wisdom.”
When Uganda, was devastated by HIV/AIDs, the nation through Makerere University, as guided by President Museveni, partnered with Case Western Reserve University in the USA, to train, University staff to help manage the prevalence of HIV/AIDs in the country, a testament to the doors, Prof. Kajubi opened for Makerere and Uganda.
“The first COVID-19 testing kits we received at Mulago Hospital came from Case Western Reserve University. They donated about 400,000 free testing kits. These and more existing relationships are a testament to the doors Prof. Senteza Kajubi opened in the USA,” noted Prof Nawangwe.
