President Yoweri Museveni has applauded Makerere University for promoting science and technology, which he believes is essential for our survival in the modern world. He made the remarks at Makerere University’s 100th-anniversary celebrations which were held on Thursday at Freedom Square.
“I congratulate Makerere University, especially the science side. The faculty of medicine – those ones are a little bit in the line of God. They have established dominion over Ebola; established dominion over Corona; established dominion over all these diseases. I congratulate these ones, they are trying.” President Museveni said.
The president also had praise for the faculties of Technology and Food Science for being at the forefront of innovation, citing the Kiira EV Project, which came out of the College of Design, Art, and Technology and Tooke, from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science. According to the President, science and technology are the primers of socio-economic change. He emphasized that it is through science and technology that we will make big achievements and progress as a society.
“If you don’t deal with science, you may not even exist… you either disappear or survive at the mercy of others. I will not allow Ugandans to be part of that, which is why I am insisting on science and technology.” He added. He, however, advised that those in the arts should focus on economic integration and production because you can not be more prosperous unless you produce more goods and services of all types.
Meanwhile, the event was also graced by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa who commended the President and government for budgeting and funding the infrastructure development at Makerere university which has enabled the institution to take on many learners at the same time.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Ezra Suruma said that Makerere University’s achievements over the 100 years of existence should serve as an inspiration to other institutions of higher learning.
Makerere University was opened in 1922, starting out with just 14 students. As it celebrates 100 years of existence, it has grown to become one of the most prestigious Universities across the continent, churning out thousands of graduates every year. The event on Thursday was the climax of the 100 years anniversary commemoration that has been running since November 2021.