By Julius Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: The Government of Uganda and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have launched a four-year project valued at $12.2 million to enhance the distance education environment at Makerere University. The project, dubbed “Mak ODel,” aims to contribute to a significant transformation in the educational landscape of Uganda by enhancing the distance education environment at Makerere University.
Speaking at the inauguration event, Dr. JC Muyingo, State Minister for Higher Education in Uganda, hailed the project as a manifestation of the strong and enduring partnership between the Republic of Korea and Uganda. “The Government of Korea, through KOICA, has been an invaluable partner in supporting Uganda’s education sector, and we deeply appreciate their support and investment in our country’s future,” he said.
The Korean Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Park Sung-Soo, emphasized the importance of innovative methods in providing quality education to the millions of students in Uganda and Africa. “With the rapid population growth putting pressure on educational systems, Makerere University is strategizing to become a more research-led and innovation-intensive university,” he said.
In his remarks, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, expressed his gratitude to KOICA for the grant, saying it would go a long way in consolidating the friendship between the people of Uganda and the people of Korea. “Our strategic plan requires every school at Makerere University to offer at least one program through the online mode by 2030. With this support, we are confident that we can put it to the best use, benefiting not only Uganda but also the region and the entire continent of Africa,” he said.
Representing the Makerere University Council, Professor James NKata, hailed the project as a game-changer for the university, enabling it to expand its e-learning infrastructure and capacity.
For Professor Henry Arinaitwe, Principal Investigator of the project, emphasized the significance of the project, saying it would provide students with access to interactive, flexible, and inclusive e-learning experiences. “The project is aligned with Makerere University’s policy on Open Distance and e-Learning, and is expected to enhance the university’s capacity to deliver high-quality education to a wider audience,” he said.
On the other hand, Professor Chun, Seyeoung, the Korean PMC Project Manager*, shared his dream of “Uganda miracle” over the bridge of Mak ODel, where Uganda can follow the same path of the Korean miracle, which was achieved through education under difficult conditions.
The project consists of three main components: the construction and furnishing of the Mak ODel Centre, improving the skills of professors and support staff, and developing a master plan for the short, mid, and long-term vision and action plan. It aims to digitally transform Makerere University, making it the central hub of ODeL for the entire African continent.
The inauguration event was attended by dignitaries from the Government of Uganda, KOICA, Makerere University, and other stakeholders. It marked the beginning of a new era in distance education at Makerere University, and is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Uganda and beyond.