The University of South Africa (UNISA) and Makerere University in Uganda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in teaching, learning, research, and community engagement. The MoU was signed on January 13 during Makerere University’s 75th graduation ceremony, held at the university’s Freedom Square in the capital Kampala.
This graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 13,658 students, including 143 PhD, 1,813 master’s degree, and 243 postgraduate diploma graduates. Established in 1922, Makerere University is the oldest and largest institution of higher learning in East Africa, renowned for producing distinguished African scholars such as Professor Dani Wadida Nabudere, Issa Shivji, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Mahmood Mamdani, Amina Mama, amongst others.
UNISA Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula’s commencement speech was the highlight of the event.
In her speech, Professor LenkaBula emphasised the resilience of African women in defining anti-colonial and post-colonial struggles. She expressed gratitude to Makerere University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, for the invitation and praised Makerere for its legacy of academic excellence and its contributions to Africa’s liberation and development.
She also thanked the university for celebrating the legacy of Nelson Mandela, stating that “it demonstrates the exceptional contribution of Makerere to the cause of Freedom and the unity of the African people, and the fact that we are one people with common interests and a common destiny!”
Both UNISA and Makerere University share a rich history of educating prominent African leaders who played pivotal roles in advocating for freedom and independence during and after the colonial era. Makerere’s notable alumni include Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the founding President of Tanzania, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a leader in Kenya’s independence struggle, and Sir Edward Mutesa, the first President of Uganda.
Professor Nawangwe praised Professor LenkaBula’s academic achievements and expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting her passion for Africa’s intellectual emancipation and increased global knowledge contribution.
“Prof. LenkaBula is passionate about total intellectual emancipation of Africa and increasing Africa’s contribution to global knowledge. Prof. LenkaBula and I will sign a collaboration agreement today.” said Professor Nawangwe.
He highlighted Makerere University’s initiatives in research, education, and employment creation, including the AI Health Lab, which utilise artificial intelligence to address health concerns in Uganda. They also address the CLEAN-Air Africa Network which advocates for clean energy to prevent non-communicable diseases and reduce air pollution across the continent.
The historic partnership is expected to deepen research in Unisa’s 10 Catalytic Niche Areas while strengthening knowledge and skills sharing amongst the two African universities. Professor LenkaBula said the partnership affirms Unisa’s internationalisation strategy of expanding its footprint in the continent and solidifying its position as one of the leading knowledge producers, shaping Africa’s intellectual futures.
