The Makerere University Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga has announced that political economy will become a mandatory course for all students, regardless of their academic disciplines.
Speaking at the University’s 75th graduation ceremony on Monday at the University Freedom Square, Kiyonga, a renowned medical doctor, politician, and diplomat, emphasized that the course is essential for equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address Uganda’s pressing socio-economic challenges as advised by President Yoweri Museveni.
He stressed that the country’s socio-economic issues, including high unemployment, widespread malnutrition, and the underutilization of resources, are deeply intertwined with the political and economic systems that are needed to help in creating meaningful solutions.
Kiyonga also highlighted Makerere’s strides in research and innovation, particularly through the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), which has invested over shs 30 billion in various projects. He urged the University to focus on attracting more funding and building partnerships with industry to commercialize its innovations.
Over 2,000 students from the College of Education, the College of Computing and Information Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the School of Law graduated on the first day.
The week-long ceremony will see a total of 13,658 graduands conferred degrees and diplomas. Among the graduands, 143 will receive PhDs, 1,813 will graduate with Master’s degrees, 11,454 will earn Bachelor’s degrees, and 243 will be awarded postgraduate diplomas.
Notably, 53% of the graduands are female, while 47% are male, with 44% of the PhD graduates being women. Additionally, 491 graduands will be receiving First Class degrees, marking a significant academic achievement.
By Our Reporter
12 Nov 2024
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