NAIROBI/KAMPALA —Makerere University has come under fire as Kenyan scholars are protesting it’s decision of naming a research institute after their corrupt Deputy President William Ruto.
US-based Kenyan scholar, Prof Makau Mutua has described Makerere’s action as an absurd and totally inconceivable blunder that was poised to spoil the reputation of higher education in Uganda.
The popular Law Don argued that the news had turned the once—respectable institution (Makerere University) into an object of ridicule.
“A William Ruto Leadership Institute Makerere University is the most absurd and utterly inconceivable blunder in the history of higher education in Africa,” he said.
He added that: “Today Makerere University is the laughing stock of the world. I expect students, faculty, and staff to quickly erase this abomination. Now!”
The foundation stone was laid by Kenya’s deputy president, William Ruto, on Saturday, December 21 but many other scholars in Kenyans have also questioned the decision by Makerere—terming it absurd and abominable— as the university continues to receive backlash and sheer public ridicule for honouring corruption.
President Yoweri Museveni pledged $100,000 towards the construction of the institute will collaborate with others across Africa in training and research on issues concerning the continent and its relation to global matters.
The pledge was revealed in a meeting between Mr. Museveni and visiting Ruto at Mubende State Lodge and during which Mr. Museveni endorsed the construction of the complex.
Mr. Ruto said development in Africa must be contextualized and localized to fit the African norms and values.
Both Makerere and Mr. Museveni defended their decision claiming “it is with the aim of preserving the Africa culture and nurturing young leaders into becoming great Pan Africanists”.
“…..We must appreciate our own intellectuals, seize the opportunity and provide the knowledge that appreciates who we are,” he said.
Museveni and Ruto also endorsed the proposed building of the Yoweri Kaguta Museveni library that will hold Mr. Museveni’s political journey, articles, speeches, and other African leaders’ literary works.
