As more and more Chinese businesses, factories and construction projects set up in Uganda, Makerere University has launched plans to prepare their graduates to fit into what most analysts have called a Chinese takeover.
In the Academic Year 2019/20, the Ivory Tower will begin offering a three-year bachelor degree in Chinese and Asian studies.
According to Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the dean school of languages, the course has been successfully defended before the senate academic affairs committee and will soon be presented before the Senate for final approval.
Mushengyezi said China – poised to be the world’s biggest economy has a lot of lessons to offer Uganda and is confident that the course will benefit students a great deal.
“There is a lot to learn from China and the Asian continent and the degree will prepare the student to be an all-around expert not only on China but also on the Asian economies,” he added.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice-Chancellor told Matooke Republic that MAK is working with the several Chinese Universities to develop the programme’s curriculum.
Nawangwe intimated that, so far, 15 students have been sent to Xiangtan University for a one-year course in Chinese language and it is from them some will be selected to be the pioneer tutors.
Thirty more students will be sent to pursue masters and even PhDs programmes. In reciprocity, the Chinese government has pledged to build an ultra-modern lecture facility at MAK in preparation for the new course.