Makerere University Council approved the recommendation from the University’s Senate to award Germany Chancellor Angella Markel an honorary Doctors of Laws. Merkel was nominated by Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health Prof Rhoda Wanyenze in June 2019.
Under the Makerere University Statute (XIII), a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) is awarded to a person in recognition of their distinguished and outstanding contribution to public service at the national, regional and international levels, especially in the areas of academic excellence, political, social and economic reforms.
The Senate at Makerere agreed that Merkel is an outstanding leader who has tremendously influenced society including global health and health security and that she has exceptionally contributed to humanity, a recommendation that has been upheld and approved by the University Council.
Makerere University currently has exchange program with a host of German institutions of higher learning like University of Tubingen, University of Bonn, Katholische University, and Leuphana University among others.
“These exchange program opportunities have also broadened students’ knowledge and understanding of working in different settings,” says Makerere’s vice chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe.
Hundreds of Ugandan students, researchers and academic fellows from Makerere University have had the opportunity to get scholarships from Germany to fund their research purposes, and pursue post-graduate studies, whereas some have landed job opportunities in Germany.
Angela Merkel became Germany Chancellor in 2005, the first woman to be so.