This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
Makerere University's William Ruto Leadership Institute Sparks Outrage ¶
Uganda's Makerere University has come under fire for its decision to name a leadership institute after Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto.
On December 21, 2019, Ruto laid the foundation stone for the institute, which is expected to focus on research into African political and social-economic challenges and train visionary leaders for Africa.
However, the decision has been met with criticism from scholars and observers, who have described it as 'absurd' and 'abominable.'
US-based Kenyan law professor Maku Mutua and former presidential aspirant Abduba Dida have questioned the decision, with Mutua stating that it was 'the most absurd and utterly inconceivable blunder in the history of higher education in Africa.'
According to Mutua, the decision has made Makerere University the 'laughing stock of the world.'
University's vice chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe explained that the core business of the new centre will be to research into African political and social-economic challenges and also train visionary leaders for Africa.
It is also hoped that the new institute will draw on the core strengths of diversity of disciplines and experience to develop and refine methodologies for the study of Africa.
DP Ruto and Uganda's president Yoweri Museveni hold a artistic impression of The William Ruto Leadership Institute. Photo: Makerere University.
