Makerere University Confucius Institute Marks 10th Anniversary with a Series of Events

Written by: Tang Fei

Edited by: Zhang Gan

Translated by: Li Tingting, Xiao Liang

Source: International Exchange Center

Date: December 3, 2024

On November 25 (local time), a series of events marking the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University (hereinafter referred to as the Institute) was held in Uganda. The events laid a solid foundation for the Institute’s development in the next decade, clarified its future direction, and injected new vitality into the friendly relations between Xiangtan University and Makerere University.

Fan Xuecheng, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, Ismael Mulindwa, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education at Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports, Nawangwe Barnabas, President of Makerere University, Deng Guojun, Vice President of Xiangtan University, and Baguma, Director of the National Curriculum Development Center of Uganda, attended the event and delivered speeches. More than 300 participants, including representatives of Chinese enterprises and chambers of commerce, as well as faculty and students from the Confucius Institute and local secondary schools, took part in the celebration.

In the morning, the 10th Board Meeting of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University was held in the main building of Makerere University. Six Chinese representatives, including Deng Guojun, and six Ugandan board members, including President Barnabas Nawangwe, attended the meeting, which was co-chaired by Nawangwe and Deng.

The meeting focused on the Institute’s achievements over the past decade and its future development direction. It reviewed and approved the Institute’s 2024 annual report and 2025 work plan. Both universities also engaged in in-depth discussions on jointly organizing a China-Uganda Theme Day, promoting scientific research cooperation, and supporting the establishment of a master’s program in Chinese Language and Asian Studies at Makerere University. Both sides expressed their intention to use the Confucius Institute as a bridge to expand multidisciplinary cooperation in many aspects.In his speech at the anniversary celebration, Fan Xuecheng emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between the peoples of China and Uganda. He praised the Institute for enhancing mutual understanding and promoting mutual learning between civilizations through Chinese language teaching, cultural activities, and academic exchanges. He encouraged the Institute to continue upholding the principles of respect, friendship, and equality, to seize the opportunities presented by the Ten Partnership Actions proposed at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and to make greater contributions to building a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Uganda, as well as a closer China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

Ismael Mulindwa highly commended the Institute’s achievements in Chinese language education and cultural exchange, noting that these efforts have not only deepened mutual understanding between the two peoples but also contributed significantly to the development of bilateral relations. He expressed hope that more Ugandan universities would establish Chinese language programs to meet the growing demand for Chinese language education in Uganda.

Barnabas Nawangwe reviewed the Institute’s development since its establishment in 2014, fully affirming its accomplishments over the past decade, and expressed his expectation that in the next ten years, the Institute will grow into a leading center for Chinese language and cultural studies in East Africa.

Deng Guojun pointed out that although Xiangtan University and Makerere University are geographically distant, the two institutions have built a strong friendship and close partnership through the China-Africa Universities 20+20 Cooperation Plan initiated by China’s Ministry of Education. He expressed hope that the Confucius Institute would continue to advance international Chinese language education and China-Uganda cultural exchange and cooperation, making greater contributions to educational development in both countries.

A congratulatory letter was also sent by Zhao Lingshan, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Chinese International Education Foundation. In his message, Zhao highly praised the achievements made by the Institute over the past decade through the joint efforts of Xiangtan University and Makerere University, and extended his best wishes for its continued success.

During the celebration, the Confucius Institute Alumni Association, the Ugandan Association of Local Chinese Language Teachers, and the Ugandan Secondary School Chinese Association were officially established. Students from the Institute, its affiliated classrooms and teaching sites, as well as local secondary schools, presented splendid cultural performances, showcasing the charm of Chinese culture to the local community.