US ambassador advocates for 'critical thinking, informed citizenship' in Uganda

Amb. Popp made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Prof. William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture at Makerere University.

The ambassador called for universities to go beyond degree issuance to actively engage in nurturing critical thinking and civic participation among students.

Ambassador Popp highlighted the importance of academic institutions in fostering an understanding of democratic values, civil rights, and global issues through curricula that include political science, history, and sociology.

He noted that such educational programs are crucial for preparing students to participate effectively in governance and societal advancement. "Universities are pivotal in promoting civic participation and informed citizenship, which are essential for a healthy democracy," Popp stated.

During the lecture, Dr. Pamela Tibihikirra-Kalyegira, Director of the Law Development Centre, supported Popp's views by detailing the multifaceted role of universities in teaching, research, and community engagement. She urged institutions to reflect on their effectiveness in fulfilling these roles and encouraged a lifelong learning approach among students.

The lecture also served as an occasion to honour the legacy of Prof. Senteza Kajubi, a prominent Ugandan educationist and the first Fulbright scholar from Uganda. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, reflected on Kajubi’s impact, particularly during Uganda's HIV/AIDS crisis through his initiatives that facilitated international academic partnerships.

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