Popp was delivering the keynote lecture, ‘The role of higher education in building active citizens’, at the annual Prof William Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture at Yusuf Lule CTF auditorium, Makerere University on October 3, 2024.
Senteza Kajubi was the first student from Africa to benefit from the Fulbright scholarship in 1952; and as noted by many speakers, he opened many gates for Ugandans and Ugandan institutions to access several educational and collaboration opportunities from USA.
He later grew into a giant in Uganda’s history, as a distinguished educationist who headed a national educational policy review commission at two different times and became vice chancellor of Makerere University twice, among others. His several reform recommendations, such as universal free education, greatly impacted education in Uganda.
“Through education, internships and student councils, universities empower individuals to engage in democratic processes and social change. These experiences build the foundation for an active and informed citizenship,” Popp said.
He added that universities can build active citizens by fostering debate and critical thinking, whereby students get platforms where they can question, debate and critique issues, which in turn builds their ability to make informed decisions.
“Universities play a crucial role in promoting civic participation, critical thinking, and informed citizenship, which are essential for a healthy democracy. A responsible and responsive democracy depends on citizens who are capable of engaging peacefully with each other and their leaders in informed and constructive ways,” he added.
Picking on the field of civic education, Popp said, “Universities offer courses in political science, history, sociology and other disciplines that educate students about the functioning of democratic systems, civil rights and global issues. They also often provide a platform for students to engage with current and former political leaders.”
The ambassador argued that by university students engaging in discussions around controversial and complex issues, they can develop the ability to form informed opinions and engage in responsible and democratic discourse.
“From civil rights to climate action, history shows that universities are incubators of social movements. Students learn to challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that benefit society as a whole….. Higher education isn’t just about earning degrees; it’s about developing the skills and values that shape active, engaged citizens ready to contribute to a better world.”
The ambassador also announced that within a few weeks, Makerere would open a centre for United States studies under the department of Political Science and Public Administration.
Makerere University vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe described Senteza Kajubi as, “One of the most intelligent people that I have ever met. He is a big figure in Uganda’s history, having been a huge educationist and served twice as the vice chancellor at Makerere.”
University Council chairperson Lorna Magara stressed that education has three fundamental aspects, not just the one of acquiring knowledge; the other two are understanding and application of the knowledge, and acquisition of values and soft skills relevant for communicating with and fitting in society.
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