U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp addressed the Kajubi-Fulbright Lecture at Makerere University on November 7, 2023, focusing on the role of technology in shaping Uganda’s higher education system. The event, held as part of a tradition started during Makerere’s centennial celebrations, brought together American and Ugandan experts to discuss advancements in higher education and honored Professor Senteza Kajubi, the first African Fulbrighter and former Vice Chancellor of Makerere.
Ambassador Popp highlighted the longstanding partnership between the United States and Makerere University. He noted that the U.S. is Makerere’s largest international partner through various programs such as Fulbright academic exchanges and multiple collaborations with U.S. academic, research, and government institutions.
“The list of collaborations between U.S. institutions and Makerere is too long to recount here today, but I want to mention a few examples of cutting edge research with your faculty,” said Ambassador Popp.
He cited ongoing support from several U.S. agencies:
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded dozens of research grants over more than five decades.
- USAID has worked with Makerere to establish PhD programs, foster research partnerships, and build new facilities for the School of Public Health.
- Through initiatives like PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), the U.S. government invested over $32 million in 2023 into public health education, research, surveillance efforts—especially concerning HIV/AIDS response.
- A Writing Center was established for early career researchers in collaboration with Michigan State University.
Ambassador Popp emphasized that these investments are part of broader efforts by the United States to support prosperity, education, health care delivery systems, transparency measures, and rule-of-law principles in Uganda—amounting to nearly $1 billion annually.
“Our investment in higher education is just one of the long-established partnerships between the United States and the Ugandan people. These partnerships are built on mutual respect, shared values, and collaborative endeavors. Through our myriad collaborative projects, we are proud to have real impact on academic research, scientific discovery, and accountability. All this work leads toward a healthier, more secure, and prosperous Uganda,” he stated.
He added: “This support to the Ugandan people started even before Uganda’s independence. And during my tenure as Ambassador to Uganda we will continue to work together to build a healthy and vibrant society for every Ugandan.”
Ambassador Popp underscored that technological literacy is essential across all fields—from diplomacy to engineering—and is key for preparing a workforce ready for future challenges: “Technology has become an essential part of our work... Technological literacy is now the language that allows citizens of our nations to collaborate as we build a more prosperous future.”
The lecture included participation from two U.S.-based experts joining virtually from California's Silicon Valley and Indiana.
“Thank you to the Makerere team hosting this event today," concluded Ambassador Popp. "I look forward to many future engagements with this great institution as we work toward a brighter future together.”