Cavendish University says it will continue to honour Benjamin Mkapa, the former president of Tanzania and former chancellor of the university, who died five years ago.
Mkapa served as Tanzania’s president from 1995 to 2005 and was a renowned politician, diplomat and nationalist who loved his country and the African continent.
Every year, the university organises a memorial lecture in his name to celebrate his legacy.
Speaking at the fourth edition of the Benjamin Mkapa Memorial Lecture, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, former prime minister, Amama Mbabazi, who was the guest of honour, applauded the university for consistently recognising Mkapa’s contribution and urged the institution to continue sustaining the memorial.
“Mkapa was a man with great vision who deserves all our respect. During his time as president of Tanzania, Africa had great leaders who inspired him, including Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela. I strongly urge the university to continue organising this memorial lecture to ensure students learn from people with great ideas,” Mbabazi said.
The vice-chancellor of Cavendish University, Dr Olive Sabiiti, said the annual lecture is organised to honour and reflect on Mkapa’s legacy and his significant contributions to the region.
She said it also aims to promote dialogue on democratic values, regional integration, peace and stability in East Africa, while inspiring leaders and the public to uphold inclusive governance, human rights and regional cooperation.
Several dignitaries attended the memorial, including the former inspector general of police, Gen Kale Kayihura; Dr William Tayebwa, a senior lecturer at Makerere University and Dr Jude Kagoro from the University of Bremen in Germany, who delivered the keynote address.
