MAKERERE UNIVERSITY LIFE
THESIS QUESTION: Is
getting involved in social life good or bad for a Makerere university students?
Imagine
one graduates but is unable to get a job because he/she did nothing socially at
Makerere university but focused on studying, doing assignments, course works
and discussions. Because of this he/she did not develop a social network or
social skills. To my own understanding, not only are sororities, fraternities,
and other social organizations like Makerere Engineering Society, Makerere Law
Society good for students, they actually play an important role in teaching
students how to be ready for life after university. I truly emphasize the point
that it is all about books, one needs to upright wholesomely that is socially,
academically, and morally. These social organizations are important because
they help university students to develop social skills, gain friendship
networks that can help them later in life and learn how to balance work and
fun.
Makerere
organizations are not just for fun because developing skills here at campus is
an important part of becoming a good engineer of your discipline and keeping a
job. The heavy change in Uganda’s employment trends have also encroached on
interview questions. Many companies need a well accomplished employee excellent
at all sectors of life. A key example is when my sister was asked to present a
certificate as evidence to have held a leadership position while at Makerere
university. Success after campus happens not just because people study hard,
but also because they develop a network of contacts via WhatsApp, Facebook, and
other social platforms. The main events like university ‘bazaar’, and fresher’s
ball, plus soccer gala help students develop coordination and developing a
strong solidarity. Connections are started right from campus for example from
halls of residence like Lumumbox for Lumumba and Marystuart, Mitchelex for Mitchel
and complex halls, and Afristone for Africa and Livingstone halls of Makerere.
Solidarity is also manifested in the recent ‘kogikwatako’
strike against the amendment of the article 102(b) of the constitution. This
not only helps students to secure jobs after study but also getting places for
industrial training to get interpersonal skills.
Small
responsibilities held while at campus in university groups for example group
leaders help in preparing students for a life time of balancing their needs for
example work and family, and friends. They learn how to work hard on their jobs
while finding time for family, friends and other hobbies. Please note that
one’s CV must account for hobbies and interests which are developed while at
campus.
To
my own personal point of view, I have learnt a lot from Makerere university
because I have met new friends, new experience and completely new life which I
need in the near future. I strongly implore my fellow gallant intellectuals of
the ivory tower to be part of social organizations. The audience of parents
should understand that their adult children deserve to be part of life outside
books. Makerereans should develop relationships as well as academic knowledge
at the back of minds.
‘ITS NOT ALL ABOUT BOOKS’
