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’