Walking around Makerere University, one will rarely miss posters informing those that care to read about association meetings. The posters are in all colours and sizes and are strategically pinned in all places; including on walkways. These, undoubtedly, are a lucid testimony of associational life at Africa’s fourth best university. These associations are premised on, among others, tribe, religion, departments, schools, colleges and former schools. The core objective, many would imagine, is to facilitate academic excellence. Whereas some people argue that they contribute to academic excellence, others accuse these groupings of their obsession with beach bashes, dinners and parties while neglecting the academic part.
Peter Gumisiriza, the speaker for the Igara West Students’ Association says that his association puts much emphasis on academics. “We organize seminars and workshops to help both fresh and continuing students to get career guidance,” he said. “Experts, some of whom are former members, advise students on how to excel academically as well as on how to connect with the job market,” he added.
“We get guidance from keynote speakers especially from alumni some of who are lecturers. These guide us on how to excel academically and how to deal with campus pressures,” Davidson Ndyabahika, the projects coordinator for the Ntungamo University Students’ Association says, in agreement with Gumisiriza.
Ronald Matovu, a member of Makerere Engineering Society says their association is relevant academically. “Every time we come together, we share ideas on different engineering projects we can learn and earn from,” he said. Robert Kiyonga, the Society’s president emphasizes Matovu’s assertion. “We put academics first. The rest are secondary,” he said.
However, some members of such associations argue that they (associations) are too much obsessed with parties, beach bashes and cultural issues. “Our association is too much into competing for the cultural gala shield. They neglect the academics,” says Denis Muzungu, who subscribes to Abasoga Nseete Students’ Association. Albert Tumwiine, a member of the Bukanga-Isingiro Makerere University Students’ Association agrees with Muzungu. He too feels the associations have done more partying than academic work. “I don’t think they are doing anything academic. They just ask students for money which they splash on dinners and beach bashes,” he said. He also blames his association leadership for wasting time. “Every time we meet to introduce ourselves and that is all. It seems this is what our leaders want,” he added.
Dr. Salli Kayunga Simba, the Head of Political Science Department commends academic associations as opposed to ethnic associations. “You hear Basoga Nseete, Nkobazambogo; come together as Basoga or Baganda to do what? Why don’t you organize into academic groups, discuss for one another and link yourselves to employers?” he asked in wonderment.
Mr. Cyriaco Kabagambe, the Dean of Students, Makerere University, says that while many associations do not put much emphasis on academics, they provide social capital. “It is through these associations that students connect with the job market. They link with people who help them get jobs and training opportunities,” he said.