In memory of the former president of the Republic Tanzania, HE. Benjamin Mkapa, a team of ten delegates headed by the Vice Chancellor Dr. Olive Sabitti have been entrusted to represent Cavendish University Uganda at the 3rd Benjamin Mkapa memorial lecture staged in Tanzania, themeing “The Role of Diplomacy in Institutional Building, Private Sector Development, and Regional Integration, Reflections on the Late H.E. Benjamin Mkapa’s Leadership.”

The late Mkapa also served as a Chancellor for Cavendish University Uganda for six years from 2014 to 2020, before his death on July 24, 2020 and his memorial lecture is held each year.

Tuesday, during the memorial lecture, Hon. Prof. Palagamba John Aidan Mwaluko Kabudi, the Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the Republic Of Tanzania and the chief guest described the gathering as a testament to H.E. Benjamin Mkapa’s enduring legacy and his impact on their lives and communities.

“This year’s lecture is particularly significant as it is being held here in Tanzania by a Ugandan University for the first time. I want to express my deep appreciation to Cavendish University Uganda for this thoughtful decision to bring the lecture to H.E. Mkapa’s homeland. It is a powerful tribute to the man we honor today and a symbol of the close regional ties that Mkapa worked tirelessly to strengthen.”

Bringing this event to Tanzania reflects the spirit of collaboration between Uganda and Tanzania that Mkapa championed throughout his life, and it allows us to celebrate his remarkable legacy on the soil he so dearly loved, Minister Kabudi added.

He indicated that It is now their collective responsibility to carry forward the torch of effective leadership, diplomacy, transformation and education that H.E. Mkapa lit. “Each one of us, in our respective roles, can contribute to the realization of his vision for a prosperous and integrated East Africa.”

Kabudi, also noted that at Cavendish University Uganda, Mkapa’s leadership transformed the institution by fostering a culture of dialogue, cooperation, and collective vision because he understood the unique challenges private universities face.

Therefore, worked to ensure that the University became a technology driven and student centered institution that prepares graduates for the demands of the modern world. The university’s mission to inspire students to reach their full potential in employment, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership directly reflects Mkapa’s diplomatic values and his belief in the power of education to drive societal change, he added.

This year’s theme to Benjamin Mkapa memorial lecture is of utmost importance as it highlights the critical pillars of his leadership and invites us to reflect on how we can emulate his values and vision in our work today, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Olive Sabiiti mentioned.

President Mkapa’s commitment to diplomacy strengthened African institutions and promoted regional unity, empowering the private sector to drive economic growth. He believed effective diplomacy was essential for promoting collaboration among nations, institutions and communities, she said.

“Let us embrace the spirit of diplomacy to build more robust institutions, promote innovation, and enhance regional integration. May this lecture serve as a tribute to President Mkapa’s contributions and ignite actionable ideas that pave the way for a brighter future. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation, just as he envisioned.”