Confucius Institute in Uganda praised on 3rd anniversary

Officials have praised the role of the Confucius Institute in Uganda on its third anniversary.

Officials attending celebrations on Saturday marking the milestone agreed that the institute, set up at Makerere University, Uganda's oldest and top university, has contributed a lot to cooperation between China and the East African nation.

Chu Maoming, the deputy Chinese ambassador, said it has built a bridge to connect the two peoples through language learning and cultural exchanges, exemplified by Chinese and Ugandan cultural performances that were a highlight of the anniversary ceremony.

"It has become a window through which the Ugandan people come to know more about China. It has boosted bilateral exchanges," Chu said.

"With this we will see greater contributions made to boost China-Uganda educational cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and development of bilateral friendly relationship."

Chu advised Ugandan students to learn the Chinese language well and make use of it in the East African country's future development.

Officials have praised the role of the Confucius Institute in Uganda on its third anniversary.

Officials attending celebrations on Saturday marking the milestone agreed that the institute, set up at Makerere University, Uganda's oldest and top university, has contributed a lot to cooperation between China and the East African nation.

Chu Maoming, the deputy Chinese ambassador, said it has built a bridge to connect the two peoples through language learning and cultural exchanges, exemplified by Chinese and Ugandan cultural performances that were a highlight of the anniversary ceremony.

"It has become a window through which the Ugandan people come to know more about China. It has boosted bilateral exchanges," Chu said.

"With this we will see greater contributions made to boost China-Uganda educational cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and development of bilateral friendly relationship."

Chu advised Ugandan students to learn the Chinese language well and make use of it in the East African country's future development.

Children practice calligraphy at Luweero, central Uganda, at the open day of Confucius Institute at Makerere University.

"Use what you have learned to deepen mutual understanding between China and Uganda, helping them to become friends and reliable partners," the Chinese diplomat said.

Barnabas Nawangwe, vice chancellor of Makerere, said he is looking forward to building a Chinese cultural center on the campus.

"I am looking forward to having a Chinese cultural center here. This will attract the people who want to study and know more about Chinese culture," he said.

Oswald Ndoleriire, co-director of the Confucius Institute, said the institute, launched in December 2014, has now over 70 students enrolled for Chinese language degree courses and over 4,000 more for short-term courses.

"The Confucius institute has yielded fruits that we are very proud of," said Ndoleriire, adding that it has held a partnership with Uganda's National Curriculum Development Center in introducing Chinese language courses in secondary schools.

He also said the institute had extended its cultural activities beyond the capital Kampala, and offered its students a chance for a research trip to China every July.

"This helps them to know better about the Chinese culture and to seek opportunities for studying in China," said Ndoleriire.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)