KAMPALA – Cavendish University Uganda this week convened the 4th Benjamin Mkapa Memorial Lecture, an event dedicated to honouring the legacy and contributions of the former Tanzanian President to the East African community and his home country.
The gathering brought together a diverse group of dignitaries, friends, and associates of the late President Mkapa. Among the notable attendees were former Ugandan Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi and former Police Chief, General Edward Kalekezi Kayihura. The event served as a platform to reflect on Mkapa's life and his impactful leadership.
The Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, was slated to be the Guest of Honour. However, she was unexpectedly unable to attend. In a gesture of protocol, she dispatched her deputy, James Magode Ikuyu, to receive the invitation on her behalf and to deliver the remarks she had prepared for the occasion.
Benjamin Mkapa, who was born in 1938 and passed away in 2020, served as the President of Tanzania from 1995 to 2005. A journalist by profession, his political career was deeply rooted in the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which he later chaired before ascending to the presidency.
A key highlight of the lecture was the tribute delivered by former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi. He focused on the late Mkapa's qualities as a leader who championed stability and integration within the East African region, with a particular focus on Tanzania's role.
Mbabazi captivated the audience with personal anecdotes, revealing a long-standing friendship with Mkapa. He disclosed that although they met when Mbabazi was still young, Mkapa took him under his wing, offering guidance, mentorship, and teaching him many valuable lessons.
Representing Cavendish University, Evans Maganda addressed the gathering, reminding attendees that Benjamin Mkapa had served as the Chancellor of the institution. Maganda credited Mkapa for his significant role in promoting and developing the university during its foundational years.
According to Maganda, this event marked the fourth annual memorial lecture held in Mkapa's honour. He emphasized that the late president's contributions were specifically being celebrated in two key areas: his impact on Cavendish University and his broader work for the East African community.
