KISORO, Uganda — In a heart-touching move in honor of their late founder, Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, students of Metropolitan International University last month concluded a 7km walk from university grounds in Kamonyi village to her ancestral home in Nyakabingo village, Kisoro District. The march that took place on 9th September 2024, celebrated the abiding legacy and great impact on education made by Mateke.
It was characterised by prominent students led by Fred Turyasingura, the Deputy Mr. Campus; Kobusingye Susan, a finalist; Uwintaye Fortunate, the Finance Minister; and Nsengeyunva Erick, also a finalist. The university and students were very close to the late Mateke. Participants hailed Mateke for her love for education, especially through bursaries and sponsorship of many students.
Students’ Guild President Gad Nizeyimana expressed appreciation on behalf of the students, citing the efforts the late Mateke had put into ensuring a fair chance for education. He further called upon the government to complete Mateke’s work by supporting indigent students to realize her dream in the advancement of education.
Anthony Tumwine, the Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies, said, “Metropolitan has lost a mother to both students and staff. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”.
The Dean of Students, Tumwehisye Yosam, reassured members of the university community that academic activities would go on as a way of honoring the memory of Mateke. He also appealed to the government, headed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, to continue supporting students who were beneficiaries of Mateke’s bursary scheme with necessary scholastic materials, medical care, and livelihood.
In a show of respect, the university has suspended all activities except for admissions of new students for four days as it mourns its founder. The 7-kilometer walk symbolizes a testimony to the eternal legacy Sarah Mateke left with the university and the commitment to finish what she had started.
