The 5th MUST Annual International Dinner

The 5th MUST Annual International Dinner

Premised on the theme “Cultural Diversity in the New Normal” the 5th MUST Annual International Dinner took place on Friday 9th April, 2021 at Igongo Cultural Centre and Country Home and revealed the ambiance of unity in diversity. The Dinner hosted by the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Celestino Obua through the International Relations Office brought together, International staff and students, Guild Executive and MUST Management with exciting performances, sharing and a special meal. The VC who was in a jovial state welcomed the new, continuing and completing international students and reassured them that MUST is a special place to be and a home far away from home. He emphasized a need to embrace the new normal opportunities, new guidelines and standard operating procedures which have helped curb down the trend of COVID 19 and without which the international students would not have been able to travel for studies at MUST.

Other speakers included the Dean of Students, International Relations Officer and the Guild President.  In his remarks, the Dean of Students Mr. Emmanuel Kyagaba noted that internationalization becomes real when practiced than said through different events like the dinner.  The International Relations Officer, Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko welcomed staff and students to the dinner, and appreciated management for their commitment to the welfare of the international family at MUST. While introducing students with a shout of their currencies, the IRO noted that the annual dinner brings together people from different countries, allows them appreciate cultural diversity, creates social networks and enables them reflect on the greatness of MUST.  Various home countries include; South Africa, Swaziland, Benin, Nigeria, Gambia, Zambia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya. The strategic direction of 2021 was highlighted by the IRO including developing the MUST international Alumni Network, partners’ forum and hold webinars for international engagement with different partners. Trading her campaign of buying a student’s ambulance that will be stationed at Kihumuro Campus to increase quicker access to medication, the Guild President Her Excellency Ms. Miriam Iculet Arikosi, appreciated management for commitment to the welfare and increase of international students who strongly supported her campaign. Ms. Arikosi requested the VC to launch a fund-raising drive to raise UGX 100 million towards the purchase of an ambulance. The drive was kick-started with the collection of UGX 5.9 million during the dinner.  The MUST Students’ Guild Logo established with the motto “steadfast in service” was officially launched.

The exciting performances from various countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Rwanda left the guests amazed about the cultural diversity, beauty and richness. Indeed, Friday April 9th was a special and unique day in the new normal life of MUST and a testimony of steady growth of the international family at MUST amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. MUST will continue to be a special home away from home for international students and visitors! Succeed We MUST!

Watch the full event here on this link