Family members hand over the books to Buganda Minister Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko.
The family of the late John Baptist Mubiru has donated a collection of agricultural books to Muteesa I Royal University. The books were presented through the Ministry of Human Development and officially handed over to the Minister, Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, at Bulange in Mengo.
Meere Mubiru Ndagire from Busiro highlighted the academic journey of her late husband, John Baptist Mubiru, who authored the books. She said he studied agriculture at Makerere University before furthering his studies in the United States, which enabled him to become an expert in agriculture and later write the books. The family said they decided to donate the books to the Kingdom’s university in order to share the late Mubiru’s documented professional knowledge and ensure it is preserved for future generations.
The Buganda Minister for Human Development commended the family for the donation, describing the books as very valuable and saying they will greatly support students who are set to begin agricultural studies at Muteesa I Royal University, helping them develop professional skills in agriculture.
Minister Nakate also noted that the introduction of agricultural courses has been strengthened by the availability of these books. She praised the family for preserving such important written material over time, emphasizing that written knowledge does not decay. She called upon subjects of the Kabaka who possess useful written materials to consider donating them to the Kingdom.
The Head of Busiro County, Ssebwana Charles Kiberu Kisiriza, who led the Palace guests, praised the late John Baptist Mubiru for leaving behind practical knowledge through his writings, saying it will be of great benefit to students of the current generation.
He said the significant investment the late Mubiru made in agricultural research was remarkable, as it was conducted across different countries rather than in one location. He added that this will greatly benefit today’s learners, especially as His Majesty the Kabaka has shown strong interest in promoting agriculture, including coffee farming and other crops.