At the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), there was a buzz of excitement as faculty, staff, and students gathered to honor a remarkable figure: Professor Merab Kagoda, who recently celebrated her 71st birthday and the successful recovery from heart surgery performed in India. The event was not just a birthday party; it was a heartfelt celebration of a life that has touched so many others, both within the college and beyond.
The hall was adorned with balloons and banners, and the air was filled with laughter and music. As guests mingled and shared stories, it was clear that Prof. Kagoda’s influence had rippled across the college, creating connections that would last a lifetime. Her recovery from heart surgery added a deeper significance to the celebration, a testament to her strength and resilience.
Prof. Kagoda, a respected educator and mentor, took the stage to express her gratitude to everyone who supported her through her health journey. She thanked the CEES staff for their financial and moral support during her surgery and recovery, a show of solidarity that warmed her heart. “I’m grateful to be here today, surrounded by such wonderful people,” she said, her voice full of emotion.
The college’s principal, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, spoke warmly about Prof. Kagoda’s dedication to her work and her nurturing approach towards both staff and students. “When we were young lecturers, she would invite us to her office and offer guidance on how to conduct ourselves around students. Her advice was invaluable, and it helped us mature as educators,” he recalled. His words were met with nods of agreement from many in the room who had also benefited from Prof. Kagoda’s mentorship.
But Prof. Kagoda’s contributions extend far beyond classroom instruction. Her efforts to establish research partnerships have opened doors for many at the college. Prof. Mulumba Mathias, the Dean of the School of Education, praised her role in securing scholarships for several members of staff. “Her hard work and vision have created opportunities that will shape the future of our college,” he noted.
As the evening continued, there were more tributes to Prof. Kagoda’s legacy. Prof. Sarah Ssali, a member of the university council, shared her appreciation for Prof. Kagoda’s mentorship and for the service she and her husband, Mr. Kagoda, a former council member, had provided to the university. “It’s leaders like Prof. Kagoda who inspire the next generation of educators,” she said, emphasizing the importance of role models in academia.
The celebration culminated in a heartfelt toast, with everyone raising their glasses to honor a woman whose life and work have been a source of inspiration and hope. As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that Prof. Kagoda’s impact would be felt for many years to come, her legacy woven into the very fabric of the college she has helped to build.
