HUYE — The National University of Rwanda has conferred honorary doctorate degrees to two prominent politicians and diplomats; Kamalesh Sharma, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and Amb. Juma Mwapachu, former Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC)

The two were presented degrees in political science and Literature.

The awards ceremony took place yesterday during a colourful graduation ceremony where over 3000 students were conferred with Bachelors and Masters degrees in various disciplines.

The Rector of the National University of Rwanda, Prof Silas Lwakabamba, noted that the two scholars were awarded due to their contribution towards the world’s development.

"Both are scholars and opinion leaders in their own right; both have fought for human rights and the alleviation of poverty and discrimination and have been good friends of Rwanda,” Lwakabamba said.

In his acceptance speech, Karma noted that it was an honour for him to be recognized and observed that the Commonwealth "will always endeavour for a better change”.

Amb. Mwapachu thanked the university and hailed its role in the East African region.

"This university is at the forefront of shaping a new Rwandan identity, building a new strong country. It is playing a role of forming intellectuals who serve our society. This is a unique University which is probably not found anywhere in the world,” Mwapachu observed.

This is the second time the NUR has made honorary awards. Previously, the university awarded the former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata.