General

Exclusive Independence Art Exhibition at MTSIFA

Published

16 years ago

October 7, 2009

Below is an extract from the message that the then Prime Minister of Uganda, the Hon A.M. Obote wrote for the special Independence edition of the Uganda Argus in 1962;

Below is an extract from the message that the then Prime Minister of Uganda, the Hon A.M. Obote wrote for the special Independence edition of the Uganda Argus in 1962;

“At the turning-point in the history of Uganda, I hope that all our friends will join with me in bestowing upon the new, independent Uganda our prayers and hopes for peace, prosperity and a growing strength in her now role in international affairs. Uganda has many friends, both within her borders and outside. With the goodwill of all who wish to see her prosper, Uganda will go forward from strength to strength.”

After the October 1962 historic event days have turned into years and years into decades. It therefore comes as no surprise that this week Uganda is commemorating its 47th Independence Anniversary.
Born in the 1950’s and growing up in the residential suburb of Kololo I, at an early age, always looked forward to the celebrations that were held in the grounds of Kololo airstrip.

However in the last four decades Independence anniversaries can hardly be equated to celebrations. Rather, they have now become occasions for people to pause, for a moment, and look back along the path we have traveled and to reflect on what may be in store for future generations.
As a nation, we have experienced happenings that have either heralded us as champions for a just cause or ridiculed us and questioned our founding position as a democratic state.

This week, the Makerere Art Gallery, in an exclusive art exhibition is commemorating Uganda’s Independence anniversary. This group of artists from various age groups and artistic backgrounds has done what they do best.

They have made visual statements that speak louder than words.
A few highlights to whet your appetite.
Notwithstanding the artists’ original concepts when they executed the works, I am tempted to make some subjective socio-political interpretations on some of the works displayed.

When two cocks begin to fight there is literally no stopping until one succumbs to defeat .The victor gains space(usually within a clearly defined perimeter) and asserts his authoritative presence as the defeated cockerel slinks away with a bloodied head and comb. Even in the simple life of such lowly creatures there is a chain of command that is earned through brute force.

It is only when the cockerel is ‘slaughtered’ for a meal or becomes too old to ‘rule’ that another younger cock can ably take over.
I don’t know about you but that is what I experience in my mind when I behold Ssali Yusuf’s painting. Two great cocks face each other in a flurry of bright red and yellow colours that speak about the passion with which these cocks fight for leadership positions.
A cock, whether in Uganda or any other country in Africa, has the same mannerism when it comes to the issue of leadership.
Sounds familiar?

An abstract painting titled ‘Mother cow’ got me thinking about a mother cow that ‘hides’ its milk from the farmer who does not feed and treat it well.
It sounds ironical but the truth of the matter is that one can’t expect milk from a cow that one does not feed.

In simple terms the ‘cow’ and the ‘farmer’ have to understand that they both need to work at their roles for anything good to come out of the partnership! People… it’s about working together!

In the midst of apartheid South Africa, Alan Paton wrote a book whose title Cry, the Beloved Country makes one wonder and ask “why?” about the socio-economic imbalances that were then and still is, prevailing in South Africa.

Although Martin Luther King Jr asserted that man should be judged by the content of his character rather than by the colour of his skin, for whatever social, political, economic and religious upheavals, those with the same skin colour often are the worst offenders of discrimination.

Reading between the lines of a text is no different than looking beyond the visual representations that you will encounter in this Art Exhibition. Whether you agree with me or not, life is amazingly interesting when one looks at it through the eyes of artists.
Take a moment to reflect on what being independent is all about during this weekend marking the nation’s 47th Independence anniversary.

Enjoy!

Maria Alawua Openyto,
Lecturer, Department of Painting and Art History,
Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art.

Click here for your invitation.

General

Makerere University Fees Waiver for 40 First Year Female Students 2025/2026

Published

11 hours ago

July 14, 2025

Mak Editor

Makerere University Tuition and Functional Fees Waiver is a Scholarship Scheme that was initiated by Makerere University Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and was approved by the Makerere University Council in December 2010. The Scheme supports bright female students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to access education at Makerere University. The University waives off tuition and functional fees for the duration of the study of the beneficiaries of the scheme. With effect from 2021/2022 academic year, the Scheme has offered waiver of tuition and functional fees for 40 female students joining the University who meet the criteria. All Programmes in the Colleges at Makerere University Main Campus and at Makerere University Jinja Campus are eligible for this Scholarship support. These scholarships are administered by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Makerere University. Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

Scholarship applicants should meet the following criteria:

Should be female of Ugandan Nationality
Should be a first-year student admitted at Makerere University Main Campus and Jinja Campus for the academic year 2025/2026 under the Direct Entry Scheme.
Should be from a genuinely disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Those not admitted on Uganda Government sponsorship to any public university.
Those who do not hold any other scholarship e.g. District Scholarship
Must be willing to participate in a selection process as shall be determined by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate Scholarship Committee.

THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM SUBMITTED SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE ONCE IT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS;

Copies of ‘O’ and ‘A’ level academic documents.
One Passport size photograph.
A Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Incase of deceased parent (s), a copy of death certificate(s)
A hand drawn physical map of an applicant’s home/residence with clear directions of how to get to that home or residence from the nearest main road (indicate approximate distances in kilometres).
A copy of the admission letter to Makerere University.

The scholarship covers only tuition and functional fees. The applicant must be able to pay for their feeding, accommodation and other learning necessities required by the University for the duration of the study period.

Interested and eligible applicants can pick application forms free of charge from the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Senate Building, Level 4, Room 402 OR download a copy from the Makerere University Website: https://mak.ac.ug/

You can also access more information on our X handle @MakerereGMD

For more information or inquiries, please contact us using the following contacts:

Office Mobile Numbers: +256702960616 / +256781866728
Email Address: director.gendermainstreaming@mak.ac.ug

The Application deadline is Monday, 8^th August 2025 at 5:00pm.

Euzobia Mugisha Baine (PhD)
Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer

Makerere-GMD-Fees-Waiver-Scholarship-2025-2026_Download

Makerere-GMD-Fees-Waiver-Scholarship-2025-2026-Application-Form Download

General

Korean Language Courses-Semester

Published

13 hours ago

July 14, 2025

Mak Editor

Students walk into the Arts Quadrangle, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.

Courses by Level

Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Online
TOPIK

Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com

Registration is open, you can register to join the class at any time.

Registration:

To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704

Fee: UGX 80,000 a semester

For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)

See downloads for Class Timetable

The Korean Corner is located on the 2^nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.

Makerere-CHUSS-CLCS-KOICA-Korean-Language-Classes-for-Semester-Poster Download

General

NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education

Published

5 days ago

July 9, 2025

Mak Editor

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Dr. Maggie Kigozi (R) and Mr. Mark Muyobo (L) on 9th July 2025 at Makerere University. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa.

_{By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy}

Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.

NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.

Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa. — ***Left to Right: Mr. Mark Muyobo, Dr. Maggie Kigozi and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pose for a photo at the Main Building entrance.***

“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”

The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.

“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame. Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa. — ***Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe poses with the #MakRun2025 photo frame.***

The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.

A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.

“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”

Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.

Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF)’s flagship initiative – the Makerere University Marathon unveiling of NCBA Bank Uganda as Platinum Sponsor with UGX 1.45 Billion over five years, 9th July 2025, Kampala, East Africa. — ***Officials pose with runners in the Freedom Square.***

Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.

“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”

The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17^th, 2025.

The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University