Connect with us

General

Exclusive Independence Art Exhibition at MTSIFA

Published

on

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.

Denis Wamala

Continue Reading

General

Undergraduate Admissions List: Mop-up/Appeals 2025/2026

Published

on

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Makerere University, DFCU Bank Sign MoU to Advance Innovation, Student Leadership and Research

Published

on

Officials from Makerere University and DFCU Bank pose for a group photo at the Main Building Entrance after the MoU signing ceremony on 4th July 2025. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy

Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.

The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.

“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.

“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated.
Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university.
“We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.

Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness. Makerere University and DFCU Bank Limited sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance academic excellence, advance research and innovation capabilities, and provide crucial student support services through key activities; Annual Tumusiime Muteile Lecture, MakRun and Student activities, 4th July 2025, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.

“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.

About MAK RUN 2025

The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.

The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.

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

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Diploma in Performing Arts Admission List 2025/26

Published

on

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates who passed the special entry examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts held on Saturday 17th May, 2025

The following have been admitted by the University’s Admissions Committee on Private Sponsorship for the 2025/26 Academic Year

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending