Former President of Kenya and Alumnus, H.E. Dr. Mwai Kibaki (R) shakes hands with Makerere University Anthem Composer Mr. Grace Wilson Mutekanga Igaga after he was honoured for his contribution on 3rd August 2013.
Makerere University as part of the 90 Years Grand Finale celebrations on 3rd August 2013 recognized the Mr. Grace Wilson Mutekanga Igaga for his role in composing the University Anthem.
Mr. Mutekanga Igaga who received a standing ovation from the congregation as he received his award from The Chancellor Professor George Mondo Kagonyera was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Frances Mutekanga and other members of his family.
In presenting the award, The Chancellor had this to say, “As we celebrate the 90 Years of Makerere University, I take this singular honour of recognizing the composer of one of the most beautiful anthems, I have ever listened to.”
The 70 year old composer of the Makerere UniversityAnthem then thrilled the congregation by singing a stanza of the coveted Anthem; with the finesse and articulation that only the original composer could muster, and the thunderous applause that followed was of equal recompense.
In his acceptance speech, the jovial Alumnus said, “With big humility, I stand before you, to thank you Mr. Vice Chancellor and your administration for every effort. I thank the Makerere University community for accepting my commodity. I say to the entire world, I feel honoured. I have never imagined that I would receive this honour when I am still alive. I am very grateful for the Award.”
The Grand Finale celebrations were presided over by The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi and attended by former President of Kenya and Alumnus, H.E. Dr. Mwai Kibaki, Gen. Elly Tumwine, Education and Sports Minister, Hon. Jessica Alupo, State Minister for Higher Education Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, The Chairperson Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Development Partners, Members of Parliament, University Staff and Students, and Makerere Alumni.
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:
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.
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.
“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.