General
How Prof. Kyeyune’s Gifted hands got him to Pope Francis
A life changing experience
On 27th November, Pope Francis made his maiden visit to Uganda. Among the particular areas he visited was the Catholic Shrine at Munyonyo and the Uganda martyrs shrine at Namugongo. It is at Munyonyo that Prof. George Kyeyune, a member of Staff of Makerere University met and shook hands with the Pope.
Prof. Kyeyune made the sculpture of Andrea Kaggwa, one of Uganda’s martyrs, killed at Munyonyo during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga. We caught up with Prof, Kyeyune, who is still living in the glow of the life changing experience of meeting one of the top religious leaders in the world- Pope Francis.
Getting started
Prof. Kyeyune, a proud Professor of Fine Art in the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art, Makerere University is all smiles after successfully executing the assignment to make a monument of one of Uganda’s martyrs, Anderea Kaggwa that Pope Francis blessed and unveiled at Munyonyo. He successfully bided for the project alongside other sculptors.“The Polish Priest at Munyonyo, Father Marian Kajubi Golab, wanted a sculpture to commemorate Anderea Kaggwa who was martyred at Munyonyo. Several sculptors were contacted and asked to present marquees, and budgets. I emerged winner of the contract,” explains a jovial Prof. Kyeyune.
Throughout the interview, Prof. Kyeyune had a sparkle in the eye and smiled a lot especially when talking about Pope Francis. Prof. Kyeyune is from the catholic faith and dedicatedly wears his Rosary. He was delighted to take on the job, which he says gave him an opportunity to come close, so close to the Pope that he could make out the pores of his (Pope) skin.The sculpture in 
question is thus far the biggest piece of work that Prof. Kyeyune has laid his gifted hands on. It was sponsored by two catholic families; the family of Mr. Joseph Yiga- a known business man in town and the family of Rtn. Emmanuel Katongole of Quality Chemicals. It took him two and a half months to finish this work, which he considers to be one of his masterpieces. The seven feet highsculpture depicts a closer to life image of the deceased Kaggwa. It stands tall at Munyonyo for all to see. “I recommended seven feet. I wanted a monument that would not be dwarfed and one that would not be too big for the building, but also something I would manage to do. When it was done, people swarmed it, kissed it and did all sorts of things. I was gratified,” he reminisces.
Prof. Kyeyune emphasises that the sculpture is designed to bring out the last moments of this particular martyr who is said to have been tied on a log and his hands cut off moments before his death. “He died a painful death but at the same time he was not resigned. He was hopeful, looking forward to a better afterlife. That kind of resilience is what I wanted to infuse in the monument and maybe this is what people were responding to,” Prof. Kyeyune contentedly explains. The monument is made in bronze, a mixture of copper and brass.
Meeting the Pope
“We were made to rehearse and told to walk in a certain way, not too fast, not too slow,” Prof. Kyeyune gives a hearty laughter as he recalls the drills. “As a staunch catholic, I was very much part of the entire experience of the Pope’s visit and the climax for me was when I was able to get very close to him and shake his hands,” he adds.
The Pope was given an explanation of this particular project especially the history on how Anderea Kaggwa met his death because of his commitment to the Christian faith. “What we gave him was a small version of the big sculpture to take home. He asked some questions for clarity especially in relation to the death. One of the sponsors of this sculpture explained to the Pope that Kabaka Mwanga insisted not to have any meals until Anderea’s hand had been cut off and brought before him,” he narrates. History has it that the King’s order was executed by Mukaajanga– the Executor.
It was during this dialogue and explanations that Prof. Kyeyune took a keen look at the Pope. “I had a close look at the Pope because of this extended discussion and it was spiritually uplifting. I was a different person after. He is very ordinary in the human sense, but he has this clout of a Pope which makes the spiritual dimension overwhelming. In this presence, I quietly said a prayer to God, thanking Him for so much,” he asserts.
The aftermath
“Some people suggested that I should not wash my hands. Many came to shake my hand to get the first experience of the Pope’s blessings. My sister, Catherine Namyalo was the first to call. She was astounded seeing me on television while following the proceedings of the Pope’s visit. Other people came to hug me in the days that followed the Pope’s visit. It was as if I had carried some attributes of the Pope with me,” Prof. Kyeyune recounts amidst laughter. The Pope gave him a Rosary which he has since decided to frame and hang in his house. He is grateful to the project sponsors for considering him for the historic opportunity.
The benefit to Makerere University
“One of the reasons I suffered a lot with this work is because our studios are not well facilitated. We lack a lot of basic equipment. We certainly can do much more with some financial aid. I thank the Presidential initiative, it has given us some materials and tools but we need more,” says Prof. Kyeyune. He explains that the project was ambitious, necessitating some components to be done outside Makerere University. He worked with a team of students to accomplish the task and is grateful to Makerere University for allowing him to use the facilities. And as such, Prof. Kyeyune has committed to giving back a percentage of the proceeds towards renovation of the studio at the Margarett Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art.
The project also presented an opportunity for him to try out a mixture of beeswax, paraffin wax and sap from a tree to mould the sculpture. “I used this combination for the sculpture. It makes the wax softer and easier to mould. This is an ongoing experiment. At the moment I am still trying to establish the right proportions. This is going to be my next level of research,” he says.
Other works
Prof. Kyeyune is part of the team that sculpted the CHOGM monument and the monument of 50 years of Uganda’s independence. Both these monuments proudly stand at Uganda’s Parliamentary gardens. He worked with Maria Naita on these pieces. He was also the overall in-charge of the team that designed the current legal tender in circulation, right from the 1,000/= note to the 50,000/= note. Within Makerere University, some of his works are visible in the monument of the late President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania.
Story by Marion Alina
By Scholars Program Communication Team
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Little Angels Junior School, Mawotto Village, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District celebrated an inspiring, joy-filled event. These two schools were selected to receive the generosity of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service.
At St. Charles Rwahunga Nursery and Primary School, the Scholars donated various products, including Learning Materials, Geometry sets, Sanitary towels for the girls, sportswear for the boys’ football team, and other goodies.
The Community Nursery and Primary School serves 412 pupils with severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The buildings are dilapidated, there is a shortage of desks, and the classrooms are small and overcrowded. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a better student learning environment.
Mr. Alex Mugisha, the Headteacher of the School, expressed gratitude to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for the kind gesture they extended to his school.
“I am deeply grateful, along with the students and staff, for the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These materials will significantly enhance the learning environment for our pupils,” remarked Mr. Mugisha.
Mr. Nelson Ddumba, the Scholars Council Representative, encouraged the young learners at the event not to lose hope. He emphasized that regardless of their starting point, they can improve their circumstances by staying in school.
“Listen, my fellow students: do not give up. The only path to transforming your circumstances is through a steadfast commitment to your education and remaining in school. I have been in your shoes, but I pushed through and succeeded thanks to my mother’s unwavering support. Today, I proudly attend Makerere University, one of the leading institutions in Uganda. Embrace the challenge ahead and make your education your top priority!” Mr. Ddumba declared.
At Little Angels Junior School, pupils were excited to receive educational materials, reusable sanitary towels, mathematical sets, dictionaries, and textbooks for nursery to primary seven students.
Ms. Sarah Nturo, the headteacher, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University for the kind gesture.
She said the books will help the school improve its reading culture and performance.
“We are grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University; we believe these books will significantly contribute to improving our pupils’ performance,” Ms. Nturo said.
Nturo also pointed out that they have challenges with the facilities and water as a school.
“Ever since we started this School, the education has improved because, in the past, parents could not allow their children to come here; instead, they would send them to the lake for fishing. But now, the children come only because they do not have somewhere to sit. We have few desks,” Nturo said.
During the visit, the pupils mesmerised the scholars with rare dance moves. The excitement did not leave the Programme Implementation team and teachers in their seats, making it a fun-filled event. The audience was left yearning for more.
Addressing the school, Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, urged the pupils to use their school time to prepare for a bright future.
“Do not mind where you are coming from. We all started like this. Education is an equalizer. Now that you have an opportunity to study, focus on making the best out of it. Be disciplined pupils and listen to your teachers. The sky will be the limit,” Mr Osuna said.
During the event, Francis Kabuye Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) leadership, said that ever since the school started over 10 years back, they have never received guests who bring them gifts like how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars did.
“I think you have seen how excited the children were. We are all happy this has never happened to our school. Who are we to receive these gifts? We have challenges, but with friends like God on our side, we shall conquer,” Mr. Kabuye noted.
The Scholars’ Day of Community Service is an annual event where Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University engage in community service as a way of giving back. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals in the community and contribute positively to society.
By Mak Communication Team
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while speaking at the inaugural commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Makerere University has appealed to the Government to increase the number of students with disabilities on government sponsorship.
The event held on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 was organised by the Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students’ Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities and held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.
The day’s theme was: “Empowering Inclusion: Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential”
“Students with disabilities should be the first to be admitted on Government sponsorship because there are not so many,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Prof. Nawangwe called upon the government to devise a scheme and policy for integrating students with disabilities into the working environment after graduation.
Prof. Nawangwe noted that the University has established a Disability Support Centre, a one-stop facility to ensure equal access to education and life, promote inclusivity, and support students and staff with disabilities.
“Over the years, Makerere University has branded itself as a place that actively and loudly promotes increased awareness about the rights and needs of students and staff with disabilities.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the State minister for Disability Affairs, called upon Persons with Disabilities to always believe in themselves and be able to break the barriers of the inferiority complex.
“You have to show people that you have the potential, and when people get to know your potential, they will begin to include and engage you. But if you do not have your potential, nobody will include you. They will think you are just someone who is just there seated and begging,” Hon. Asamo noted.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, said that the University is making a deliberate effort to pay particular attention to the decisive implementation of inclusive Policies and Practices.
“This is where we want all people to thrive and grow. Therefore, we are proud to accept and celebrate our differences and uniqueness. We welcome you here to build a culture of active support for each other and to declare that by championing a conducive environment for students and staff with disability, we are part of the change-makers of today,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli also highlighted several policies the University has implemented, such as the Policy for Persons with Disabilities and safeguarding, Accommodation policy, University rules and regulations, the Human resource manual, and the student guild constitution that provides inclusive participation in student leadership and admission policies.
“These policies protect and enhance the rights of both staff and students with disabilities. For example, we have a student guild minister for persons with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.
Makerere has directed attention to ensuring accessible and comfortable accommodations for students with Disabilities by having designated accessible hostels and rooms. The University provides salaries, lodging, and meals for helpers who assist students with disabilities. A concentrated effort is also being made to build ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to facilitate navigation for students and staff.
According to Dr Kabumbuli, the University has embraced a drive to facilitate students’ access to assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, brailling machines, hearing aids, etc.
“As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the University has designated a specialized space within the library, equipped with assistive technologies and resources, specifically for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to knowledge and academic success for all. We have also put in place special arrangements, such as extra time during examinations to enable access to education,” Dr Kabumbuli said.
Dr. Kabumbuli acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Ministry of Gender, and the School of Law, which are committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and equity for People with Disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities worldwide.
The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.
The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.
‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output. He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs. ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’. The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work. While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible. ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match. He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.
Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning. He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.
Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.
The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies. He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.
Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.
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