General
Mak Freedom Square to Receive Facelift
The Makerere University Council and Management have finalized the procedures for upgrading and beautifying the legendary Makerere University Freedom Square into a modern 21st century green space. The project that kicked off in July 2019, will be implemented by Prime Media Network in a phased approach.
According the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. William Bazeyo, the redevelopment shall maintain the Square’s originality; preserving the historic trees, but the grounds shall be beautified by undertaking some simple landscaping, constructing a fence, maintaining the greenery, and installing a modern lighting system.
“It is going to be designed with furniture installed on the peripheral to give people shade and sitting space; as well as litter bins with the aim of keeping the place clean and fresh. We also plan to install free internet hotspots for students’ usage,” he said.
The Freedom square is one of Makerere University’s most famous landmarks because of its legendary function and strong historical background. Located between Makerere University Main Building (the administrative block), the University Library and the School of Social Sciences, the Freedom Square has always been a ceremonial ground.
The Freedom Square was the venue for the cutting of the first sod for the Main Administration Building (at the then Makerere College) by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester on 3rd November 1938. On 8th October 1970 Makerere University was officially inaugurated as an autonomous university from the University of East Africa (UEA). The Government of H.E. Dr. Apollo Milton Obote organised a grand ceremony in the Freedom Square to which Presidents H.E. Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, H.E. Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and H.E. Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia were invited. Then the Out-going Guild President, Hon. Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o had the privilege of bearing the University Mace.
Since that day, the Freedom Square has played host to the making of countless graduation memories. Prominent leaders from around the world have received their Bachelors, Masters, PhDs and Honorary Doctorate degrees of Makerere University in the Freedom Square.
To many, the square is a symbol of freedom. It is a testament to staff and students of the value Makerere University accords to the values of freedom of expression and assembly. The ongoing facelift will only serve to protect and further cement that reputation.
Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations Office.
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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