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.
By Nickson Maberi
The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025. Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.
Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.
The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.
“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.
Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.
Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.
“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.
Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.
Mr. Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.
“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.
Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.
Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
-
Health6 days agoMeet Laura Silovsky, a Makerere University Graduate with Refugee Roots Bridging Continents
-
General2 weeks agoCall for Applications: Masters Student Mobility to Norway 2025
-
General5 days agoPress Statement: Clarification on Issues Raised During the Ongoing Conversations on the X Platform
-
General1 week agoProf. Nawangwe urges young people to take up leadership in innovation for the transformation of Africa
-
Research1 week agoCARTA Graduate Dr. Drago on Advancing Research in Infectious Diseases