General
Mak@100: Professor Rowell Gifts Priceless Harpsichord to Makerere
Makerere University’s Centenary Celebrations on 27th January 2022 received an unanticipated boost in the form of a priceless Harpsichord, a classic keyboard-like instrument, thanks to a long established relationship.
This treasure of a gift was handed over by Professor Hugh Rowell, a former Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, where he taught between 1961 and 1970, and later served as external examiner.
A harpsichord is a keyboard musical instrument; one of the most important instruments in European music history from the 16th century through the first half of the 18th century.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Sylvia Nannyonga Tamusuza, the Chair, Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF) was humbled and extremely grateful for the gift, noting that it will be a very important teaching and learning material for the students of music. Previously, students had to rely on their imagination or the internet to acquaint themselves with the image and sound of this instrument.
In addition, Assoc. Prof. Nannyonga Tamusuza expressed gratitude to Professor Rowell for choosing Makerere other than any other entity as the recipient of his precious Harpsichord. She promised that it would be put to good use by the students and staff of PAF.
Professor Rowell spoke of how deeply he was attached to his French instrument since 1975 when it was specially made for him in California, U.S.A. He could not hide his delight at seeing that Makerere had accepted to become its new home.
“This instrument can produce the most horrible sound when out of tune, which is a good symbol to Makerere to always stay in harmony” he said analogically, before humourously adding “Whenever it is played, I will know.”
Addressing the audience at the handover, the Dean, School of Liberal and Performing Arts, Assoc. Prof. Patrick Mangeni had this to say, “We are celebrating this opportunity but also recognising the significance of music in our Department – music brings us together.”
Assoc. Prof. Josephine Ahikire, the Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) noted that the example of Professor Rowell, a Biologist, being so passionate about music bridges the divide between sciences and humanities.
The Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, who presided over the handover, explained that the donation of the classic instrument was timely as Makerere celebrates 100 years of existence.
“Given that the harpsichord is a historical instrument, housing it within the walls of the University Council Room will be a reminder of the university’s advancement to a new century looking back at the lives it has touched” he said.
Professor Nawangwe noted that the donation of the rare musical instrument further reinforced the Department of Performing Arts and Film’s reputation as a leading centre of music education in the region.
Giving a vote of thanks, the Deputy Principal CHUSS, Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma commended Professor Rowell for continuing to connect with Makerere even to the point of giving one of his prized possessions – the Harpsichord.
Assoc. Prof. Kikooma called upon the Almighty God to bless and richly reward Professor Rowell for his generosity. He also applauded the leadership and staff of PAF for being proactive, conducting mobilisation drives and entering into valuable partnerships that have attracted both resources and friends.
Present at the handover ceremony were; the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dean of Students-Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Director Gender Mainstreaming Directorate-Dr. Euzobia Mugisha Baine, Ag. Director Human Resources-Mr. Tayari Mujuni Deus, Estates and Works Directorate’s Mr. Darius Muwanguzi and Mr. Paul Fuuna as well as staff and students from PAF. Also present were friends of Professor Rowell who included; Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Dr. Christine Mukwaya, Dr. Perpetra Akite among others. Ms. Ritah Namisango the Principal Public Relations Officer was the moderator of the day.
Article by 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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