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
By Agnes Namaganda
On July 22nd 2022, Makerere University–Child Health and Development Centre (Mak–CHDC) launched a draft manual for the National Parenting Standards. The Centre has been working together with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) with funding from UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund), to develop standards that are agreeable to all organisations in the country that are involved in parenting work. The draft manual was being presented to members of a consortium that brings together all these organisations together, called the Parenting Agenda Consortium.
“We produce many documents and they are shelved,” Irene Ayot Chono, who was speaking on behalf of UNICEF said. “We hope that this document will not be one of them,” she emphasized.
Dr. Godfrey Siu, the Principal Investigator from Mak-CHDC who presented the draft manual to participants, emphasized that if any organization is doing parenting work, there should be a minimum package that they should offer.
Draft Manual Content
The manual which will have several modules. These modules will be delivered face-to-face in 1.5 hour sessions. Some of these include; Module 6 which will focus on “understanding responsible masculinity and fatherhood” and on “understanding the concept of head of family.”The draft manual also proposed that Module 11 focuses on Parenting in the 21st Century. Some of the sessions in this module will include Children and Technology, Contemporary Influence on Children and Modernity, Culture and Morality.Module 9 will focus on Parenting for Adolescents and some of the suggested sessions within this module are Needs for Adolescents and The Art of Communicating with Adolescents. Module 5 will focus on Preventing Violent Parenting and Promoting Alternative Discipline Strategies while Module 10 will be about Parenting to Address the Mental Health for Children and Adults.
Participants’ suggestions
After the presentation, participants raised several suggestions for discussion and consideration. These included whether there should be a module on spirituality since Uganda is a strongly religious nation. There was also the concern of how children in remand homes should be parented. Another concern raised by a participant was as to whether teachers who make an undeniable contribution to parenting, should be taken through the parenting manual.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Juliana Naumo Akoryo, the Director of Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) said that the manual is for the parenting organisations to utilize and not for MGLSD.
Ms. Chono also adjured the team behind the manual to use picture illustrations in the manual that can be relatable by the Ugandan parents.
Contact: Agnes Namaganda – agnesvioletnamaganda@gmail.com
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