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Celebrating Grace Wilson Igaga Mutekanga: A Gallant Alumnus and Iconic Musician

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The Makerere University Community joins family, friends and all lovers of music in celebrating the life of an iconic musician, who forever etched his name in our annals when he composed our renowned Anthem, a true masterpiece.

Composed in the Baroque idiom, the Makerere University Anthem comes complete with touches of fanfare, memorable rallying calls, inclusivity and wisdom. By achieving this feat, Mr. Igaga embodied our motto We Build for the Future by using the knowledge acquired through academic pursuit to inspire past, present and future generations to always seek the truth, remember their Alma Mater and live impactful lives.

To celebrate his legacy, a funeral service will be held at St. Francis Chapel on Thursday 22nd August 2024 starting at 10:00AM.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF GRACE WILSON MUBI IGAGA MUTEKANGA

Date of Birth: 29th June 1940
Died on: 16th August 2024
Parents: Daudi Kintu Mutekanga and Erina Babyale Mutekanga in Bubula, Kamuli, Busoga

Family

Wife: Frances Katusabe Mutekanga

Children:

  • Basalirwa Frida
  • Mutekanga Andrew
  • Igaga Isaac
  • Igaga Yonah
  • Mutekanga Erina
  • Bakibinga Jacob
  • Igaga Amos
  • Namutebi Irene
  • Igaga Matthews
  • Ibembe Patrick

Grandchildren: Numerous

Education Background

  • 1951-1956: Naminage Primary School and Mwiri Primary School (PLE)
  • 1957-1962: Busoga College Mwiri (O-Level Certificate)
  • 1963-1964: Makerere College School (A-Level Certificate)
  • 1965-1966: Makerere University College BA (Hons) 1-year Attendance
  • 1966-1969: Heidelberg University (Ohio, USA) Bachelors Degree in Music
  • 1970-1971: Northwestern University, Evanston (Illinois, USA)

Employment Record

  • Olive-Hervey College (Chicago, USA)
  • 1971-1973: Makerere College School and Part-time Lecturer, Department of Music, Dance, and Drama
  • 1973-1975: Head of Music Department, National Teachers College, Kyambogo
  • 1975-1981: Lecturer, Department of Music, Dance, and Drama & Warden, Livingstone Hall
  • 1982-1986: Lecturer, School of Education
  • 1986-1988: Lecturer, Makerere University Department of Music, Dance, and Drama
  • 1989-1995: Principal, Bishop Willis Teacher’s College, Iganga
  • 1996-1997: Principal, Kabulasoke Teacher’s Training College
  • 1997-2003: Director, National Teacher’s College Mubende

Other Professional Accomplishments

  • Composer of the Makerere University Anthem and numerous other songs
  • Authored a proposal leading to the introduction of the Grade V Diploma Programme for Primary Teachers in Uganda, working closely with Mrs. Joyce Mpanga, former Minister of Education, and Mr. Eric Karuhije, Chief Inspector of Schools
  • Honorary Award recipient: “PHI Delta Kappa,” Northwestern University Chapter (A Professional Fraternity in Education)
  • Served as Chief Examiner (Music), East African Examinations Council
  • Served at the Public Service Commission during the tenure of the late Canon-Bikangaga
  • Served on Governing Councils of various educational institutions, including Mwiri Primary School, Iganga S.S., Buckley High School, and Kamuli Girls S.S.
  • Actively involved in programs that transformed teacher education in Uganda

After his retirement in 2003, he devoted himself to community development initiatives in Bufumba, Kamuli. He was deeply involved in Church administration, primarily within the Church of Uganda, and pursued agriculture with a special focus on fruit cultivation.

As part of Makerere University‘s 90th Anniversary Grand Finale celebrations on 3rd August 2013, Mr. Grace Wilson Mutekanga Igaga was recognized for his contribution to the university through the composition of its anthem. He received a standing ovation as he was presented with an award by the Chancellor, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Frances Mutekanga, and other members of his family.

Hobbies

  • Avid reader
  • Film enthusiast
  • Passionate about gardening and flowers
  • Deep love for music, often singing at every opportunity
  • Valued laughter and happiness in life
  • Cherished time with friends and family, always knowing how to share love generously

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Remembering the late Mutekanga who composed Makerere University‘s Anthem

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Pre-entry Exam Results for Bachelor of Laws 2025/2026

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The office of the Academic Registrar has released the results for Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination 2025/2026 held on Saturday 12th April, 2025.

Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration.

Those who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.

The list includes the different categories of applicants namely: A-level, Diploma Holders, Degree Holders and Mature-Age:

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Makerere Team Excels at Olympia Debate Tournament held in Nairobi

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Makerere University team receiving their Certificate of Participation. Olympia Debate Society, Nairobi Kenya, East Africa.

The Makerere University team comprising Ms. Apili Esther Cynthia from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Mr. Muhwezi Joshua Lawel from Makerere University School of Law (SoL) emerged 2nd at the Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament held 18th to 20th April in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ms. Apili was recognised as best female speaker/debator at the tournament and 3rd best open speaker while partner Mr. Muhwezi was recognised as 4th best open speaker.

This year, Makerere University was represented by two teams: Team A: Kemigisha Daphine, SoL; Nakalanzi Melody, College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHUSS); Team B: Muhwezi Joshua Lawel, SoL; Apili Esther Cynthia, MUBS.

The Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament organised by the Olympia Debate Society is an exclusive Invitational Round Robin Tournament that invites outstanding universities in the debate circuit in Africa bringing together the best speakers on the continent.

The tournament, like all University debate competitions, takes the format of the British Parliamentary format which is also used at the World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC).

Strathmore University (Kenya) was the overall winner of the tournament, African Leadership Institute (Rwanda) was ranked in 3rd position while the University of Nairobi was ranked in 4th position.  

In her words, Ms. Apili describes herself as a passionate peace and conflict resolution advocate. She notes that, ‘debate has been a great learning experience emotionally, mentally and argumentation maturity but also a motivation to reading and research’. She views her participation in the Olympia Debate Tournament ‘as a privilege and great moment as a female speaker, and partnering with brilliant Lawel Joshua Muhwezi who has made significant strides in the debate space. Cynthia added, ‘being an invitational tournament with a straight break to finals that recognizes vibrant speakers within the East African region, getting to do the tournament was fulfilling’.

Zaam Ssali

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NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

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NTU Global Summer School 2025

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here! 

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