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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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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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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.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“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).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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