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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

Related News Coverage

Remembering the late Mutekanga who composed Makerere University‘s Anthem

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National Merit Scholarship Undergraduate Admission List 2026/2027

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University Road. Photo taken on 1st April 2026.

The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026. The Office has also released Cut Off Points for Government Admissions.

Below are lists of candidates admitted to the respective courses tenable at Makerere University and Makerere University Business School:

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Makerere University Inaugurates 2nd Health User Committee

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) with L-R: Ms. Kevin Nabiryo, Mr. Godfrey Othieno, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa and Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha after the inauguration on 20th April 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.

Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.

Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.

The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.

The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.

Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.

Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/

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Makerere University Employment Opportunities: Academic, Administrative and Support Staff

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Participants pose for a group photo on Day Two of the staff induction ceremony for new recruits on 16th May 2025. Makerere University day two of induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, 16th May 2025, School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for various academic, administrative, and support staff positions.

Detailed job profiles and the application link can be found at:
http://ehrms.mak.ac.ug/recruitment/jobs.

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human
Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to
provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:

  1. An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
  2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of
    at least three referees.
  3. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
  4. A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.

The application should be addressed to:

The Chief Human Resource Officer
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala

Closing Date: 04th May 2026, 17:00HRS E.A.T

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