Today the 6th of May 2022 Makerere University launched a series of commemorative events to mark 100 years of existence, with a climax event slated for October 2022.
As history would have it, in 1945 when the colonial administration needed to expand Makerere College in a bid to establish the premier University of East Africa, one pioneer, and visionary leader, my late father Martin Luther Nsibirwa went against all odds and public sentiments at the time to offer up more land on Makerere hill.
As Makerere celebrates 100 years of existence, the life and contribution of the Late Katikkiro of Buganda Kindom, Martin Luther Nsibirwa, a pillar for courageous and visionary leadership in the Makerere community is being remembered through an annual lecture which I gave today.
As Makerere marks 100 years, the life of my late father Nsibirwa stands tall in the history that makes Makerere University what is it today. The relevance of recognizing his extensive contribution to Makerere’s existence is further evident in the 1997 decision to rename the former Northcote Hall as Nsibirwa Hall. Read about this and more in my memoir ‘My Life Is But A Weaving’
Keynote speaker Owekitibwa Katikkiro Peter Mayiga also delivered a lecture on this historical moment in appreciation of Nsibirwa’s contribution to Makerere and the role that cultural institutions can play in nurturing societal transformation.
We as the Nsibirwa family are truly thankful to the Makerere University administration for honoring our father, grandfather and great-grandfather today.
