Ougo's Unforgettable Tribute to Prof Anyang' Nyong'o’s Legacy at Makerere University
Makarere University was founded in 1922 as a technical institution focused on instructing students in construction techniques, mechanical skills, and woodworking.
With the motto "We Build for the Future," the university welcomed its inaugural group of 14 students and began developing its profile and expanding its reach, eventually becoming an affiliated college of the University of London.
In 1963, Makerere was integrated into the University of East Africa, which comprised subsidiary colleges or branches in Nairobi (which would subsequently evolve into a comprehensive university known as the University of Nairobi) and Tanzania (later transforming into the University of Dar es Salaam).
On October 10, 1969, the Makerere Students Guild, which serves as the students' representative body, conducted the elections for the 1969-70 academic term. That election holds considerable importance and significance. It is one that will be recalled for many years to come.
For the first time in the university’s 47-year history, a non-Ugandan candidate—Peter Anyang' Nyong'o—who received 1,088 votes over Bakulumpagi-Wamala's 626 votes and Paul Wangoola's 224 votes, emerged victorious as the Guild President! His triumph warranted considerable praise since he achieved this milestone during a period when the East African Community (EAC), formed through the 1967 treaty, began encountering substantial political and economic challenges. Consequently, relations among the three member states—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—were rapidly worsening.
The ousting of Ugandan President Milton Obote, who was a close associate of Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, by his own Army General, Idi Amin, and the subsequent seizure of control in Kampala by military forces were outcomes of the East African Community tensions.
During an election involving students from throughout the EAC region, the victor undoubtedly needed to adopt a distinctive approach. This was the key factor behind permanently recording Peter Anyang' Nyong'o’s name in the annals of one of Africa's and the world's longest-standing and most esteemed universities. It is uncertain whether the concurrent political science courses during the campaign period contributed significantly to his success.
On August 7, 2004, I reached Makerere University to pursue a degree in Urban Planning after spending two unexpectedly fruitful years studying at Bugema Adventist School, located several kilometers north of Kampala, following my A-Levels.
After picking up my admission materials from the Academic Registrar’s Office in the Senate Building—a five-story administrative structure that students disliked visiting—I headed over to the Makerere Students Guild offices. There, prominently hung on a wall, was a framed black-and-white photograph of the 1969-70 Guild Executive Committee.
Decades after its creation, the photograph showcased the youthful visage of Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, who was the Makerere Guild President at the time, alongside his cabinet members including Joshua Baitwa Mugyenyi as Deputy President, Daudi Mulabya Taliwaku serving as Minister for National and Pan-African Affairs, Naomi Akelo holding the position of Minister for Information, and Pao Paul Wangola acting as Minister Without Portfolio. Another Kenyan individual, the slender Dalmas Otieno Anyango, could be seen in the photograph as well, positioned directly behind the seated Guild President.
Across the whole Eastern African region, the Makerere Students Guild is recognized as a cradle for intellectual development. It continues to be a place where tomorrow’s leaders are nurtured and serves as an innovative hub shaping the thoughts of students and fostering exceptional careers. This student governance comprises three main components: the Guild Government, residential hall leaderships, and the Games Union.
The leader of the Guild is appointed as the head of the organization through democratic election by the student body following established rules. This individual serves a one-year tenure. Elections for the Guild take place each academic year during the second semester. Here’s to a robust Guild, thriving 90 years onward!
Since its founding, the Makerere University Students Guild has accomplished notable achievements, showcasing resilience that could serve as an example throughout Africa. All previous guild presidents have united under the Makerere University Guild League, a group comprising past guild leaders aiming to "Build for Tomorrow." They were shaped by their alma mater and now seek to tackle today's global challenges.
On March 28, 2025, the Guild marked its 90th anniversary and continued to grow. The phrase from Makerere University, "We Build for the Future," truly reflects the organization's enduring spirit.
Before the event, Lubega Vincent Nsamba, who currently leads the Guild, traveled to Kenya specifically to extend an invitation directly to Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, asking him to be the Chief Guest for the occasion.
"As we gathered at my residence and exchanged handshakes with Vincent, I recognized the same zeal and resolve that propelled me during my tenure as the President of the 1969/1970 Guild," stated Professor Nyong’o, who concurrently serves as the Governor of Kisumu County and is the present Patron of the Makerere Alumni Association in Kenya.
The 90th Guild Anniversary Celebrations the Makerere Centennial Celebrations held in 2022 to mark a century of excellent services, and offer a chance to look beyond, and see how to “Leverage 100 years of Excellence in Building a Transformed Society”.
At the event in Kampala, Professor Nyong’o emphasized to the attendees that "...true leadership transcends mere positions; it requires a dedication to serving others and driving change..."