On August 22, 2024, St. Francis Chapel at Makerere University was filled with mourners from all walks of life who gathered to pay their final respects to Grace Wilson Mubi Igaga Mutekanga, the esteemed alumnus, musician, and educator. Mutekanga, who passed away on August 16, 2024, at the age of 81, leaves behind a legacy rooted in education, music, and community service. His most celebrated contribution to the university was composing the Makerere University Anthem, a song that continues to resonate with pride among students and alumni alike.
The funeral service, organized by Makerere University in coordination with the bereaved family and the Department of Performing Arts and Film, was a tribute to the life of an exceptional man whose impact on Makerere University and the field of education will inspire future generations.
During the service, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized that the Makerere University Anthem, composed by Mutekanga, is not just a song but a powerful symbol of institutional pride, unity, and spirit. "We should celebrate because God has enabled us to share this path with such a great mind that was in the late Mutekanga," Nawangwe added.
The Vice Chancellor elaborated on the personal connection he shared with Mutekanga, highlighting their shared educational background at Busoga College Mwiri School. "I am in a way related to the late, first as my OB [Old Boy]; we went to Mwiri, and many good things came out of that school. We gave this country a first minister, and we gave this country a motto. We donated Mutekanga to Makerere, and he gave us a lifetime anthem that will remain alive for thousands of years. What a great man!” he remarked.
Nawangwe also spoke of the Makerere Anthem’s unique ability to evoke emotions, noting how graduates celebrate the anthem with unparalleled enthusiasm. "We always have graduations here. And of course, we always stand to our national anthem, but we never dance. But when it comes to singing the Makerere Anthem, students never just stand, they even dance and go wild because of the joy they have when it is sung. But you can't stop them because of the joy we have when we dance with them" Nawangwe observed.
Turning to Mutekanga’s academic journey, Nawangwe described him as a man with a "restless mind" who pursued his passion for music despite initially studying social sciences. "Great minds are always restless. Mr. Mutekanga came to Makerere to study social sciences, but he loved music. And so, he was restless. He wanted to know what he really had in his heart and loved. If that had not happened, maybe we would not have this anthem," Nawangwe reflected.
In a poignant moment, Prof. Nawangwe unpacked the meaning behind the Makerere University Anthem, describing it as a powerful summation of the institution’s values and mission. "The song says, 'Great are the walls beside thee.' And he said to his new students and the new staff, 'Great are the gates beside thee.' So, you have passed through great walls and great gates. And that gives us great hope and reminds us that we are great," Nawangwe explained.
He continued to highlight the significance of the anthem’s call to action, "Arise, all of you arise. Makerere, arise." "Arise means, when we want to do anything important, we stand up. That's why they say, 'Stand up to be counted.' So, this gentleman had such a weight in these few sentences that he wrote that he actually talked a lot of things. So, we always, of course, arise to the occasion, as the greatest institution, in order to make the lives of our people better," Nawangwe said.
Nawangwe concluded by emphasizing the anthem’s enduring legacy and its role in uniting people from all over the world. "From east and west, from north and south. All voices singing the great Makerere. It means the institution will welcome people from everywhere in the world, not just the people from the south and west. And that has been the legacy of the university. Makerere University is considered the most international university in the world," he noted.
The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Associate Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, offered her reflections. "It is so sad that we gather here not only to celebrate in a happy way but also in a sad way. However, we are celebrating a great man who has given us something to live by as Makerere University," Nkabala said.
She lauded Mutekanga as a visionary who saw the world before it was made and as someone who celebrated the diversity of humanity. "One who did not only celebrate from east to west, but also from north to south, which takes care of the central. One who was able to know that as we are here, we are beautiful, but there are those who are poor and there are those who are proud," she added.
In a final tribute, Nkabala emphasized the legacy Mutekanga has left behind. "We are not mourning; we are celebrating because he has left a legacy that no one can match—not now, and not tomorrow. We celebrate him, we thank God for that and to the family, for the life that we have lived with him," she said.
The service, filled with heartfelt tributes, underscored the deep respect and admiration for Mutekanga, whose contributions will continue to inspire generations at Makerere University and beyond.
Grace Wilson Mubi Igaga Mutekanga Igaga
Grace Wilson Mubi Igaga Mutekanga Igaga was born on June 29, 1943, to Daudi Kintu Mutekanga and Erina Babyale Mutekanga in Bubula, Kamuli, Busoga. He passed away on August 16, 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy rooted in education, music, and community service. Grace was married to Frances Katusabe Mutekanga, and together they raised a large and loving family, including their children: Basalirwa Frida, Mutekanga Andrew, Igaga Isaac, Igaga Yonah, Mutekanga Erina, Bakibinga Jacob, Igaga Amos, Namutebi Irene, Igaga Matthews, and Ibembe Patrick. His life was further blessed with numerous grandchildren.
Grace's educational journey began at Naminage and Mwiri Primary Schools from 1951 to 1956, where he completed his Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). He then attended Busoga College Mwiri from 1957 to 1962, earning his O-Level Certificate, and Makerere College School from 1963 to 1964, where he obtained his A-Level Certificate. He briefly attended Makerere University College, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree, before transferring to Heidelberg University in Ohio, USA, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music between 1966 and 1969. He furthered his studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, from 1970 to 1971.
His career in education and music was distinguished and impactful. Grace began his professional journey at Olive-Hervey College in Chicago, USA, before returning to Uganda, where he served as a teacher and part-time lecturer at Makerere College School and the Department of Music, Dance, and Drama from 1971 to 1973. He later became the Head of the Music Department at the National Teachers College in Kyambogo from 1973 to 1975. Grace continued to shape young minds as a lecturer at Makerere University's Department of Music, Dance, and Drama, and later at the School of Education from 1975 to 1988. He also held leadership roles, such as Warden of Livingstone Hall and Principal of Bishop Willis Teacher’s College in Iganga from 1989 to 1995. His commitment to education culminated in his positions as Principal at Kabulasoke Teacher’s Training College and Director of the National Teacher’s College in Mubende from 1996 to 2003.
Grace's contributions extended beyond the classroom. He composed the Makerere University Anthem and other notable songs and played a key role in proposing the Grade V Diploma Programme for Primary Teachers in Uganda, working closely with prominent figures such as Mrs. Joyce Mpanga and Mr. Eric Karuhije. His dedication to music education was recognized by his peers, earning him an honorary award from the PHI Delta Kappa Chapter at Northwestern University. Grace also served as the Chief Examiner for Music with the East African Examinations Council and contributed to various educational governing councils, including Mwiri Primary School, Iganga S.S., Buckley High School, and Kamuli Girls S.S. His work significantly impacted teacher education in Uganda, leaving a lasting legacy.
After retiring in 2003, Grace devoted himself to community development in Bufumba, Kamuli. He was deeply involved in church administration within the Church of Uganda and pursued his passion for agriculture, focusing on fruit cultivation. His contributions to Makerere University were recognized during its 90th Anniversary Grand Finale celebrations on August 3, 2013. Accompanied by his wife and family, he received an award from the Chancellor, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera, for composing the university anthem, earning a standing ovation from those present.
Mutekanga was a man of many interests and passions. He was an avid reader, a film enthusiast, and a passionate gardener who found joy in cultivating flowers. His love for music was profound, and he often sang whenever the opportunity arose. He valued laughter and happiness and cherished his time with friends and family, always generous in sharing love and joy. His life was a testament to his deep commitment to education, music, and community, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
You can watch live the entire funeral service via the link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/tWXZKw0EO88?si=mHNma7FYizMduE2o