Composer of Makerere University anthem dies at 81

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Grace Wilson Igaga Mutekanga, the composer of Makerere University’s anthem who has been battling cancer, has died at 81 years old.  Professor Bernabas Nawangwe, the vice Chancellor of Makerere University, announced his passing.

“I have received sad news that Grace Wilson Igaga Mutekanga , composer of the Makerere University anthem passed away at the Uganda Cancer Institute, Mulago early today. We will update the University community on funeral arrangements when information is received, “said Professor Nawangwe.

Grace Wilson Igaga Mutekanga known for his moniker “Proud to be a Musoga” was a pioneering music student, and among the first in Busoga.

Grace Wilson Igaga Mutekanga joined Makerere College School in 1963.

Some of his OBS at Makerere College included the later Dr. James Makumbi who later served as Minister of Health, the late Kibirige Ssebunya an agriculturalist who served as State Minister for Agriculture.

He was an old by of Mwiri College In August 2013, Grace Wilson Igaga Mutekanga was honored by the then Vice Chancellor, Professor Mondo Kagonyera for composing the anthem.

The Anthem 

Makerere, Makerere, We build for the future, The Great Makerere Great, Great and Mighty, The walls around thee Great, Great and Mighty,

The gates beside thee X4 (1) From East and West, From North and South All voices singing, Arise Makerere

Rise up and rise, High up and high

All voices singing

Arise Makerere (2) Do not forget, Through all the years Those who have gone through the gates of Makerere

Give them the pride, Give them the joy

Oh! To remember, The gates of Makerere (3) Those who here be, Seek ye the truth Build for the future, The great Makerere

Those here have been, Those here will be

Build for the future,

The Great Makerere

*******

URN