Makerere Announces 2023 Annual Nsibirwa Public Lecture

Makerere University will host the 2023 Annual Nsibirwa Lecture with support from DFCU Bank, and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

The second Annual Nsibirwa Lecture will be held on Thursday, 9th November 2023, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM.

Named after the late Owekiitibwa Martin Luther Nsibiriwa, this year’s public lecture will run under the theme, “Situating the Role and Relevance of Cultural Institutions in Modern Uganda”.

According to management, the lecture will be held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and streamed live virtually.

The 2023 Nsibirwa Annual Public lecture will be delivered by Owekiitibwa Apollo Nelson Makubuya, a distinguished alumnus of Makerere University, respected Uganda Corporate lawyer, and the Senior Palace Advisor to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

Owek. Makubuya has served in many senior capacities in the Kingdom of Buganda including as Deputy Katikkiro, Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

In this year’s public lecture, he seeks to delve into a critical and timely exploration of the significance of cultural institutions in the rapidly evolving socio-cultural landscape of Uganda.

This year’s event will honour the legacy of Martin Luther Nsibirwa, who provided a home for Makerere University, enhance understanding of cultural institutions in Uganda and their role in shaping the nation’s identity, assess challenges and opportunities for cultural institutions in modern Uganda, provide insights and recommendations for supporting and engaging with these institutions and align Makerere University’s agenda with a focus on research and knowledge production in the coming century.

About Owek. Martin Luther Nsibirwa

Owek. Martin Luther Nsibirwa is a celebrated patron and forefather of Makerere University.

In 1945, Martin Luther Nsibirwa defied the odds and public protests to provide the land where Makerere University stands today. This decision cost him his life.

By virtue of this great and noble act, Makerere College was able to expand and gain University Status in 1970 becoming the premier University of East Africa.

Owek. Nsibirwa’s selfless gestures didn’t stop at giving Makerere College land for expansion, he also gave part of his own land in Mulago to the University for the construction of a dormitory for the School of Nursing. His gestures portrayed his belief in education.

In the bid to recognize and honour Martin Luther Nsibirwa’s extensive contribution to Makerere’s existence, the Northcote Hall was renamed Nsibirwa Hall in 1977 and in 2022, as the University celebrated 100 years, the Annual Nsibirwa Public Lecture.