THE ENDURING LEGACY

AND
INDENTITIES

TRACING THE GENESIS OF HALLS OF

RESIDENCE AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
BY
KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN,psc

JUNE,2025

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN

The Enduring Legacy and Identity: Naming Conventions and Historical Narratives of Makerere
University's Residential Halls

Introduction: The Historical Context of Makerere University

Makerere University, a cornerstone of higher education in East Africa, boasts a rich history dating
back to its establishment in 1922. The evolution of its student accommodation facilities mirrors the
institution's growth and transformation. This report meticulously examines the historical
development of Makerere University's halls of residence to identify the oldest among them. The
development of these facilities, from temporary dormitories to formalized halls, reflects Makerere's
journey from a humble technical school to a prestigious regional and national university.

Makerere University, widely recognized as one of Africa's oldest and most prestigious universities,
commenced its journey in 1922 as a modest technical school in Uganda. Initially, the institution
opened its doors to a small cohort of just 14 day students, who were enrolled in courses such as
carpentry, building, and mechanics. Some historical accounts suggest that operations, including
initial classes, began as early as 1921. Over the decades, Makerere underwent a series of significant
transformations, reflecting its escalating academic stature and expanding mission. It was successively
renamed Uganda Technical College, then Makerere College, before evolving into a Center for Higher
Education in East Africa by 1935. A pivotal moment arrived in 1949 when it became a University
College, formally affiliated with the University College of London. This affiliation continued until
1970, when Makerere achieved full independence, becoming the national university of the Republic
of Uganda.

From its very inception, the provision of student accommodation was an integral and foundational
element of the university's infrastructure. The initial setup included a "temporary dormitory for the
fourteen male students" situated at the base of Makerere Hill. This immediate establishment of on-
campus living facilities underscores the critical need to support the educational mission by housing
its pioneering students. The subsequent development and expansion of halls of residence are
intrinsically linked to the university's overall growth and its burgeoning student population. The
progression from basic, temporary housing to more formalized and permanent student halls serves
as a tangible historical marker, illustrating Makerere's remarkable journey from a small technical
school to a prominent regional and national institution. The sustained investment in and evolution of
these residential facilities directly parallels the university's increasing student numbers and its
ambition to achieve and maintain its status as a world-class educational establishment.

Makerere University's residential halls are more than mere accommodation; they are repositories of
history, reflecting the institution's profound evolution and its intricate relationship with Uganda's and
Africa's socio-political landscape. The naming of these halls reveals a dynamic interplay of influences,
from the colonial legacy that shaped its early years to the burgeoning Pan-African ideals of the
independence era, and the recognition of pivotal local benefactors. This progression in naming
patterns serves as a chronological marker, illustrating the university's adaptation and response to
changing national and continental identities. Moreover, these names are not static labels but
powerful symbols that represent the values and historical narratives the university has chosen to

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN

uphold at various junctures. This symbolic function often extends to influence student identity and
hall culture, fostering distinct communities that embody aspects of their namesakes' legacies.

Makerere University's Enduring Legacy and Its Halls

The early slogan, "Let's be Men," directly referenced the individuals trained to construct the campus
itself. Over time, the institution underwent significant transformations: it became a college for higher
education for East and Central Africa in 1940, then the University of East Africa in 1963, and finally,
an independent national university in 1970.

This institutional evolution from a technical school to a comprehensive university with a broader
vision is clearly marked by a shift in its mission. The adoption of the slogan "We Build For the Future"
in 1945, coinciding with its elevation to a regional college and the admission of its first female
students, signaled a profound change. This indicated a move beyond merely addressing a skills gap to
embracing a more expansive role in nation-building and intellectual leadership for future generations
across the region. This broadening of its mandate necessitated the expansion of its physical
infrastructure, including the residential halls. These halls, through their development and naming,
physically embody the university's journey from a colonial outpost to a symbol of African intellectual
prowess. They are not merely structures for lodging but critical components in shaping the student
experience, fostering distinct communities, and contributing significantly to the university's unique
identity and culture.

Makerere University's main campus is home to nine Halls of Residence for undergraduate students:
six for male students and three for female students. The male halls include Lumumba, Livingstone,
Mitchell, Nkrumah, Nsibirwa, and University Hall, while the female halls are Africa, Complex, and
Mary Stuart. Additionally, the Dag Hammarskjold Post Graduate Hall caters specifically to
postgraduate students.

These nine halls collectively accommodate approximately 4,400 students, which represents only
about 20% of the undergraduate student population. This limited on-campus housing capacity means
that hall residency is a highly sought-after and privileged experience. The scarcity of on-campus
accommodation likely contributes to the strong bonds, traditions, and distinct cultural identities that
develop within these halls, as resident students become part of a select, highly integrated
community. Beyond the main campus, other affiliated hostels like Galloway Hostel at Mulago serve
students from the College of Health Sciences, and Kabanyolo Hostel accommodates those from the
College of Agricultural Environmental Sciences. The university also recognizes various graded private
hostels that supplement its accommodation capacity.

A crucial aspect of Makerere University's approach to student life is its policy regarding hall
attachment. Every admitted student is formally attached to a Hall of Residence "as part of the
identity of that student; and NEVER AUTOMATICALLY for accommodation purposes". This policy
elevates the halls beyond simple lodging facilities, establishing them as foundational elements of a
student's institutional identity and social integration. This deliberate attachment, even for non-
residents, underscores the university's recognition of the halls' profound role in shaping student
experience and fostering a sense of belonging, irrespective of physical residency. The historical
narratives, naming conventions, and cultural traditions associated with each hall thus become
integral to a student's personal identification with the university, influencing their sense of
community and their place within the broader Makerere ecosystem.

Makerere University Halls of Residence: Naming and Key Attributes

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN

HALL NAME TYPE YEAR NAMED KEY HISTORICAL/CULTURAL
ESTABLISHED/OPENED AFTER/REASON ASPECT
Africa Hall Female Opened June 29, 1971; Symbolic of broader Residents uphold "African
Renamed Dec 3, 1971 African lady" values; known as
identity/Pan-African "suitcase"; solidarity with
aspirations Livingstone ("Afrostone")
Complex Hall Female Officially established Oct 3, Named for its Originally Old Mitchell Hall
1982 "complexity" due to and Centre for Continuing
diverse origins (Old Education (CCE) Main Hall;
Mitchell Hall & CCE), "Crocodiles" due to
student types, and flooding; solidarity with
shared management Mitchell ("Mitchellex")
Livingstone Male Opened 1959 David Livingstone, Known as "Hall of
Hall Scottish missionary Gentlemen" due to
and explorer emphasis on respectful and
quiet demeanor; solidarity
with Africa Hall
("Afrostone")
Lumumba Hall Male Built late 1960s, Opened Patrice Lumumba, Largest hall on campus;
1971 Congolese freedom "Elephants"; renowned for
fighter and first "activist" culture; played
Prime Minister role in resistance during Idi
Amin's dictatorship;
solidarity with Mary Stuart
("Lumbox")
Mary Stuart Female Completed 1953 Mary Stuart, Mary Stuart, advocate for
Hall advocate for women's higher education
women's higher at Makerere
education at
Makerere
Mitchell Hall Male Origins 1920s Sir Philip Mitchell, "Rats"; strong solidarity
Merged 1930s Governor of Uganda with Complex
New structure 1963 Protectorate, ("Mitchellex"); original
credited with structure became "Old
foundational Mitchell" and part of
changes to Complex Hall
university

Nkrumah Hall Male Formed after Northcote Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Motto: "Activists, forward
Hall split Nkrumah, first we ever move"; embodies
President of Ghana, Pan-Africanist ideals;
Pan-Africanist decision by student
resolution; statue of
Nkrumah at entrance
Nsibirwa Hall Male Renamed Aug 12, 1997 Martin Luther Originally Northcote Hall;
Nsibirwa, Buganda renaming part of
Katikkiro, "decolonization
instrumental in movement"; formerly
providing land for known for "hooliganistic"
university expansion culture as Northcote

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN

 (led to his
assassination)
University Hall Male Opened July 1957 No specific naming "Goats"; solidarity with
reason provided in Garden Courts ("Unicourts")
available
information
Dag Post Dag Hjalmar Agne Serves as a center of
Hammarskjold graduate Carl Hammarskjold, attachment for all
Post Graduate UN Secretary- postgraduate students of
Hall General (1953-1961) Makerere and its affiliated
institutions

Halls of Residence: Naming Origins and Historical Significance

The naming of Makerere University's residential halls offers a compelling narrative of its institutional
journey, reflecting shifts in political landscapes, societal values, and the recognition of individuals
who profoundly shaped its trajectory.

Mary Stuart Hall

Mary Stuart Hall holds the distinction of being the oldest female hall at Makerere University,
completed in 1953. It was named after Mary Stuart, the wife of Anglican Archbishop Simon Stuart,
who was a tireless advocate for women's higher education in Uganda. Her efforts were instrumental
in spearheading the long struggle for female admission to Makerere College, which finally occurred
in 1945. This period was marked by significant resistance, as British administrators and even the
principal were "not in favour" and "outwardly hostile" towards the new female students and their
first warden. The naming of the hall after Mary Stuart thus serves as a permanent recognition of a
pivotal moment in the university's social history, marking the beginning of greater gender inclusivity
despite the patriarchal norms prevalent at the time. This choice acknowledges the difficult,
pioneering path for women in higher education in East Africa.

The architectural evolution of Mary Stuart Hall further illustrates the evolving expectations regarding
female student enrollment. Initially, the hall was built to accommodate a maximum of forty
occupants. However, the rapid increase in female enrollment, reaching ninety by 1958, quickly
outstripped this capacity, demonstrating an underestimation by the Makerere College planners of
the demand for women's higher education. This unforeseen success necessitated rapid expansion,
with an extension completed in 1959, followed by the design of a larger eight-story brutalist tower in
1965, which was completed in 1972. The need for such significant expansion, including a multi-story
structure, showcases the dynamic adaptation of the university's infrastructure in response to
demographic shifts and its growing commitment to gender inclusivity, even if initially hesitant in its
infrastructural planning. The hall is colloquially known as "Box" due to its physical structure and
forms the "Lumbox" solidarity with Lumumba Hall.

Lumumba Hall

Lumumba Hall, constructed in the late 1960s and officially opened in 1971, is named in honor of
Patrice Lumumba, the prominent Congolese freedom fighter and the first Prime Minister of the
independent Democratic Republic of the Congo. As the largest hall on campus, it can accommodate
approximately 752 students.
THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN
The naming of Lumumba Hall in 1971, a period of heightened Pan-African consciousness following
the independence movements across the continent, clearly aligns Makerere University with the
broader celebration of African liberation leaders. The hall's subsequent reputation as an "activist
hall" and its documented role in student resistance during Idi Amin's dictatorship strongly suggest
that the name served as a powerful symbolic focal point. The timing of its opening, when newly
independent African nations were grappling with self-governance and political challenges, meant
that Patrice Lumumba, a martyr for African independence, would have been a potent symbol. This
association inspired and legitimized a culture of political engagement and resistance among its
residents, directly linking the hall's identity to the ideals of its namesake. The name provided an
ideological framework that resonated with students, fostering a collective identity rooted in political
engagement.

Beyond its official naming, Lumumba Hall's unique identity is further solidified by cultural elements
such as the adoption of "Elephants" as its symbol and the formation of the "Lumbox" solidarity
with Mary Stuart Hall. These practices, including an annual porridge night celebration , contribute
to the perpetuation of the hall's spirit and historical narrative. This demonstrates how a hall's
identity is dynamically constructed and reinforced by its residents over time, extending beyond the
initial naming. While the name provides a historical anchor, the living culture of the hall is a
composite of its namesake's legacy and the organic development of student life.

Livingstone Hall

Livingstone Hall commenced operations at the beginning of the 1959/60 academic year. It was
named after David Livingstone, the renowned Scottish missionary and explorer. The hall has
cultivated a long-standing reputation as a "hall of Gentlemen," with its culture emphasizing a
respectful and quiet demeanor, and its residents are consistently referred to as "Gentlemen".

The naming of Livingstone Hall after a prominent figure in British colonial exploration and missionary
work reflects the university's origins as a British Protectorate institution. The subsequent
development of a "gentlemen" culture within the hall, characterized by respect and quiet demeanor,
suggests that the namesake, embodying Victorian ideals of exploration, civility, and moral conduct,
may have served as a subtle focal point for coordinating specific norms and behaviors among its early
residents. David Livingstone's historical persona is associated with a certain British decorum, and the
hall's culture appears to have aligned with these perceived attributes. This indicates how historical
figures, through their names, can subtly shape the ethos of an academic institution's sub-
communities.

The continued existence and distinct cultural identity of Livingstone Hall, named after a colonial
figure, alongside halls named after Pan-Africanists like Lumumba and Nkrumah, illustrates the
complex and sometimes contradictory historical layers embedded within Makerere University. This
coexistence reflects the university's dual heritage as both a product of colonial administration and a
significant hub for African nationalist thought. The simultaneous presence of halls honoring figures
from both colonial and Pan-Africanist backgrounds within the same university indicates that
Makerere's identity is not monolithic but a complex tapestry woven from different historical threads.
This suggests a willingness, or perhaps an unavoidable reality, of acknowledging diverse historical
contributions, even if they represent differing ideological perspectives, making the university a site
where these historical narratives continue to interact and shape contemporary student identities.
Livingstone Hall shares a solidarity with Africa Hall, known as "Afrostone," which was formed in 1976
and became more pronounced in the 1980s.

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN

Mitchell Hall

Mitchell Hall's origins trace back to the very first hostels built in the early 1920s to house students of
the initial technical school that evolved into the present-day university. These early hostels, initially
named after their first prefects (e.g., Sepuya, Semakokiro, Bamugye), were merged in the 1930s to
form Mitchell Hall. A new structure for Mitchell Hall was completed in 1963, leading to the former
structure being referred to as "Old Mitchell". The hall was named after Sir Philip Mitchell, who served
as the Governor of the Uganda Protectorate and is widely credited with initiating several visionary
changes that laid the foundations for Makerere to become a world-class university.

The naming of Mitchell Hall after Governor Sir Philip Mitchell underscores the significant role of
colonial administration in the early development and expansion of Makerere University. His credited
"visionary changes" highlight the critical financial, policy, and infrastructural support provided during
the colonial era that enabled the institution's growth from a technical school into a regional college
and ultimately a university. This naming choice reflects the power dynamics of the colonial period,
where significant benefactors or administrators were honored, and signifies the university's
acknowledgment of its foundational patronage during that period.

The distinction between "Old Mitchell" and the "New Mitchell Hall," and the repurposing of "Old
Mitchell" into part of Complex Hall, demonstrates the physical growth and adaptive reuse of the
university's infrastructure. Despite these architectural transformations and administrative
reorganizations, the "Mitchellex" solidarity, a strong cultural bond between Mitchell and Complex
Halls, indicates a profound continuity of cultural identity and historical ties. This bond dates back to
the 1960s when Old Mitchell was combined with the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) to form
what is now Complex Hall. This persistence of student culture and historical memory across physical
and administrative changes illustrates the resilience of student-formed bonds, suggesting that the
identity of a hall is not solely tied to its current physical form but is deeply rooted in shared history,
tradition, and the collective experiences of its residents. Mitchell Hall accommodates about 500 male
students across six blocks, and its residents are known as "Rats".

Nkrumah Hall

Nkrumah Hall was established following the split of Northcote Hall, with the upper block becoming
Nkrumah and the lower block retaining the name Northcote (which was later renamed Nsibirwa). It
is named after Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and a leading figure in
the Pan-Africanist movement.

The decision to name it Nkrumah Hall was not a top-down administrative decree but an
overwhelming resolution passed by the students of the "New Hall" themselves. This signifies a
powerful instance of student agency and influence in shaping the university's institutional identity.
This contrasts sharply with earlier namings by colonial administrators and highlights a clear shift
towards recognizing figures aligned with post-independence African aspirations. The university's
subsequent acceptance of this student-led naming further legitimizes and embeds Pan-Africanism
within its institutional fabric, reflecting a more democratic approach to identity formation within the
university. The explicit detail that students "convened in the Senior Common Room and passed a
resolution" demonstrates a bottom-up decision-making process, indicating a period of heightened
student political consciousness and influence. The choice of Nkrumah, a symbol of liberation and
unity, signifies a strong identification with broader African political movements among the student
body, making the hall a living monument to these ideals.

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN

The hall embodies Pan-Africanist ideals, prominently displayed by its motto, "Activists, forward we
ever move," and a statue of Nkrumah at its entrance. These are not merely decorative elements but
serve as active pedagogical tools. They continually remind residents of the values Nkrumah
championed, encouraging a culture of activism, continuous progress, and Pan-African identity. This
links the hall's identity directly to an educational mission that extends beyond academic curricula,
fostering a specific ideological orientation among its students. The physical monument and the
explicit motto act as constant, tangible reminders of the hall's namesake and his ideology. This
implies that the hall, and by extension the university, actively seeks to instill certain values (activism,
Pan-Africanism) in its students through these symbols, making the learning experience holistic and
politically charged. Nkrumah Hall accommodates over 450 male residents and celebrates Nkrumah
Day annually.

Nsibirwa Hall

Nsibirwa Hall was originally part of Northcote Hall, which was completed in 1951 and initially named
after Sir Geoffrey Northcote, a former Chairman of the University Council. In 1960, Northcote Hall
split into two, with the upper block becoming Nkrumah Hall and the lower block retaining the name
Northcote. The lower block was subsequently renamed Nsibirwa Hall on August 12, 1997, in honor of
Martin Luther Nsibirwa, a former Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda.

The renaming of Northcote Hall to Nsibirwa Hall in 1997 was explicitly described as an action of the
"decolonization movement of the 21st Century". This represents a significant act of reclaiming and
re-centering the university's historical narrative, deliberately rejecting a colonial namesake in favor of
a local hero. Martin Luther Nsibirwa was instrumental in providing additional land for the expansion
of Makerere College in 1945, a decision that tragically led to his assassination due to local opposition
from the Bataka Party. This highlights a conscious and deliberate effort to align the university's
identity with its local roots and to honor the profound, even fatal, sacrifices made by its own people.
The shift from honoring a colonial administrator to a local Katikkiro who died for the university's land
is a powerful symbolic act, signifying a move away from a colonial-centric narrative towards one that
emphasizes indigenous agency and sacrifice in the institution's development. The tragic detail of
Nsibirwa's assassination elevates his contribution to a heroic act, making the naming a profound
tribute to local benefaction and the costs associated with land acquisition during colonial expansion.
This renaming is not just a change of label but a re-writing of history on the university's physical
landscape.

Interestingly, Northcote Hall, Nsibirwa's predecessor, was known for a "hooliganistic" and
"paramilitary" culture, with residents calling themselves "Spirits" or "generals". This culture, loosely
linked to Sir Geoffrey Northcote's military background, contrasts sharply with the character of Martin
Luther Nsibirwa, described as a man of "wisdom, determination, foresight, and accomplishment".
This presents a dynamic tension between the historical naming intent and the lived experience of the
hall. The strong, almost rebellious "Northcote army" culture appears to be a student-driven
interpretation, perhaps an exaggerated or ironic one, of Sir Geoffrey Northcote's military association.
The subsequent renaming to honor Nsibirwa, a figure embodying statesmanship and wisdom,
introduces a new, more dignified symbolic layer. This raises a crucial question about the immediate
impact of a new name on an existing, deeply ingrained hall culture, implying that while naming is a
powerful symbolic act, the "lived culture" of a hall is a complex, evolving phenomenon influenced by
generations of students and their interpretations, not solely dictated by its namesake.

Dag Hammarskjold Post Graduate Hall

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN

The Dag Hammarskjold Post Graduate Hall serves as a dedicated center of attachment for all
postgraduate students of Makerere University and its affiliated institutions, including MUBS, Nsamizi,
and Kinyamasika Seminary. It is named after Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjold, who notably
served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953 to 1961. He was born in 1905 and
passed away in 1963.

The naming of a postgraduate hall after such a distinguished international figure like Dag
Hammarskjold signifies Makerere University's aspiration for global recognition and its commitment
to fostering an international academic and research environment. Unlike other halls named after
national or Pan-African figures, Hammarskjold represents global diplomacy, multilateralism, and
intellectual leadership on an international stage. Associating the postgraduate hall with such a figure
suggests a deliberate emphasis on high-level research, international collaboration, and the
development of future global leaders within the university's advanced academic programs. This
choice reflects a broader vision of scholarship and leadership that extends beyond national or even
Pan-African boundaries, aligning with the advanced and globally connected nature of postgraduate
studies.

Halls contribute to the overall tapestry of Makerere's residential life:

Africa Hall:

It was opened in 1971, it was renamed "Africa Hall" in December 1971, symbolizing a broader African
identity and Pan-African aspirations. It is colloquially known as "suitcase" and shares a solidarity with
Livingstone Hall called "Afrostone solidarity".

Complex Hall:

Officially established in 1982, it originated from the "Old Mitchell Hall" and the Centre for
Continuing Education (CCE) Main Hall. Its name reflects its complex origins, diverse student types,
and shared management. Students are known as "Crocodiles" due to historical flooding, thus the
“wetland” and maintain a solidarity with Mitchell Hall called "Mitchellex solidarity".

University Hall:

Opened in July 1957, it is among the oldest halls on campus. While a specific naming reason is not
detailed, its students are known as "Goats" and have a solidarity with Garden Courts hostel called
the “Unicourt solidarity”

Conclusion

The residential halls of Makerere University are much more than functional structures; they are living
monuments to the institution's rich and complex history. The motivations behind their naming reveal
a dynamic narrative that mirrors the broader socio-political evolution of Uganda and the African
continent.

Initially, names like Mitchell Hall reflected the university's origins as a British Protectorate institution,
acknowledging the significant patronage and foundational contributions of colonial administrators.
As the continent moved towards independence, a deliberate shift occurred, with halls like Lumumba
and Nkrumah being named after iconic Pan-African liberation figures. This change was not merely
symbolic; it often stemmed from student agency and reflected a conscious alignment with the
continent's political awakening, fostering cultures of activism and engagement within these halls.
Later, the renaming of Northcote to Nsibirwa exemplified a decolonization movement, re-centering

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN

the university's narrative around local heroes and acknowledging profound local sacrifices made for
its expansion. Even the naming of the postgraduate hall after an international figure like Dag
Hammarskjold underscores the university's aspirations for global academic recognition.

This progression in naming conventions provides a tangible historical timeline of Makerere

University's evolving identity. Each hall, therefore, serves as a unique chapter in the university's story,
embodying distinct historical phases and the values that were paramount during those times. The
names, whether honoring colonial figures, Pan-African leaders, or local benefactors, are not just
labels but powerful symbols that have influenced and continue to shape student identity, foster
distinct hall cultures, and perpetuate the diverse historical narratives that define Makerere
University's enduring legacy. The interplay between official naming, student-led cultural
development, and the physical evolution of the buildings creates a multi-layered institutional
memory, making the halls integral to the holistic experience of being a Makerere student.

THE ENDURING LEGACIES AND INDENTITIES KASAGAMA ALLAN IVAN