Kisumu, Kenya, is set to make history on September 6, 2025, as it hosts the MakGuild League Grand Finale, a prestigious event that will bring together distinguished leaders, student alumni, and key stakeholders from across East Africa.
The highly anticipated gathering will be presided over by Kisumu’s Governor, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, a renowned statesman and former Makerere University Guild President (1969/70), whose leadership has played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and political landscape of the region.
The announcement was officially made by Prof. Nyong’o during the 90th-anniversary celebration of the Makerere University Students’ Guild, a historic milestone highlighting nearly a century of student leadership, academic excellence, and regional collaboration.
The event, held at Makerere University, was attended by top university officials, including Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, and Dean of Students Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli.
It also drew prominent leaders such as Hon. Lilian Aber, Uganda’s Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, and Woman MP for Kitgum District, as well as Her Worship Doreen Nyanjura, Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala, alongside current and former student leaders.
The decision to hold the grand finale in Kisumu was warmly welcomed by Mr. Katumba Salim, Chairperson of the MakGuild League and a Senior Policy Analyst in the Parliament of Uganda.
He emphasized that this initiative marks a transformative step toward nurturing leadership, fostering unity, and strengthening regional collaboration.
Hosting the MakGuild League Grand Finale in Kisumu carries significant symbolism. As a former Makerere University Guild President, Prof. Nyong’o played a critical role in student governance during a pivotal period in East Africa’s history.
His tenure coincided with the 1970 dissolution of the University of East Africa, which led to the creation of three independent national universities—Makerere University in Uganda, the University of Nairobi in Kenya, and the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
This event cemented each institution’s role in nation-building while preserving strong academic and cultural ties across the region. By bringing the MakGuild League Grand Finale to Kisumu, the league not only honors Nyong’o’s legacy but also reinforces the enduring bonds between Makerere University and the broader East African community.
The MakGuild League is a dynamic network of former and current Makerere University Guild leaders committed to leadership, mentorship, and professional development.
Beyond serving as a social and professional hub, the league has a long-term vision of establishing a dedicated Guild Leaders Complex, complete with a Guild Leaders Parliament, conference rooms, and offices to support student governance at Makerere University.
The league hosts biweekly football games that attract an average of 1,200 attendees per match day, drawing influential alumni, business leaders, and government officials.
Through these friendly matches, participants strengthen relationships while exploring career opportunities, leadership growth, and strategic partnerships.
The MakGuild League is a self-sustaining initiative, supported through member subscriptions, corporate sponsorships, and partnerships.
