While many of the Makerere University ‘halls of residence solidarities’ seem to be losing grip, the bond between the ladies of Mary Stuart Hall and the gentlemen from Lumumba Hall gains momentum each year.
Last semester, the boys begun carrying out group late night patrols to protect their ladies, after they complained of rampant theft in their hall yet campus security was unreliable.
The two halls yet again replenished their relationship at the Lumbox finalist dinner. Derived from campus slang, Lumbox refers to all events co-organised by Lumumba and Mary Stuart Hall. ‘Box’ is the word used to refer to Mary Stuart hall owing to its box-like shape.
The annual dinner which concludes a six-day culture week in Makerere University was held on May 3 at the Mary Stuart dining hall. The ladies were a sight to behold in their colourful gowns while the men showed up looking gentle in designer labels. It was amazing to see the boys dressed and act like gentlemen since they are known for being chaotic. The event attracted all kinds of people including former Lumumba and Mary Stuart residents.
The event was also graced by Winnie Ashawo, the winner Face of MUK who serenaded the students with love songs. Christo Brian, a former member of Lumumba hall also performed alongside G-Licks band headed by Joseph Walwema and David Olara who played live band music.
The guest of honour, Western Youth MP Gerald Karuhanga, urged the students to become agents of change in society.
“Our country Uganda can only be transformed by the young brains in our society, so you should keep in mind that all possible change will start with you because you are those young brains,” he emphasized.
He concluded by asking students to think of being job creators and not job seekers. The Master of Ceremonies later ‘gave’ him a beautiful lady from Mary Stuart who accepted to be his date for the night.
Also in attendance was former guild president and also a former chief fresher, Lumumba Hall, Ivan Bwowe who was mainly campaigning for the renovation of Lumumba block C, prompting
Benard Luyiga, chairman LCV Makerere zone, to pledge one million Uganda shillings.
Joan Richart-Huget, a PHD candidate at Princeton University in New Jersey who also attended the dinner was excited to share with the guests some of the things taught to him by the Lumumba residents. Among them was the Lumumba anthem and some of the slogans used in Makerere.
“Eeehh Makerere oyee, eeeh Lumumba oyeee, eeeeeh solidarity oyeee,” Richart-Huget said adding that: ” I may not be a Lumumbist by birth, but am a Lumumbist by adoption.
