Nkrumah's dream of a 'country' called Africa must live on through us — Otafiire

KAMPALA - Makerere University has commemorated Nkrumah Day with a public lecture that echoed across generations, calling for a reawakening of the African spirit of unity, innovation, and leadership.

The event was graced by Uganda's internal affairs minister Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, one of the pioneers who renamed the hall after Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.

The Friday lecture held at the Yusuf Lule auditorium was attended by students, staff, alumni, and diplomats and marked 71 years of  Makerere’s most iconic residences —
 Nkrumah Hall — under the theme: 'Transforming Young African Minds'.

Otafiire, who is also the president of the Global Pan-African Movement, said he joined the university to study but left as a freedom fighter to live Nkrumah’s dream.

"His vision of a united Africa has been my guiding star. That’s why for 31 years I have led the Global Pan-African Movement to continue what he started."

He spoke with passion about Nkrumah’s ideals — not just the defeat of colonialism, but the deeper, unfinished mission of continental unity.

Otafiire (C), who is also the president of the Global Pan-African Movement, said he joined the university to study but left as a freedom fighter to live Nkrumah’s dream. (All Photos by Richard Ategeka)

"Africa cannot be free if it remains divided by tribalism and narrow nationalism," said the minister. "Nkrumah dreamed of a country called Africa and that dream must live on through us."

To get liberation and peace, he said, "we must unite our people. Let no one play with your liberty, your peace, your freedom. You can ensure that through unity".

Enduring legacy

 Winfred Kabumbuli, the acting Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Students, highlighted the importance of honouring Nkrumah’s enduring legacy at an institution that champions pan-African ideals.

"This celebration marks the immortalization of a great son of African soil," she said. "At Makerere, we nurture leadership, critical thinking, and innovation all values that Nkrumah embodied."

Kabumbuli reaffirmed their commitment to supporting student growth, saying Nkrumah Hall stands as a "daily reminder of pan-Africanism and the quest for self-rule".

Representing the Government of Ghana, Kwame Ejalu, Consular to Uganda, praised the event for strengthening ties between the two nations and promised to "take this spirit of unity back home to Ghana".

Dr. Rodney Rugyema, the principal warden of Nkrumah Hall, said the celebration was a call to action for today’s youth to take up the mantle of African development.

“It has doubled as a homecoming for alumni and former residents of Nkrumah Hall to inspire others to learn from his ideology,” he said.

'A dream'

Student leaders shared moving testimonies about Nkrumah’s influence on their activism and purpose.

Peter Alinaitwe, the resident chairperson of Nkrumah Hall, reflected on the journey of organizing the event.

"This began as a dream among a few of us. Today, it’s a celebration of a visionary who continues to inspire gallant activists across Africa," he said.

Former student leader Marion Kirabo echoed this sentiment, describing Nkrumah as "one of the strongest advocates for a United States of Africa".

"His ideas challenge us to look beyond our borders and identities. We must write our own story as a united people."