Makerere University students create Mutesa and Obote effigies

By John Agaba

Student teachers at Makerere University have crafted effigies in honor of Uganda’s first president and prime minister respectively.

The effigies measure 15 foot. They are broad chested and giant. The one of Sir Edward Mutesa II is mainly made of backcloth while the one of Milton Obote has lots of rugged hair on its head.

“We wanted to get the best resemblances of these historic personalities. You know Mutesa, apart from being president, he was a cultural leader, and backcloth meant a lot to the Baganda. Obote was an intellectual who was easily identified by his hair style,’’ said Robert Odongo, a second year student and one of the five that constructed the puppets.

During a procession at Makerere University in which the effigies were displayed, Odongo explained that they honoured Mutesa and Obote because of their contribution towards Uganda’s Independence, back on October 9, 1962.

“Kabaka Mutesa was a traditional leader and Milton Obote a political leader, but the two formed a coalition that became Uganda’s first administration,’’ said Odongo.

He said that they studied the photographs of the two men and practiced drawing their faces and making clothing that represented what they dressed in about 1962.

The puppets are made from plastic bags stuffed with newspapers and covered with fabric. The figures are made from cardboard, and also covered with fabric.

Carol Sterling, a visiting Fulbright Program specialist and a professional educational puppeteer from New York, who oversaw the innovation, said students exhibited art and critical thinking skills to create the effigies.

“They researched Sir Edward Mutesa II’s and Dr. Oboe’s contributions to their country and constructed the puppets. This practical approach is what the world needs in the 21st century,’’ said Sterling.

She said they had secured permission and that the effigies will be displayed inside the University’s library where every visitor can see them and appreciate the contribution of the two former leaders.