By Tuhirirwe Karane
The MAK Guild League, a sports initiative by former leaders of Makerere University, kicked off in June 2022 as a platform to socialize, play games, and foster networks that transcend both the public and private sectors. Now in its second season, the league showcases teams from both past and present guild houses, serving as a cohesive force that brings together alumni who have shaped the university's leadership landscape across different eras.
The league is largely characterized by football but equally has a variety of board games such as chess, draft, ludo and many more. According to Katumba Salim, the current Chairperson of the MAK Guild League and a distinguished member of the 80th Guild Council of representatives, this league surpasses its role as a mere sporting event. “It is a potent mobilizing force that is propelling Makerere alumni to re-establish meaningful ties with their alma mater.” He adds that, “I envision the league playing a pivotal role in contributing towards the realization of a Guild Parliamentary house at the iconic hill.” He goes on to emphasize that they look forward to collaborating with entities such as the Makerere University Endowment Fund to shape the university’s trajectory in impactful ways.
Katumba Salim (with the ball), the Chairperson of the MAK Guild League plays in a football game between the 80th and 79th Guild Houses
The league, whose season starts in September and ends in May, is held fortnightly at the Makerere University Rugby grounds and has every participating team engage in a single game per match day. With 11 teams participating this season, the league is in tandem with the University Games Union's monthly agenda and has seamlessly integrated itself into the university's sports fabric.
Operating as a self-sustaining entity, each guild house shoulders the match day costs, pooling together UGX 1.6 million to sustain the league. This financial commitment not only underscores a collective sense of responsibility but also instills a sense of ownership among the guild houses, reinforcing their dedication to the league's continued success.
Being gender inclusive
Championing inclusivity as a core value, the league has implemented strategic measures to encourage the dynamic involvement of female players. Every team is mandated to include registered women players, forming an integral part of the league's requirements. The regulations further stipulate that a team must adapt to playing with one player less if, for any reason, a female player is absent. Going a step beyond, teams now have the flexibility to assemble all-female squads, participating not only in physical matches but also in the diverse array of board games featured in the league. This commitment to gender inclusivity adds a layer of diversity and vibrancy to the league, fostering an environment where talent knows no boundaries.
A group of Makerere University alumni play a board game at the MAK Guild League
Despite encountering several challenges, particularly funding and the absence of official registration, the league's leadership remains resolute in its commitment to overcoming these hurdles. In a noteworthy display of solidarity, former guild leaders such as Claire Asiimwe and Tayebwa Tomson aka Tayebwa Events have emerged as sponsors, underlining the significance of collaborative endeavors in propelling the league to greater heights. Their support exemplifies the resilience of the league and underscores the role that collective effort is playing in ensuring the sustained growth of this unique initiative.
As the league progresses into its second season, it has served as a rallying point where the legacy of leadership at Makerere thrives, creating bonds and further building onto the legacy of the Ivory Tower.
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