Makerere University is alive with fresh energy as the 28th edition of the Different But One exhibition opens at the Margaret Trowell School of Fine and Industrial Art. With the theme Free Choice, the exhibition celebrates the creativity of young lecturers while honoring the legacy of the institution’s senior artists, promoting freedom and innovation in artistic expression.
Walking through the university campus today, visitors notice a striking transformation. Renovated buildings stand elegantly against well-paved walkways and manicured lawns, free of litter and chaos. The absence of the usual marabou storks and overflowing garbage bins marks a visible change in the campus environment. Inside lecture rooms, youthful lecturers bring contemporary knowledge and optimism to students, preparing them to navigate a competitive world. Even after more than a century of excellence, Makerere continues to align itself with the future by tapping into the spirit of the next generation.
This year, the Different But One exhibition embraces that same vision. For the first time, the octogenarian curator entrusted a committee of young lecturers with significant responsibility, from managing submissions and designing promotional materials to engaging audiences on social media. The theme Free Choice underscores the exhibition’s focus on autonomy, self-expression, and confidence especially for young lecturers showcasing their work for the first time alongside senior artists. The blending of emerging and established talent evokes a sense of continuity and collaboration that defines the event.
The exhibition features a rich array of multidisciplinary works, spanning traditional media such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, and pottery, as well as contemporary forms including photography, graphic design, and fashion installations. This blend signals a shift from tradition to modernity, reflecting the open-minded and inclusive atmosphere fostered by the young lecturers.
Among the standout pieces is Mukiyumba by Lewin Nayebare, a fashion installation exploring the complex realities of labor migration to the Middle East, particularly among young Ugandan women. Using rainbow colors and synthetic fabrics, Nayebare highlights the hope, risks, and tragic outcomes that often accompany the search for opportunity abroad. By addressing a topic often overshadowed by seemingly successful narratives, the work sparks important conversations about exploitation, survival, and resilience in the modern world.
Nayebare’s installation, part of a broader research project, exemplifies the curiosity, energy, and passion that young lecturers bring to their art. Across the exhibition, this vigor is mirrored in other works, reinforcing the future of Uganda’s artistic traditions while emphasizing collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. The next generation of lecturers is poised to sustain the exhibition’s legacy long into the future.
The 28th Different But One exhibition is currently open at the Makerere University Art Gallery, offering a compelling showcase of talent that bridges generations, mediums, and ideas.