The Margaret Trowel School of Fine Art (MTSIFA), College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, on 4th May 2026 unveiled its latest art exhibition at the Makerere Institute of Heritage, Conservation and Restoration. The showcase celebrates creativity, heritage, and transformation.
The opening ceremony was graced by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, who served as Chief Guest. In his remarks, Prof. Alinaitwe congratulated Assoc. Prof. Nakazibwe on what he described as “no mean achievement.” He reflected on their decade-long collaboration during his tenure as Principal of CEDAT, noting that her dedication to administration had delayed her exhibition record. “By now she could be at the level of full professor,” he observed, “but the delay was because of her role in management that spanned over fifteen years.”
Prof. Alinaitwe emphasized that the exhibition demonstrates the power of drawing inspiration from everyday life. Pointing to the butterfly motif at the center of the showcase, he encouraged artists to explore the many other elements around them. “Art acts as therapy,” he remarked, “in addition to the beauty and the learning that goes on as the work progresses.” He added: “As a college and the university, we are very proud of you, Dr. Venny Nakazibwe. Students and the public are here to learn from your work. Our prayer is that God gives you new vision to generate even greater ideas and new avenues of publication, so that your impact is felt within Makerere University and beyond.”
Preserving studio practice
Speaking on behalf of the CEDAT Principal, Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule noted that it had been a long time since Makerere University hosted an exhibition of this kind. He expressed concern about the current state of art and design education, pointing to a decline in studio practice across many institutions. While acknowledging the growing emphasis on PhDs in Fine Art, he stressed that studio practice remains the foundation of artistic excellence.
Prof. Kasule reminded audiences that the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art (MTSIFA), which holds one of the finest collections of art and design south of the Sahara, was built on studio practice. “We need to keep that tradition,” he said, extending appreciation to Assoc. Prof. Venny Nakazibwe for balancing scholarship with creative output.
He observed that the exhibition challenges audiences by presenting both digitally produced and handmade works, with Nakazibwe’s butterfly motif explored through varied colors and designs. “Through this work we really see a real professor,” he remarked, congratulating her on her recent promotion to Associate Professor. Prof. Kasule encouraged artists to balance originality with technology, noting that Nakazibwe’s dedication and enjoyment of her craft shine through in the exhibition.
The Artist’s Vision
Addressing fellow designers, students, faculty, and members of the public, that turned up at the opening of the exhibition, Assoc. Prof. Venny Nakazibwe described the day as special not only for the exhibition itself but also for its focus on transformation, symbolized by the butterfly. “The butterfly is a learning experience, especially for the students,” she said. “It tells us about the concept of life, which starts at a young age but changes based on experiences. The journey continues to influence the world through the way we see it as textile designers, reflected in the colors, designs, and technologies at hand.”
She reaffirmed the importance of handmade art while encouraging artists to fully embrace available technologies. Referring to the butterfly motif, she highlighted its ripple effect, noting that even the smallest influence can shape rivers and oceans, an apt metaphor for how art and knowledge can transform the world.
Assoc. Prof. Nakazibwe also emphasized the role of digital tools such as Adobe and Photoshop in modern practice, reminding students that they have been equipped with skills to make a difference in the industry. Looking ahead, she expressed the school’s commitment to upgrading MTSIFA’s studios to remain aligned with prevailing trends an d urged Makerere University management to fully support this direction.
Dr. Venny Nakazibwe is an Associate Professor of textile Design at MTSIFA, Makerere University and has carried out extensive research in visual arts and other tangible cultural heritage of Uganda focusing on revitalizing indigenous knowledge as well as innovative approaches in art and design using local materials like bark cloth.
