When Mrs. Margaret Trowell succeeded in setting up an African School of Fine Art in the heart of Africa at Makerere College in 1937, she turned her attention to giving it a local character of inspiration from local resources and the bible to create modern art. The School offered a Teachers certificate course in art and Design which was upgraded to Diploma in 1953. The first three Diploma students graduated in 1958 which also coincided with her retirement.
Trowell was succeeded by Prof. Cecil Todd who strengthened the academic and technical stance of the School which had in any case had began to emerge shortly before she retired. The School expanded under Todd; new buildings were constructed, new courses were introduced, student and staff increased. The School was a beehive of activities especially as it was time of run up to independence. Debates about the necessity of Africanising Art education continued to reverberate in various ways in the School throughout the independence decade.
