Dr. Trinidade Recalls Daily Walks from the Hill to Mulago Hospital

Then came the terrible events of the coup that overthrew Milton Obote and installed Idi Amin. Those were dark and uncertain days. Fortunately, I was able to complete my course and even had my degree conferred by Idi Amin!!!

In 1966 a 19 year old freshman named Austin Trinidade entered Northcote Hall to become a Makerere medical student. That was to be my home for the next 6 years…and what memorable years those were. 

Seeing recent pictures of undergraduates in red gowns rekindled pleasant memories. I recall the daily walks across the valley from campus to Mulago Hospital, the evening breaks at the canteen run by an Indian gentleman with only one ear!!, trudging to the library after dinner to prepare for exams; the many sporting events and social gatherings. I made a lot of friends and met people from all over Africa.

Then came the terrible events of the coup that overthrew Milton Obote and installed Idi Amin. Those were dark and uncertain days. Fortunately, I was able to complete my course and even had my degree conferred by Idi Amin!!! Because of the uncertain times, I opted to leave Uganda and being young and adventurous made for Trinidad and Tobago. I established myself here and now I am a specialist Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT surgeon). 

I still remember those wonderful times in Kampala and some of the best years of my life. As I approach the 50th anniversary of my graduation, I salute my Alma Mater and wish you all the best.

Dr. Austin Trinidade, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, 1966-72