Uganda’s First Lady and Education Minister, Janet Museveni on Tuesday afternoon visited Makerere University where she officially opened new teaching facilities and laid two foundation stones for the reconstruction and restoration of the iconic Main Building and another, for the School of Law.
On September 20, 2020, fire gutted an iconic building at Makerere University, leaving the “Ivory Tower” distinctive white walls with blue-shuttered windows blackened.
Now, in the University’s Centennial Celebrations, The First Lady also laid a foundation stone for the new School of Law building that will have a Moot Court room, Seminar Rooms, Lounges, Lactation Room, Offices, Judge’s Ante Room among other facilities.
She also officially opened the Central Teaching Facilities 1 and 2 that are housing lecture rooms, administrative offices, boardrooms, a 1000 seater auditorium, study rooms among others.
“The facilities we have commissioned today are in addition to other facilities in other public Universities, all supported by ADB under the HEST project,” she said.
Mrs Museveni went on to open The Dental School and Hospital which is expected to boost dental studies at the university. It is equipped with a Plant/Machine Room, Dental Studios/Clinics, Recovery Rooms, Washrooms, Storage and Staff Offices, Student Locker Spaces among other things.
“I thank God for the new infrastructure at the school of Dentistry. As we all know this is an answer to prayer, because we were on the verge of closure by the East Africa Medical and Dental Practioners Council.”
She applauded the Council, led by Lorna Magara, the management team led by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe together with the entire team for the work you do.
“We saw some of it this afternoon. Thank you for being good stewards of what has been entrusted to you. Thank you for providing leadership to this great Institution.”
She concluded the visit by laying a foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Main Building, which will have facilities including but not limited to the; Museum, Gallery, Exhibit Preparation Room, Archives, Central Stores, Lifts, Souvenir Shop and administrative offices.
The First Lady, who last visited the university in September 2020, when the Main Building had just been gutted by fire, was elated to note that she now returns on a happy note to lay a foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Main Building.
Ugandan enterprises urged to explore regional oil and gas opportunitiesShe pledged her support and that of her ministry to Makerere, revealing that soon the university shall have a teaching hospital and other crucial infrastructure with support from BRIDGIN Foundation.
The Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked Mrs. Museveni for her untiring efforts in making Makerere a world class university.
He went ahead to mention that she has had a direct input in raising the resources for all these infrastructure projects costing more than UGX 60Bn.
“You have had direct input in raising the resources for all these projects, costing more than UGX 60 billion and we thank you very much. Let me also take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts in raising funds for the construction of a teaching and research hospital for Makerere as well as your personal intervention in protecting the University’s land in Katanga.”
Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Council talked of how the Education Minister passionately pursued the construction of the Dental Hospital which has enabled the institution’s dental programme to gain clearance from regional accreditation bodies.
Speaking on behalf of Makerere@100 Organizing Committee, Dan Fred Kidega, the Deputy Chairperson of the University Council revealed that the climax of the celebrations will be held on the 08th October, 2022, on the eve of the 60th independence day.
He said that the commemoration and celebrations include hosting of series of activities including, public lectures, seminars, exhibitions, conferences, alumni events, district exhibitions, a centenary marathon, and conferences.
Mr. Kidega revealed that the Council approved a budget of shs1.4 billion to cater to events, activities, and publicity costs of which the President pledged a contribution of shs800 million.
“We have managed to mobilise the balance of the resources needed from corporate and private sector partners, some who include MTN Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Centenary Bank, ABSA Bank, UAP-Old Mutual, the Vision Group, among many others,” he said.
The Education Minister is expected to return to Makerere University together with His Excellency the President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday 23rd May, 2021 at the 72nd Graduation Ceremony.
