President Yoweri Museveni, alongside the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, officially reopened the restored Main Building of Makerere University today. The iconic structure, also known as the "Ivory Tower," had been severely damaged by a fire in September 2020, shocking the nation and leaving alumni in distress.
During the reopening ceremony, President Museveni also installed Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as Makerere University’s new Chancellor, succeeding Dr. Ezra Suruma, whose term ended recently. The event marked a significant moment for the university as it unveiled its restored symbol of Uganda’s premier higher learning institution.
The reopening of the Main Building was one of several key events, including the commissioning of Lumumba Hall’s refurbishment and the unveiling of a new School of Law building.
The Main Building’s reconstruction began on March 14, 2022, led by Excel Construction Limited, with a budget of Shs20.5 billion contributed by the government. Additional financial support came from donors, including a $1 million contribution from the Mastercard Foundation.
According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, the restored building features modern construction techniques, such as a reinforced concrete frame, while maintaining its original exterior architecture. The interior has been completely redesigned, including technological upgrades like lifts for accessibility, firefighting systems, and alarm systems.
A notable addition to the Main Building is a museum in the basement, which previously housed the University Printer. The museum will showcase the NRA Liberation Struggles, reflecting the university’s deep connection to Uganda’s history.
The reopening of the Main Building has been a momentous occasion for Makerere University, as it symbolizes resilience after the tragic fire that devastated the structure. The fire consumed most of the roof, leaving many to fear that the Ivory Tower would never return to its former glory. However, with the dedication of the university administration and the support of the government, the iconic building now stands restored, seemingly as identical to the original as possible.
The President, accompanied by Janet Museveni, toured the new building, unveiling a commemorative plaque and expressing his pride in the achievement. "It is a great moment for Uganda, and Makerere University, to see the Ivory Tower restored," Museveni remarked.
Along with the reopening of the Main Building, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga was installed as the new Chancellor of Makerere University. Dr. Kiyonga, a respected figure in Ugandan politics and public service, takes over from Prof. Ezra Suruma, whose term as Chancellor recently ended.
The event also saw the official unveiling of Lumumba Hall’s refurbishment and the new School of Law building, showcasing Makerere’s commitment to improving its infrastructure and maintaining its status as Uganda’s leading institution of higher education.
