General
Makerere Marshall Plan attracts Top Investors
A number of local and international firms from China, Korea and Uganda have expressed interest in developing Makerere University’s land following a call put out by the University through the media in January 2014. The land, found in different parts of the University estate namely: Main Campus, Katalemwa, Makindye, Bwaise and Kololo, will be developed under the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangement, in what has been code named the ‘Makerere University Infrastructure Development Marshall Plan’ covering 11 projects which include;
1. Makerere University Teaching Hospital
2. Makerere University Student Resource Centre
3. Student Hostels at the Main Campus and Kabanyolo
4. Makerere University Hotel and Convention Centre
5. Makerere University Centre for Innovation and Technology Incubation
6. Makerere University perimeter fence and Commercial Buildings
7. Transport Hub
8. Middle Income Apartments
9. Upper Market Apartments
10. Makerere University Centre for Gender and Development Studies
11: Makerere University School of Law
An artistic impression of the proposed Hotel and Convention Centre as part of the Infrastructure Marshall Plan 2014, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda
Top Management speaks out
Commenting about the developments, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu said, “We are very serious about Public Private Partnerships because they are the best way to advance these projects. One of our major resources is land and we shall fully utilize it for all the projects. We would like to start with the perimeter wall, Students’ Centre, and the Hotel as a priority but this will also depend on the interests of the investors.”
“When completed, these projects will save money. We spend a lot on conferences and residences for external examiners, which money can be saved if we have facilities for such activities. About 1billion shillings goes to external examiners annually and another 600m to conferences. We intend to have shopping malls around the perimeter wall to generate more income too,” added the Vice Chancellor.
A Committee, headed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has been set up to see to the successful implementation of the projects. Other members on the Committee include the University Secretary, David Kahundha Muhwezi; the Director, Planning and Development Department (PDD), Dr. Florence Nakayiwa; Assoc. Prof. Anthony Keraali of the College of Engineering Design Art and Technology (CEDAT); the Director Estates and Works Department , Eng. Fred Nuwagaba and a Legal Advisor. Overall guidance for the project will be given by the University Council.
“These developments will protect the land and diversify the University’s income base. The projects will also avail more lecture space for students,” explained DVCFA Prof. Nawangwe.
According to the Director PDD, Dr. Florence Nakayiwa, “Twelve firms have so far responded to the call. These firms are comprised of both building companies and transaction advisors. We are glad that the market is receptive to this call. We have now asked them to undertake feasibility studies of the different projects and report back by September 2014. We are optimistic that ground works will begin as soon as we have all the appropriate processes in place.”
An artistic impression of the proposed Students’ Resource Centre as part of the Infrastructure Marshall Plan 2014, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda
The place of the Master Plan
In April 2014, Makerere University rolled out a University Infrastructure Master plan and sought input from stakeholders. This plan covers the Main campus, the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). “The Marshall Plan is a smaller component of the Master plan. In the Master plan, aspects like zoning, age of buildings, utility distribution, traffic flow and future use of available space are considered; whereas the Marshall plan is only focusing on key building projects as derived from the Master Plan,” clarified Dr. Nakayiwa.
Please see Downloads below for a brief of each proposed project.
By Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
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Makerere Infrastructure Master plan rolls out
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.
Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.
Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.
He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.
Political and Public Service Career
Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.
He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.
Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:
- Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
- Minister of Finance
- Minister of Internal Affairs
- Minister of Health
- Minister without Portfolio
- Minister of Defence
During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.
From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.
Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.
Significance for Makerere
As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.
His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.
Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.
Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014
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