On 31st October 2018, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Mrs. Jennifer Semakula Musisi handed over to Makerere University, the infrastructure projects KCCA has been working on.  Officially received by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the infrastructure projects include:

• A newly reconstructed and beautified main gate; serviced by several lanes and regulated by traffic lights
• A three storied modern administrative and class room block at Makerere College School
• Nine (9) resurfaced roads (3.5kilometres long) with inbuilt drainages
• Resurfaced car parking lots around University Hall, Mary Stuart Hall, Lumumba Hall, Mitchel Hall, Livingstone Hall and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
• Paved walkways and street lighting
• Pedestrian crossings regulated by traffic lights to keep students safe from the speeding cars and motorbikes
• A perimeter wall that runs from Jjunju road to Sir Apollo Kaggwa road junction to enhance safety at the University
• Newly erected retaining walls at the School of Law and Makerere College School
• A Renovated Makerere University Hospital building and resurfaced parking lot
• A resurfaced tennis court at Africa Hall

In November 2016, Kampala Capital City Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University to construct and renovate the specified infrastructure within the University. The project worth UGX6.9billion came as a compensation for a section of Makerere University land that was annexed by KCCA while expanding the Makerere University Hill Road.  

The colorful handover ceremony held on Wednesday, 31st October 2018 at the Makerere University Mosque Grounds started with an opening prayer led by Imam Ahmed Ssentongo. The Vice Chancellor applauded KCCA for transforming Makerere University. He thanked the KCCA Executive Director for accepting the proposal to compensate Makerere University through infrastructural development.

 Prof. Nawangwe commended KCCA for giving a massive facelift to the Makerere University Main Gate. The well-constructed, wider and redesigned main entrance has been beautified to bring out the value and magnificence of the face of Makerere University. The road to the main gate has also been widened to six lanes and fitted with traffic lights to regulate traffic flow.  Exquisitely done, the Makerere University Hill Road  has also  added value to Makerere University image and brand.

“This is our landmark as we celebrate 100years. This is the best gate I have seen among the universities around the world.  The roads and the drainage have impeccably been done, as also have the walkways and street lighting, for enhanced safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” he said.

On behalf of Makerere University Council, Dr. Sarah Ssali thanked KCCA for changing Makerere University.  She appreciated the tremendous contribution from the Ministry of Education and Sports and Government of Uganda towards Makerere University developments.  

The Executive Director of Kampala City Authority Dr. Jennifer Semakula Musisi, urged the Makerere University Management and community to instigate the spirit of self-initiative among students and staff.  According to her, the University community is capable of developing and transforming the institution as long as they are assured of accountability and transparency.  

“I am sure that if staff, students and alumni of this great institution are mobilized and motivated, they can positively contribute to the history of this great University. In KCCA we have the best engineers and architects coming from this institution and they are doing tremendous work. You are the hub of knowledge with experts in different areas of life. Together with the students, they can change Makerere University for the better,” she said.

She encouraged Ugandans to support transformative work when she said, “one of the lessons I have learnt as the Executive Director of KCCA, is that Ugandans have the capacity to transform this country. When implementing this project, we did not get the technical team from outside the country. If we all move in the same direction, we shall progress and develop.”

She thanked Stirling Civil Engineering Limited and Kiru Company Limited, the two companies that have been undertaking the project for the job well done. Dr. Semakula Musisi also thanked the KCCA team, Makerere University Council and Management, Makerere College School and the technical team for ensuring that the project ends successfully.

His Lordship Dr. Emanuel Sserunjogi, the Mayor of Kawempe Division said that Makerere University is responsible for proper maintenance of the city through utilizing the biggest students’ army.  “the University is well known for its achievements, therefore the responsibility to keep its prestige and legacy lies with us the leaders,” he stated.

The team toured some of the projects such as the University Hospital, the Makerere College School administrative and classroom block, the Vice Chancellor Lodge and some of the roads that were renovated and constructed under the KCCA –Mak Partnership.

“In modern medicine, there is what we call a healing environment where patients heal faster due to the environment in which they are receiving treatment.  We appreciate the new look of the hospital that has attracted more collaborations and partnerships,” said Dr. Josaphat Byamugisha, the Director Makerere University Hospital.

The Director of Estates and Works Eng. Christina Kakeeto thanked KCCA and the construction companies for the quality work done. She also thanked the Makerere University community for the patience exhibited throughout the project.

On behalf of students, Mr. Kato Martin, the Guild Information Minister thanked KCCA and Makerere University Management for lighting up the university to enhance security.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by Members of Council, University Management, Imam Ahmed Ssentongo,  Kampala Capital Authority (KCCA) representatives; supervisors of the project, key partners, students,  media and well-wishers.

Article by Nabatte Proscovia; Mak-Public Relations Office