General
First Lady visits Makerere, lays foundation stone for the Reconstruction of the Main Building
Uganda’s First Lady and Education Minister, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni has this afternoon visited Makerere University where she officially opened new central teaching facilities and laid two foundation stones for the reconstruction and restoration of the iconic Main Building and another, for the School of Law.
The opened Central Teaching Facilities 1 and 2 buildings are housing lecture rooms, administrative offices, boardrooms, a 1000 seater auditorium, study rooms among others. She also opened the Dental School and Hospital, which will further facilitate dental studies at the College of Health Sciences.
The First Lady also laid foundation stones for two ongoing construction projects. The new School of Law building and the reconstruction and restoration of the Main Administration building. She said that she was last at Makerere on the night when fire gutted the Makerere main administration building and was glad that she had returned to commission its reconstruction.
“I was last here on 20th September 2020, following the fateful night in which our main Administration Building was burnt. It was a sad day not just for Makerere but for our nation and the nations at large, because Makerere has educated many people from other nations.” she said, adding, “I am so glad that, today, I return not on a sad note, but on a victorious note, to lay a foundation stone not only for the reconstruction of the Main Administration building but also for the School of Law.”
The Chairperson of Makerere University Council Mrs. Lorna Magara thanked the First Lady for facilitating the university, strengthening its capacity to ably perform its duties.
“The University has enjoyed exceptional support from the Government in the form of staff salary enhancements, infrastructure development, as well as funding for research and innovations since 2016, when you took over the stewardship of the Education Ministry” Mrs. Magara said. “Thank you, Honourable Minister, for your tireless efforts in mobilising Government funding to the tune of UGX 21 Billion for this iconic landmark’s restoration.” she added.
Speaking at the function, the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the First Lady and government for making these projects successful.
“Today you have laid foundation stones at the School of Law and at the Main Building reconstruction site, and also officially commissioned the new building for the School of Dentistry and the Central Teaching Facilities 1 and 2. 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.” Prof. Nawangwe said.
The chairperson of the Makerere @100 organizing committee, Hon. Dan Kidega thanked the First Lady for extending the request for funding of the yearlong Makerere centenary celebrations which will climax with the final event on the 08th October, 2022, on the eve of the 60th independence day celebration.
“On behalf of the organizing committee which is tasked to coordinate all the activities associated with the centenary celebrations, I take the special pleasure to thank you for facilitating the request to His Excellency for funding for the activities.” Hon. Kidega said. “We extend our thanks to His Excellency the President for the offer to contribute 800 million shillings towards the budget activities for the Centenary celebrations.” he added.
Hon Kidega also lauded the First Lady for her stewardship in negotiating $300m for the construction of the university teaching hospital. The teaching hospital is part of the legacy projects earmarked as part of the activities to commemorate Makerere’s 100 years of existence.
The Minister of Education, Hon. Janet K. Museveni concluded by extending her appreciation to the Makerere Administration and University Council for the work welldone in ensuring the smooth running of the University projects.
“I applaud the Council, led by Mrs. Lorna Magara and the management team led by Prof. Nawangwe together with the entire team for the work you do. We have seen 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 said.
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
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