HON. JANET KATAAHA MUSEVENI TO OFFICIALLY OPEN THE SCHOOL OF LAW NEW BUILDING, THE RENOVATED LUMUMBA HALL, AND LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES BUILDING, 18^TH DECEMBER 2024, 2:00P.M.

In line with her bid to improve the quality of education and student life, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni toured Makerere University on 29^th January 2021 to gain first-hand information and experience on the state of teaching and learning facilities, student halls of residence including Lumumba Hall, Mary Stuart Hall, and Africa Hall and other critical infrastructure.

After the visit, The Minister of Education and Sports presented a paper to the Cabinet and rallied the Government of Uganda and the Parliament of Uganda to prioritize the renovation of student halls of residence at Makerere University. 

Consequently, the infrastructural development plan, which is being implemented in a phased approach, has yielded positive results, with some of the construction and renovation works completed to-date.

Official Opening of the School of Law new building and the renovated Lumumba Hall:

On Wednesday 18^th December 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports is scheduled to officially open the new building for School of Law and the renovated Lumumba Hall, both generously funded by the Government of Uganda. Hon. Janet Museveni is expected to arrive at Makerere University at 2:00pm.

School of Law new building: We are delighted that Hon. Janet Museveni who officially laid the Foundation Stone on 17^th May 2022 is returning to the Main Campus on 18^th December 2024, to officially open the completed School of Law building. The construction works funded by the Government of Uganda to the tune of UGX 7.3 billion, have led to a magnificent three storeyed building, housing Lecture, tutorial and seminar rooms, a library, a moot court, offices, cafeteria, lactation room and other teaching and learning spaces. The works were undertaken by M/S CK Associates as the Contractor and Symbion as the Consultants.

Lumumba Hall:  On 27^th June 2023, the renovation works commenced, with the site being handed over to the Contractor-National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). The Government of Uganda funded the renovation work to the tune of UGX 9billion. The renovation works involved an overhaul aimed at restoring Lumumba Hall to its original beauty. It is important to note that Lumumba Hall has capacity to accommodate about 725 students.

“Lumumba Hall, which was built in the 1960s and officially opened in 1971 was the biggest Hall of Residence, but there had been no major renovation since the time it was constructed,” explained the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe while handing over the site to the Contractor on 27^th June 2023.

Subsequently, on 26^th July 2024, the Contractor (NEC) handed over the renovated Lumumba Hall to the Vice Chancellor.  “Lumumba Hall has been restored. I thank NEC for the quality of work and high level of professionalism in the execution of the entire project,” said Prof. Nawangwe.

Mary Stuart Hall: In line with the schedule following the Government of Uganda’s commitment to funding the renovation of student halls of residence at Makerere University, on completion of the renovation works at Lumumba Hall, the Contractor-NEC, proceeded to Mary Stuart Hall. The Government of Uganda is funding the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall to the tune of UGX 10.5billion. The renovation works, which commenced on 31^st May 2024 are on course.

Laying of the Foundation Stone for the proposed School of Graduate Studies building

Makerere University Strategic Plan highlights the transformation of the University into a research-led institution. This strategic direction re-affirms the commitment to graduate training as well as providing facilities and support services for graduate training.

To walk the talk, the University had to shift from the existing fragmented spaces for the graduate students for instance in the Main Library, Senate Building and in some Colleges, to finding a centralized home for graduate students, graduate training and support services.

We are pleased to report that through the advocacy and leadership of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, today, 18^th December 2024, we are scheduled to witness the Laying of the Foundation Stone for the School of Graduate Studies building.

This building is a donation (in-kind) from the late Hasmukh Patel, who was an industrialist and Chairman of Tororo Cement. The Minister of Education and Sports and the University leadership held several strategic meetings regarding this donation with Mr. Hasmukh Patel before he passed away on 29^th August 2024 after a short illness.

The family of the late Hasmukh Patel and Tororo Cement are implementing his wishes to construct the building that will house the School of Graduate Studies at Makerere University.  May the good Lord continue to grant Patel’s soul eternal rest as his legacy lives on through the School of Graduate Studies building.

For details, please contact:  Ms Ritah Namisango, Principal Public Relations Officer, Makerere University, on Email: pro@mak.ac.ug, and telephone number: +256 702944224.