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NEC Hands Over Refurbished Mary Stuart Hall to Mak

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The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) has successfully delivered yet another milestone project to Makerere University with the handover of a fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25th July 2025.

Mary Stuart Hall is one of three major projects entrusted to NEC by the university, the others being the renovation of Lumumba Hall and the construction of a perimeter wall. These developments follow a presidential directive to renovate all halls of residence at Makerere University, aimed at enhancing student welfare and improving living conditions on campus.

Some of the blocks of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall including the Tower (Box). The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) hands over fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25th July 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the blocks of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall including the Tower (Box).

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended NEC for their exceptional work. “I must thank NEC for the job well done,” he said, adding that “this facility looks better than some hotels.” He also expressed gratitude to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni, whom he credited as the driving force behind the renovations. He urged students and stakeholders to take care of the newly renovated facility: “Let us try to maintain the facility the way it has been handed over.” The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the purpose of these renovations is to foster an environment conducive for leadership development.

Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), represented the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration). He commended the Vice Chancellor for fulfilling his campaign promise to transform university infrastructure and expressed appreciation to the Government for the financial support. “I can report from what I’ve seen, that there is value for money,” he stated. Prof. Muwagga further encouraged student leaders to promote responsible behaviour that protects and preserves university property for future generations.

Lt. Gen. James Mugira and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Rear) inspect of one of the bathroom facilities. The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) hands over fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25th July 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Lt. Gen. James Mugira and H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James (Rear) inspect of one of the bathroom facilities.

Lieutenant General James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC, emphasized the significance of the project, describing the refurbished building as a symbol of “female empowerment and liberation.” He applauded the university leadership for their trust and confidence and reaffirmed NEC’s commitment to quality and timely project delivery. He highlighted the role of proper accommodation in fostering health, safety, academic performance, and social interaction among students. “A healthy mind, in a healthy body,” he said, adding that good housing promotes “safe and hygienic living and physical and mental health.” He also underscored the importance of regular maintenance to preserve the facility and avoid expensive renovations.

Mr. Simon Kizito, Deputy University Secretary equally extended appreciation to the President, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Directorate of Estates and Works for their role in the project’s success. He thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for ensuring that the necessary funds were released on times.

Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogere (White Hard Hat) leads the Vice Chancellor and other officials on a guided tour of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall. The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) hands over fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25th July 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogere (White Hard Hat) leads the Vice Chancellor and other officials on a guided tour of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.

Representing the Dean of Students’ Office, Dr. Rodney Rugyema hailed the project as a significant milestone in enhancing student welfare. He revealed that Mary Stuart Hall will accommodate 521 students and includes facilities for persons with disabilities, such as lifts and ramps. He pledged to uphold the standards and purpose of the hall.

Guild President H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James expressed his gratitude to NEC and the university administration, particularly applauding the Vice Chancellor’s for his hands-on approach and consistent involvement in the university’s affairs.

Ms. Anthea Ampaire(L) franked by the Guild President Ssentamu Churchill James(R) delivering her remarks.

The Hall Chairlady Ms. Anthea Ampaire described the reopening as a landmark moment, calling Mary Stuart Hall “a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for students.” She highlighted the importance of providing spaces that empower women and support their academic journeys.

Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere, Head of the Department of Architecture at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) who led the Project Management Team, noted that the renovation was a collaborative effort involving both students and staff. He commended all involved for their dedication.

Mary Stuart Hall Chairlady-Ms. Anthea Ampaire (Centre) is joined by officials to cut cake in commemoration of the official handover. The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) hands over fully refurbished Mary Stuart Hall. The renovation, which cost UGX 10.5 billion, began on 26th July 2024 and was completed exactly a year later, on 25th July 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mary Stuart Hall Chairlady-Ms. Anthea Ampaire (Centre) is joined by officials to cut cake in commemoration of the official handover.

Following this successful handover, NEC is set to begin renovation works on the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) Hall commonly referred to as Complex Hall, as it continues to implement the presidential directive to revamp student accommodation across public universities.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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Prof. Sarah Ssali Appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)

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First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Sarah N. Ssali

Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga has today appointed Professor Sarah Evelyn Nabwire Ssali as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, congratulated Prof. Ssali on the appointment, describing her as an outstanding scholar, administrator, and leader whose service will further strengthen the University’s academic excellence.

Prof. Ssali has had a distinguished career at Makerere University spanning over two decades. Until her appointment, she was the Acting Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), having previously served as Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies (2017–2024). She is also the Director of the Centre of Excellence in African Identities under the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).

An accomplished scholar, Prof. Ssali is a Professor of Gender and Development Studies and a prolific researcher with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters, and edited volumes to her name. Her research focuses on public policy, institutions, social transformation, gender, global health, health systems, and identity studies.

Beyond academia, she has contributed significantly to university governance, serving on Makerere University Council since 2010, the Appointments Board, and as Chair of several Council committees including Quality Assurance, Gender Mainstreaming and ICT. She has also played a leading role in curriculum reviews and policy reforms across the University.

Prof. Ssali holds a PhD in International Health Studies from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, a Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (Political Science and Public Administration) from Makerere University.

Makerere University warmly congratulates Prof. Sarah Ssali on her appointment and looks forward to her leadership in steering academic affairs to greater heights.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Agriculture & Environment

Ugandan Local Government Officials Trained on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, and Climate Resilience

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Participants in a group photo after the opening ceremony.

Entebbe, Uganda – September 19, 2025

More than 20 local government officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Entebbe Municipality, and the districts of Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi have concluded a two-day intensive training on Environmental Valuation, Accounting, Evaluation, and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

Held at Central Inn Hotel in Entebbe from September 18–19, the workshop was organized by the Environment for Development (EfD) Makerere University Centre and funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF). The objective was to build local capacity in environmental governance and integrate natural capital and climate risks into local development planning.

The training was facilitated by Dr. Aisha Nanyiti, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Peter Babyenda and Dr. Nick Kilimani- all from Makerere University.

Natural Resources Must Be Valued and Protected

Opening the workshop, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre and Principal Investigator of the project, described the training as timely, given Uganda’s growing environmental and climate challenges.

Prof. Edward Bbaale address participants.

“Uganda is already experiencing the adverse effects of climate variability—on agriculture, health, water resources, and the economy,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “This training empowers our environmental officers to use economic evidence to defend natural resources against competing land uses.”

He emphasized the need to monetize ecosystem services like wetlands, forests, and biodiversity to inform land-use decisions.

“A forest cleared for sugarcane may appear to create jobs, but when you account for its carbon sequestration, rainfall formation, and tourism potential, its long-term value far outweighs the short-term economic gains.”

Prof. Bbaale also urged that natural capital be included in Uganda’s national accounting systems to achieve sustainable and equitable development.

He thanked local government leadership for releasing their staff for the training and praised the collaboration between academia and government.

“You are not just trainees — you are future champions of environmental stewardship in your districts,” he told the participants.

A participant presenting during the discussions

Environmental Degradation Threatens Public Health

Representing the Chairperson of Mak-RIF, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka underscored the public health consequences of environmental degradation, linking it to disease outbreaks and natural disasters.

“We have just seen a 14-year-old girl in Lwengo contract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever due to increased human-wildlife contact — a direct result of environmental encroachment,” Dr. Kitaka warned.

She connected rising flash floods, deforestation, and urban sprawl to poor environmental management and called for cross-sectoral awareness of environmental risks.

“This training is not just for environmentalists. Planners, economists, and health professionals must also be equipped with this knowledge,” she said.

Dr. Kitaka applauded the EfD-Mak team for using local experts, not foreign consultants, in delivering the training.

Prof. Edward Bbaale(L) chat with Dr. Sabrina Kitaka after the opening ceremony.

“We must train Ugandans to solve Uganda’s problems. That’s the spirit of Mak-RIF.”

She also revealed that the Government of Uganda has funded over 1,300 research projects through Mak-RIF over the last five years and called for continued investment in locally driven innovation.

“Like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Science must be funded to help Ugandans solve Ugandan problems.”

Experts Present Practical Tools for Sustainable Planning

Localized Climate Action Is Urgent

Dr. Aisha Nanyiti urged participants to design district-specific climate policies, differentiating between mitigation (addressing the causes) and adaptation (responding to the impacts).

“Climate action begins at the local level. Districts must create context-appropriate bylaws and planning strategies to reduce vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other climate shocks.”

She emphasized that Uganda’s local governments are key to meeting national targets under NDP IV and Vision 2040, and that climate change must be addressed in all sectors — from health to urban planning.

Environmental Evaluation is a Safeguard

Dr. Sseruyange warned that development projects are at risk of failure if environmental assessments are not properly conducted.

Dr. Sseruyange presenting

“Roads, schools, and hospitals may be destroyed by floods or landslides if we ignore the environment. Planning must consider both the impact on nature and the reverse impact from degraded ecosystems.”

He called on local environmental officers to assert their roles in safeguarding both the environment and infrastructure investment.

“Neglecting environmental oversight may undo everything we build.”

What is Not Valued is Easily Destroyed

Dr. Peter Babyenda introduced participants to valuation tools like Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and the Travel Cost Method, which help quantify the economic value of forests, wetlands, and biodiversity.

“These tools inform cost–benefit analysis, budgeting, and resource allocation. If we don’t value our natural assets, we risk losing them permanently.”

He stressed that environmental protection is not only an ecological issue, but also an economic, social, and political matter. He encouraged integration of valuation results into budgeting and planning under frameworks like the National Environment Act (2019).

Local Officials Call for Continued Engagement

Ibrahim Muwanguzi, Environmental Officer from Wakiso District, praised the training as a vital step toward mainstreaming environmental valuation into local and national development processes.

“Most government officials focus solely on economic returns, ignoring the critical but intangible value of natural resources,” he said.

He cited a recent case during Mpigi Expressway construction where a culturally significant tree sparked debate over its monetary value — from UGX 100,000 to UGX 100 million — due to lack of valuation standards.

“If services like flood control were quantified in shillings, it would help justify preservation of wetlands and forests,” he noted.

Muwanguzi also emphasized the need for environmental economists in government roles, urging stronger collaboration between academia and policy.

“We have graduates in natural resource economics. Let’s integrate them into our public service.”

Let This Not Be the Last

Tonny Mwidyeki, District Natural Resources Officer for Mpigi, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of all trainees, emphasizing the long gap since the last such training.

“For many of us, it’s been years since we had a refresher like this. If we continue to have such sessions, we will serve our people and protect our environment better.”

He thanked the facilitators from Makerere University for the two-day sensitization and urged that such capacity-building workshops be held more regularly.

“From here, we go back not just informed, but ready to lead change.”

Time to Act is Now

Closing the training, Dr. Sseruyange, speaking on behalf of the EfD-Mak Director, reminded participants that environmental degradation has been decades in the making, and action must no longer be delayed.

“Development depends on the natural world. Let us act now — from our households to our districts — to reverse the damage and secure our future.”

He thanked the participants for their active engagement and promised continued collaboration between Makerere University, local governments, and national stakeholders to promote evidence-based environmental policy.

About EfD-Mak and Mak-RIF

The Environment for Development (EfD) Centre at Makerere University is part of a global network of research institutions focused on environmental economics, coordinated by the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF) is a Government of Uganda-funded program supporting local research to address national development challenges. Since inception, Mak-RIF has supported over 1,300 research projects across disciplines.

Jane Anyango

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2025 K-POP Festival: Online Auditions

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2025 K-POP Festival, 8th November 2025, Yusuf Lule Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda is organizing the 2025 K-POP Festival in Uganda. K-POP stands for Korean Popular Music and this festival will include a K-POP singing or dancing contest open to both individuals and groups. There will be online auditions and a grand festival open to the public.

1. Eligibility

  • The contest is open to all Ugandans
  • Participation is as an individual or in a group

2. How to apply

Record a video of yourself of about 3 minutes of dancing or singing to a K-POP song. Upload the video on your Social Media or YouTube with the hashtag #2025KPOPUG and copy and paste the link to the video in the application form at https://han.gl/kE1xN. The application deadline is 17th October 2025.

The GRAND K-POP FESTIVAL will be held on 8th November 2025 starting 1:00PM at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University.

There will also be a K-POP Random Play Dance Event and everyone is invited to participate and watch.

Mak Editor

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