Museveni commissions Makerere Main Hall, welcomes Chancellor Kiyonga

"He has been very active in our efforts since 1980. I congratulate him and the university," Museveni remarked.

Makerere's new Chancellor Dr Chrispus Kiyonga pulse uganda

Museveni also touched on the broader role of universities as centres of knowledge and highlighted Makerere's accomplishments in science and technology.

He mentioned the progress Makerere has made in various areas, including natural sciences, medicine, agriculture, veterinary science, and engineering.

Reflecting on his involvement in the university's history, Museveni noted, “When we came into government, I insisted on starting the food and agriculture faculty. How can you say you are studying science when you don’t know anything about food; and you are studying cockroaches and whatnot?”

President Museveni and First Lady Janet at Makerere University pulse uganda

He advocated for integrating science courses at the university to help students learn how to source raw materials and maximise their value, thereby refining knowledge about nature and its resources.

First Lady Janet Museveni shared her thoughts on the significance of the reconstruction of the Main Hall. She stated, “Today, we celebrate its restoration and the newly ignited hope for the future. The Bible says a righteous man may fall seven times, but he rises again (Proverbs 24:16). The restoration of the Main Building symbolises a rising again of Makerere University.”

She expressed pride in the role played by academicians from Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), who were instrumental in the restoration design.

Minister Janet Museveni at Makerere University pulse uganda

“This exemplifies how our academic expertise can be practically applied to deliver public goods and services. We hope to see more initiatives where academicians directly support government projects, extending beyond the gates of Makerere," she added.

Lorna Magara, the Makerere University Council Chairperson, described the day as one of "new beginnings," noting the two important occasions being celebrated: the installation of a new Chancellor and the restoration of the iconic Ivory Tower, known as the Makerere University Main Administration Building. “Today is a very exciting day!” she exclaimed, praising both milestones.

Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, reflected on the day the Main Hall was destroyed by fire, calling it "probably the saddest day in the history of Makerere University."

Museveni tours the refurbished Makerere Main Hall pulse uganda

He described arriving at the scene with his wife in the early hours of the morning and the devastation they felt. The reconstruction of the Main Hall, he noted, was made possible through the support and guidance of President Museveni, who, upon hearing of the damage, directed the Cabinet to immediately approve the release of the UGX 21 billion required for reconstruction.

"Your Excellency and Maama, this afternoon you have just opened the reconstructed iconic Main Administration Building of Makerere University, designed and built by Ugandan architects and engineers trained by Makerere University and funded entirely by the government," Nawangwe proudly stated.

He emphasised the relief and joy that the completion of the Main Hall brings to Makerere staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders, who now see their iconic institution restored to its former glory.

“The ceremony of opening the reconstructed Main Building, which you have just presided over, brings to an end the anxiety among Makerere staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders by seeing their icon of higher education in this region once again standing tall, beautiful and proud and announcing to the World: 'We Build For the Future' once again," he said.