By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: Makerere University, one of Africa’s premier institutions of higher learning, has made significant strides in enhancing its infrastructure, with substantial support from the Government of Uganda. The university’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for its students and enhancing its research capabilities has led to the implementation of various infrastructure development projects.
The university’s infrastructure development plan is aligned with its strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution. To achieve this goal, Makerere University has been investing in the renovation and construction of new buildings, including student halls of residence, academic buildings, and research facilities.
One of the notable achievements is the phased renovation of student halls of residence. The University Management has reported that the renovation of Lumumba Hall was completed in 2024, while the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall is currently ongoing. Upon completion of the Mary Stuart Hall renovation, contractors will proceed to renovate Complex Hall. These renovations are expected to improve the living conditions of students and provide a conducive environment for academic pursuits.
In addition to the renovations, the university has constructed two new buildings for the School of Law and School of Dentistry. These new buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and are expected to enhance the teaching and learning experience for students in these schools.
The university has also invested in the construction of the School of Graduate Training and Research Building, which is funded by Tororo Cement to the tune of US$8 million, with support from the First Lady. This building will house study rooms for PhD students and an innovation hub, providing a conducive environment for research and innovation. The construction of this building is a significant milestone in the university’s quest to become a research-led institution.
Furthermore, the construction of the School of Public Health building, near the Eastern Gate, is nearing completion. This project was initiated by the staff of the school, who raised funds to kick-start the construction. The building is expected to be a 8-storey two-tower building, with a completed auditorium. The university appreciates the support of its partners, including the government of Uganda, the government of the Netherlands, and USAID through the American Hospitals Abroad.
These developments affirm Makerere University’s commitment to providing a world-class learning environment for its students and enhancing its research capabilities. The university’s efforts to upgrade its infrastructure are expected to have a positive impact on the quality of education and research output, ultimately contributing to the development of Uganda and the region.
With Makerere University enjoying a century of delivering academic excellence, these developments are poised to be a great pillar in it’s strategic direction.