President Museveni has congratulated Makerere upon restoring the main building which was burnt in September 2020.
“I am truly happy to take part in commissioning this building. I participated today as a tour guide, showing the new guests today, where we used to host our student’s debates,” said Museveni during a ceremony held at the Freedom Square on Wednesday.
“My main issue was the students’ records, which thanks be to God, were safe when Prof Barnabas Nawangwe told me that the records were safe, I told him, all is well, we shall build another building.”
According to the President, universities including Makerere are centres of knowledge.
“The question is what is knowledge? Part of the problem of Africa and bringing confusion is this idea of what is this knowledge,” he noted.
He said one of the stimuli of the evolution of society is the advancement of science and technology.
“I know we are doing very well in terms of national science and others. When we came into government, I insisted on creating a full focus on science and technology.”
The President also supported Vice-Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe’s request for the allocation of a road maintenance unit for Makerere University.
“I am fully in support. Our engineering students should be equipped with practical skills which eventually benefit the country.”
“About coming to talk to the students at Makerere University (on ideology), oh, I like talking; If you do so, you invite me at your own risk. I will definitely come.”
On her part, First Lady and Education Minister Maama Janet Museveni said the memory of 20th September 2020, when the iconic ivory tower was engulfed in flames, remains vivid.
According to her, Makerere’s main building is more than just infrastructure; it symbolizes the history and evolution of higher education in Uganda and is a masterpiece of architecture.
“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 symbolizes a rising again of Makerere University.”
She added: “The restoration design undertaken by our academicians from the Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) is even more fulfilling. 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.”
