Makerere Unveils Plan for Shs29bn School of Graduate Studies and Research in Infrastructure Revolution

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has officially opened the new building for the School of Law, re-opened the renovated Lumumba Hall and laid the foundation stone for the proposed building for the School of Graduate Studies and Research donated by Hasmukh Kanji Patel (RIP), Chairman of Tororo Cement.

Speaking during the commissioning event on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Hon Janet Museveni said the developments are testimony to the Government’s commitment to deliver infrastructure to the country’s oldest university, which was founded in 1922.

The First Lady lauded stakeholders including the University Council and management for their dedication to rebuilding the university.

In his speech, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, said ever since Hon Janet took office, Makerere University in particular has transformed tremendously.

“Most notable is the infrastructure revolution at Makerere. On several occasions, you have come to Makerere to lay the foundations for new buildings and to open completed buildings, including our iconic Main Administration Building,” he noted.

“We would like to offer, our sincere gratitude to Hasmukh Patel who donated a building to Makerere University as a gift on our 100th anniversary. The new school of graduate studies and research centre will have lecture and seminar rooms, a conference hall, innovation spaces, PhD student rooms, computer and other laboratories, a restaurant, staff offices and other facilities.”

Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, lauded the Late Hasmukh Kanji Patel and Tororo Cement for the invaluable gift of the School of Graduate Studies building, valued at $8m (approximately Shs29bn).

“This investment is a monumental contribution, both in financial terms and in its legacy on Makerere University,” she stated.

She added: “Whether it is one dollar, eight million dollars, or any other meaningful contribution, each act of giving enriches society and shapes the future. I encourage all Makerere University alumni and well-wishers to emulate this generosity and invest in the continued success of our beloved institution.”