Makerere University’s iconic ivory tower restored, new chancellor installed

Kampala: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 officially reopened the reconstructed Makerere University Ivory Tower building.

The Ivory Tower, the University’s main administrative building, caught fire on the night of September 20, 2020. The newly reconstructed Main Building includes a fascinating basement museum, an expanded administrative wing, a dedicated service wing and a bustling business centre.

At the same event, President Museveni officiated at the installation ceremony of the new Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga who succeeded Prof. Ezra Suruma.

President Museveni congratulated Makerere University on restoring the administration building.

“I was happy to take part in commissioning it and I acted as a tour guide to you, the new people, to show you where we used to have some historical debates like the debate we had in the 1969 in which I participated and Prof.  Mazrui was there, even Kanyeihamba was also there. We used to have big arguments between the patriots who were led by Dr. Rodney and those who were pro-other ideas led by Prof. Mazrui,” he said.

The President also congratulated the university upon getting a new Chancellor.

“Dr. Kiyonga is an outstanding cadre and leader in the NRM, a member of the Central Executive Committee and has been very active in our efforts ever since the 1980 when we were involved with UPM. So I congratulate him and the University,” he stated.

President Museveni also reiterated his call to universities to intensify and improve the way they teach science courses, putting an emphasis on value addition.

“On the side of natural sciences, these universities like the ones in Africa have been doing some work but I want you to audit how you are doing it, can you not improve the teaching of Sciences? Science means understanding the laws of nature and using them to solve problems,” the President urged.

He insisted that the science courses must be vertically integrated by teaching students how to transform the raw materials through adding value to them so as to get maximum value from them.

He said that the crisis in Africa, like security, lack of jobs, is due to the knowledge gap among the intelligentsia of the third world countries.

“Now from the side of social Sciences,  it is again the same challenge because this human being when he was inventing things here and there, it would affect the way society organises. You have seen that when fire was invented, the whole society stopped from living in trees to caves. When our ancient people invented agriculture, the whole setup changed. Every change in the level of science affects society. Now are we conversant with these social ideas?” he wondered.

“The paralysis in Africa is because of the challenges of social science ideas. We need the correct ideals of organising societies. I therefore challenge you to audit this.”

The President however noted that the country is so far moving on well as far as promoting science, technology and innovation is concerned.

“I think we are moving on well ever since we introduced the research fund. You can see the banana project, the Kiira Motors, the vaccines, things are really moving.”

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sport, Maama Janet Museveni thanked God for the successful restoration of the Main Building, a monumental infrastructure, and installing a new University Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga.

“Congratulations, Dr. Kiyonga, on your esteemed appointment. I also extend heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ezra Suruma for your exemplary service as Chancellor for two terms. You served your role with distinction, and we are proud of you,” Maama Janet said.

She further noted that the memory of 20th September 2020, when the iconic ivory tower was engulfed in flames, remains vivid because Makerere’s main building is more than just infrastructure; it symbolises 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),” she asserted.

Maama Janet also explained that the restoration of the Main Building symbolises a rising again of Makerere University.

“Makerere will once again produce national, continental, and world leaders – men and women trained and equipped with knowledge and skill, passionate, selfless, and willing to pay the price to see their communities transformed, Africa united, economically independent, and developing. It is my prayer that Makerere will continue to play a pivotal role in future generations,” she said.

“Your Excellency, I am delighted to note that Makerere has restored this building to its original exterior glory while making necessary interior adjustments to meet current needs. 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.”

Additionally, Maama Janet thanked President Museveni for his immediate directive to fund the restoration of the iconic building and other critical projects at Makerere, including the students’ residences.

“When the University Council attempted to establish a fundraising committee for the Main Building, they had reservations about raising the substantial funds needed for such a complex restoration. Your timely intervention, Mr. President, underscores your unwavering support for the higher education sector and Makerere University,” the First Lady said.

“The Main Building is not an isolated area of government investment at the University. We have just commissioned the School of Law Building and the refurbished Lumumba Hall. Other government-funded projects include the ongoing renovation of Mary Stuart Hall, the construction of the School of Dentistry, the Perimeter Wall, and improvements at the University Hospital, including setting up an operating theatre and ICU.”

She also informed the attendees that the government of Uganda is focusing on funding research at the university.

“Establishing the Research and Innovation Fund bridges this gap and ensures that our research efforts yield outcomes that drive economic growth and social transformation,” she noted.

“On this momentous day, I must also commend the Government’s progressive steps toward resolving staff remuneration issues, including salary harmonisation and enhancement. This fiscal year, the Government has fully funded salary harmonisation across all Public Universities and remains committed to further salary enhancements as economic conditions improve.”

In his acceptance speech, the new Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga thanked President Museveni and the First Lady for their decision to appoint him as the University Chancellor.

He said during his tenure, he will deepen the linkage of a wider community of students and staff of Makerere University with the central government and the communities of Uganda to ensure that the development agenda of the nation is achieved.

“The struggle to develop and transform Africa is a revolutionary duty. It is therefore a duty of all patriots of Uganda and Africa wherever they may be to do what they can in support of this effort. Makerere University is a prominent and historical central learning and knowledge generating institution in Africa so it has a duty and obligation to develop Africa.”

The Chairman of the Council- Makerere University, Ms. Lorna Magara congratulated Dr. Kiyonga upon being appointed as the new Chancellor for the university,  saying they are eagerly waiting to benefit from his vast experience and extensive networks to advance the University’s cause.

“To our outgoing Chancellor,  Professor Ezra Suruma,  we express our deepest gratitude for your exemplary service. Your leadership offered us a strong anchor in the turbulent Covid-19 times and when the Main Building burnt down. May God richly bless you and reward you for your selfless dedication,” she said.

On behalf of the University Council, the Chairperson also extended their deepest gratitude to the government of Uganda led by H.E the President and the First Lady Maama for their unwavering support to the university.

“The loss of critical documents and core infrastructure on the night of 20th September, 2020 was unbearable but here we stand today celebrating the rebirth of this iconic building now equipped with advanced technology to prevent such tragedies in the future,” Ms. Magara added.

The Makerere University Vice Chancellor,  Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the appointment of Dr. Kiyonga as the University Chancellor is a befitting recognition of his long and distinguished career as an active physician, statesman and diplomat.

“We look forward for your leadership and guidance as the titular head of this great institution as Makerere University seeks to broaden the culture of science,  technology and innovation, bolster its cherished partnerships with industry,  boost internationalisation and graduate studentship as well as continue strategically liaising with the government to drive technology, innovation, commercialisation of research outputs,  job creation and wealth creation,” he said.

Prof. Nawangwe also called for the  introduction of a graduate students government scholarship scheme.

“This will increase the masters and PhD graduates that are so crucial for spurring innovation and economic development,”he said.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Ministers, Members of Parliament, academicians, among others.

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