Renovation of halls is Progressing at Makerere University.

Makerere University’s ongoing efforts to revamp its students’ living quarters are advancing steadily, according to Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

The institution has allocated a significant portion of the sh17 billion provided by the Ministry of Finance in the 2023/24 fiscal year budget to renovate Lumumba and Mary Stuart halls. However, Nawangwe acknowledges that this budget might fall short due to inflationary pressures, hinting at potential supplementary funding requests to ensure completion.

The renovation initiative extends beyond these initial halls, with plans in place for the refurbishment of several others, including Africa, Complex, Dag, Livingstone, Mitchell, Nkrumah, Nsibirwa, University Hall, Mugyenyi, Galloway, and Kabanyolo. This broad scope underscores Makerere’s commitment to enhancing the overall living standards for its student body.

The urgency for such renovations has been underscored by concerns raised by the parliamentary committee on budget, which highlighted the perilous state of many university buildings, particularly at Makerere and Kyambogo. The safety and well-being of students remain paramount, prompting calls for swift action to address these dilapidated structures.

In response to these concerns, President Yoweri Museveni issued a directive in January 2022 urging the Ministry of Finance to secure additional funds through supplementary budgets for the renovation of university residences and medical schools nationwide.

While Parliament had previously approved substantial allocations for Makerere’s School of Medicine and the refurbishment of ten student halls, including sh52 billion and sh53 billion respectively, the university administration confirms non-receipt of the sh52 billion earmarked for the School of Medicine renovation.

Despite these financial hurdles, Makerere University remains resolute in its mission to upgrade its infrastructure to meet modern standards. The commitment to providing students with conducive living and learning environments remains unwavering, as evidenced by the ongoing renovation efforts and pursuit of additional funding avenues.

As the renovations continue, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the transformation of these university residences, heralding a new era of comfort, safety, and enhanced student experiences at Makerere University.