On 20th September 2020, Makerere University main building commonly known as Ivory Tower, was gutted by fire and only the office of the chancellor and his vice were spared, the rest were destroyed. Yesterday, The President of Uganda Who was accompanied by the first lady and minister of education and sports, graced the grand opening. In his remarks, the president appealed to universities in Africa to prioritize science courses because according to the president, is the only way African countries can develop. The president also the supported vice-chancellor’s request concerning road maintenance. “Regarding the Vice-chancellor’s request for the allocation of a road maintenance unit for Makerere, I am fully in support.” he said.
The Minister of Education and Sports, Hon Janet Museveni, also made her remarks about the historical building. “The memory of 20th September 2020 when the iconic Ivory Tower was engulfed in flames, remains vivid. Makerere’s building is more than just infrastructure, it symbolizes the history and evolution of higher education in Uganda and is a high masterpiece of architecture. Today, we celebrate it’s 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 the rising again of Makerere university.” she said.
The Vice-chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, thanked the government for the support. He narrated what transpired “Your Excellency and Maama Janet Museveni, the 20th of September was probably the saddest day in the history of Makerere university. In the early morning of that fateful day, our iconic administration building was gutted by fire. When I arrived at the scene with my wife Susan a few minutes after midnight, it seemed like the end of the world.” In conclusion, he also thanked the president for appointing Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as the fourth non head of state chancellor for the university. “Thank you very much your excellency, Maama and the entire government for wiping our tears and bringing new smiles to our faces. Thank you for personally coming to open this reconstructed historic building.” he said. The Vice-chancellor congratulated the Chancellor and promised to work with him very well to see that the university continues to shine in Africa and the world at large.
Hon. Janet Museveni joined with others to congratulate Dr. Kiyonga who was installed by the President. “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” she said. The Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Ms Magara Lorna also congregated Dr. Kiyonga and promised to work with him.
In his remarks, the chancellor, with joy, thanked the president for the appointment. “I thank you for your decision to deploy me in the position of chancellor of Makerere University. In the coming days, I will link with professor Nawangwe to clearly understand all the pertinent issues of the university in a bid to work with them and work towards building the future. The struggle to develop and transform Africa is a revolutionary duty. It is the duty of all patriots of Uganda and Africa to do what they can in support of this effort” he said. His term is four years. He is 72 years old.
In attendance were Hon. John Crysestom Muyingo, State Minister for Higher Education. The Guild Council leadership led by their president Lubega Nsamba, vice president Joy Sserunjogi who was also the Mace-bearer, among others.
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