President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially reopened the restored Makerere University main building (Ivory Tower)
President Museveni congratulated Makerere University on restoring the administration building and reminisced about his memories of the main building whilst studying at the prestigious 'Havard of Africa'.
“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.
During the same occasion, president Museveni also installed the new chancellor Dr. Kiyonga Chrispus who replaces Prof. Ezra Suruma. Museveni said Makerere's new chancellor is an outstanding leader of the NRM.
“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,” he added.
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,” Janet Museveni said.
She further added; “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".
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.
