After four years of grief for Makerere University staff, students, and alumni following the fire that gutted the iconic building known commonly as the 'Ivory Tower', the refurbished structure has been officially commissioned.
While addressing the President and the First Lady at the commissioning ceremony, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the vice chancellor of Makerere University, expressed his delight at the restoration of the building, which closely resembles its original architectural design.
“Out of the ruins and ashes of the old building rises a magnificent structure, built using the most modern technology, reflecting the architectural image of the former, yet completely transformed to embrace the latest technology inside,” Nawangwe said.
He revealed that the basement of the building will house a historical museum, including the Luwero Liberation War Memorial Museum.
“Makerere University is very much associated with that liberation war, and it is only fitting that we honour those who left the University to fight for freedom,” Professor Nawangwe stated.
“The basement will accommodate the Makerere University Museum, and we would be honoured to host the Luwero War Memorial Museum if we are allowed to do so,” he added.
The Makerere University iconic building was reduced to ashes in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to date, no report has been released on the incident.