PICTURES | Makerere Rebuilds Ivory Tower for the Future
Constructed in the 1930s and completed in 1941, the iconic building has been a symbol of Makerere University.
MAKERERE | The Ivory Tower is back like it never burnt before. The Main Building, a symbol of Uganda's premier institution of higher learning, has risen from the ashes of September 20, 2020, when a fire reduced it to a well of tears in the eyes of alumni.
By the look of it, to say the Phoenix would not be farfetched otherwise it couldn't have been so identical to the original.
President Museveni officially reopened the iconic building on Wednesday, marking a historic moment during a series of events, including the inauguration of Chancellor Crispus Kiyonga, the refurbishment of Lumumba Hall, and the unveiling of a new School of Law building.
President Museveni officially reopened the iconic building on Wednesday, marking a historic moment during a series of events, including the inauguration of Chancellor Crispus Kiyonga, the refurbishment of Lumumba Hall, and the unveiling of a new School of Law building.
Mr Museveni was accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, who is also the Minister for Education and Sports.
The couple arrived at Makerere shortly after 11 a.m., through the lane in front of the former Arts Quadrangle, and were received by the university's top administrators, led by Council Chair Dr. Lorna Magara.
Mr Museveni was accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, who is also the Minister for Education and Sports. They were received by the university's top administrators, led by Council Chair Dr Lorna Magara.
Mr Museveni proceeded to unveil the commemorative plaque at the entrance of the Main Building and toured the Ivory Tower on the day it was being reopened for the second time since 1941.
On September 20, 2020, a massive fire gutted the Ivory Tower, leaving the country in shock and alumni in tears. The fire nearly destroyed the entire building as it consumed the roof almost entirely.
The President officially reopened the Main Building, the administrative seat of Makerere University.
There were fears that the iconic structure would never be the same again, that it was a completely lost piece of heritage and national pride.
However, the Makerere administration, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, was determined to prove otherwise.
Mr Museveni and wife Janet climbs the a flight a steps inside the Main Building
In the wake of the fire, millions of shillings were contributed by the Convocation and other well-wishers to restore the Ivory Tower. Mastercard Foundation chipped in with a generous $1 million (Shs5bn).
Nevertheless, the government decided to take over the entire project after Mrs Museveni, under whose ministry Makerere University falls, reportedly argued that it would be embarrassing for her ministry to stand by in such a national cause.
The President and wife Janet and other officials isnide the Main Hall of the Main Building
The reconstruction of the Main Administration Building officially commenced on Monday, March 14, 2022, with the site handed over to the contractor, Excel Construction Limited.
On March 16, 2022, Prof Nawangwe revealed that Excel had submitted the winning bid worth Shs20.5 billion. The government invested Shs21 billion in the reconstruction of the Main Building.
While the Ivory Tower looks identical to what it was before the dark evening of September 20, 2020, Prof Nawangwe indicated that the reconstruction has adopted modern building methods, including a reinforced concrete frame as opposed to the original blockwork structure, while maintaining its distinct outward appearance.
He also mentioned that the interior of the building has been completely redesigned, though the exterior architecture remains exactly as it was before the fire.
The basement, which previously housed the University Printer, has been converted into a museum that Makerere officials say will depict the heroism of the NRA Liberation Struggles.
The university has also accommodated people with disabilities and the elderly, providing lifts that were not available in the old building. Other technological upgrades include firefighting and alarm systems.
Meanwhile, Mr Museveni also installed Dr Crispus Kiyonga as the Chancellor of Makerere.
Dr Kiyonga succeeded Prof Ezra Suruma, whose second four-year term ended in December.
In a symbolic gesture, the President also commissioned the School of Law main building and Lumumba Hall.
Dr Crispus Kiyonga received the symbolic key of Makerere Main Gate as he is inaugurated as the new Chancellor
Dr Lorna Magara, the Makerere University Council chairperson, has been in the thick of the reconstruction of the Main Building
