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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | More than 200 students at Makerere University will be relocated to Lumumba Hall next semester as renovations of Mary Stuart Hall starts.
On Friday, Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe officially handed over the hall to National Enterprises Corporation-NEC Construction Company, the commercial arm of the Ministry of Defense and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces at a function presided over by Lieutenant General James Mugira, the Managing Director.
The renovation that will cost 10.5 billion Shillings is expected to be completed within one year.
The University has already made a decision to temporarily relocate all female students from Mary Stuart to Lumumba Hall, where renovations are nearing completion.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe asked the contractor to expedite the renovations of Lumumba Hall to ensure it is ready by the start of the semester in August. Currently, Blocks A and C are completed, with works ongoing in Block B.
Nawangwe applauded the government for availing funds to renovate the halls.
The contractors are expected to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the hall, encompassing architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing aspects, as well as various finishing touches.
General James Mugira pledged that the renovation would be completed on time and within the allocated budget.
Mary Gloria Nakajubi, the Chairlady of Mary Stuart told URN that the renovation of the hall is timely. “Am thrilled that the long-awaited renovation of our home away from home is finally happening and witnessing this as a representative of the occupants, I can say the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall of Residence is a welcome development by the student community.” She said.
“We expect the new look to undoubtedly enhance the living and learning environment for students, providing a more comfortable, safe, and conducive space. We eagerly look forward to receiving the new box with open hands.” She added
Mary Stuart Hall, the first residence hall for female students, was built in 1947 and named after the wife of Bishop Simon Stuart of Namirembe Cathedral. The Tower Block was added in the 1960s.
Initially, some students resided on premises of the School of Education before moving to the Tower Block upon its completion.
According to information from the Makerere University website, the first six students lived in Mary Stuart Hall, which is commonly known as “BOX” due to its shape, and its occupants refer to themselves as “Boxers.”
The renovation of Mary Stuart Hall is part of the second phase of Makerere University’s hall renovation project, following the renovations of Lumumba Hall that began in June of last year.
Professor Nawangwe had previously requested over 100 billion shillings from the government to renovate all the university’s halls of residence, which have been in poor condition for many years.
In 2019, Members of Parliament on the education committee were shocked by the dilapidated state of the students’ halls of residence during their visit to the university.
They recommended a complete renovation of these facilities. Other halls of residence at Makerere University include Complex, Mitchell, Nsibirwa, Nkrumah, Livingstone, and Africa Hall.
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