Makerere University Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has on Tuesday June 27, 2023 handed over the Lumumba Hall and Overhaul Project site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) for renovation works.
The project, expected to be completed within a period of twelve months, is fully funded by the Government of Uganda and estimated to cost Shs9billion. NEC is a State-owned Corporation and is the commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Speaking at the handover event, Prof. Nawangwe commended the Government of Uganda for its decision to renovate what he termed as dilapidated halls at Makerere University including availing all resources required to kick off the project.
“Lumumba is the biggest and newest Hall of Residence we have. There have been no major renovations since it was constructed and this overhaul is meant to bring it back to life.” Renovation of Halls of Residence has been of utmost importance to the University Leadership and will start with Lumumba Hall, followed by Mary Stuart Hall as funds are made available.
Lumumba Hall was built in the late 1960s and officially opened in 1971. It was named after Patrice Lumumba, a freedom fighter and the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo (currently the Democratic Republic of Congo). The Hall has the capacity to accommodate approximately 752 students.
The Acting Director, Estates and Works Directorate (EWD) Eng. Darius Muwanguzi noted that Lumumba’s structure is still sound and the overhaul is intended to restore the plumbing and electrical systems, as well as the flooring, window fittings and other amenities.
Receiving the site on behalf of the contractor, the General Manager NEC Construction Works and Engineering Limited, Eng. Brian Buhanda expressed delight at the firm being awarded another project at Makerere University, following the Perimeter Wall Fence Completion contract. He expressed the contractor’s readiness to restore Lumumba to its original quality or better, given the advancements made with production of materials since the 1971 when the Hall officially opened its doors.
Other Members of the University Management who attended the handover event included; the Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli and the Manager Procurement and Disposal, Mr. Paul Agaba, ACP Omara Cyrus Samson, the Chief Security Officer and Officials from the Office of the Vice Chancellor among others.
